My work

Recent work for Bloomberg

My work, photojournalism, Still photography

BMW and SGL Group are up to something pretty cool over in Moses Lake, Washington, in what feels like the middle of nowhere. They have teamed up to create SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (ACF), and they have a huge new facility that creates carbon fiber for the new BMW i-series cars. SGL ACF was just awarded as the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year by the Association of Washington Businesses. I toured the facility and made some photos on assignment for Bloomberg recently, and some of the pictures are below. Thanks for looking.

 

Carbon fiber is seen at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

The exterior of the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant is seen in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Carbon fiber precursor is pictured before being heated and converted into carbon fiber at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Carbon fiber precursor is pictured before being heated and converted into carbon fiber at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

A worker walks past large furnaces at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Carbon fiber precursor is pictured before being heated and converted into carbon fiber at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg
 
 

An employee monitors equipment at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Carbon fiber leaves a glowing furnace at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Steam rises from freshly made carbon fiber at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Steam rises from freshly made carbon fiber at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

Freshly made carbon fiber is pictured at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

 

An employee prepares spools of carbon fiber for shipment at the SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. on October 9, 2013. The plant is a joint venture of SGL Group and BMW Group, and it produces carbon fiber to be used in the making of reinforced plastics (CFRP), which will be used in the new BMW i vehicles. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

Recent Video Work: Man Who Has Sex With Cars

Multimedia, My work, Published work, Video

 

I recently met Edward Smith, 63, of Yelm, Washington, a man who says he has had sex with 1,000 cars. On assignment for Barcroft Media, I spent some time interviewing him and meeting his main squeeze, Vanilla, a white Volkswagen Beetle. Below is the final video piece about him, filmed by me and edited by Barcroft, which was featured on TIME.com, among other outlets.

 

Bitcoin ATM Photos for Getty and WIRED

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Have a look below for a few bitcoin ATM photos that I made during a couple of days on assignment for WIRED and Getty Images in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, made by Robocoin and operated by Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is gaining mainstream popularity. You can see more of my bitcoin ATM photos and read about the bitcoin ATM in these stories from WIRED and a few other outlets featuring my work:

WIRED.com: Bitcoin ATM arrives

WIRED.com: Bitcoin ATM Photo Gallery

TIME.com: World’s First Bitcoin ATM Launched in Canada

ABC News: Bitcoin ATM

 

Mitchell Demeter, left, co-founder of Bitcoiniacs, watches Paul Baraich unload the world’s first bitcoin ATM, owned by Bitcoiniacs, on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver.

 

Paul Baraich, center, delivers the world’s first bitcoin ATM as Bitcoiniacs co-founder Mitchell Demeter, left, walks nearby on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver.

 

Paul Baraich, left, delivers the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday.

 

Bitcoiniacs co-founders Mitchell Demeter, left, and Jackson Warren unpack the world’s first bitcoin ATM on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, BC. The ATM, owned by Bitcoiniacs, was delivered and installed at Waves that day.

 

Bitcoiniacs co-founder Mitchell Demeter installs the world’s first bitcoin ATM on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, BC. The ATM, owned by Bitcoiniacs, was delivered and installed that day.

 

Jackson Warren, left, co-founder of Bitcoiniacs, installs the world’s first bitcoin ATM in Waves Coffee House while Angela Carpio enjoys her coffee on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM, built by Robocoin and owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs, was installed Monday at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver.

 

Co-founders of Bitcoiniacs Mitchell Demeter, left, and Jackson Warren, right, install the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM was built by Robocoin and is owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs.

 

From left, Jackson Warren, John Russell, Mitchell Demeter, and Jordan Kelley discuss operation of the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC.

 

Jackson Warren, co-founder of Bitcoiniacs, loads Canadian currency into the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC. The world’s first bitcoin ATM was built by Robocoin and is owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs.

 

John Russell, left, inspects the receipt printer inside the world’s first bitcoin ATM with help from Mitchell Demeter, right on Monday, October 28, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, B.C. The world’s first bitcoin ATM was built by Robocoin and is owned by Vancouver company Bitcoiniacs.

