INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 9, 2025) – Mirror Indy recently celebrated their 1st birthday, and I’m blessed to have gotten to be a part of their extraordinary journey as a freelance photojournalist. I’ve been with them since their creation from my first freelance assignment grabbing stock shots of Perry Township in December of 2023 to my most recent assignment shadowing Santa Clause this December 2024. Working with such a great team has helped me grow just as much as they have grown over this last year.
Traditionally, my specialty has been in art & music photography, but Mirror Indy has sent me on so many assignments that have not only broadened my horizons as a photographer but have also opened my eyes more to the world. The following assignments were my 7 top favorite of these moments over the last year in chronological order.
A look inside Indy’s Fountain Square all-ages music boom
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
Atomic Bowl Duckpin in Fountain Square on Monday, February 5, 2024. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
The story, “A look inside Indy’s Fountain Square all-ages music boom” by Seth Johnson took me to Atomic Bowl Duckpin for a face melting metal adventure in Fountain Square. I was previously unaware this extraordinary spot existed, nor was I aware I was initially walking into a metal show, so my glee as the puzzle pieces fell into place was that of a kid in a candy store. A metal show at a Duckpin Bowling Alley??? A marriage made in heaven is what I call it. This metaliscious show was an extraordinary plethora of concert photo goodness, and not just one of my favorite Mirror Indy shoots, but one of my favorite concert shoots ever. Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
Chef James Jones at His Place Eatery
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
His Place Eatery’s Chef James Jones and crew prepare spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. Photo cred Melodie Yvonne
I spent a beautiful morning at His Place Eatery taking photos as Chef James Jones and crew prepared spare ribs for the incoming devoted diners. The team is like a family, and they work hard together each day starting before most even get out of bed to bring guests top quality dishes filled with love. They treated me like part of the family during my shoot, and even let me try those mouthwatering ribs. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Indy! Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
Postal Recording puts its stamp on Indy’s west side
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
A tour of Postal Recording Studio in Indianapolis on March 30, 2024
Another phenomenal Seth Johnson story, “Postal Recording puts its stamp on Indy’s west side” took me on a photo tour of Postal Recording Studios which was an incredible plethora of musical treasures. Their divine selection of instruments makes for every musicians own personal heaven as well as a concert photographer’s dream, and the authentic kindness of the owners and staff are unmatched. Co-owner and sound engineer Tyler Watkins worked with musicians Deric Shannon and Judi Lee during the photo shoot, and their session truly showcased Watkins’ unparalleled brilliance and the magic he helps create every day with friend and partner Alex Kercheval at Postal Recording Studio. Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
PACE’s ArtSpoken
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis.
PACE displayed paintings, sculptures, and art installations created by incarcerated individuals alongside phenomenal performances by Chris Lewis, Melinda Adkisson, and JaMarcus Fields during ArtSpoken April 25, 2024, at PACE headquarters in Indianapolis. The extraordinary event was sponsored by PNC, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Watermark, The Harrison Center, Hovde Dassow + Deets Personal Injury Trial Attorneys, The Indiana Department of Correction, Bill West, ERI Engineering Services and Ken Beache, and raised more than $20,000 to fund PACE re-entry programs. The artwork itself was some of the most powerful I’ve ever seen, and this program was an inspiration to me personally on so many levels. Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
Who is Dis?
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
ASL Interpreter Joshua Brooks signs for “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union present “Who Is Dis?” July 26, 2024, at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.
“Who is Dis?” took over the Indiana Historical Society for an evening of Guess Who performances, fashion, stand-up comedy, and more Friday, July 26, 2024. Initially my assignment was to just cover the ASL interpreter, but as the evening rolled on I was mesmerized, and stayed for the whole event. Brother Jamaal Nelson and the IUI Black Student Union shined a light on vital information about racial injustice and inequality while sharing phenomenal artistry in a unique first of its kind experience. The evening brought not only iconic talent and fiery fun, but also a healthy education in Black History that should be a standard part of the curriculum of life for all. Hopefully, the success of the night propels the message forward and “Who Is Dis?” becomes a staple on Indy’s Event Calendar for good. Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
Etheridge Knight Reunion at Chatterbox
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Top 10 Photographic Melodie Interesting Tidbits of 2024 #7 – Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gather to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight August 1, 2024, at Chatterbox in Indianapolis.
Original members of the Free People’s Workshop as well as many other artists gathered during Sometimes Y to perform poetry, share stories, and celebrate Etheridge Knight in a glorious reunion on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Chatterbox in Indianapolis, Indianapolis, and I was so blessed to be a part of documenting it all. It was an awe-inspiring evening of essays and spoken word written and inspirited by legends. Literary lovers packed the house all night from start to finish as the powerful prose flowed out into the streets carrying listeners in like the tide. The evening was over all too quickly, but the memories will stay in the hearts and minds of every attendee forever. Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
Allies gather for the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Olivia Cosgray shows support to an ally at the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Kelly McBride speaks during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
The Morgan Family speaks about their daughter during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Loved ones light a candle for victims of domestic violence during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Loved ones light a candle for Jessica Stoebeck during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Allies gather for the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Allies march around Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Olivia Cosgray brings awareness to Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
The Morgan Family leads the march around Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Jessica Stoebeck’s family march around Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Allies march around Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Kelly McBride raises awareness during the walk on Monument Circle for the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Allies march around Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Allies march around Monument Circle during the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Allies gather for the 34th Annual Domestic Violence Commemoration Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis.
Domestic Violence Prevention Network held the 34th annual DVPN Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemoration on Oct. 9, 2024, at Christ Church Cathedral. The event included a beautiful vigil and march around the circle in downtown Indianapolis. It was hard for me to keep my photojournalistic composure as families shared the stories that marked their lives. I was truly inspired by the strength of everyone involved, and really feel privileged that I could help get the word out about this beautiful annual event and the altruistic organization behind it. Find out more and contact DVPN for assistance or more info at http://www.dvpnindy.org. Check out highlights from the shoot below, and view the full gallery HERE
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