Photo Journel 2026.01.18-24
Photography used to be a big part of who I am. It still matters, now as part of my business and a fun way to document jobs.
Before-and-afters are nice, but I love the in-between moments that show the work happening.
I usually post these photos on social media, where they get lost over time. While my website is for building new relationships, I want the blog to share a taste of my world. I’ve been inconsistent with the blog as business ebbed and flowed, but before the busy season comes I’m giving it another try.
I’ll post my favorite photos of the week with short notes. Some weeks won’t be exciting. With those weeks I’ll share photos I like revisiting.
If you have stumbled on this, then thank you for stopping by.
This was a personal project at my own property. I brought in an arborist to remove two large trees that were beyond my comfort level to handle myself. Once the trees were down, I took on the cleanup. This image captures me delimbing the trunk to make removal easier. I had envisioned the shot from the moment the tree was on the ground; framed by the surrounding limbs; and it came together exactly as I imagined.
This was a unique project. While I’ve worked extensively with air hoses as a carpenter, this was my first time repairing one at a gas station. The client reached out after having difficulty finding anyone else to take on the repair and asked if I could give it a shot. The main challenge was sourcing the correct replacement air chucks. Once those were secured, the repair itself was straightforward. I also liked this image because it captures me on the job; something I intentionally include for marketing and to put a face to the work.
A close up of the repair in action. Because of the metal and use of colors, I found that a black and white conversion made it stand out.
The shut off for the air hose lines are 20’+ above. With the ladder propped, I noticed the view guiding down the air hose line, and could envision the look with the stark concrete surrounding. Overall, my favorite photo from the job, giving a unique perspective.
Installing an anti-theft commercial bathroom mirror. A first for me! These mirrors differ from residential models, designed to stay securely in place, making them more about safety than just theft prevention. I love documenting moments like this. Both to remember the unique projects and to showcase solutions for clients who have a hard time finding the right expertise. Every unusual job is an opportunity to problem-solve and share the work I do.
This was the weeks most interesting project! A quick-service restaurant I regularly maintain received a new locker system, and the installation presented an interesting challenge. Removing the old unit and installing the new one required careful disassembly and reassembly, along with handling the weight of the lockers. It was a great opportunity to lean on my carpentry skills; something I always enjoy putting to work in these environments.
GRK fasteners are my go-to multi-purpose screws. In my compact Packout system, the 3” screws fit perfectly in the containers that come with the boxes, which makes staying organized on the job much easier. On this commercial project, I used them on some “third hands” to help support the weight of the lockers during installation. At one point, I set the box down and noticed it framed in the shot perfectly. I try to stay aware of these moments (they can easily get lost in the pace of a project) but I enjoy highlighting how even the smallest details play an important role in the work I do.
To support the removal and reinstallation of the lockers, I built what we call “third hands,” using scrap wood I had on hand. Moments like these, where I get to lean on my carpentry skills, are always my favorite, and they make for great photos too. It’s a reminder that problem-solving and craftsmanship often go hand in hand on the job.
The quick-service restaurants I support are high-traffic environments, so repairs can range widely in complexity. This one fell just above an easy fix, with a bit of added challenge. The original handle had failed at the welds, so to restore proper operation, I drilled and installed fasteners to secure the door and get it back in service.
