OddAnimalSpecimens, Endless Curiosity, and possibly one of my Coolest Shoots Ever!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Charlie Engelman, the creative mind behind the TikTok and YouTube channel OddAnimalSpecimens, as he was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the TIME100 Creators—a list celebrating the most influential digital voices today.

If you haven’t seen OddAnimalSpecimens, it’s a fascinating series where Charlie shares quirky facts and debunks myths about the animal world. Since launching it five years ago, he’s built a loyal following—not because he’s trying to “teach” in the traditional sense, but because he sparks curiosity and inspires people to care about science.

Charlie Engelman at the University of Michigan Research Museums Center looking through their collection of animal specimens to feature in his popular video series, OddAnimalSpecimens

Photographing him inside the University of Michigan Research Museum Center’s animal specimen collection was an unforgettable experience! Behind the doors is every kind of specimen you can imagine—rows and rows of preserved wonders. Walking through the hallways felt like stepping into a secret archive of the natural world.

Charlie Engelman poses in front of the University of Michigan Research Museums Center. An Ann Arbor native, Engelman films his popular social media series OddAnimalSpecimens at the research center, where he uses the expansive collection of animal samples stored.

Charlie posing for a portrait with his trusty camera and iconic blue gloves.

Photographing Charlie wasn’t just about documenting a milestone—it was a reminder of why I love what I do. His passion for curiosity is contagious, and I left the shoot with a deeper appreciation for the quiet magic that happens behind closed museum doors.

A huge thank-you to Charlie—and congratulations on the incredible success of OddAnimalSpecimens!

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Behind the Photo: Photographing Hope in the Face of Gun Violence →

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I recently had the privilege of photographing Dr. Tareq Khan, a professor at Eastern Michigan University who has developed a powerful new gunshot detection system—an invention with the potential to save lives in classrooms and communities.

Photographing a story like this can be uniquely challenging. There aren’t always obvious visuals to lean on, and when dealing with a subject as heavy as gun violence in America, it’s crucial to strike the right tone. I wanted the portrait to feel grounded and serious, but also to convey a sense of hope—because that’s what Dr. Khan’s work represents: the possibility of a safer future.

As I scouted locations, I noticed a nearby computer lab with windows casting dramatic patterns of light across the space. The symbolism hit me immediately—light cutting through darkness. It felt like a visual metaphor for Khan’s work: a response to tragedy, moving toward a solution. With help we were able to gain access to the room and capture a few quick portraits.

In the above image, I positioned Dr. Khan looking toward the light—a subtle nod to hope, innovation, and forward momentum. I also chose a more reflective, subdued expression rather than a bright smile, in keeping with the weight of the subject matter.

You can read more about Dr. Khan and his work in The Sound of Science in Eastern Magazine.

Khan working with Mohammed Hagras (right), a junior electrical and computer engineering major is Khan’s project assistant.

Photographing Dr. Khan alongside his project assistant, Mohammed, in the classroom added another important layer to the story. It not only highlights the collaborative nature of the work but also shows that as a student at EMU, you have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking, real-world solutions—work that could one day save lives.

Khan's hands assembling the gunshot detection device.

In addition to the candid shots and portrait, I made sure to capture close-up shots of Dr. Khan working with the device itself—hands assembling, wiring, and testing components. These detailed images help bring the story to life by showing the human effort and precision behind the technology. Visually, they also add variety to the narrative by breaking up the wider and medium shots and creating a more dynamic, layered look at the work being done.

The audio-based device can detect gunshots within at least 40 feet.

Many thanks to the Communications team at Eastern Michigan University and Eastern Magazine for the opportunity to visually tell such an important story happening right here in our community!

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Photography celebrating 100 Years of the Benzonia Library & Mills Community House!

A Century of Community: Celebrating 100 Years of the Benzonia Library & Mills Community House

This June, the Benzonia Public Library and Mills Community House marked an incredible milestone—100 years of serving the community! For a century, these two institutions have been at the heart of Benzonia, Michigan, providing not just books and resources, but a true sense of connection and belonging.

To celebrate, they hosted a charming old-fashioned strawberry social —complete with fresh strawberry shortcake, crafting for families and plenty of stories shared among friends and neighbors. It was the kind of event that made you feel like you’d stepped back in time in the best possible way.

