One of the many highlights of this year’s Navy SEAL Foundation Hudson Swim wasn’t in the water—it was on the pull-up bar. A young son supporter, no more than 8 or 9 years old, cranked out an incredible 18 pull-ups in front of the crowd. What a son of a guns. Proof that grit and determination start young.
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan / US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer - Camp Mystic.
I’m a face guy, not a name guy—I usually have to ask two or three times before it sticks. When I captured this image at this year's Swim, I had that feeling of déjà vu. Later, it hit me: I knew Scott from the news.
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan. His mission as a US Coast Guard rescue swimmer was during the catastrophic Texas floods, where he helped save 165 people, most of them children.
Turns out the face I recognized belongs to one hell of an operator.
#NavySEALFoundation #HudsonSwim #USCoastGuard #RescueSwimmer #Hero #EverydayHeroes #ServiceAndSacrifice #AmericanHero #FirstResponders #MilitaryPhotography #PhotographersLife #Photojournalism #FacesOfService #ThroughTheLens #DocumentaryPhotography #Operator #NavySEALCommunity #HonorAndCourage #FloodRescue #HudsonRiver
Twin Towers Survivor, Ron DiFrancesco
‘ My contact Lenses melted to my eyes’
It’s been just over a week since the Navy SEAL Foundation Hudson Swim, and one story has stayed with me every single day.
I was asked to photograph the flag ceremony outside the 9/11 Memorial, standing in the shadows of what were once the Twin Towers—now Liberty Tower. That afternoon, the veteran community presented a folded flag to Ron DiFrancesco, the last known survivor to escape the towers. While I’ve always followed world events closely, I had never heard his name until that day.
Let me rewind. I arrived in Los Angeles on September 9th, 2001—my first step toward making the USA my home. I’d been to America many times before, but I had no idea how closely I would become connectted to the story of 9/11.
For the first time, I entered the 9/11 Museum, built in the very foundations of the towers. I noticed Ron being escorted into what is an incredibly well curated space dedicated to the lost lives from that tragic day.
The storyteller and photographer in me wanted to capture Ron as he walked through what was once his workplace. I even thought about photographing him beside FDNY’s Ladder 3 truck, now resting in the museum. But instead, I lowered my cameras. I chose to simply witness a man reliving something far greater than a photograph could hold or could ever understand during what was a deeply personal moment for him.
The next day at the closing ceremony after the run amd swim , Ron shared his story to all of those participating and attending the event—Ron shared how he escaped from the 84th floor of the South Tower, suffering burns over 60% of his body, his contact lenses melted to his eyes. He woke up three days later in hospital not knowing the full extent of what had happened that day. A title Ron would rather not have but its said he is the last known survivor to escape the towers.
When Ron and I finally spoke that evening we shared a very special connection. As we were exchanging stories amd emotions. Ron gripped my shoulders as if I’d been there that day. With that hold you know you’re being listened to.
Ron is an extraordinary man, and I’m proud to now call him a new friend. A reminder that life’s circumstances may shape us, but it’s the humanity we share that binds us.
Meet Jeff and Karen, striking a pose by their pristine 1960 Mercedes under the storied glow of Cain’s Ballroom.
For anyone not familiar, this place isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it began life in 1924 as a garage, then transformed into the legendary Cain’s Dance Academy, where Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys popularised Western Swing right from the stage—earning the title “The Carnegie Hall of Western Swing”
I’ve always had a thing for unexpected frames and historic atmospheres, and this image ticks all the boxes. Tulsa is now my home base—and if this first shot is anything to go by, expect me to keep pushing expectations, wherever the light (and the next adventure) takes us.
Let’s set the tone: history, elegance, a dash of cheek—and always a story behind the frame
#cainsballroom #tulsaoklahoma #tulsaphotographer #nikonphotography #britinthemidwest
A New Chapter in Oklahoma: Photography, Stories, and Fresh Perspectives
After years of hauling my camera through airports, trekking across mountain trails, and finding myself in more than a few questionable situations, I’ve landed here in Oklahoma.
