” Deirdre Abrams loves to get her fifth graders outdoors to ‘tackle’ problems in real world situations. The annual study of the water quality in nearby Boulder Creek is an example of students engaging with math and science, along with various members of the local community.”

Donnelly Elementary School

” We raise rainbow trout in the classroom, tag them with the help from the Fish & Game and have a release ceremony at the creek. Then we track where our fish go with underwater surveillance cameras. It’s live streamed so the kinds can watch at home.”

The project – ‘A Celebration of Learning‘ involved photographing one school district, five schools and hundreds of students – engaged in and exploring education, pre-pandemic. It’s a handbook for the McCall Donnelly Schools. It’s an example of how creativity, curiosity and critical thinking builds life time students.

” A single conversation changed my vision of education forever….The quest to reach 100% of the students has only grown stronger with time.” 
Your partner in your child’s success
Jim Foudy
Superintendent
McCall Donnelly Schools

They are five University of Idaho graduates. They were selected to be examples of how it’s done, going from the University of Idaho to the world of health, medicine and research. These are stories of how a small town university launched them into careers – making a difference globally.

They are five University of Idaho graduates. They were selected to be examples of how it’s done, going from the University of Idaho to the world of health, medicine and research. These are stories of how a small town university launched them into careers – making a difference globally.

Emily

B.S. Nutrition – University of Idaho
MD: University of Utah School of Medicine
Residency: University of Utah Internal Medicine
Current:  Practices as a Nephrologist in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho.

” I wouldn’t trade my experience at the University of Idaho for anything. It helped prepare me to excel in medical school. I got a broad education and a lot of individual attention. Being a volunteer EMT at the Moscow Fire Department was also a good experience and an opportunity I might not have had in a larger town.” Emily

Steve

B.S. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry – University of Idaho
MD : Loma Linda University
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Current: St. Lukes, Twin Falls. Family Medicine

” Not being on a big campus gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience with world class researchers. I went to Loma Linda University with people from Stanford and at no time did I feel my education was second-class.” Steve

Kraig

B.S. Microbiology University of Idaho 
MD: University of Washington 
Residency: McCay-Dee Family Practice. Odgen, Utah
Current: Family Medicine Specialist in Moscow, ID. He is affiliated with Gritman Medical Center, Moscow, ID 

“Being able to do basic research as an undergraduate helped me to better understand and trust the knowledge I learned in class and apply it in day-to-day work. I got a great eduction – a better, more well- rounded education than some other students.” Kraig.

Jaime

B.S. Food Science – University of Idaho 
PHD: Pharmacology and Toxicology Washington State University – College of Pharmacy
Current: Corporate Head of Scientific Research at Teoma Corp – Peru

” With my bachelor’s degree in food science, I brought a new perspective to my studies in pharmacology and toxicology. I want to innovate, to find out new things about the effects of phytochemicals on the body and to help people relate their diet to their health. That’s opened many doors for me.” Jaime 

Cooper

B.S. Biological Systems Engineering, University of Idaho 
DDS: Dentistry University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Current: Dentist/Owner Park View Dental – Helena, Montana

“The program was perfect for me because I got a great pre-dental education and also a great back-up career if I ever decide dentistry isn’t for me.” That’s what makes this program unique.” Cooper

Postscript  – The back story: 
 At the time of the project, each University of Idaho graduate was completing a residency spanning five cities, in four states.  
We were on deadline to complete the photography. As the photographer,  I was handed the baton for contacting and scheduling photo shoots.  Working with over scheduled, sleep deprived residents – we managed to coordinate their work schedule along with my travel schedule – working as a team.  Mission completed.  
It was a fabulous project under the direction and support of the University of Idaho CALS Creative team. 

Class of 2021

Part 3

” I am a senior at McCall Donnelly High School. I have lived in McCall my own life. I like living in McCall, but am excited to go to college, make new friends and live in a new environment.”

Caeley

How are you and other navigating the pandemic?

What has changed for you?

PS: What are your future plans?

