I photographed some of the workings of the Springfield ReManufacturing Corporation's Electrical facility for Biz 417. Besides getting to shoot at SRC, this was fun because their new facility is in the old G.E. (and later Regal Beloit) plant where my dad spent his entire career. I remember touring the plant as a child during special events and the occasional visit during his work. Some places seem smaller once you are older. This one is still huuuge.
Missouri
Ensor Guitars
Chris Ensor makes custom guitars at his home workshop in Springfield, Mo. This was the first time I've seen a musical instrument being made, which always seemed like a bit of magic was involved. It still does seem a little magical to me, with a level of detail, delicacy and finish that I would not be capable of.
Ensor working on a repair for a customer.
Chris Ensor, holding one of his Ensor Standard guitars made from Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce, ebony and mahogany.
Mike Pence town hall
Photographed the Mike Pence town hall in Springfield for ZUMA.
Sequiota Bike Shop for Feast
I had a good time photographing the Sequiota Bike Shop and their Bourbon Slush for Feast Magazine earlier in the summer. Sequiota has always been one of my favorite parts of town, so it's nice seeing great spots like this open up there. And it turns out Bourbon Slushes are amazing.
Route 66 Barbershop
Grant Kendall in his Route 66 Barbershop on College Street in Springfield, Mo. I used to go up and down this street a lot when I was a kid to visit my grandmother, but never noticed this wee little shop until last summer. I was actually living at my grandma's house at the time and saw that this was a functioning business and had to check it out. I didn't get around to it until this spring, but Grant was super easy to photograph and generous with his time. Grant took the business over a few years ago from a fellow who had cut hair there for more than 50 years!
Springfield Engineering Company
Jeffrey Fielder and his brother Bryan operate Springfield Engineering Company and are the third generation to run the family business. They build custom duct work on site, as well as run a plumbing operation. I was able to photograph them for the latest issue of Biz 417 and really enjoyed it. Machinery and workshops are a blast to shoot.
Around town
Rally in the 100 Acre Wood
I learned about the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood while living in Rolla last year but wasn't able to see it. I made a special effort to check it out this year and was glad I did, since the race featured the return of Subaru Rally Team USA driver (and X Games star) Travis Pastrana. David Higgins, his Subaru teammate and a top rally driver, was also racing. There were also a large number of drivers from around the area and the world in a huge variety of cars.
It was my first rally race and I took some pictures on my own as a spectator on Friday, just to check the event out. Next year, I might try to snag a credential, work the racing stages more and try and shoot the famous jump at the cattle gate!
Travis Pastrana poses for a picture with fans.
Co-driver William Jang pulls tires out of his 2015 Honda Fit rally car.
Subaru Rally Team USA driver David Higgins.
Co-driver Joseph Patava, left, and driver Jeff Timpe hang out with their 1995 Subaru Impreza. They made a pretty entertaining video from the race, click on the picture to see it.
Co-driver Martin Brady
Driver John Hill sitting in his slightly chewed up 1967 Ford Cortina.
David Higgins on stage three of the race.
Subaru Rally Team USA crew members work on Travis Pastrana's 2016 Subaru WRX STI.
Ryan Millen driving his 2015 Toyota Rav4 on stage four.
Crews work on Nick Roberts' 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX STi.
Subaru Rally Team USA driver Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom on stage six.
Matthew Conte and co-driver Lauren Conte spin out on stage six.
Corey Holmes and his somewhat wrecked 1998 Subaru Impreza.
Bernie Sanders rally in Springfield, Mo.
I photographed the Bernie Sanders rally at JQH Arena in Springfield last week, on the Sunday before the Missouri primary. I had wanted to go up to Iowa and shoot some 2016 campaign pictures there, but ended up having a very busy January and wasn't able to make it, so I was happy to cover this.
Cherry Picker
Pics for Feast from the Cherry Picker + Fare in Springfield. This is literally on the block where I grew up and my parents still live. It used to be a tiny Brown Derby liquor store that was robbed about every other week. In Springfield, old neighborhood storefronts are rare but this spot has some good ones. Even as a kid I knew they had a ton of potential and I'm glad to see it finally realized.
