Requiem for a Journey: Photographing 3 Seasons of OK Mozart (OKM)

Rossitza Goza, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster practicing backstage

In March of 2015 I was just setting out to start my own photography business. I was hired to photograph a special out-of-season event for OK Mozart, an international music festival that has been operating every June in Bartlesville, OK since 1983. In April, the next month, I was hired to photograph the entire week-long festival. From there I was honored to be the official photographer of the festival for 2 more seasons (2015-2017). Unfortunately, due to my move to Houston in May, 2018 I was not able to continue my run with OKM. 

The festival allowed me to photograph dozens of musicians, acts, and showcases including the world renowned Amici New York orchestra, Canadian Brass, Michael Martin Murphey, Wilson Phillips, and so many more. It was an honor and a privilege to photograph these talented musicians on stage, and have the occasional face to face interaction back stage.

Caitlyn Caughell, Broadway Performer, Singing with the Bartlesville Symphony in 2016

Michael Martin Murphey performing with the BSO, 2017

Miro Quartet, through the window of Ambler Hall, 2017

This year the festival was rebranded to OKM to signify a departure from purely classical, or classical adjacent music, to a wider variety of acts. I wish the best for OKM and I hope it can continue to bring outstanding talent, which would otherwise be relegated to larger cities, to Bartlesville and NE Oklahoma. 

See more of my favorite images from OKM here

Chynna Phillips, 2017

Wilson Phillips, 2017

OK Mozart Gala, 2016

Grand Finale Concert at Woolaroc, 2017

Photographing OKM was an outstanding opportunity which I will probably never have the chance to repeat, so I would like to thank everyone there for taking a chance on me. Thanks for the memories, and I hope I captured some good ones for you too.

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See more of my favorite images from OKM here

John Rhys-Davies on the set of "Starbright"

I recently had the opportunity to be a photographer on the set of "Starbright," a major motion picture which was filmed partially in Bartlesville and Tulsa, Oklahoma last November and December. It was an honor to meet and photograph the talented cast and crew. John Rhys-Davies was especially a treat. He was extremely kind, very conversational, wise, and willing as a subject. I can't wait to share more photos as they are released. Here is an article published by The Oklahoman featuring an interview with Rhys-Davies, and accompanied by one of my photos.

Graduation: Kai and Melanie

I've known Kai since 6th grade, when we met in Mrs. Cosby's english class. 11 years later, I had the pleasure of photographing him and his girlfriend Melanie's graduation pictures. A lot has changed in those 11 years: back then, I wore Rocket Man-esque transition lens glasses and Kai rotated a series of NBA jerseys on a once-weekly basis. On May 9, 2015, Kai graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in computer engineering, and will be starting a job at Phillips 66. The shoot was a lot of fun, and it also provided a great opportunity to visit beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas. Congratulations to both Kai and Melanie. I wish you the best!

Senior 2015: Martin

Jo Allen Lowe Park in Bartlesville, Oklahoma provided a stunning backdrop for Martin's senior session. Luckily the subject was great too! A soccer player, juggler, and future electrical engineer Martin will be taking his talents to OU in the fall. Best of luck to him! The perfect golden hour sunlight and lush greenery in the park provided for some images I hope Martin and his family will enjoy for years to come.