Monica Avila 23, of Mendota gets a COVID-19 test in the TaxSlayer Center parking lot in Moline, August 19, 2020.
Rally against postal service changes at U.S. Post Office on Marquette St., Tuesday, August 25, 2020 in Davenport.
Karen Baber is a nurse in the East Moline and Silvis School Districts that posed for a portrait inside her office at George O Barr Elementary School in Silvis, August 6, 2020.
This month I did my Mourning in COVID story. I won’t put all the images here they are in my story section. I can just remember hearing people talk about picking out the ten people would attend their family members funeral. I can remember getting flash backs to my grandmother the summer before. I can remember being surrounded by family I hadn’t seen in years. Seeing my grandmother one last time was the closure I needed. Then I came up with the idea for this story. It wasn’t one that I took lightly. I met with funeral home directors before hand. I talked with families on the phone to explain why we were doing this project. I let them talk about the relatives that they loved so much. We set boundaries for what and wasn’t allowed to be photographed. I set up a hand signal when I arrived to the funerals and if they gave me the finger guns it was time for me to leave so they could have their time. It was incredibly hard to cover but I hope it made a difference for someone.
Marsha Marcellus of Rock Island, goes to say her final goodbyes to her father, Harold J. Schaab, 93, of Rock Island, May 26, 2020. Schaab passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2020 and due to the COVID-19 his family was restricted to ten family members attending his service at Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Rock Island.
Dwayne Hodges with EXPO and Quad Cities Interfaith speaks during the Black Lives Matter Protest at Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport, Iowa June 4, 2020.
Miguel Rosas, owner and barber at The New Style Barbershop in Davenport shaved a portrait of George Floyd into the hair of Tim Fraser of Moline, June 6, 2020. Fraser wanted to inspire others and bring awareness to George Floyd losing his life.
(Front) Iliawna Hook and Zoe Nevels (Back) both of Aledo go down 3rd Street during the Sherrard Community Black Lives Matter Rally at Sherrard Park, Thursday.
Miyah Peoples of Silvis is brought to tears during a speak at the Black Lives Matter Protest at Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport, Iowa June 4, 2020.
Tammy Reed dances to the sound of drums during the Drum Circle Vigil For George Floyd at Schwiebert Riverfront Park, June 13, 2020.
A family hold their fists out of the car and chants in unity with the protestors honoring of George Floyd Saturday, May 30, 2020, in downtown Rock Island.
Hundreds of people participate in a protest in honor of George Floyd at LeClaire Park in Davenport Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Hundreds of people participate in a protest in honor of George Floyd at LeClaire Park in Davenport Saturday, May 30, 2020.
David Christner flexes his arms as he is met with applauding nurses, doctors, and other employees from UnityPoint Health Trinity Rock Island on his way out after being the 100th patient who has recovered from COVID-19 from the hospital, May 27, 2020.
Rock Island senior Alaya Edgerson claps as she hears her classmates names called during their virtual graduation procession on the southeast lawn of the high school, May 29, 2020.
Rock Island seniors make their way to the Southeast lawn of the high school before their virtual graduation procession, May 29, 2020.
Katie Voss her brother Aaron Voss and their mother Maggi Voss poses for a portrait in the glass door at their home in Rock Island, April 30, 2020.
Steph DeLacy of Davenport poses for a portrait through her glass door in her home, April 7, 2020.
Brothers, Brady Pisel 10, Ben Pisel, 7, Ryan Pisel, 5, Jack Pisel, 2, poses for a portrait in the window of their home, April 29, 2020 in Bettendorf.
Myka Walljasper and her wife Kelsey Margaret hold their son Swayer for a portrait in their home in Moline, April 9, 2020.
Prom was canceled and I thought this would be a good opportunity for another pandemic portrait series. It was run to see the kids being able to dress up. They all said the pictures were more fun than prom would have been anyways. The parents all attended the sessions with the kids and would take their own pictures. They all told me how special this was for them to bring any sort of joy in to the many memories the kids would be missing out on.
Josh Allen and Faith Weis pose for a portrait at Duck Creek Park in Davenport while wearing their prom outfits, April 30, 2020.
