More Than Photography: How Event Photography Captured the Tomorrow Lab

A Moment I Won’t Soon Forget

On the final day of the conference, the director stood before the group with his closing remarks. He began by thanking the sponsors, the organizers, and the many tech people who made the weekend possible. He thanked the participants and the hotel staff.

I watched behind my camera as Pete, the director at the Stevens Institute stood on stage with the microphone. He was lit by the stage lights as he looked into the audience, ‘Is there anyone I’ve forgotten?’

The usual thought ran through my head: ‘They probably won’t thank the photographer. We’re usually an after thought.’

But from one side of the room, I heard a quiet voice call out, “the Photographer!”

‘Yeah!‘ said a deeper voice across the room, ‘the photographer!’

The director smiled pointed towards me and suddenly the entire room erupted in cheers and applause.

It was a moment I won’t soon forget.

Let’s Rewind, Shall We?

I got a call for a project last month, an event happening in downtown Kansas City. Something called ‘The Tomorrow Lab: Innovating for Impact in the Next 250 Years¹ a program hosted by the The Stevens Initiative and paid for by the state department.

They brought 50 bright, college-age individuals² together to think BIG…. push boundaries and defy limits.

The conference lasted 3 days and at it’s conclusion, the youngsters were challenged to move beyond the conversation… using their ideas from the weekend to create real benefit where they live.

As a seasoned photographer, I document a lot of different events. But opportunities like this are when I can prove photography is so much more than recording what happens in a room.

My images preserve the energy…

Photographing With Purpose

It’s such an honor working with clients whose missions align with my values!

There is no shortage of reasons to feel discouraged by the state of the world.

Everyone, everywhere

Yet somehow, I believe in people, in science, and in the power of communities to care for one another. We thrive when we are connected.

We do better when we have support, shared purpose, creativity, and the chance to contribute something meaningful.

For 20+ years after photographing events of all kinds, I’ve come to understand WHAT I love the most, are the moments I can listen, observe, learn, and leave feeling inspired by the people I photograph.

At corporate events, photographers do not always get immediate feedback. We work quietly in the background, anticipating moments, documenting details, and making sure the spirit of the experience is captured for the people who planned it. To be recognized by the students and feel our interactions were appreciated… it was genuinely moving.

It reminded me that my work matters.

Tomorrow Lab was one of those experiences and I am grateful.

Thank you `Weymouth Watson` for putting together such an inspiring event and inviting me to document the weekend, The Stevens Initiative for they’re innovation. The State Department³ for funding the conference here in Kansas City and the Aspen Institute for bringing the Tomorrow Lab to fruition. I left with renewed energy for the kind of work I want to do more of: projects rooted in connection, curiosity, possibility, and positive change.

And finally, to the students who spent the weekend imagining what comes next: I can not wait to see where you are when our paths cross again!!

Program Overview