I had the pleasure of photographing the celebration and capturing the joy, warmth, and community spirit that filled the day. From kids with sticky fingers to longtime residents reminiscing on a hot summer day on the porch, it was a beautiful reminder of what makes this place so special.

Here’s to another 100 years of community, conversation, and connection at the Benzonia Library and Mills Community House!

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A Surprise Engagement at Nichols Arboretum

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It’s been a busy few weeks, but now that summer is in full swing and things are starting to slow down a bit, I’m excited to finally share some recent projects—including this long-overdue post! A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Brock and Sydney’s engagement at the Peony Garden in the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum here in Ann Arbor. The session was such a joy from start to finish!

Sydney had so many laughs and so much fun during her engagement shoot with Brock at the beautiful Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden!

Brock reached out to me a couple of weeks ahead of time with his plan to surprise Sydney with a proposal. Both he and Sydney met while they were students at U of M, so the Peony Garden—especially during peak bloom—was the perfect place to pop the question. With a food festival happening downtown, they had the perfect excuse to spend the day in Ann Arbor, and Sydney didn’t suspect a thing.

Sydney’s beautiful engagement ring among the blooming rhododendrons at Nichols Arboretum.

I had to be extra sneaky with my camera so the surprise wouldn’t be spoiled—but everything went off beautifully! After the big moment, we spent about 30 minutes walking through the Arb and the gardens, soaking in the sunshine and excitement. I wanted to give them space to enjoy the moment naturally, so I captured many of the images from a distance using my Fujifilm 50-140mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.4 (an 80mm equivalent on my XT4 and XH2). The goal was to keep things relaxed and pressure-free so they could just be themselves and take it all in.

A sweet, quiet moment captured from afar as Brock and Sydney soak in the joy of being newly engaged.

A huge thank-you to Brock for finding me on Reddit and reaching out! Lately, I’ve had quite a few people book sessions after seeing my name recommended there, and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the folks who’ve listed me—it’s made such a big difference. ❤️

I love the golden light on Sydney in this one!

Congratulations again, Brock and Sydney! It was such an honor to meet you both. And as a fellow Yooper, I loved hearing about Sydney’s family ties to the Upper Peninsula—so fun to talk about familiar places and shared roots.

More summer stories and shoots coming soon—stay tuned!

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Photographing with Heart at the Building Bridges Gala : My Approach to Nonprofit Events

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With a background in photojournalism—and a lifelong love for people and their stories—I’ve always been drawn to nonprofits. I truly believe they keep hope alive, especially in times like these, when critical programs across the country are being defunded.

I’ve worked for nonprofits in the past and volunteer with one today. The work is not easy. Budgets are tight, roles are stretched, and you’re constantly balancing the desire to help others with the hard reality that money often drives what’s possible.

Since 2023, I’ve had the honor of freelancing for the Center, and this year marked my third time photographing their Building Bridges Gala. It’s one of the most thoughtfully produced and joyful events I’ve ever documented. The setting is stunning, the energy is contagious, and everywhere you look, people are smiling, connecting, and celebrating community. Every team member I’ve met is deeply committed to Detroit’s unhoused community—not just with care, but with real action. Their hearts are fully in the work, and that’s what makes them so successful.

At events like this, my goal is to stay unobtrusive. I often shoot from a distance with my Fujifilm 50–140mm 2.8 lens, which allows me to capture authentic, candid moments. If people don’t notice I’m there, I consider that a success. I strongly feel that quiet observation often leads to the most genuine images. I don’t want to influence anyone to act a certain way because my camera is pointed at them. I want to capture who they truly are, their natural smiles and reactions to being in company with one another.

Another thing I love about the 50–140mm is how well it captures the small details that help tie the story together and give viewers a glimpse of what it felt like to be there.

But my go-to, and honestly probably favorite lens in my kit is Fujifilm’s 35mm 1.4 (50mm equivalent on my cropped-sensor Fujifilm XT4 and XH2). It’s perfect for portraits and details—close enough to feel intimate without being intrusive.

I’ve also been learning to embrace my 16mm for wide shots. Composing wide frames used to be a challenge, but this lens has taught me to welcome the visual busy-ness and find beauty in the full scene.