Brooklyn Arnold poses for a portrait in her prom dress in her backyard in Bettendorf, April 28, 2020.
Leah Conene poses for a portrait in her prom dress at Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport, April 29, 2020.
Heaven Jones of Davenport poses for a portrait in her prom dress at Lincoln Park in Rock Island, May 3, 2020.
Jason Jiang pose for a portrait in his prom outfit in his girlfriend's backyard in Bettendorf, April 28, 2020.
Madilynn Klauer of Rock Island poses for a portrait in her prom dress at Lincoln Park in Rock Island, May 3, 2020.
This was a sad month. I saw my first COVID deaths, I saw the only human connection people could have was through cars. I had to tell a woman I couldn’t hug her at her loved one’s funeral because I was going to nursing homes and couldn’t risk spreading it and I was also afraid of catching it. I’ve never turned a hug away from a crying person. That hit the hardest.
A mourner goes through a drive-thru funeral reception held for Ben Rogers, the Boy Scout Troop leader who passed away from the COVID-19. The reception was held at Rafferty Funeral Home in Moline, April 9, 2020.
Moline Public Library Librarian Anita Mehuys, makes a heart with her hands with tears in her eyes while cars filled with library supporters do a drive-thru and wave to all of libraries staff outside, April 21, 2020. Supporters came out due to Moline opting to cut funding of its public library, closed services while furloughing all of its library employees as the city struggles financially during the COVID-19 crisis.
Residents of Friendship Manor and their health care workers stand outside an watch as One Human Family Forms Care-A-Van drive by as a thanks to the Health Care Workers in Rock Island, April 22, 2020.
At this point of the pandemic, we were absolutely desperate for art. There was nothing happening, everyone was told to stay home, and it was too cold for casually hanging outside. I decided to drive around town with my light kit until I found people wearing masks. When I did I would pull over and ask them if they were okay with a portrait. No posing. Just where they were in that moment with their mask.
Darlene Vazquez of Rock Island pauses for a portrait after picking up groceries from Aldi in Rock Island in Rock Island, April 6, 2020.
Michael A. Phillips of Rock Island poses for a portrait in downtown Rock Island, April 6, 2020.
Victor McCray poses for a portrait in downtown Rock Island while waiting for the bus, April 6, 2020. McCray started wearing the mask due to his employer who made than mandatory.
Ruth Armstrong of Rock Island poses for a portrait in downtown Rock Island after getting off her shift at Fort Armstrong Senior Residence, April 6, 2020.
Kiral Hollingshed, 11, of Davenport plays basketball at McManus Park in Bettendorf during a celebration for a family members birthday, Tuesday March 17, 2020. Hollingshed's father wanted him to wear the mask to cover his face to protect him against COVID-19 virus.
John Knaack celebrates his 95th birthday at New Perspective Senior Living with his family and friends through a vehicular parade led in his honor by the Silvis Fire Department, Saturday March 28, 2020. This was a way to Celebrate Knaak's birthday with social distancing.
A Clorox container is placed next to a statue of St. Anthony after Mike Kent, the Facility services manager at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, wiped down surfaces in the church, Friday March 13, 2020.
Mike Kent, the facility services manager at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, wipes down the church before services, Friday March 13, 2020. St. Anthony's Catholic Church is taking extra safety precautions for their congregation due to the COVID-19 virus.
Election judge Al Kruse wears gloves to protect himself against coronavirus while passing out voting stickers to voters participating in the Illinois Primary at American Legion in Reynolds, Tuesday March 17, 2020.
It’s crazy to think this is what I was covering right before a global pandemic. I had months of being shoulder to shoulder in rooms with those wanting to learn about candidates and then children attempting to clench state titles. That’s all I can really think about when looking at these images.
Presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. spoke to supporters at the River Center in Davenport, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks to Iowa voters at Crawford Brew Works in Bettendorf Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020.
