Christmas Gathering Family Portrait

Just before the gifts were in route for final delivery all of the grand kids gathered for a photo in front of a shooting gallery of cameras. I am quite sure that no one else captured an image that looks anything like this one. We all had a great time and enjoyed several Christmas celebrations. It was a fantastic season!

Dr. Dave Camwell - Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Simpson College

Considering the versatile possibilities of sound from Dave Camwell's saxophone and the promotional purpose for which these images were captured, I have made every effort to express a similar diversified visual essence to each frame. So, as you look over each of the images I hope you will think about a gritty, growling jazz saxophone solo or the smooth sound that develops as the trumpet and saxophone sections compliment each other in a great arrangement. Or maybe the intricate runs of a classical piece. If these thoughts cross your mind, I have achieved my goal. If you would like to know more about Dave or contact him about his music you will find more information at www.davecamwell.com and also at www.simpson.edu/music/faculty/camwell.html. Thank you Dave, I enjoyed working with you.

Dr. Jillian Camwell - Oboe and English Horn Musician

As we met for the first time before this photo shoot I was unfamiliar with Jillian's musical ability even though she is very well known for her musical prowess across much of North America and beyond. Since then I have had a few lucky chances to hear her perform, most recently at her Nov. 2009 recital and before that at Wicked the musical at the Des Moines Civic Center. If you would like to know more about her music and background, take a look at her Web site at http://www.jilliancamwell.com. Congratulations to Jill on her musical success and thanks to her for collaborating with me to create these beautiful images.

Camwell Family

One great, late autumn Saturday morning the Camwell family joined my daughter Maggie and me at a few downtown Des Moines area locations for a photo shoot. The timing of mid to late morning offered an opportunity for me to work in some natural light situations that weren't necessarily my favorite, but to my pleasure provided a warm, dynamic tone that I will be sure to capture again.