New roots, same me—always chasing good light, powerful stories, and portraits that capture more than just a face.
This blog will be my place to get back to sharing the ride:
Photographs from past adventures across the globe
Behind-the-scenes stories from my career in entertainment, portrait, and tactical photography
New projects here in Oklahoma, from local culture to wide-open landscapes
It’s a fresh canvas and a new chapter, but the mission hasn’t changed: to create images that last longer than the moment and carry the weight of a story.
My Valentine Date with Frank Gehry
When I got the call that I would be photographing Frank Gehry, while I’ve been fortunate to have photographed many great people I found myself nervous. The idea of capturing the essence of such a renowned figure in the world of architecture was both thrilling and intimidating. Despite my nerves, I was determined to create something special.
I had heard that Mr Gehry was not fond of being photographed, which added to my apprehension. But I knew that if I approached the shoot with respect and professionalism, I could establish a comfortable rapport with him. When we first met, there was a bit of a cold start, but I broke the ice by thanking him for being my Valentine's Day photo date. After that, the conversation flowed, and we had good banter.
During the shoot, I was able to capture some stunning images that showcased the brilliance of Frank Gehry's work. But what really made the day memorable was what happened once the camera was down. Mr Gehry took the time to show me around his vast office, sharing insights into his under-wraps projects and his creative process. He even demonstrated how the structures work with light, which was truly inspiring.
As I reflect on that day, I am grateful for the opportunity to have met such a legendary figure and to have captured his essence through my lens. The experience reminded me of the importance of establishing a comfortable rapport with your subject, even when they may be apprehensive about being photographed. By approaching the shoot with respect and professionalism, I was able to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere that resulted in a productive and memorable photo shoot.
Milk milk and more milk
Shot in the suburbs of Detroit, Brady Carpenter was a pro about being photographed in a bath of milk. He could hardly hear my instructions while I balanced on the edge of his parents bath. Here’s the article in today’s Guardian. Other subjects won ice cream, toilet roll, books and Kentucky Fried Chicken. U.K. subjects photographed by fellow photographer, Alan Powdrill.
I Am The Night - Unit Specials
A couple of stills from the up and coming TNT suspense drama, I Am The Night starring Chris Pine, India Eisley and Jefferson Mays. Directed by Patty Jenkins and written by her husband Sam Sheridan. I don’t think I’ve worked with a method actor with such an intense scene to shoot. Chris limited dialogue with anyone other than Patty and Sam. Certainly left me with an intense character to play with all day.
Eric Idle - Comic of Everything
Eric Idle - Comic, actor, songwriter…
There are few on screen comedians who stand out from my earliest memories of comic entertainers. Saturday nights watching the box with my folks and sister. My list is typically British for a nipper.
Tommy Cooper, Jasper Carrott, the show Are you Being Served along with the legends of Monty Python.
Cut to a few years later, ha ha, and the bright man Eric Idle walks in for our portrait shoot.
Cuppa tea I ask? Yes please. None of that Earl Grey stuff he says.
Mark Wahlberg - Actor - Producer
It’s likely Mark changed up his daily routine to fit in his photo shoots and interviews for the Mile22 press day. By 10am, Mr Wahlberg has usually knocked off a good gym session and 18 holes of golf. Phew.
Guillermo del Toro - Movie creator.
Shooting editorial portraits has been my passion most of my career. (I started out wanting to be a reportage, war photographer.) My career took a turn as my employer Timeout magazine, London began to faze out the news and current affairs sections of the mag in favor of lifestyle, entertainment and celebrity.
I learnt over time and some stressful scenarios, we don't always need a big team, fancy location and or studio to create a poignant portrait. Yes, it's wonderful to have the time those big budgets but we're in at the afternoon tea of the editorial world with it's changing pressures. Picture editors, photographers and related craftspersons are stretched to create what they're known for with less notice, time and money.