” My future plans are to go to college, study kinesiology and play soccer. I’m just trying to figure out the best fit for me.” Caeley

This is what I do. Real Photography. For people. In real places.

Class of 2021 – Part 2

 ” Skating is something I look forward to daily. Specifically, during the pandemic, it’s been good to concentrate on what is ‘normal’ in my life. Skating provides this opportunity and balance.”

Elizabeth

What has changed for you?

PS: What are your future plans?

“Next year I’m definitely going to college. I’m really excited about going to school in a new place and learning something I’m passionate about.”
“Wherever I go, my skates are going with me.” Elizabeth

                    

Navigating The Pandemic

Part 1

“Most of us are really struggling how to articulate our feelings about a global pandemic.Nobody has first-hand experience with a situation like this.”

Jasmine

November 2020

” With everything that’s been happening, it’s been hard to keep a level mindset.The advice that’s always stuck with me is – you’re not heading in the right direction if life isn’t difficult. The opportunity to learn from hard times always brings space to grow as a person.”

How are the teachers handling this hybrid?

” At the end of the day we have to teach ourselves. Be self motivated and self disciplined.” Jasmine

We are exploring location photography. How being where the story lives, makes a difference. A moment in our remarkable lives.

The Story

As a location photographer, I rolled into town in the 1990’s with a new husband, two horses, a dog, a cat, camera bags along with lots of excitement and hope.

What I discovered was shocking. Companies hired studio photographers to do location work in a studio. Location photography wasn’t part of the vocabulary. If you wanted to photograph wheat – you brought it into the studio. If you wanted to photograph lumber – you hauled it to the studio. If you wanted to see what was happening in the classroom, you brought the students into the studio.

Work didn’t come easily. But that didn’t stop me. I believed in what I brought to the table. I believed in being where the action was. Yes there were cold calls. People listened. Many took chances and hired me. I had no idea there was a quiet and visual resolution evolving. I needed to make a living. My profession was photography, my platform – the world.

Twenty plus years and two children later, Idaho has changed on many levels.

This is what I do. Real photography. For real people. In real places.

This is Idaho wheat from Arco to Aberdeen. The Nez Perce Reservation to Lewiston. Genesse to Potlatch.  Idaho Wheat – researched, planted, harvested, stored and shipped. This is our story.
We are exploring location photography. How being where the story lives, makes a difference. Boots on the ground. Eyes seeing, ears listening, cameras recording.  A moment in our remarkable lives.
Now is the time to take a step, to boldly show up and extend a hand. I’m here to help you do that. If you’re interested in exploring your business, a service and/or product launch, I would love to talk with you.   Please click here: pam.benham@gmail.com to schedule a brief chat.

Asking for an updated portrait seems indulgent. What difference does it make? Who wants to see me? A portrait with a purpose. A face with a story. We’re curious. We want to connect. Your portrait is the first step towards extending a hand, towards building a relationship.

This is what I do. Real portraits. For real people. In real businesses.

Photographs show your journey and tell your story.

We want to see you

We are exploring the power of portraits and how they build relationships. Now is the time to take a step, to boldly show up. I’m here to help you do that. If you’re interested in exploring you, your business, a new person or product launch, I would love to talk with you. Please click: pam.benham@gmail.com

They wanted to show who they are, what they do. How they work.

What’s the process? How do we tell your story? Which way are you going

Begin by asking questions. Listen for prompts. Find directional signals

People like us, create pictures like this.

Photography shares Experiences

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I strolled in a middle school, pre-pandemic, the halls were empty. Where was the action? A finger pointed outside. Nothing was the same after.

“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Angela Duckworth

They moved tractor tires. They stretched, danced and discovered their bodies were magical. They pushed their peers in carts. They looked each other in the eye, shook hands, straightened their shoulders and gained a few inches of confidence. They dug deep into peer pressure and empathy. They collaborated, explored and discovered.

” Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” Japanese Proverb

If you would like to learn more about images which make a difference, please contact me.

WE WANT TO HEAR YOU, SEE YOU AND TELL YOUR STORY.