I snapped this last week during Black Out Tuesday. Behind me, the protest, in front of me the Capitol. I roamed around the city snapping pics and taking in my community. While roaming around it dawned on me that I have no idea who the people in charge of my community are. I couldn’t tell you one city council member’s name, let alone who the mayor is. Change starts at home. Educate yourself with your local politicians, do your research, and when it’s time to vote, vote!!! Once elected into office hold them accountable for why they are there and be involved with the processes. Black Lives Matter and more than ever, now is the time to change the world. There is no reason to tolerate hatred anymore. It’s ugly, disgusting and a waste of energy and time. I pledge to do my part to make this world a better place and I hope all who read this do as well. 

Educate, research, discuss, and vote! Find your local election information https://www.usa.gov/election-office

While chasing the guys around the world to create Whereabouts Unknown I always enjoyed watching Barns behind the kit. I didn't realize power and grace could flow together so well. The chains hooked to the kick drum are there so it doesn't go flying into the front row. I snapped this photo for the book in Las Vegas, NV on November 21, 2015. It was so cold that night in Vegas and Rise Against was playing an outdoor show that was completely sold out. We had a tent as a dressing room with a space heater that put out less heat than a freezer.  None of this affected the guys. They rolled out on the stage and melted faces! 

Learn more about the Rise Against photo book "WHEREABOUTS UNKOWN"

I always wanted to capture Chris Cornell through the lens and seven years ago on my birthday I had the opportunity to do just that. They were headlining Rock on the Range and I had three songs to capture the energy known as Soundgarden. Was such a highlight for me. Basically you couldn't have asked for a better 40th birthday! I couldn't wait to shoot Chris again. In 2017 I was supposed to be on tour with The Pretty Reckless while they were opening for Soundgarden. Due to prior commitments I couldn't join them until May 18th. Their last official show of the Soundgarden tour was May 17th but they were going to be doing some festivals together.  I woke up on my birthday to the news of Chris passing and didn't believe it. I jumped on a plane to Newark, NJ from Salt Lake City, UT to meet up with Taylor and the boys. When I landed I learned the news was true and was shocked and heartbroken along with the rest of the world. The TPR manager called me and told me to jump on a plane back to Salt Lake City. I took a cab to JFK in New York and flew home. Now every year on my birthday I pull out all my Soundgarden and Audioslave vinyl records and play them all day. I look back through the photos I shot back in 2013 and feel forever thankful for that day. Thank you, Chris, for your voice, your passion, and your unfiltered passion that has inspired so many.