This portrait of Guillermo del Toro was shot in my dirty old storage lockup. There must have been roughly 24 emails to put the interview and portrait together. Once the session was locked in, it was Guillermo's easy going personality which allowed us to shoot this simple portrait in my rat trap space. He rolled up to my place in his early 2000's Seabream, no publicist or desire to be groomed. Such a treat to meet and photograph this gentleman. #geniuscreator.
Tesla Model III for Automobile Magazine
Had a marvelous time photographing the new Tesla Mk III for Automobile Magazines March/April Issue. We only had a few hours to find a location and shoot the nippy electric jet. We ended up finding a aggregates quarry tucked away off the i580 just north of the Fremont Factory. The smoke was created using a military grade smoker. The devices can be a little hit and miss but after two releases we found this frame showed the vehicle just enough for Automobile Magazines 'Design Of The Year' award cover.
Joey Kern, Zachery Knighton, Adam Brody & Tyler Labine.
Big Bear - The Movie
Supporting friends with their Independent projects has always been a great pleasure of mine. Sometimes it's the most time we get to hang out. I'll take those clips of time between takes or while we're setting up the Gallery portrait set over a week rather than trying to sort a coffee across LA.
Maybe TMI- For epic reasons this production holds a place and time in our hearts for my lady and myself. We were planning on making a baby having checked out our window we were revving up with smiles for the fun ahead. I'd already been away for a week, off the Grid with Overland Bound in the mountains, thinking I had time at home before the production we discover things moved around for my departure leaving us an hour before I had to depart again. Long story short, the swimmers locked on and we now have a gorgeous little daughter made in the days this poster was shot.
In what can sometimes be a wholly compromising situation which over the years I've learn't to roll with. Given the whole picture of what's needed on any day helps me reply with solution rather than problems.
Clash of The Corps
Monday morning I wake up to a notice that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has tweeted my shot for the show his company is producing. Up until now I was instructed to stay dark with the images from our shoot for Fuse Television. Now I can share a fun shoot we captured at Quixote studio's last month while the promo was being filmed. I have to say I didn't know much of anything about drum corp. I learn't there's a stark difference between Drum Corp and Marching bands. The team at hand gave me a quick lessons in the differences.
I've noticed in a few social streams, Drum corp isn't all drumsticks and gloves. Well, we have more images to come and like most show's key art, it's an illustrative image which captures a small amount of the energy needed to be part of the hard work Drum Corp grooving musicians have to work on. More images to be released soon.
My Grandad - The Photographer
Nicholas McConville - My Grandad.
Over the years people who have more interest than in just iPhone photography ask me how I started out. There are the obvious moments where I took the first step by buying a camera. Then there’s the less obvious. I’d bought the camera to photograph my graffiti on local tunnels and the general hip-hop scene in the 80’s. I can’t remember any of those images being ‘cool’ or ground breaking. Maybe if I can find them in the depths of my old darkroom back in the UK, I might find something. The pursuit of spray was discontinued by the influence of the boys in blue. Naturally, I grasped to the photography and at some time later when I was seventeen years old, I walked into Insight Photographers. It was a small group of well accomplished, award winning reportage photographers who worked out of their office on Coronet Street in Hoxton London. Check out the hair... Yikes.
Insight Photographers - Coronet Street, London N1 - 1989 Jez Coulson and I hanging amongst the many filing cabinets full of prints and negatives. Photograph by Neil Turner.
There’s a part to my story that precedes those big steps into the world of photography. I’d like to go further back; back to recognizing my grandfather Nicholas McConville born 10th Dec. 1913. He grew up in Kilkeel, Co Down, a small town which once boasted the largest fishing fleet in Ireland. Grandad was a barber, just like his father. To boost his income he was also the local town photographer. He had a wife and four kids to support. It’s said he was one of the first news photographers in County Down and surely the first person to influence my path to being a photographer.
