Every Week

Every Week 15

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This academic year I decided to take Swahili as a language. Many people laugh when I tell them this but I have enjoyed this class and that is mainly because of Mwalimu. Mwalimu means teacher in Swahili and that is the name that Jim Houser goes by on Baylor's campus. Mwalimu and Mama William (In Africa, the wife is called by the child of hers that the people there know best) have been married for over 60 years and they were gracious enough to let me take their pictures. They were missionaries in Africa for a little over 40 years and when they moved back to the States, Mwalimu was asked to continue the Swahili course as a teacher at Baylor. Mwalimu is 84-years-old and has been teaching Swahili at Baylor for about 20 years now and has decided to retire after this semester. I figured that he and Mama William needed some good quality pictures on campus before this year was over. In my opinion, Swahili at Baylor won't be the same without him. Our shoot was short but it was a very special time and they wouldn't let me leave before asking me what was going on in my life. They care about their students. Even Mama William will come in a day or two through out the year just to talk with the students and we just get to listen and enjoy. They are a very special couple and I have been blessed by them.

Mimi nilikuwa na furaha kuchukua picha yako.

Every Week 14

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Liz Phillips and I met this semester in our Nonverbal Communication class. She is a junior Communication Studies major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I haven't really had the opportunity to hang out with her outside of class so I asked her if she'd like to go on an adventure and take some pictures. She agreed and we decided to head to Baylor's campus to get a few shots. She's helped me learn about king cakes and other Louisiana traditions and has been a joy to sit next to in class. She's always smiling and when she's not smiling, she's making a goofy face. It was good time hanging out with Liz and getting some good photos.

Every Week 13

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I had the honor, privilege, and joy to shoot the Penthouse Boyz. Eight dudes have lived in the same apartment for the past three years and have become pretty well known around Baylor. Jared, John-Mark, Nate, Jacob, Justin, Carter, Chandler and Ben are all awesome, solid dudes. It was an absolute blast shooting these guys. They are a bunch of goof balls that like to joke and have a good time. One of the reasons I love this project is that I get to hang out with people like these guys to create memories through pictures. This year has truly been an adventure so far and I can't wait for the rest of it. (Unfortunately, one of the guys, Chandler, wasn't able to make it to the shoot but we might just photoshop him in.)

Every Week 12

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Sheridan Ellis is a senior studio art major from Plano. We had such a fun time during this shoot exploring the side of I-35. I've known who Sheridan was ever since I was a freshman but am just now getting to know her a little better and I can't wait to see where she'll go after she graduates in a few months. And maybe if we're lucky, she'll create her own website with some of her art because she is a very talented artist. The few paintings I've seen have blown my mind. In the mean time, check out some of the portraits from our shoot. 

Every Week 11

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Ben Cork has been my friend now for just a little over a year and I have loved getting to spend time with him. He cares about what you're saying when you're with him and he loves to see and talk about your passions. I really enjoy spending time with him because I feel valued and heard. Ben is an incredible cyclist and I have had the pleasure of going mountain biking with him several times but this time I took my camera and we got some sweet shots. This was a new challenge for me as I don't really shoot action or sports very often. But nonetheless, I was up for it. Ben is the coolest guy I know from South Dakota. . . okay, he may be the only guy I know from South Dakota but that doesn't negate the fact that he's super cool. You might just have to take my word for it.