Public Defender

I had the great privilege of photographing one of Columbia's public defenders yesterday, my last shift on the Missourian. My photos accompanied a great story by Ryland Devero. This is a story I'm eager to return to next semester. I'm off to Seattle tomorrow (!)


Jenean Thompson, right, discusses possible sentences with Vanessa Bennett, at the Boone County Jail on Thursday. "Everyone has a constitutional right to adequate legal representation," Thompson said about the rising caseloads of public defenders. "But 'adequate' just isn't good enough for me."


The scene of an arson is one of the many stops Jenean Thompson, a Columbia public defender, made Thursday. Thompson stopped to consider the location of witness's window before returning to the office for an afternoon in court.


Jenean Thompson sees as many clients as she can before lunch at the Boone County Jail, which begins as early as 10:30. Public defenders are facing increasing caseloads, and must juggle the demands of client relationship with the mounting paperwork that accompanies new cases.
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Jenean Thompson surveys the scene of a crime. Law enforcement officers are responsible for accurately documenting evidence, but there are cases where vital details go unreported.

Christmas Time

A lovely piece in the Seattle Times on Alan Berner's Christmas cards. Makes me want to quit portfolio-ing for a day and go take pictures.



Also, if you haven't seen the work of Jonathan Harris, the time is now. I can't even begin to imagine how databases can be made so beautiful. I am so excited to spend this next month reading and designing and editing audio and catching up on all I've been too busy to sit with.