::Donna Dunbar-Odom::

Dr. Dunbar-Odom is now the new department head of the language department of TAMU-Commerce. I was very excited to photograph Dr. Dunbar-Odom knowing her husband was once the head of the art department!

::Karen Roggenkamp::

Dr. Roggenkamp is an english professor at TAMU-Commerce. Anyone would know that by the array of books she has in her office! At her home, I met Simon, Piper and Mason, her kids. They all did a great job. Definitely one of my personal favorites of the project!

::Philippe Seminet::

Dr. Seminet is a language and philosophy professor at TAMU-Commerce. He is actually an online instruction this semester, but he drove out to Commerce to allow me to photograph him in his office. Later, I saw his "home office" and his home. The pup on the floor is Ginger, his running partner.

::Sherri Colby::

Dr. Colby is an education professor at TAMU-Commerce. We hit it off instantly because she herself is interested in photography! I found it very interesting that her house was so ornately decorated and her office was so bare.

::Dr. Green::

Dr. Green is the Dean of the Honors College at TAMU-Commerce. I have to thank Becca Rainsberger for asking Dr. Green to pose for me. Dr. Green was very nice and his little boy, Conner, was too cute.

::Jennifer Flanagan::

Dr. Flanagan is business professor at TAMU-Commerce. I had the pleasure of meeting her family: Cleon, Braydon, and Byran. I know it was difficult to participate in my project with a 6 month old, but I am so glad she did!

::John Smith::

Dr. Smith is a history professor at TAMU-Commerce. He is also an inner artist. Check out the mixed media painting on the wall in his house! Dr. Smith was laid back and that made him really easy to photograph.

::John Mark Dempsey::

A couple of weeks ago I sent out a mass email to several professors in desperate need of participants. Mr. Dempsey was willing to participate. He is the radio and tv professor at TAMU-Commerce. After walking into his office, I knew immediately he was a huge sports fan. Later, I had the opportunity to meet his wonderful family.

I snapped a few pics of his family outside, also. They had beautiful land. However, these are not apart of the project.

::Dr. Wadley::

Last week I photographed Dr. Wadley, the Art History professor. I had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Susan, and hearing his daughter, Katie, play the piano. She was fantastic. Below are some of the shots I got that day.

::Vaughn Wascovich::

Vaughn is a photo teacher at Texas A&M-Commerce. He lives in Commerce with his girlfriend, Carol. My very first photo class was with Vaughn, and I loved every minute of it. Vaughn teaches you to be creative. To think outside of the box. He questions what you think you know about photography and inspires you. I feel extremely lucky to have been taught by him.

We first started out in his office. It is stuffed with art, cameras, books, antiques and of course, his bicycle. 

Afterwards, we headed to his home. I had hoped to shoot Vaughn with Carol, showing the family aspect of Vaughn that we didn't know. I also included a picture of Vaughn and Rose, his chocolate lab, to represent his companionship with her. She also sat in on a shot of Vaughn and Carol to represent the fidelity in the relationship between the two, not to mention the fact that she is part of the family.

Lastly, just as think I am done, I ask the question "Is there anything that I don't know about you or something you want to share?" Well, here it is. ;) I'm having a little difficulty with the perspective, but I will get it figured out. 

I'm happy to say, I now know something a little extra about Vaughn. 

::Up-coming Shoots::

Today I photographed Dr. Wadley. He is the art history professor at TAMU-Commerce. I was very excited to photograph Dr. Wadley. I first met him when I took an art history course. I have never seen a teacher speak with such knowledge and exuberance. I figured it would be wonderful to see him at home. Well, it was. Photographs to come.

I also have a shoot planned with Vaughn Wascovich this thursday at 3PM. Wish me luck!

::Chad Smith::

Chad Smith is a photography professor at TAMU-Commerce. I have learned so much from Chad's teaching and I feel so lucky to have been taught by such a great instructor. I really enjoyed this shoot. I finally met his wife and son, Theresa and Wyatt, who I have heard about for forever! This was a great way to start the project!

Professor Chad Smith

Chad, Theresa and Wyatt

Chad and Theresa

::Photographers who I am looking at::

Jessica Todd Harper

My main source of inspiration comes from the work of Jessica Todd Harper, who photographed her family in their home, and couples in their home. Harper likes to reference art history when making and talking about her work. I feel that it is important to know the language of art and what symbols mean to correctly convey the message without being so “in your face.” I hope to be able to do the same kind of thing.

She uses natural light in her work, allowing a more intimate feel. I think her work is beautiful.








Bill Owens

I am also referencing the work of Bill Owens. Owens did a series of works called “Suburbia,” a project he did in the early 70s, where he photographed people who were moving in or already living in suburbs. He wanted to show what that kind of lifestyle was all about, photographing people before and after they decorated, rolling new grass into their yards, and having block parties. I feel that his work from the 70s can even relate to now because the suburban lifestyle hasn’t really changed much. Like Owens, I would like to photograph the “home life” of the college professor, but by also adding the other facet of people’s lives.