Pensacola Graduation Photography - Raegan

Pensacola Graduation Photography

It's that time of the year again.  Commencement gowns rustled, mortarboards went airborne and job markets at home and abroad flooded with fresh applicants as the latest crop of graduates strode proudly out of their university corridors.  I took that walk myself not too long ago, and I still remember that incredible feeling of relief that comes with the end of your final school term.

On December 15th, the University of West Florida held their winter commencement, and less than an hour later I met up with Raegan and her parents and friends to take some photos in Seville Park to commemorate the day.

As a photographer, I'm very pleased with the way that Pensacola has revamped its downtown scene over the past few years.  What was once a park, a church and a few bars has been revived with restored homes, public buildings and photo-friendly business, like the Pensacola Bay Brewery where we swung in for some photos and a pint at the end of our session.

Congratulations, Raegan, and the rest of UWF's graduating class of 2012.

Hatuey, Texans, Kites, and other Memories from Guantanamo Bay

I had the opportunity to be part of something very special this summer.  Through the Department of Public History at the University of West Florida (holla, alma mater!) I was part of a team of volunteer historians who interviewed various naval veterans who did tours of duty at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.  These interviews were recorded and archived in their entirety for purposes of further research, as well as for incorporation into an upcoming nationwide exhibit. Growing up, I always enjoyed listening to older people tell stories from their lives.  Ironically, I know more about many people outside of my family than I do about my own grandparents' histories.  While many of my peers were bored by the storytelling of various "old ruins," I enjoyed hearing tales of days gone by.  Most recently, I have made it one of my personal goals to spend more time listening and documenting what my elders have to say.

History is much more than the headlines and the chapter titles.  When someone says "Guantanamo," a million images might spring to an audience's mind.  Castro, Soviet missiles, post-9/11 detainees; these things are common knowledge.  But what are the people like?  What do they do between the headlines, between shifts?  Those "core elements" are what this project seeks.  We want to understand the communities and their relationships.  In the brilliant conversations which I had recently, I heard stories of everyday life in GTMO that spanned from as far back as 1939 to as recently as 2003.  I met interesting men and women whom I never would have connected with otherwise, and I am incredibly grateful to have had these opportunities.

Here are some excerpts:

Annie is a graduate! - Pensacola Graduation Photography

Graduation photography is a blast, but college itself is an interesting thing.  More than just an avenue for making new friends, but it also has a way of bringing old acquaintances back together. I knew Annie years ago.  We went to church together, but we never talked much.  Then I arrived at the University of West Florida found out that our majors were in the same department.  We had quite a few classes together and became friends in the process.

We both graduated as undergrads few weeks ago, and Annie wanted to commemorate the event with some photos in her cap and gown.  As the designated friend with a camera, I made sure she had some good ones.  We shot photos from Pensacola Beach to UWF, covering everything from the scenic beaches to the stage where Annie performed and etched in University theatre productions.

Congrats, Annie!

Daniel - headshots for a Pensacola actor.

Shot some headshots and portfolio stuff for a buddy of mine at UWF the other day.  Daniel is a theatre student at UWF, an happens to be a world-class gamer who elevates Team Fortress 2 to a level resembling art.  He also happens to be an exceptionally nice guy. I wanted to make sure that he had a nice range of shots which reflected his quirky personality as well as his emotional range as an actor.  I think we succeeded.