We started with an empty canvas and filled it.
” The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.” Alan Watts.
Postscript: Photography sessions are ‘normally’ planned. This wasn’t. Kel & Company knew they needed photography. They’re busy women. Clients to serve. Places to be. Life to live.. Five months later we set a date. I showed up.
This is what I do. I help you find your way, even if you don’t know where you’re going.
The instructor was absent. The students weren’t. As I walked through the door, I knew what I had to do. Dig deep and find the story.
” Ignore the noise. Focus on the work.”
3-D Modeling Software and 3-D Printers
“More than anything, I like the technology you use here. You get to use the most current programs – knowing what you’re learning here, is exactly what you’re going to use in the field.”
Notations in Passing: Stepping into 2022 I would like to share simple reflections of moments remembered.”
All series daring starts from within.”
Eudora Welty
It was her idea, on a hike to celebrate the landscape,
the mountains,
the quiet of footsteps and the glory of moments remembered.
” I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness.
It’s right in front of me, if I’m paying attention
and practicing gratitude.”
Brene’ Brown
” Instructions for living life. Pay attention.
Be astonished. Tell about it.” Mary Oliver
Postscript: This is dedicated to two remarkable people:
Colin Benham-Marin and Nicoya Benham-Marin.
Their grit, perseverance, humor and love for life
takes anger and melts it into love.
Let’s embrace our precious lives. Always.
Work In Progress
For the last year, my life was dedicated to changing where I slept.
The doors I walked through.
The land I rode my horse on. The place I called home.
Why is this relevant? In the process of re-locating to the booming Treasure
Valley, navigating the pandemic and making a living –
chugged along. I did what I love to do.
I made photographs of you, them and us.
My calling is to tell your story.
” 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.”
” 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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.”
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
” 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.”
“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
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?
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 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.