Thank you again to the Pope Francis Center for inviting me to be a part of this important work. Documenting your mission and sharing the stories of this community is a true honor. I’ve learned so much about the challenges Detroit’s homeless population faces—and about the real, meaningful efforts it takes to create lasting change.

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Behind the Lens at the A2SO Season Finale!

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What a way to wrap up the 2024–2025 season! The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s season closer, led by Music Director Earl Lee, was a powerful and moving experience. Lee took the podium to conduct an incredible program featuring musica pyralis by Katherine Balch and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5—a beautiful way to end the season.

This performance also marked a personal milestone: my first time photographing inside the historic Hill Auditorium! The venue is absolutely stunning, offering so many unique angles and perspectives—including a rare opportunity to shoot from behind the stage, which allowed me to capture forward-facing shots of the conductor in action.

Following the concert, I had the chance to attend the Afterglow, a special gathering for donors and season subscribers. It’s a wonderful tradition that allows attendees to connect with the orchestra’s musicians and staff in a more relaxed and intimate setting.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, especially marketing director Willie Cornish, who so kindly responded to my first email weeks ago and gave me the opportunity to photograph the last MainStage concerts for the season. I’m so excited to continue documenting the magic when the new season begins in September!

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Capturing the Magic - Capturing Magic: April MainStage with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

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The Michigan Theater was the perfect backdrop for such a stunning performance. It’s one of my favorite venues to photograph, with its rich textures, vintage charm, and especially the vibrant energy behind the scenes. There’s just something about being backstage that brings the whole experience to life in a different way.

On April 5th, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s April MainStage concert. It was an unforgettable night of music, led by guest conductor Andrew Grams and featuring the remarkable Kate Liu—medalist at the 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Competition—making her Ann Arbor debut.

This concert felt especially meaningful to me on a personal level. When I first started freelancing, I reached out to a few local nonprofits to offer my photography services—and the A2SO was one of the very first to take a chance on me. I’ll never forget how excited I was after one phone call landed me two concerts to shoot. That early support truly meant the world.

Huge thanks to Willis and Kemper at A2SO for continuing to trust me with capturing these special moments. I’m so grateful to be part of telling your story through images.

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Turning the Page on March: A Look Back at My Favorite Photohoots

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With a new month underway, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of my favorite photoshoots from March! It was a whirlwind of a month—leaving my full-time role as a photographer at Ford Motor Co., meeting with new clients, handling vendor paperwork, and laying the groundwork for exciting opportunities ahead. It’s been a lot of work, but I’m eager to see what the coming weeks and months will bring.

Through all of these changes, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my friends and family. Their encouragement has meant the world to me during this transition.

One particularly special moment from March was photographing a surprise birthday party for my dear friend Ed in Romulus, MI. Ed is like family to me—a father figure I deeply respect—and it was an honor to capture this celebration put together by his amazing wife, Stephanie. Seeing the pure joy on his face as his loved ones surprised him was unforgettable.

Here are some of my favorite images from the event—moments that truly capture the excitement, love, and laughter shared that night.

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Ducks and Armenian Coffee

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Jeff and I are duck-sitting for a neighbor while he’s in Turkey for a week vacation. He has the most extensive collection of coffee and tea cups, so we treated ourselves to them and made some Armenian coffee while hanging out with our feathered friends.

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Portraits with Dr. Hanan and Life Update!

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After over 10 years of working in a traditional setting, I’ve made the exciting decision to dive into freelancing full-time! It was a big choice, and honestly, a little scary, but I’m trusting my gut and going for it. Photography has always been my passion, especially telling stories through emotive imagery. The trust that clients place in me to capture their moments and tell their stories is one of the greatest compliments I could receive. I’m thrilled to pour my energy and focus into this new chapter and look forward to the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead.

All that said - I’m also so excited to share some recent work from a fun portrait session with Dr. Hanan Alhaddi at Detroit Perk, an incredible coffee shop and community hangout in Dearborn Heights. Hanan reached out to me needing new portraits for an upcoming book, speaking engagements, conferences, and additional images to help build her personal brand in consulting.

Hanan, thank you so much for trusting me to capture these images! It was a pleasure working with you, and I can't wait to see where your journey takes you.

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