My Top 10 photographs this year were very difficult to pick as my time behind the camera was really limited due to COVID. Not really using the pandemic as an excuse, but I was just not that motivated to get out and document things. It was a difficult year for most human beings and I think I captured a bit of the pain and suffering we are all experiencing but at the same time finding some bright spots along the way. I hope you enjoy this look back at my year, photographically.
- 1 -
Applause
Downtown Portland, Oregon
Photographing the homeless is not something I do often, in fact I’d say it’s very rare. This scene just spoke to me and I could NOT pass it up. The image of irony and ridiculousness of the ‘Applause’ sign in the window reflect current events way better than I can even begin to describe with words.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 - 35mm - f8 - 1/160 - ISO6400
- 2 -
Dino Archie
Minority Retort - Siren Theater - Downtown Portland, Oregon
My friend Jason invited me Downtown to shoot the excellent comedy show that he produces. Packed house that night. Very difficult to shoot when you are laughing your ass off!
Fujifilm X-T2 - 124mm - f4 - 1/200 - ISO500
- 3 -
Visiting Grandpa
Salem, Oregon
This was a difficult year to spend time with family and friends. We were lucky to have been able to get in a little bit of quality time before the pandemic. Never enough though. Time goes by way too fast.
Fujifilm X-T2 - 16mm - f2.8 - 1/125 - ISO5000
- 4 -
Twilight
Multnomah Falls - Columbia River Gorge - Oregon
Just before the lockdown I managed to get in one short trip up the Gorge for some shots. I never tire of Multnomah Falls… one of the best in the world and so close to us here. We are really lucky!
Fujifilm X-T2 - 16mm - f8 - 30s - ISO200
- 5 -
Serenade
Portland, Oregon
Some dear friends came by for some social distanced birthday greetings by song for my wife.
Awesome moments like this that help break up the monotony of the endless hours at home.
Fujifilm X-Pro2 - 35mm - f8 - i/80 - ISO200
- 6 -
RIP George Floyd
May 30th - Downtown Portland, Oregon
The murder of George Floyd resulted in protests and rioting across the nation. Portland was no exception and the event sparked an unprecedented 100+ continuous days of protests demanding justice and equal rights. It’s not fun getting gassed but I felt that it was important to spread the message of exactly what is going on… through my lens.
Fujifilm X-T2 - 140mm - f8 - 1/80 - ISO800
- 7 -
Night 10
June 7th - Downtown Portland, Oregon
Federal law enforcement arrived in Portland when our local police were told to stand down. The six-block area around the Justice Center were the epicenter for the protests and as night arrived the excitement really started with antagonists and police trading volleys of both words and munitions.
Fujifilm X-T2 - 61mm - f2.8 - 1/160 - ISO12800
- 8 -
Fire on Elk Rock Island
September 9th - Milwaukie, Oregon
In the early evening a wildfire started on the small island in the Willamette River near downtown Milwaukie. I packed up my gear and rushed down to the river to survey the commotion and managed to get a few good frames in before the fire department extinguished the flames.
Fujifilm X-T2 - 128mm - f2.8 - .5sec - ISO6400
- 9 -
Welcome, wear a mask!
Scare Fair - Canby, Oregon
Normally I get to shoot the David Graveyard halloween yard display often as it’s right down the street from my house but this year COVID had other plans and the experience was changed to a drive-through format at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds.
Fujifilm X-T2 - 16mm - f2.8 - 1/8 - ISO800
- 10 -
Amber Nicotra
Taste of Style 2020 - One Main Place - Portland, Oregon
I didn’t get to do much studio work this year but the lights did get pulled out to shoot this wonderful event once again this year. Great to be a part of this event as it’s for a good cause and the talent is amazing!
Fujifilm X-T3 - 90mm - f5.6 - 1/500 - ISO200