Three men center left to right, Neal Smith, Ron Johnson and Chris Houser fill out their petition cards for Sen. Bernie Sanders during the Iowa Caucus at Washington Elementary School Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
Julie Ross counts those caucusing for Elizabeth Warren during the Iowa Caucus at Washington Elementary School Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
A child runs while Bernie Sanders supporters wait to be counted during the Iowa Caucus at Washington Elementary School Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
Pleasant Valley in the locker room after winning against Davenport Central in the Class 4A substate semifinal at Davenport Central High School in Davenport Feb. 28, 2020.
West Liberty coach Ian Alke celebrates with assistant coach Caleb Studebaker after West Libery’s Will Esmoil win against Sergeant Bluff-Luton’s Jack Gaukel in the 152 weight class during the 2020 Iowa State Wrestling Championships Class 2A Finals at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Thursday Feb. 21, 2020.
Assumption's Michael Macias wrestles against Iowa Falls/Alden's Alberto Salmeron in the 138 weight class during the 2020 Iowa State Wrestling Championships Class 2A at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Thursday Feb. 21, 2020.
Getting to cover all of the politicians coming through town was an interesting way to try and make podium shots more fun. Attempt to make them interesting, of course we are photographing someone famous but famous can only take you so far in an image. I still think I can repeat most of Elizabeth Warren’s stump speech. You could say I photographed her a few times.
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks to a crowd gathered at Modern Woodmen Park, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 in Davenport, Iowa.
Sen. Bernie Sanders answering questions during the People’s Caucus Presidential Forum in Davenport, Jan. 12, 2020.
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana listens to supporter's questions in Muscatine at River's Edge Event Loft, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.
Betsy Fair of Wilton claps for Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana as he speaks to supporters in Muscatine at River's Edge Event Loft, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren speaks at Sudlow Intermediate School in Davenport on Jan. 26, 2020
Maggie Kvamme, 2, of Davenport sits next to the stage as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren speaks at Sudlow Intermediate School in Davenport on Jan. 26, 2020
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana speaks to supporters in Muscatine at River's Edge Event Loft, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.
All of the images are in my story section on my website!
This project was pretty last minute done right before the holidays. Me and a friend found the story and decided to try and get it done right before my vacation. Was going really good! My part was all wrapped up then while I am packing my suitcase to leave I get a phone call from the reporter saying that the story was no longer a feature and now going to be covered because they had to close due to not being able to get insurance. So I ran out there to grab them announcing to the children that didn’t know it was closing. I got those images sent them in so we could include them in the sequence and called it a day. Always stick with a story might turn into something else. I talked everyday to the folks there and never told me about the possibility of closing. Sometimes you just don’t know what is going to happen.
Lots and lots of more portraits. I think the goal for 2020 is to work more on documenting and less posing. It is part of the job but it’s a goal to catch people more out in their element.
The Story was to cover sports betting which was of course, hard to show through images which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. I loved getting details that tell a story and talking with people to get them comfy with getting their images taken. These are the images for that story.
Mercury Perkins, 35, of Davenport sits in is lucky chair and watches one of the games at Rhythm City Casino, Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, in Davenport.
Moline senior diver Taylor Puglisi is Metro Pacesetter. Puglisi won her third straight Big 6 diving title on Saturday, also setting the conference 11-dive record with a personal best score of 426.35.
This is probably one of my favorite pacesetters that I’ve done for the Dispatch Argus. If I were to ever do an image like this again I would make sure to have the athlete wear goggles. Every single time the water hit her back her eyes would close. Out of about 60 images this was the only one with her eyes open. Shout out to the coach that I made throw water about 60 times.
I used to lights for this image! One was on the front lighting her and one behind lighting the water. I turned off almost all the lights at the pool so the swimmer and water were the only things lit. I had the coach on the watching deck so he was between the light and the swimmer throwing the water. That way the lights were also protected.
Main take away was to bring the goggles!
These last two sets of images were from a series the newspaper calls Wishlist. The stories are found through an organization where they help out folks in the Quad Cities get home items. I have so many mixed feelings about photographing these stories. Will these images help Will they make an impact? Will they help the people that are in the images? I think there is a lot of growing that journalist and photojournalist need to do. I think we need to be open to changing how we document and what productivity and humanity it shows.
