Landscapes (2019-Ongoing)
Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri, USA (2023)
After a narrow 38-35 victory by the Kansas City Chiefs over the Philadelphia Eagles, I knew that I needed to attend the victory parade and rally in Kansas City. As a Kansas City native, experiencing the vibrance and energy of the city after a Super Bowl victory was incomparable. On the day of the rally, the crowd left little room for navigation, proving to make my usual habit of moving around the crowd nearly impossible. Fans climbed and hung from trees, light posts, signs, or anything else they could climb to get a better view. After fighting through the masses for a while, I decided to find a spot with good framing of the train station and make myself comfortable for the remainder of the event. After a few speeches from Kansas City local officials and the suits of the team, Casi Joy of Smithville, MO began to sing the American national anthem. Fans throughout the crowd removed their headwear, prompting a hush across the congregation as Joy made her way through song. As per tradition among Chiefs fans, the last word was changed, drowning out the singer with the overpowering drone of hundreds of thousands of “CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEFFFFFSSS!!!” Right on cue, four A-10 Thunderbolts conducted a flyover, prompting fans to “Tomahawk Chop,” cheer, and wave with hands and hats. In honor of my wonderful city, and one heck of a football team, I’ve titled this piece, “… And the Home of the CHIEFS!!!”
Badlands, South Dakota, USA (2022)
In the summer of 2022, I traveled to South Dakota, USA the experience the 82nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and take in some of South Dakota’s grand natural wonders, one of which being Badlands National Park. Struggling to get internet in the Black Hills I routed my GPS as fast as I could and made my way to the park. Unfortunately, there are numerous park entrances, and finding the correct one proved difficult. I was routed through the Pine Ridge Reservation by mistake, costing me hours of precious time and sunlight. I worried that I would not have enough time to explore the park. The sun was beginning to sink and a storm could be seen blowing in from the west. However, what had been seen as a curse quickly became a blessing. I arrived at the park at the beginning of the golden hour and the incoming clouds created bands across the sky, mimicking the bands in the rock. The windy conditions created motion in the grass, transporting the viewer into a moment that I am proud to share.
Kootenai Wilderness, Montana, USA (2021)
The hike to Snowshoe Peak is no easy feat, but the freedom of the Kootenai Wilderness is well worth the effort. A lake sits along the trail leading the way up. This lake exists as a result of snow-melt runoff and results in a beautiful cascading, FREEZING COLD waterfall winding down the mountain. Unfortunately, wildfires scorched through many nearby areas at the time, resulting in lots of smoke and haze. Upon returning to the base of the mountain, I had to evacuate our camp and move to cleaner air, as visibility worsened as I descended the mountain. Fortunately, I had plenty of time to experience this location and I hope I get the opportunity to return!
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, USA (2021)
“STOP THE CAR!!!”
That’s what I yelled as soon as I saw this scene around the curve. We pulled off of the mountain road in Bighorn National Forest and I began gathering my equipment from underneath mountains of pillows and camping gear. With my tripod over my shoulder, I hopped the fence and wandered along a ledge, testing my footing and searching for the perfect angle. When I found it, I began shooting exposure brackets and focus groups over and over. When I was content, I turned to my accompaniment and stated “That’s the one.”
Full-sized trees dwarfed by towering rock formations, juxtaposed with deep canyons took my breath away as I sat like an ant next to an elephant.Unfortunately, due to local wildfires, there is a bit of smoke haze in this image. For me, it serves as a reminder to preserve and protect our natural wonders.
Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri, USA (2020)
“TOUCHDOOOOOWN!!! DAMIEN WILLIAMS RUNS TO IMMORTALITY!!! KANSAS CITY, YOU HAVE A CHAMPION IN THE CHIEFS KINGDOM!!!”
With just over a minute left in Superbowl LIV, Damien Williams ran in for a touchdown, sealing the victory for the Kansas City Chiefs. As a result, Kansas City was vibrant with celebration. On a bitter-cold day in early 2020, I attended the Chiefs Superbowl Victory Rally at Union Station, navigating the dense crowd and finding my way to a symetrical center just before Patrick Mahomes took the stage under thick clouds of daytime fireworks. Mahomes can be seen in this photo on the screens in a red flannel jacket, and just to the left of the center-most screen from behind.