The rest of the story is a little cloudy. I’ve asked family about the finer details of Grandad being a photographer. When he started, the equipment he used? No one’s quite sure. I know he shot passport images in his little studio at the back of the barbershop. The rest of what I know is from what I witnessed while I was growing up, hanging out with him. As a family, we visited my grandparents once or twice a year during the school holidays. When Grandad wasn’t snipping away at the heads of the town’s gents, he would take me on his assignments for the Belfast Telegraph and the Mourne Observer. These commissions were to photograph the usual activities of a small town such as weddings, Golf tournament winners, the town show, a large catch of fish at the harbor. However, most of what I find interesting seemed to have happened before I was born. I say that because I found these glass plates in his loft shortly before he died. Grandad made his own plates, mixing up the orthochromatic material, painting the mixture onto little 3x4 glass plates. Apparently there were hundreds. Unfortunately, many had been damaged by damp or just thrown out not realizing the historic value, even if was just for this small towns records.
St Colemans - Massforth and the Kilmorey Arms Hotel
Once I began showing an interest in photography Grandad advised me that I should only do it as a hobby. I guess It’s been a full time hobby ever since.
Thanx Grandad.
Andy Puddicombe - Author - The Headspace Guide to a Mindful Pregnancy
The lovely Andy Puddicombe in the weekends copy of The Times UK. Shot on Venice Beach, Andy was well up for a bit of Cardio, jumping into a lotus position. His five years in Tibet as a Buddhist monk went a long way here. Whether you're a cynical old fart or not. It's worth checking his Headspace App out. There's a 10 day free introduction here.
Manifest Destiny, A California Triptych Part One: The Dandy
Last year I had the pleasure of including my mate Daniel K Nelson (The Dandy) in a three part piece on Los Angeles and a few of it's Gas (Petrol) junkies. These are only two of his collection.
Silicon Valley sexism. Women bucking the trend coming this Sunday in The Observer Tech Monthly
Robert J O'Neill - Seal Team Six
More often than not, my editorial shoots have very little lead time from the client's phone call to the arrival time at a location we've chosen to secure the portrait. With less than 24 hours to put our Sunday Times portrait shoot together with Navy Seal Team Six member Robert J O'Neill, we had to get our skates on. O’Neill was staying at a nice hotel in Laguna Beach, CA. A nice hotel wasn't what I had in mind if we were to secure an interesting image of the guy who was on the Osama Bin Laden mission. After a bunch of phone calls with his assistant and a few hours researching locations in Laguna Beach, I decided we'd be better off getting down to Laguna early before the shoot to seek out a location.
I had a poured concrete wall location in mind for the background to give a bunker vibe to the shot. Upon arriving in the beach town, all we could find were fancy waspy homes. Many with exposed cinder brick-built structures. As we were returning to the ‘nice’ not appropriate for a shoot location, we happened upon a walkway under Pacific Coast Highway. For the time we had to set up and shoot, the location was perfectly placed, edgy, cold and low key so we didn't have any onlookers.
I couldn't have wished for an easier person to shoot, or in this instance, I should say photograph :-) They say never judge a book by its cover. I know there’s been a book by another teammate and it’s likely O’Neill will have one in the works. Without wanting to sound cliched, they tend to blend into the shadows. In fact, O’Neill glows in the dark. An unassuming redhead with skin likely to burn in minutes under the middle eastern sun, There were so many questions I wanted to ask during the shoot, but I've learnt to stay off-subject, keeping it more personal to life and love. I can tell you that O’Neill’s favourite comedian in the whole world, in his words, is Jim Jefferies.
Never in a month of Sundays would I have been able to photograph Andy McNabe, a famed British SAS operator like I was able to with O’Neill. . Now it seems O'Neill is under some scrutiny and judgement from the media and a portion of the military for breaking his silence about the mission. I'm learning more each day from both sides of the fence in this dialogue. My opinion isn't important. I had a great portrait session with a great guy. I'm thankful I never had to go through BUD's Hell Week to follow my career as a photographer.
