Still photography

Recent work for Reuters: National Marijuana Business Convention and Expo

My work, photojournalism, Still photography

Last week I spent the afternoon at the Second Annual National Marijuana Business Convention and Expo, which was held in Washington state for the first time. I showed up to Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA for the third and final day of the convention to take pictures for Reuters. Apparently, 700 participants paid $600 to attend the sold out event, and they came from 30+ states. The conference had a very professional feel to it, with events that ranged from keynote speeches on how to perfect your pitch to investors, to workshops on how to expand your grow operation, to networking time on the expo floor full of booths and tables. I was impressed by the $63,000 cannabis oil extracting machine and the $1,400 LED grow lights. Pics are below; thanks for looking.

 

From right, Andy Joseph and Nate Ames, both of Apeks Supercritical, explain to participants including Matthew Abel, center left, how their product creates cannabis oil during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Participants are seen on the expo floor during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

A participant holds a business card for ShopMarijuana.com at the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Charles Ramsey, center, CEO of Agrisoft, talks business with Mark Goldfogel, left, co-founder of MJ Freeway, during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Participants measure a grow lamp at the Gro Wholesale booth during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Participants chat at the back of a speaker’s session during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Participants chat in a corner room during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

John Kovacevich, left, and Dallas Imbimbo, right, both of Kush Bottles, speak to participants about their products during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

Businessmen speak on their phones during the 2nd Annual National Marijuana Business Conference and Expo held at the Emerald Downs race track in Auburn, Washington November 8, 2013.   REUTERS/David Ryder

 

 

Photos: Holly and Tony get married

My work, Still photography, Weddings

Holly and Tony got married in August at the Doe Bay Resort on Orcas Island, a venue I would highly recommend. Any place that cooks from their own organic veggie garden and has a clothing optional spa is fine by me. The location right on the calm waters of the aptly named Doe Bay, in the San Juan Islands, doesn’t hurt either. The deer poop everywhere can become a nuisance, but it is a small price to pay. I had a really good time out there photographing Holly and Tony as a second shooter for friend and colleague Theo Stroomer. You’ll see below that I was with the groomsmen before the wedding and spent the rest of the day covering all angles of the wedding alongside Theo. Holly and Tony were a pleasure to work with and their relationship is inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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)

Adorama Glow HexaPop Review

Gear, Lighting, Still photography

 

Adorama now makes its own photography lighting gear, and they recently sent me their Glow HexaPop 24″ softbox for review. The Adorama Glow HexaPop is similar to a standard softbox for still photography, but it’s got some nice umbrella-like features in the back so that it can collapse down quickly for transport. It retails for about $135 on Adorama with a current rebate offer. With this Adorama Glow HexaPop review I’ll tell you about some of the pros and cons in case you’re shopping for this kind of gear.

 

Pros:

  • Use with any standard flash
  • Lightweight
  • Quick setup and take down
  • Solid construction of the softbox
  • Soft, but crisp, light

Cons:

  • Although it is lightweight, only time can tell how well the plastic elements of the bracket will hold up

 

The Glow series of light modifiers includes all sorts of shapes and sizes, and this HexaPop version of their softbox is 24″. It’s a good, manageable size for shooting portraits on-the-go or doing quick head shots in tight spaces, etc. You could even wander an event like a wedding and shoot candids with this softbox in one hand and your camera in the other. I wish I had this with me on my three minute portrait shoot with Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos earlier this month! The six wires in the back of the softbox snap into place really quickly, and I could’ve set this up in no time.

Simply put, this is a nice, light softbox that will get the job done. Of course, if you want softer light, you’ll need to get something larger. They do make a range of light modifiers for still photography, built for both large studio strobes and smaller flashes. Stay tuned for a review of the Adorama Glow 71″ Grand Softbox, but the Adorama Glow HexaPop 24″ is a nice place to start for creating simple, soft light from your flash. I think it’s worth the $135 it’s going for right now on Adorama.com.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent work for WWISH: Women’s prison workshop

Diversity, Education, My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Throughout the past six months or so, I have had the pleasure to work for WWISH, an organization founded by Laura Pavlou that provides support for women in crisis, adversity, and transition. A large part of their work involves running personal development workshops for incarcerated women. Yesterday I was finally able to attend my first WWISH workshop, which was part of a pilot program at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, Washington. This particular day involved sharing personal stories as well as a women’s health talk given by a visiting doctor.

Thanks for looking.