Blog: The Year in Photos

In 2015, photos in Springfield Business Journal ran the gamut from Johnny Morris to breakfast food to classic cars.

As SBJ's editorial designer and photographer, my favorite photos usually mean something more to me than the direct intent of the article or they create an interesting look based on unique composition, lighting or location.

Above, Steve Stepp, owner of National Audio Co. Inc, poses for "Business Spotlight: Mixtape, Vol. IV." For years, I passed by this enigmatic downtown building wondering how Springfield could hold a cassette tape manufacturing company. The experience was fascinating.

Here are the remaining 24 of my favorite photos taken this year.

This candid photo is interesting. He is performing his actions as “dog whisperer” and the dogs are reacting immediately. 

John Lopez, owner of Standing Obeytion Dog Training LLC and The Howliday Inn Pet Resort LLC
From “Business Spotlight: Leader of the Pack”

I find an expression of joy in Caleb Kraft’s creation of this tiny intricate star ship. 

Caleb Kraft, community editor for Make magazine and founder of TheControllerProject.com
From “The Maker's Tribe”

Omelet from Early Bird Breakfast Pub: My best photo of food ever.
From “Open for Business: Early Bird Breakfast Pub”

Bass Pro Potential: While on-site for the aquarium preview, I peeked my head into a hallway and found the in-progress museum taking shape.
From “Morris casts vision for rebranded museum”

A Gene’s Gallery regular customer brought along their Gold Wing Road Riders Association-registered dog: Taz Daye.
From “Business Spotlight: The Open Road”

J.R. Huyck, general manager of Andy B’s Entertainment Center, donned the proper laser tag attire to show us through the facility’s newly implemented course.

From “Business Spotlight: Beyond Bowling”

On arrival, I was presented with a table’s worth of food for photographing purposes. 

Ben Biesenthal, founder and president of Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria
From “Open for Business: Gusano's Chicago-Style Pizzeria”

This candid shot shows graffiti that are some of the last remnants of the Heer's building’s ruined condition as renovation continues.
From “Photo Gallery: Heer's Tour”

Trash day at the plant made a perfectly overwhelming photo backdrop for a company that manufactures cat litter from recycled paper. 

Terry O’Mealy, plant manager at Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
From “Business Spotlight: News You Can Use”

All About Trees owner Noel Boyer had no idea that his team won the chamber’s Small Business Award, but he was enthused to suit up and climb the tree for a fun photo. 

Noel Boyer, owner of All About Trees LLC
From “All About Trees trims competition for win”

This in-home kitchen turned out looking remarkably industrial and professional in the final shot. 

Phil Colbert, owner of Happy Chef Catering Co.
From “Business Spotlight: Fun with Food”

The unbridled creativity of Michael Stelzer made this day one of my favorites. His work ethic and commitment to making satisfying things is illustrated to me in his blacksmithing shop. 

Michael Stelzer, president of ad agency Marlin
From “Day in the Life with Michael Stelzer”

I love pitch presentations, and this shot with winner Damian Palmer shows the pressure the judges put on the presenters. 

Damian Palmer, founder of Pressed
From “Pressed wins startup pitch”

John Backes' almost fatherly relationship with his pigs was reassuring and endearing.

John Backes, co-owner of Circle B Ranch
From “Business Spotlight: From Pasture to Plate”

The view from this suite at Hotel Vandivort is surprisingly impressive. It makes me proud to be part of the city of Springfield.
From “Inside the V”

Guy Mace, classic car collector and businessman
From “Mace and The Great Race”

Photos with one of the most prominent businessmen in Springfield couldn’t have gone better. 

Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops
From “2015 Economic Impact Awards Lifetime Achievement in Business: Johnny Morris”

Julie Blackmon, Springfield photographer

As surreal as one of her compositions, I found myself listening in on an endlessly intriguing interview with one of the art world’s greatest photographers. She is incredibly insightful, and even dropped a few questions my way, which I will never forget.
From “Blackmon: State of Reality”

Ever since I moved to Springfield and found out what the Underground was, I wanted to explore it. This was a dream come true with a tour personally led by Louis Griesemer, and it was as impressive as I had ever dreamed.

Louis Griesemer, president and CEO of Springfield Underground Inc.
From “A Hard Rock Life”

Travis Zarechi, president and executive director of nonprofit Little Guys Baseball Club
From “An Angel Investor in the Outfield”

Jester said School of Rock is supposed to be fun, and wanted to do something fun with the photo. I think it worked.

Jennifer Jester, owner of School of Rock Springfield
From “Business Spotlight: Rock for All Ages”

David Walker of Oldfield Packing LLC
From “Business Spotlight: A Cut Above”

Andy Hampshire, co-owner of Farmers Gastropub
From “Open for Business: Farmers Gastropub”

his impressive company makes such a niche product and I am inspired by their creativity and ability to sustain production. 

Reuben Uhlmann, co-owner of The 1906 Gents
From “Business Spotlight: Forward Tinker”