If you're more interested in joining the Seals than following a career in photography ;-) you can apply here
More Below :
Feature written by Toby Harnden for the Sunday Times News Review
I fired twice and bin Laden crumpled: The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a daring night raid on his hideout. The former Navy SEAL who pulled the trigger tells Toby Harnden how he did it and why he is glad to have avenged 9/11, even though his own life is now at risk
It was a fraction of a second, but the moment he saw Osama bin Laden is seared in Rob O’Neill’s mind. “Every time I close my eyes I can see it,” he says. “I remember looking at how tall he was, skinnier than I thought. His beard was shorter. He’d a crew cut almost and a white cap on.”
Through his night-vision goggles O’Neill could see the al-Qaeda leader’s hands on the shoulders of his youngest wife, Amal, pushing her forward. He wasn’t surrendering.
O’Neill shot him twice in the forehead, the second round hitting him as he crumpled. As bin Laden lay on the floor, the US Navy SEAL put a third bullet into his head for good measure.
The former SEAL and I are sitting at a breakfast table on the patio of a hotel overlooking Laguna Beach, California, for his first British interview. The 38-year-old, who grew up in Butte, Montana, and whose ancestors were miners from Co Cork, leans towards me. “It was this close,” he says. “Two feet, if that.”
He continues: “You want the bullet to go through the back of the brain so you cut off the spinal cord. If someone might be wearing a suicide vest, you shoot him in the face. People don’t die as fast for real as they do in the movies. Shoot someone in the chest and he’s going to have time to explode the vest.”
O’Neill pauses to apologise. “Forgive my eating habits. Every single day it’s a bacon sandwich,” he says, picking up the bacon with his hands. Having retired from the navy in 2012, O’Neill has founded a charity, Your Grateful Nation, to help veterans move from the military to civilian life and travels constantly to give motivational speeches.
In November he went public about his role in the bin Laden raid, drawing condemnation from senior officers and complaints from some SEALs that he had broken a code of silence honoured mainly in the breach in recent times.
O’Neill’s skin is so pale that it is almost translucent. His thinning red hair is tucked beneath a flat cap and his blue eyes are topped by white eyebrows. There is, moreover, an intensity that marks him out. Like other American special forces operators he carries himself in a way that few men can.
His arms are covered in elaborate tattoos, the left decorated with the words of President George W Bush on the evening after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001: “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.”
O’Neill got the tattoo to mark the demise of bin Laden, the man who ordered those attacks. His right arm bears scars from a recent medical operation: “The tendon had been tearing over the years — fast roping or parachuting, grabbing lines — and one day it just popped.”
For the whole article go to http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/newsreview/
Luci Romberg - Free Runner - Red Bull - Art of Motion
Some of you may know I love working with stunt professionals. One of these professionals is Luci Romberg. A champion gymnast and US representative in the American Ninja Warrior competition. Luci allowed us to photograph her on fire for #RedBulls #RedBulletin Magazine. The very accomplished gang from Action Factory provided the fire along with their brilliant safety team. All fire in this image is real. The only retouching was to remove the harness crease and suspension cables. Outside of the time it took setting up our lighting and fire tests, this has to be one of the shortest photo shoots I've completed. About 8 seconds. To show good will and that I'm no chicken, Action Factory gave me a little dose of flame so I could feel what it's like to be set on fire. See snappy video below.
Do know, these are award winning professional stunt practitioners. They have the best safety equipment and products on the market. Even if you're a seasoned Burner, you'd do well having Action Factory at your side.
Luci Romberg on fire for Red Bulletin Magazine / Barry J Holmes © 2014
Here's Luci's submission to this years Red Bull's Art of Motion competition. Six Free Runners, three men and three women will compete in Greece this coming October. If you like her brilliance, please go ahead and vote for her in the three categories of Creativity, Execution and Technical difficulty. The six athletes chosen from the online qualifier will join the eight finalists from last years event.
Let's get Luci to Greece so we can see her amazing moves kick up the dust in this ancient land. By voting, you're entered into the hat to win a trip to watch the competition on Greece.
Luci's submission, edited by her man Chad Bonanno / www.chadbonanno.com
Also, check out www.tempestfreerunning.com for more information about this athletic art.
Luci Romberg, BTS snappy Video.
Luci Romberg - Tempest Freerunning academy - Chatsworth