Published: "Keeping at Bay" for The Local Palate

Published in The Local Palate: "Keeping at Bay"

My latest journalistic collaboration with T.S. Strickland.

 

On the outskirts of Apalachicola, Rodney Rich is one of a dying breed. Not just an oysterman, he is one of two people who still make the iconic tool of the oyster trade: 16-foot long oyster tongs.
Terry and I drove out and spent an afternoon with Rodney and the friends and family who work and spend their off hours with him at his workshop.

The oyster industry is hanging on by a thread on Florida's Lost Coast. Frightened overfishing in the wake of the BP oil spill, an altered water profile in the river that feeds the bay, and numerous other factors have contributed to lack of product and a concomitant lack of incentive for the next generation to pursue the profession.

The long-term effect on the area remains to be seen. As things stand now, an entire way of Florida life hangs by a thread. It is a privilege when I get a chance to help document Florida's remaining fishing culture.

TLP published the first four images and Terry's interview with Rodney in their November 2016 issue. I included a few outtakes in this post to add context to Rodney's incredibly photogenic working environment.

Pensacola Headshots: Minimalism with Evelia

It's not always about adding to the scene. sometimes it's best to strip everything away and let a face communicate.

Concept and design: Annie Gray

Model: Evelia Singleton

Expecting in Pensacola: Philip and Kathryn's Pregnancy Photos

“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” 
― Mark Twain

In the spirit of that quote, baby William is going to be the force multiplier in the joy that Kathryn and Philip's relationship showcases every day.

These photos, captured on family property in Alabama, were so much fun. In addition to becoming great friends, Philip and Kathryn have swiftly become my favorite subjects with their relentlessly creative and impeccably styled photo ideas. Their son, due in August, will be touched someday when he looks back and sees how much his parents anticipated his arrival.

Creative Portraits: Evelia in Bohemian Style

It only took us a year, but I finally got to shoot with the lovely Evelia. Sporting an amazing wardrobe from Pensacola's own Sobo Boutique, we collaborated on a bohemian concept against my favorite backdrop, natural Florida woodlands.

Pensacola Opera: Backstage at The Merry Widow

The stage is a different world behind the curtain...

Something I haven't publicized enough over the last year is that I have spent this past season as the in-house photographer ("photographer in residence" as my ever-so-patient wife wearily conceded this evening) for Pensacola Opera.

I've never been an opera devotee. I certainly appreciate the talent and training behind the voices and incredible detail and craftsmanship in the costumes and sets, but it's never been a performance genre I followed closely. However, since my wife began working at Pensacola Opera last year, and I became absorbed in by association to assist with media coverage, I have enjoyed getting to know the art and the people behind it immensely.

About a week ago, the Opera wrapped up its spring performance run of The Merry Widow. For those who don't know (myself counted among that number until I actually saw the show), TMW is a welcome respite from the typical opera tropes of mad scenes, death scenes and arias that hang into infinity. The story is hilarious and, thank God in heaven, it's sung in English. The Merry Widow was a joy to watch and to photograph.

I took an extra day during tech week and logged some shots backstage and in the wings. The energy and focus behind the scenes was amazing.

The Merry Widow

Artistic Director: Kyle Marrero

Maestro: Jerome Shannon

Director: Dean Anthony

Lighting Design: Charles Houghton

Costume Design: Glenn Breed, Wardrobe Witchery

Performed at the Saenger Theatre, Pensacola, FL.