REI, Outside in 5 Event Review & Top 25 Gallery

Last Wednesday, July 12th, REI kicked off their “Outside in 5” program in Anacostia Park, and I was contracted to photograph the all-day event.

This job was really exciting for a number of reasons! Beyond being my first contract out of college, working for a brand with notoriety, like REI, is important when trying to attract other potential clients. Additionally, I really believe in the work that REI is doing to help redevelop green spaces across the country. Working with a client that aligns with my values makes me feel more invested in the stories that I’m telling, and produce better work overall.

The day was divided into 4 main parts: a panel of industry experts, lobbying on Capitol Hill, tabling with community organizations, and a Go-Go Concert to close out. I loved working through different modes of capture in one day. It was great practice for me to have to switch between speaker capture mode, posed/candid capture for Capitol Hill, action shots in and around the Anacostia Skate Park, and finally concert photography mode to finish the day.

All these different modes combined with having to work outside gave me a ton of valuable experience wrapped up into one 11-hour day, and I’m really happy with how the images turned out. Plus the Go-Go band was great… always a plus.

I’m really appreciative to everyone I got to work with during the awesome event. Special thanks to Luke David at Automatic Films, as well as Cate Latessa (Field Producer), Jabari Jefferson (DP), and everyone at REI and the Friends of Anacostia Park.

If you’re looking for event coverage like this, please feel free to contact me!