Working with the Smithsonian: A Front-Row Seat to History

The Smithsonian Institution is an American treasure, filled with American treasures. And for me, collaborating with them has been like having the best seat in history class—every project a new lesson, every artifact a story waiting to be told.

From Judy Garland’s ruby slippers to C-3PO, from Bigfoot to the first supermarket scanner, I’ve been fortunate to photograph objects that shaped culture, history, and imagination. Each assignment is its own adventure—sometimes involving delicate artifacts, glass display cases, or even an early morning escort for Miss Piggy and the Hope Diamond.

The Smithsonian’s collections hold more than objects; they hold moments—snapshots of progress, creativity, and discovery. My challenge is to honor that legacy in a single frame, capturing the weight, wonder, and significance of history in a way that invites another look.