Leadership, Legacy, and a Homecoming at Eastern Michigan University

I recently had the absolute honor and pleasure of photographing a truly meaningful moment at Eastern Michigan University: the Board of Regents electing Dr. Brendan Kelly as the University’s 24th president. A two-time EMU alumnus, Dr. Kelly’s appointment marked a heartfelt homecoming and reflected the Board’s strong confidence in his leadership and vision for the future of the University.

The day was filled with celebration — warm embraces, joyful tears, and countless smiles. There was an undeniable sense of excitement and optimism throughout the room, and it was clear how deeply the EMU community is looking forward to this next chapter.

The presence of Dr. Brendan Kelly and Dr. Tressa Kelly further underscored the sense of care, connection, and hope that defines Eastern Michigan University.

Dr. Kelly will join EMU as president-elect on March 1, 2026, working alongside President James Smith during a thoughtful transition period. He will officially assume the role of president following President Smith’s retirement next spring, ushering in a new era of leadership for the University.

Thank you to Ariana, Sue, Darcy, and the entire team at Eastern Michigan University for trusting me to document such a momentous and historic day for the University. It was truly an honor to be there.

Feeling Good at UMMA! Feel Good Friday - Halloween Edition!

Last month, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the University of Michigan Museum of Art’s Feel Good Friday Halloween celebration—an event that was every bit as joyful as it sounds. The energy, the smiles, the creativity, the sheer friendliness of everyone who walked through those doors…it was all incredible.UMMA truly cultivates a culture of belonging, and it’s been such a privilege to work with their team and document their community-focused events.

One of the highlights of the night was UMMA’s annual Halloween costume contest. The crowd cheered as the finalists were announced, and in the end, the winning costume—“Canada Dry”—was a joyful, homemade masterpiece. While wandering through the museum, I stumbled across a little room where artwork had recently been removed. I asked the winner if they’d be up for a quick portrait in the space—and that spontaneous moment turned into one of my favorite images of the entire evening.

The celebration was packed with things to experience. In addition to the costume contest there were so many fun (and free!!) activities for guests, including artist-made portraits, a photo opp, artist talks in the auditorium, live music, dancing—so many ways for people to connect, create, and simply have fun. It was an unforgettable night and an absolute privilege to document.

A huge thank-you to Kate, Chris, Neil, Mahalina, and everyone at UMMA for their kindness, support, and for welcoming me back to capture such a heartwarming event! Thank You, UMMA!!

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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