December 9, 2016

One of the things I've always enjoyed about being a photojournalist is that I can participate in events as a kind of invisible observer. I get to watch people's interactions with each other in a natural environment without feeling as if they are putting on a show for my benefit. I've carried this over into my wedding photography, sometimes setting aside my camera for a few moments just to watch people's relationships play out on the dance floor or at a corner table. These moments were abundant at Cody and Eddie's nuptials, especially between the two grooms themselves: Eddie's emotional and overt enthusiasm paired with Cody's towering frame and soft-spoken demeanor made for a wonderful dynamic to photograph. Their dimly lit ceremony kept all their guests in the moment with them, but then it was immediately party time when the vows were finalized. And this wedding party could dance. Take a look at some of my favorite shots from the night below, as well as a few other things.

If you haven't heard, there's something big happening in North Dakota. Since April, Native American activists and environmental allies have been camping out near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline drilling under the Missouri River to pump oil across six states. The camps are huge now, with some tribal leaders estimating as many as 10,000 people living there at the beginning of this week. Here are some photos and stories of the women tirelessly keeping the camps running as more and more people show up to offer their support. (P.S., I've been working with local tribes for the past five years, and the widespread support and attention Standing Rock is receiving is really wonderful. I hope it inspires you to investigate tribal and environmental issues happening in your own states.)

PDN has announced the winners of its Faces portrait photography contest.

Radcliffe Roy has been named Time's Instagram Photographer of the Year for his coverage of black communities in the South.