I guess the moth of September was mostly filled with portraits. Each portrait I try to reflect the person and match the lighting to the mood if possible.
High School football, College football and vintage football was all of September!
I went into thinking this wouldn’t be that difficult to photograph…. oh boy. It was difficult to perfectly place certain objects in a frame to make these images that were able to be printed in the paper. There was a lot of back lash from these images but it was a fun time and forced myself to think and be creative.
General Manager of Blue Lake Resort, Chuck Jester, works on wiring for the bathhouse, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Erie. Blue Lake Resort is a family oriented nudist campground that has approximately 20 acres at their camp situated amid 98 acres of farm land.
This is my absolute favorite event to cover since coming to the Quad Cities. I don’t know if it’s because it make me little less home sick from the south or just the incredible visual opportunities that the rodeo gives to photographers. These are some of my favorite images just from how much fun I have photographing it.
Little bit of everything for the month of August. I will be posting about the New Windsor rodeo and a nudist camp in individual post.
Davis Ludin runs drills with teammates during Fulton football practice at Fulton Elementary School, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
Service members that served along side Devin Estabrook salute his coffin at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home before being taken to the cemetery, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Muscatine. Devin Estabrook, 49, of Letts, served as a firefighter with the Grandview Volunteer Fire Department and a paramedic with Louisa County Ambulance Service. He was fatally injured in a hit-and-run Monday, Aug. 12, in Muscatine where he was riding his bicycle. Estabrook died Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Order of Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Emma Lachsinger, 4, of Bettendorf makes a gaint bubble during the annual Discovery Fair held by Bettendorf Public Library, Family Museum and Faye's Field, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Bettendorf.
A firefighter battles the blaze which heavily damaged the Johnson Apartments, 1116 15th Ave., Thursday, August 1, 2019, in East Moline. The fire was reported around 11:45 a.m. No injuries have been reported but some pets are believed to have perished in the blaze.
Democratic presidential candidate and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks to a crowd at a residence backyard in Muscatine for a meet and greet hosted by the Muscatine County Democrats, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Muscatine.
Democratic presidential candidate and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg speaks to a crowd at a residence backyard in Muscatine for a meet and greet hosted by the Muscatine County Democrats, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Muscatine.
Tory Hamann, 9, of Eldridge plays in a bounce house before creating a human chain in honor of National Night Out that stretching from Eldridge to Long Grove, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, in Eldridge.
Bettendorf football practice at Bettendorf High School, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019, in Bettendorf.
This first image was taken during the John Deere Classic and this was one of my favorite images from the entire PGA tour. I just loved the light and the golf lovers and just that I had a second to pause before running to another hole.
Spectators sit in John Deere Tractor seat benches from the 10th hole during the first round of the John Deere Classic Thursday, July 11, 2019, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
Jr. Bix images were just run photos of kids running around and cooling off. Huge yearly event that we cover that the community loves.
A'Ryah Morrow, 4, of Davenport runs through the sprinklers after competing in the Arconic's Jr. Bix, Friday, July 26, 2019, in Davenport.
Aubree Ross, 6, of Davenport pours water on her head to cool down after finishing the Arconic's Jr. Bix, Friday, July 26, 2019, in Davenport.
I would love to talk forever about the DePauw Family and how wonderful they are but I want to touch on how I sequenced the images in the story. (I don’t have all of them published here you can go look under my story tab for all of the images if you’d like.) My goal for the sequence of the images in this story was to introduce one family member and use that family member to show you the next. For example below we have Bob DePauw by himself closing the barn; then in the next image we have him setting up milking for the cows.
Next image we are introduced to Theo, Bob DePauw’s grandson, who helps out and hangs out around the farm. I wanted to introduced him through Bob and then show his roll on the farm and his duties and his relationship to the generational farming.
I wanted to show the relationships between family members through the sequence and also show their roles on the farm. Also through the sequence I wanted to a entire days work. From the beginning of the day of milking to the end of the day of bringing the cows back in. I feel as if this was pushing a narrative through images and not just a collection of images. This was a fun project and our local community loved getting to see this story. I loved sequencing it almost as much as getting to photograph the story,