Category: Photojournalism

Black Forest Fire, Two Years Later

1/4/2015

Generations ago, early settlers to Colorado discovered a forest of Ponderosa Pines on the foothills of Pikes Peak. When viewed from miles away, the thicket of trees appeared more black than green and became known as the Black Forest. This is where I grew up and my folks still live.

Two summers ago, my parents (and thousands of other residents of Black Forest, Colorado) nearly lost their home in a destructive fire that tore through the Black Forest. Following an evacuation and tense hours that turned into days of not knowing whose homes were spared, my parents finally returned home to an intact property. Hundreds of families were not so lucky.

As the months passed, Black Forest residents went to work clearing dead trees and rebuilding lost homes. A few people left. Most stayed. Winter came and summer returned. A year passed and then another.

Today, there are still sections of charred trees that have yet to be cleared. The eery trunks stand straight as though nothing has changed, but with a few exceptions: all the green pine needles are gone and every trunk is transformed to a deep charcoal black—giving new meaning to the name Black Forest.

I couldn't resist documenting what's left of a burned down homestead not far from my house, where it still sits buried beneath the snow.

Also my husband is a handsome devil, so naturally...

I don't just take pictures! There's more on my facebook page.

Human Rights Watch Fundraiser

12/19/2014

I've spent a lot of time working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. I know very well the value of volunteerism. So when the event organizer for a Human Rights Watch fundraiser got in touch, I was excited to give back.

Plus the venue at the Santa Monica Art Studio was pretty cool.

Like these? I shoot lots of events! Take a look at my events page and on facebook!

Point Dume Sprint Triathlon Event Photos

12/15/2014

Point Dume is a landmark promontory in Malibu made famous by its roles in Planet of the Apes, innumerable fashion photo shoots, and most recently as Tony Stark's fictional mansion in the Iron Man film series. The point is also the namesake and site of the first ever Point Dume Sprint Triathlon, hosted by CrossFit Malibu.

After designing the logo and t-shirt for the race, I had the pleasure of playing the role of event photographer. I got to shoot these athletes as they swam, biked and ran around the most picturesque race course I've ever seen.

I'm pretty sure everyone's hoping this will become an annual thing.

Event sponsors:
Kristy's
CrossFit Malibu
Smartwool