Editorial Photography

Flight Operations & Night Vision Research

One of the projects I documented involved research supporting Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training systems, which integrate real pilots, simulated aircraft, and virtual battlefield environments into coordinated training exercises.

As part of this project, I was tasked with photographing an active-duty pilot wearing night vision goggles while preparing for flight in an F-16 at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix.

I remember arriving on the tarmac with retired Colonel Carr, who I worked closely with at the lab. Pilots were preparing their aircraft while jet engines roared around us.

Even with earplugs and heavy hearing protection, the sound was overwhelming.

Colonel Carr was speaking and pointing toward the aircraft, but I couldn’t hear a word he was saying. I simply watched him smile and gesture toward the jet.

That was my cue.

The pilot climbed into the cockpit and began running through pre-flight checks while attaching the night vision system. I photographed quickly from multiple angles, capturing the sequence as the aircraft prepared for departure.

Moments like this require speed, awareness, and a documentary mindset; there are no second takes on the flight line.

Immersive Training Systems
JTAC Dome Simulator

Another fascinating project involved documenting the construction and testing of a five-meter immersive dome used to train Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).

This system allowed trainees to experience a fully immersive battlefield simulation environment where they could coordinate air support with pilots during training exercises.

Working alongside a video specialist, we documented the assembly of the system by photographing the installation at timed intervals, creating a time-lapse record of the dome being built from the ground up.

Inside the dome, I photographed the simulation environment using a Nikon camera with a fisheye lens, which allowed the curvature of the projection system and the surrounding simulation environment to be captured in a single frame. The camera was on a tripod against the wall behind a row of computers. 

Event Photography

Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)

The research our division conducted was later presented at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida—the world’s largest modeling and simulation conference.

The presentation demonstrated how JTAC soldiers could communicate with live pilots while interacting with simulated battlefield environments in real time.

The exhibit drew one of the largest crowds among Department of Defense presentations that year.

My photographs documenting the project and presentation were later used in:

• AFRL newsletters and communications

• research publications

• conference materials

• partner communications

Several partner organizations involved in the project also used the images in their own publications.

Onsite Events

• AFRL 50th Anniversary Open House and Dining Out
• Badge Ceremonies
• Retirement Ceremonies
• Family Days & Barbecues

Graphic Design & Visual Communications

In addition to photography, I supported the division’s outreach and internal communication efforts through graphic design and visual communication projects.

These included:

• periodicals

• program logos and patches

• training manuals and instructional materials

• presentation graphics

• informational displays

• conference exhibit materials

These materials helped translate highly technical research initiatives into clear visual information that could be understood by leadership, conference audiences, and industry partners.