PHOTO GALLERIES
The Mane Dawgs defeated the University of Tennessee Martin Skyhawks 17-2 during their last home meet of the 2019-2020 season. Family members and fans endured cold temperatures and harsh winds to cheer on the team at their home complex in Bishop, Georgia. The meet included the usual categories of fences, flat, horsemanship and reigning. After a sweeping win, the team celebrated their 15 outgoing seniors with a ceremony and gifts of commemorative plaques and flowers.
On Friday, January 24, 2020, faculty, students and guests gathered to look at and celebrate the art of the professors from this past semester. The supporters of art viewed the exhibitions placed throughout the building and multiple galleries, covering a wide range of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, installation and Art X. The festivities included live music, drinks at the bar, and MFA student Luka Carter drawing personalized caricatures of guests. The night was full of lively conversation and laughter as well as intent observation and discussion of the incredible works of art.
On Saturday, December 7, 2019, the mood was bittersweet and melancholy. This was one of the last meetings of the market at that location on West Broad Street, possibly ever. The location was voted by the school board to be renovated and used for the public schools in the area as a recreation/learning center and therefore will no longer be the spot of the universally enjoyed farmer's market. Attendance was steady, despite the smaller number of vendors, and conversations were full of emotion and bonding. Kids learned about the resident chickens and rows of crops to be harvested, regulars talked to their favorite vendors, and enjoyed food options for breakfast and lunch from "Big Easy" Mike and the famous Ms. Ethel. While the future of the market is uncertain, guests enjoyed what they had and have enjoyed for years in the community made there.
30th Annual Georgia National Fair, October 5, 2019
The bright morning sun rose above the fairgrounds as the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia celebrated the first Saturday of its 30th anniversary. The averaging tens-of-thousands of attendees daily enjoy the carnival rides, livestock shows, unique fair foods, and a variety of entertainment, such as concerts, animal shows, and a circus. The day concluded with a short but exciting firework show above the main lake. The fair serves many purposes; a culmination of work for 4H and FFA students with morning competitions; special family vacation; date night; or simply a friend hangout spot for locals. The fair lasts from October 3-13th.
The Lady Bulldogs defeated the NC State Wolfpack 3-1 at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia. The bulldogs won the first set easily, lost the next, and fought hard to take the last 2 sets amongst call challenges and a strong NC State offense. Coach Tom Black led the team calmly from the sideline, giving players advice and encouragement during time outs and between sets. The bulldog fans showed their support with signs, cheers and strong attendence.
Oconee County's Parks & Recreation department partnered with Piedmont Athens Regional to host a 4th of July event and firework show at the Epps Bridge Center. Hundreds of Athenians attended, enjoying food, live music, tailgating, and a 30-minute long fireworks show to conclude the event. In only its second year, the event seemed to be quite a success.
AthFest celebrated its 23rd annual music festival in downtown Athens, with headlining artists like Walden, AFTM, The Orange Constant, and more, an artist market, and plenty of food, drinks, and cold treats to beat the heat. The 3 day festival attracted thousands of students and locals alike. This year, patrons were also allowed to bring their furry friends along to the festival. Despite a small rain delay, the festival ran smoothly with little hiccups. Other standout performances included the 6-piece jazz-inspired band Misnomer, teen rock band Fish Bug, and Ashley Walls. The festival had the main stage on Washington Street, along with the Hull Street stage, Flicker Bar, The Foundry, and more.
The Georgia Square Mall in Athens, Georgia held its annual spring carnival from May 24-June 9. Visitors could enjoy classic carnival rides such as the ferris wheel, bumper cars and carousel, along with games, fair food and music.
Piccadilly Farms Nursery & Gardens in Bishop, Georgia held the second part of its 27th annual Hellebore Days event on the weekend of March 8-9. The event included tours of the gardens and trails, led by owner Valerie Hinsely, who pointed out certain plants to attendees. Visitors could learn more about the farm's inventory of plants, including their signature Hellebores, or Lenten Rose, and learn about plant maintenance.
Graduation Photos, Spring 2019
This past spring I took graduation photos for two sets of friends around north campus of the University of Georgia. I used my Canon 80D with my Canon 16-35mm lens, my Speedlite 600XII-RT and my diffuser/
reflector.
The UGA Ballroom Dance Performance Group held their 28th annual showcase "Ballroom Magic" at the UGA New Dance Theatre. This years theme was "The Greatest Show", with their opening number inspired by the movie, and with other references throughout the show to Harry Potter, Great Gatsby, Ghostbusters and more. The three night show attracted full crowds each night.
The Great Debate is an annual debate on campus between the UGA chapter's of The College Republicans and The Young Democrats. Each team had a chance to answer a number of questions, offer rebuttals, and respond to rebuttals. Topics discussed included campus safety, transportation, campus carry, immigration, and more.
The Autumn Harvest Feast is an annual fundraiser hosted by The Athens Farmers Market. Guests enjoyed music by local jazz band Mary & the Hot Hotty Hots, food made by chefs from local restaurants and sourced locally, and the opportunity to participate in a silent auction. Guest speaker Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, owner of The Giving Kitchen and Staplehouse, spoke about her experience of serving others through her businesses and the importance of giving back. All the proceeds from the event went towards supporting efforts like The Food and Vegetable Prescription and the SNAP programs that are addressing the issues of food insecurity in Athens.
This pastSeptember, Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services hosted their first annual hot air balloon festival at Sandy Creek Park. Visitors could take a ride on one of the 5 tethered balloons, enjoy dance performances, food trucks, face painting, and crafts. The proceeds benefitted Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB), which runs the Loop 10 Daffodil Project that plants flowers along highway 10 in Athens. The event was an extreme success, with cars backing all the way up the street and eventually staff had to turn people away.
Cortona, Italy Education Abroad, Summer 2018
I spent two months in the summer of 2018 studying abroad in Italy, mainly at UGA's Cortona campus. On this trip, I took a social documentary photography class where I explored topics such as tourism and history. The photos shown are ones taken for that class and on my own time as a personal project to document my experience immersing myself in the Italian Culture. Other cities I went to and photographed include Naples, Rome, Tivoli, Cinque Terre, Venice, and Burano.
