Explore the Islands of Paradise

Erlinda Burke, member of the Filipino Association of Missouri, performs a traditional dance named Pandanggo Sa Ilaw or “Dancing with Light” at the “Explore the Islands of Paradise” event in Memorial Union on October 29, 2008. The celebration was in honor of Filipino American Heritage month and provided free entertainment, food, and information about the Philippines.

Photoj Cookout Time

Too Bad I'm Not Being Graded on Photos of My Friends

Practice is on for the Neil Young Tribute Concert (FREE!) at the Blue Fugue.

Single Flash.... eek.

I'm not proud of these photos, but I'll post them anyway. We're working with flash in class right now and I'm just not confident with it yet.



Dawn Vaugh, co-owner of Hemingway's Wine and Spirits in Columbia, Mo, passes a bourbon sample to another co-owner before the crowd fills for their third Cigar and Spirit tasting in the past two months. Vaugh has long had a passion for cigars, but admits that much of her focus has been shifted to wine after opening a restaurant.




Dr. Michael Murrah of Columbia, MO lights up a complimentary Altadis at a Cigar and Spirit Tasting event at Hemingway's Wine and Bistro.

A Visit Home

On the drive to Tanner's Apple Orchard in Peoria, Illinois. It's weird how you don't realize you're surrounded by corn in Illinois until you move away.



I was looking for businesses or buildings that are specific to my hometown. I'd ridden by this TV repair shop every day on my way to grade school, but when I saw it this weekend with my camera it was completely different. What a strange little place.



This is an apple tree outside of my old high school that I used to avoid. The apples fall and rot and stepping on one on the way to your car was always a frustration when fall started.



A hayride with my friends Sam Conrad, Derek Gumm and Gene Yu.



Roxy found a caterpillar!!

Crème Brûlée: Lighting Metal and Glass

Our latest assignment in Advanced Techniques is to light metal or glass in the studio. I was having trouble thinking of an idea at first, but with my love for food and desire to try something challenging - I decided on creme brulee. I had a good time making the custard and it was my first time cooking with a fresh vanilla bean. My parents mailed me the torch I needed to finish off the dessert, and overall I think it turned out well. I used two big soft boxes on either side of the table to outline the spoons nicely. The color of the custard compliments the brown of the table nicely, I think. Maybe I should have had a little more to garnish the dish, but this is the best I could do! Enjoy!

My favorite shot:



An outtake: