MISS AMERICA | INDIANAPOLIS MONTHLY

Margo Wininger, Art Director of Indianapolis Monthly: "Would you be interested in photographing our 'Day in the Life of Miss America' story?"

Me: "YES!"



I had already planned on returning to Indianapolis for the Miss America Homecoming celebration in honor of Katie Stam, once Miss Indiana, now Miss America 2009! And then I get this opportunity! [Thanks to Bridget Bobel, Michael Nash and Editor David Zivan] I arrived at the Statehouse around 1:00 to meet the writer, Daniel Comiskey, and photograph the "behind the scenes" moments of Katie meeting members of the House and Senate from the entire state, following her lunch and workout with the Governor. On the Senate floor, she was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, the highest distinction given by the Governor.



After leaving the Statehouse, we went to University of Indianapolis where she was interviewed by the school radio, television broadcast and an additional documentary. Not only was Katie home in Indianapolis, but she was home in the studio in which she had spent so much time during college, preparing herself for her career in broadcast journalism. After a quick meeting with her advisor about graduation, we went to a reception and she was given a standing ovation and wonderful words from Beverly Pitts, the University President and her academic advisor. She was very touched by the reception and took that time to remind everyone that she is Katie, who just happens to be Miss America, but crown, pin, sash, and title aside, she is just Katie. A long line awaited Katie to personally greet and congratulate her, ending with her Miss Indiana successor and fellow UIndy grad, Megan Meadors.

This was wonderful to be a part of. Look for the article in next month's Indianapolis Monthly Magazine! View more photos HERE.

P.S. It's not REALLY a cover story ... but can't we wish?

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATRE

Happy 50th Anniversary to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre! On December 12, 2008, I was incredibly fortunate to witness and photograph the world premiere of Festa Barocca, by Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti. The 45-minute piece was full of vibrant color, constant energy and movement and celebration, featuring all 31 Ailey dancers. As Bigonzetti introduced the piece with Judith Jamison, AAADT Artistic Director, he said he began choreography and collaboration with the dancers and before he knew it, fell in love with all of them as he continually added more and more dancers to the stage.



This was an "ah-ha!" moment for me. I was sitting in a theatre, with premiere privileges as "Press" (for Movmnt Magazine) to photograph amazing dance - my passion in one setting. I was the youngest of any of the seven other photographers there, and I realized that I am achieving my dreams and doing what I can to pursue this career NOW because you can only live in the present.

Enjoy more photos HERE.

AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW (2008)

Back in the fall for Movmnt Magazine, I took the PATH train out to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center to photograph awesome show "Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew LIVE" ABDC, featuring the Jabberwockees, brought the best dances from what you saw on MTV to the stage! It was an incredible and entertaining show. I even snuck up pretty close for the 2nd act to get some close-ups! Here are some highlights -- view more HERE.

WEBSITE REDESIGN

Sometimes, the content is there, the ideas are there, but the design elements are lacking. This is something I really enjoy. I can help take the ideas from your head and get them down on paper and then onto the Internet. After meeting at a dinner party on the Upper East Side, Sojin Song and I began talking about travel, the Peace Corps, international cuisine, photography and then into the really dorky stuff about web design & graphic design. With an MBA from Columbia Business School, Sojin offers his services as a consultant for MBA Admissions preparation and more. His website is purely text-based, so we had to snaz things up a bit! Here's the result - and if you ever need some business advice...sounds like he's your guy! www.mbavantage.com



We also did a logo design and business card design to complete the package and branding of Sojin's company.



BEFORE:

WEB DESIGN

Check out a new web site that I designed! Healthy Concepts Consulting is a division of Your Ideal Coach, LLC developed by Betsy Bobel Opyt. A native of Indiana and former Miss Indiana, Betsy is now in Naples, FL where she works as a registered dietician, personal trainer, and more. Starting off in a new business requires a lot of marketing and networking, and a web site is a great way to do all of that! Check it out -- www.healthyconceptsconsulting.com.