We knew from our phone conversations with Barry prior to the shoot that he would make an impact on us. His Southern accent and polite mannerisms could charm anyone. His story of survival and success is even more powerful.

Though he was almost fatally injured in an airplane crash that pushed his left eye behind his cheekbone and caused a cataract to form over the other, he fought his way back to health and is achieving his boyhood dream of working in aviation. His original goal was to become a commercial pilot. Since the crash, which was a result of a poor pre-flight safety check on the part of his co-pilot, he has become an instructor instead. His emphasis on pre-flight safety is obviously more than just his thesis project.

Lift Magazine, the Embry-Riddle Alumni publication, hired us to make a portrait of Barry and his dog Lincoln to accompany an upcoming piece about him. Barry was the school’s first blind master’s student and continues to inspire on campus and beyond.

We wanted to give the magazine a nice double-truck option and the open door of an airplane hangar created the perfect opportunity. Getting Lincoln’s face to show up was the only challenge. Thanks go to our assistant-for-the-day, Megan Miller, for hand-holding the grid spot in the perfect place.

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