The Ricoh GRIII-King of the Street

A couple of weeks ago, I rented a Leica Q2 from borrowlenses.com for my birthday week. It marked the first time I had ever laid hands on a Leica, let alone shoot with one. While I found the camera to be a thing of beauty, and the lens truly sublime, I simply cannot  justify spending over 5K on a digital tool that will someday become obsolete.

Enter the Ricoh GRIII-at around 85 percent less than the Leica Q2.

Years ago, I purchased the original Ricoh GR and used it pretty obsessively-especially for sojourns onto the streets. Sadly, it contracted a giant dust spot on the sensor (something the Ricoh’s are notorious for), and it found itself in a drawer, where it gathered dust on the outside.

After some extensive research (o.k. maybe it was a bit of an impulse buy), I decided to risk the the the dust attracting sensor, and I pulled the trigger on the Richo GRIII.

Below is a sampling of my first couple of days with the camera. To cut to the chase, I love this little camera. It has its flaws (battery life is atrocious), but this tiny workhorse is an absolute beast when it comes to candid street photography.

QLI 2020-Resilience in Action

I was humbled and honored to witness the grit and fortitude of the human spirit during the trying times of 2020 at a remarkable place in Omaha, Nebraska called QLI-a place where I've worked for nearly 25 years. This is a video diary of some of my favorite images I shot during this historic time.

The Stillness of Home

All photographs were take in our apartment in Omaha, Nebraska during the first 60 days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Jimmy Martin takes a short break from loading wood in the lumberyard. Jimmy is the brother of the Town and Country Minute Mart's owner, Mike Martin. Jimmy told me he's broken every bone in his body except for his neck, saying most resulted from his time as an amateur bull rider and brawling in bar rooms. Jimmy works long days in the yard and maintains a farm during his off hours. His hands are vivid evidence of the relentless work ethic that permeates most of rural Kentucky.

Shearer Determination

In November of 2017, Mike Shearer was admitted to the ICU at Methodist Hospital in Omaha with pneumonia and complications from diabetes.

The following evening, Mike suffered a significant stroke and was rushed to Nebraska Medicine where he underwent a risky and life-saving craniectomy.. This procedure involved removing a large section of Mike's skull as well as a significant amount of brain tissue. 

In addition to the complications from the stroke, Mike's heart became infected and required damaged heart valves to be removed and replaced with prosthetic ones. 

One day after open heart surgery, Mike's body became extremely septic and he nearly lost his life.

Amazingly, Mike weathered all storms.

After receiving acute rehab at Madonna hospital in Lincoln Nebraska, Mike was admitted to QLI for rehabilitation in February of 2018.

QLI capitalized on Mike's passions, values and motivators to create a highly personalized program  for Mike and his family.

On May 17th, 2018, Mike finally returned home to be with his wife and three children. 

I had the incredible honor of documenting Mike Shearer and his inspirational family for a story for QLI. With Mike's determination combined with the spirit and energy of his wife, Denise, and their children, The Shearers are charting a course for a re-defined life; one with purpose, grace, hope and faith. 

I combined my photographs with ambient sound and interviews to create the video imbedded below. 

Mike plays the piano during a melodic intonation therapy session.

Mike’s stroke occurred on the left hemisphere of his brain and resulted in aphasia-the difficulty in understanding and expressing speech.

As part of his therapy at QLI, Mike used functional physical and speech therapy skills to host a family pool party. Here, Mike is shown with his son Rhett.

Mike’s wife Denise was a source of incredible strength and stability throughout Mike’s recovery.

Mike with his youngest daughter, Lauren.

Despite his wife being told Mike would never speak or walk agin, Mike defied the odds.

Mike’s ability to stand and walk improved drastically.

Mike works to regain movement and function in his right upper extremities.

Mike works on functional life skills at a local grocery store.

Mike with his speech and language pathologist during a session at QLI.

Mike’s daughter Lauren was able to spend a significant amount of time with Mike while his other children where in school.

Lauren joins Mike during a music therapy session.

Throughout Mike’s recovery, Denise and Mike lived at Denise’s parents’ house. Here Mike plays with his oldest daughter, Kate.

Above all, Mike values being a father and a husband.

Visits to the house were a vital part of Mike’s program at QLI in order to prepare Mike for moving home.

Mike and his children enjoying a movie during a weekend home visit.

Evening prayers before bed.

Mike and his family demonstrate the “Shearer Strong” pose.

This diptych incorporates edited iPhone photos Mike’s wife Denise’s shot in the hospital paired with images I took during Mike’s stay at QLI.

This diptych incorporates edited iPhone photos Mike’s wife Denise’s shot in the hospital paired with images I took during Mike’s stay at QLI.

This diptych incorporates edited iPhone photos Mike’s wife Denise’s shot in the hospital paired with images I took during Mike’s stay at QLI.

Step by Step-Kent's Resolve

I recently had the honor of documenting Kent Templien's remarkable resolve as he recovers from a spinal cord injury he sustained from an ATV accident. I continue to be humbled to have the privilege and opportunity to tell the stories of the people we serve at QLI in Omaha. 

Escape from Gravity

May those who cannot walk be granted the ability to soar. 

Zoo

About once every 5 years I take a 1/2 day trip to the zoo. While I do recognize the many benefits zoos provide for wildlife and preservation, I always come away feeling a bit down and guilty. Maybe I'm just projecting, but the primates and the cats seem to express a genuine restlessness and sadness...