I haven't photographed a county fair in four years, since I worked at my last newspaper. I always enjoy the earnestness of the fair, with the FFA and 4-Hers, and the way it turns into something different as the sun sets. When 417 Magazine asked me to shoot the Ozark Empire Fair, I shook off the rust and tapped into my previous experience while trying to give it a fresh look - at least for me.
Springfield
Tent Theatre
Before the show at Missouri State University's Tent Theatre production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It".
Cellar + Plate
Cellar + Plate is a really great wine and tapas bar in Springfield, Mo.
Crème brûlée with a Paparuda Pinot Grigio from Romania.
Owner Mary Guccione
Trailiner
Trailiner, a refrigerated trucking company based in Springfield, Mo., is a multi-generation business. I photographed the founder and CEO, H.E. “Spook” Whitener, and his granddaughter, Amber Edmondson, the company's president, for Biz 417.
Artsfest 2017
Artsfest on Walnut Street for the Downtown Springfield Associaton
Pitch Pizza and Pub for Feast
Bryan Bevel has opened The Pitch Pizza and Pub in Springfield. I shot this for Feast when he was still remodeling his restaurant, so we took the photos at Fellers Food Service Equipment, which was kind enough to let us use their kitchen. For the shoot, Bevel made one of his pizza creations, the Philly.
Excellence in Technology Awards
I made a series of portraits for Biz 417's Excellence in Technology Awards feature in the March/April edition of the magazine. All of the subjects were easy to work with and interesting to talk to. I especially liked getting to work with the guys at Eagle Speak, who I see around all over the place and photographed at events, but hadn't spent any real time getting to know them.
Shannon McMurtrey, cybersecurity expert and associate professor at Drury University
Brandon Cash, Jason Arend and Myke Bates of Eagle Speak
Jeff Morrissey, chief information officer at Missouri State University
Murney Associates, Realtors technology team Jim Roberts, Daniel Call, CEO Twila Hillme, Ashley Hughes, and Kyle Drenon
Aviary Cafe's new menu
I was able to photograph Aviary Cafe's new menu earlier this year, which features more dinner options inspired by French cuisine. This was a fun challenge because I was photographing the dishes just before they were served to the staff, who were tasting them for the first time. I had to work fast, but I had everything set up and ready to go and was able to make the pictures quickly.
SRC Electrical
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.
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.