Phase Change Photography

06/16/2026

Some favorite pics from our photo booth on Sunday at Plantasia (put on by Wake Brewing and QC Gardening Equipment & Supply).

06/16/2026

If you participated in the photo booth at Wake Brewing's Plantasia on Sunday, I've sent photos to everybody. In the event you don't see them, check spam, turn off your computer, and count to 1,326. If you still don't see them, send me a message on Facebook and we'll get squared away.

06/15/2026

Today at Wake Brewing we did a photo-booth experiment at the inaugural Plantasia event, spearheaded by these two.

I learned a lot, including that I need a much-bigger backdrop and that light stands, if not properly weighted down, can snap in two when the wind knocks them over.

More than anything, though, I was reminded that people having fun look fantastic. Thanks to Dag and Deb for putting it together, and thanks to the 15 individuals and groups that let me photograph them today. I had a blast.

Expect a big ol' gallery of silly pictures later in the week!

06/14/2026

It's Plantasia day at Wake Brewing from noon to 6pm. I'll be doing an absolutely free, no-strings-attached photo booth for the duration, and the weather looks like it'll be fantastic.

The event will also feature a plant, seed, and gardening-stuff swap, as well as Wake's normal Yacht Rock Sunday lineup: live DJs (2-6pm), The Hungry Carnivore food truck (noon-5pm), and (maybe?) discounted four-packs of beer.

But wait! THERE'S MORE! While you're in Rock Island on Sunday, also check out the Rock Island Artists' Market at Skeleton Key Art and Antiques from noon to 5pm, and Radicle Effect Brewerks' Community Market (11am-3pm). Both events will also have food trucks.

06/10/2026

I'll be shooting absolutely free portraits from noon to 6pm on Sunday, June 14, at Wake Brewing and the Plantasia event.

Dress up or dress down. Bring props (especially if they're plants). Flash a cheesy smile or glare like a serial killer. We might even have a dirt tub (for the gritty look) and a spray bottle (for the dewy/sweaty look).

(Thanks to Qc Alegirl for being a game model for a test shoot at the brewery! The Frost Hammer probably won’t be available for general use, but you can always ask.)

And now, answers to any question you might reasonably ask … .

1. What's the catch?

There is no catch. You show up. I shoot a few pictures of you. I send you three to five pictures via email or text.

2. So you're harvesting contact info to send me spam every day?

No. I'm collecting contact info to send out pictures. You will never receive marketing from me because of your participation in this event.

3. What will they look like?

I'm using a white canopy that will flatteringly diffuse the natural light. I'll also be shooting with a flash and beauty dish to create catchlight and gentle shadows (for depth). The background will be simple and neutral. Photos will be processed and edited, and then they'll be sent out.

4. You're editing each photo individually?

Not really. I'll apply automatic adjustments and a basic portrait formula to all the photos, but I will review each one and make some quick fixes.

5. What if I want you to edit the photos further?

For that you'd need to pay me.

6. Will you put watermarks on them?

Nope.

7. So what will I receive?

JPEGs at roughly 2,000 pixels on the longest side saved at the highest quality setting. They'll be suitable for nearly any use except giant prints.

8. What can I do with these photos?

Whatever you want. I would appreciate credit, but it's not required.

9. Why are you doing this?

For practice.

To get future clients.

For fun.

And I'll have a tip jar!

06/06/2026

We're open at Wake Brewing's The Dark Market until 4pm. Lots of cool and weird stuff, Mexie's food truck, and good beer!

05/08/2026

I'm out of hibernation, so here's what I have scheduled so far this year.

• I have one piece in the Rockford Art Museum's Midwestern Biennial 2026, running May 22 to September 27. Opening reception 6-7:30pm on Friday, May 22.

• I'll be selling at Wake Brewing's Dark Market noon-4pm on Saturday, June 6.

• Also at Wake, we have a concept for something fun on Sunday, June 14. Prepare your finery and ask your favorite plant if it's available for an outing.

• My first solo exhibition will be at The ARTery in July and August, with receptions on July 31 and August 28.

• Finally (for now), I'll have a booth at Quad City Arts' Riverssance Festival of Fine Art 2026, September 19 and 20 at Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport.

03/18/2026

I'm honored to receive one of these grants this year!

Quad City Arts is pleased to announce 2026 Arts Dollars grant awards totaling $129,150 to 28 organizations and 11 individual artists 💸

Since 1990, Quad City Arts has supported the local art community by awarding more than $1,600,000 in grants to local artists, non-profit organizations, and schools. Arts Dollars funds are generously provided by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.

👉 Read all about it and view a list of all 2026 grant recipients on our blog! bit.ly/4bstmRl

12/08/2025

Although I'm done with events for the year, there's still plenty of time to order prints before the holidays -- for yourself or as gifts.

I do my own archival prints on paper in-house (generally at 8x10 or 8x12, but up to 12x18) and print with a local business for metal, canvas, and larger-format paper. Price depends on size and edition type, but 8x10/8x12 open-edition prints are $30, while limited editions are $50.

My full catalog is available at PhaseChangePhoto.com. Your best bet for ordering is to call or text me at 309-623-5298, or to email me at [email protected]. Quad Cities delivery is generally free, and shipping will be charged at cost.

And here are 10 of my favorite pictures from this year.

12/07/2025