hang gliding launch sites

There is something interesting about these places where people leave the earth to be in the sky. What is it that makes people want to fly? We've been at it for a while, trying to figure out how to free ourselves from gravity.

Why would someone connect themselves to a giant nylon and carbon fiber wing, then leap off a cliff? Is it way to get closer to death, or more connected to life? Or both?

Are people that fly more alive than the rest of us?

Composite for ESPN Magazine

Client: ESPN Magazine
Photo Editor: Jim Surber
Assistant: Damien Andrews
Retoucher: Ethan Izzarelli

The story was about three NCAA Quarterbacks who are vying for top NFL draft spots. The image they wanted was of the three of them sitting in an office waiting room as if they're being interviewed for a job.

The tricky part was that they were located in Louisiana, Kentucky, and California. I had to travel with a mini set to each of them, shoot them in hotel conference rooms and put them into a background that I created from parts I gathered along the way. The door and plant in the final image are from Lexington, the wall is from Baton Rouge, and the clock is from LA. We traveled with the carpet and one chair. Needless to say, there was a fair amount of flying, careful measuring, and retouching involved.

Monster Jam Parking Lot

This is a little film I put together at the Monster Jam in Santa Rosa. The music started as a nice Yngwie Malmsteen number, but it was too much of a match. I'm not sure what was better -- watching the event or watching the scene around it.