How do you compile a decade’s worth of images and stories into a single blog post? If you ever figure it out, please let me know. In the meantime, this a best attempt at highlighting some of the ongoing clients, fun jobs and unique ingredients that have compiled the last 10 years of Novo Studio.

Enjoy.

1. “The Bosco”

Say hello to “The Bosco” The above photograph was the first official studio photograph taken in the new studio space in 2010. For years, the Bosco would act as both window decoration and studio manager, playing both rolls to near perfection. In the summer of 2018, the Bosco sadly passed away but this photo is a good reminder of a life well-lived and his contribution to the studio’s overall success over the last decade. Cheers, old friend; You are missed. (“The Bosco”, 2009 - 2018)

2. The Fayetteville Public Library

Our ongoing working relationship with the Fayetteville Public Library is one of the longest working relationships we’ve had with any client. The library itself is renowned for its variety of content as well as state-of-the-art facilities. And with the acquisition of adjacent property and a successful capital campaign, the next decade holds bright things for this library and the community it serves.

3. F5 Tornado | Joplin Missouri, May 2011

As I was driving home from an engagement shoot one evening in May, I noticed that the sky further North looked formidable and angry. Hours later, I was to learn that appearances had not been deceiving. The next morning, I drove to Joplin and photographed the devastation. To this day, it remains one of the single most indescribable scenarios I’ve ever carried a camera into.

4. The Walmart Amp

I love getting asked to create artwork using the camera. And one of my favorite jobs over the last 10 years was creating artwork for the Walmart Amp’s Green Room. A few days before it officially opened, I was tasked with the job of creating abstract images of the venue utilizing the architecture, the details, the lights…basically anything that looked cool. These photos in turn, were to be printed, framed and hung within the walls and vip rooms of the venue. Years later, I still wonder what artists have noticed and commented on the photos hanging in there. (I really hope Weezer liked them) :)

5. Trolley Line Bookshop

From 2010 until 2017, this little bookshop was located right next door to the studio. This was both a blessing and curse, as I have a thing for books. On days when I felt I needed to stretch my legs from working too much, I would often pop over next door to peruse the selections. Trolley Line was one of those bookshops where you could never see everything…even in multiple visits. And of course being next door, they were more than willing to take delivery of FedEx packages when I was not in the office. This little place was a true inspiration and a very friendly business neighbor.

6. Africa

Any photographer who has spent time in a third world country knows that it can be sensory overload when deciding what to photograph. Combine that with the fact that you are now the minority and you have your work cut out for you. I traveled to Africa multiple times over the last 10 years and each time, it seemed as though I was able to overcome challenges while also being presented with new ones. In a nutshell, you can never be fully prepared so your best bet is to just hang on, enjoy the ride and photograph what you can as best as you can. #lifelessons

7. Arkansas Wild

It’s no secret that I love the outdoors. Much of this brand is built on either working in the outdoors or enjoying the outdoors as a means to refresh the mind and body. Arkansas Wild magazine is a great client in that regard, because the work often allows both to be done simultaneously. Over the years, I’ve traveled all over the state for this client and I dare say I’ve loved almost every minute of it. (Including the time I almost froze to death camping in January and that time I got rerouted for 3 hours on a forestry road in the Ouachita mountains because there was a tree down.)

8. Shelby Farms Park: Elevating a City

One of the most unique projects I’ve worked on this decade was creating images for a book on Shelby Farms Park in Memphis Tennessee. Thanks to Susan Schadt Press and Doxa, I had the opportunity to spend a few days at the park riding my bike around and creating photo content for the book. The book relied on content form a few different photographers, each with their own unique skill set. My job description was to create lifestyle images of people enjoying the park and detailed images of the parks design.

9. University of Arkansas School of Art

Another ongoing working relationship that we’ve enjoyed over the past decade is our collaboration with the University of Arkansas School of Art. Over the years, we’ve worked to create content for their website and marketing endeavors by creating portraits of all the faculty as well as candid images of students in the classrooms and labs. With a recent (and very large) grant, plans to expand the program include new faculty, new equipment and brand new facilities uniting the entire art department in close proximity.

10. Bike Arkansas

Bikes.

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes.

It should come as no surprise to you that this blog post about a decade’s worth of images would be utterly incomplete without a nod to the cycling clients we’ve worked with over the past 10 years. So crack your knuckles and prepare to scroll a bit more for this last post. Thanks for reading and Happy New Year.