 

From left, John Russell, Mitchell Demeter, and Jordan Kelley install the receipt printer inside the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, BC.

 

Jason Lamarche reacts after becoming the first member of the general public to use the bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: A user is instructed on how to scan his palm on the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ATM uses palm scanning identification to ensure that a single user cannot exchange more than $1,000 in a single day day. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

The palm scanner on the world’s first bitcoin ATM is pictured.

 

The QR code scanner is pictured on the world’s first bitcoin ATM.

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Curtis Machek, left, uses the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. “It was so easy,” he said. “I wanted to try out this new machine that hopefully will change the world.” (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Jackson Warren, left, of Bitcoiniacs, and John Russell, center, of Robocoin, monitor transactions on the world’s first bitcoin ATM, being used by Marc van der Chijs, right, on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. Built by Robocoin and owned by Bitcoiniacs, the ATM allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

Jason Lamarche, the first member of the general public to use the bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House, wore a bitcoin button while using the maching on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

 

Jason Lamarche, the first member of the general public to use the bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House, purchases a steamed milk from barista May Wong using the bitcoins he just bought using the store’s ATM on Monday, October 28, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C.

 

Canadian currency and receipts from the world’s first bitcoin ATM are pictured.

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Users wait in line to use the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ATM allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: A user inserts Canadian currency into the world’s first bitcoin ATM in exchange for bitcoins on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. The ATM allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Katrina Caudle celebrates after using the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. “I love bitcoin,” she said. “I actually moved to Vancouver to work in bitcoin.” (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

VANCOUVER, BC – OCTOBER 29: Gabriel Scheare uses the world’s first bitcoin ATM on October 29, 2013 at Waves Coffee House in Vancouver, British Columbia. Scheare said he “just felt like being part of history.” (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

Recent work for Getty Images

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

I finally was able to visit the new location of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) while on assignment recently for Getty Images, covering the launch of the Bezos Center for Innovation, which is now housed on the ground floor of MOHAI. Supported by MacKenzie Bezos and Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com CEO and Founder, the new center is located just a block from Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle.

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos speaks with Leonard Garfield, Executive Director of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at MOHAI on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is pictured during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is pictured during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Portraits in an exhibit are reflected in a sign about exploration at a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Visitors explore an installation during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Schoolchildren explore exhibits during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

 

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 11: Christopher Ozubko interacts with an installation during a launch event for the Bezos Center for Innovation at the Museum of History and Industry on October 11, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. Supported by Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, the center aims to highlight the history and future of innovation in the Puget Sound region. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images)

Recent work for The New York Times

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Last week I spent some time on assignment for The New York Times in Lakewood, Washington, a city whose economic vitality depends on its connection to Joint base Lewis-McChord, located just across the highway. The federal government shutdown has made life difficult for the thousands of civilian workers who work on base, either because they were not working or were not sure if they would receive paychecks for work already done. After I made my visit, conditions did improve when Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel elected to recall most of the civilian workers that were either furloughed or unsure if they would receive their hard earned paychecks. Even still, reactions have been muted, as life in Lakewood was already difficult and the future is still not totally secure.

Thanks for looking. Read the full story by Kirk Johnson here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent work for UW Bothell

Education, Multimedia, My work, Published work, University, University of Washington, UW Bothell, Video

I recently produced the latest installment in the series of 12 videos I’m creating for the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington Bothell. This video highlights the American Studies major. Take a look in case you don’t know what American Studies is!

Photos: Puget Soundkeeper Alliance on the Duwamish River

My work, Nature, photojournalism, Seattle, Still photography, Sustainability

I’ve been documenting the recovery of Seattle’s only river, the Duwamish, for years now and recently had a chance to ride along with a Puget Soundkeeper Alliance crew. The Duwamish is severely polluted and the Soundkeepers do a lot of great work including regular patrols of the Duwamish River. On these patrols the group observes, photographs, and reports anything potentially hazardous to the river’s health, while picking up trash and debris along the way. At any given time, the group usually has several pending lawsuits against polluters along the river.