I have finally found the time to post the final selection for the Bastone series that dominated my summer. (I have never talked to so many farmers in my life!) But let it be noted that it wasn't the dozens of farm bureau offices that I called that lead me in the right direction. In fact, they didn't even call back. Instead, it was the community of craft beer enthusiasts that seem to be thriving here in Michigan. So if you have the desire to learn anything about the beer brewing amidst you, I highly recommend checking out mlive.com's KalamaBrew section, as well as the ever informative Michigan Beer Guide, which you have probably come across at your favorite brewpub at some time or another.

In the end, I located the barley in Shepherd, Michigan at Turnwald Farms. Mike Turnwald was incredibly helpful, and truly shocked me with his high-tech combine.

The hops was grown by none other than Rex Halfpenny himself–publisher of the Michigan Beer Guide–in Leonard, Michigan. So many thanks again to everyone who helped along the way! You can see the finished series posted in the projects section of this site. Enjoy!

Labels: bastone, brewing, commissioned photography, craft beer

I was finally able to photograph the hops grown by Rex Halfpenny from the Michigan Beer Guide this past Wednesday, thus concluding my craft beer photo journey. The photos above are a few of my fav's. I am now currently in the process of editing the final selection which will be printed on canvas and exhibited at Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak this fall. Thanks again to Rex for all his help in this project! I think it goes without saying that if you need to know anything about beer in Michigan, the Michigan Beer Guide is a fabulous source.

Labels: commissioned photography, craft beer

A sampling of some of the other barley photos I'm shooting for Bastone. Up next- hops!

Labels: commissioned photography, craft beer

After much investigation and anticipation, I was finally able to photograph two-row barley Friday at Turnwald Farms in Shepherd, Michigan. I will post more photography as I'm able to get through it, most likely tomorrow. Thanks again to Mike Turnwald for his hospitality!

Labels: commissioned photography, craft beer

I'm currently trying to locate growers of barley and/or hops in Michigan for the purpose of photographing the crops in the field and completing this series. If you have any information that may prove helpful, please contact me.

UPDATE JULY 10, 2008
I have now located both two-row barley and hops being grown here in Michigan! Many thanks to Anne at KalamaBrew and Rex from the Michigan Beer Guide for their help.

Labels: bastone, brewing, commissioned photography, craft beer

I was spending some time with a few cold ones and award-winning brewmaster, Rockne, at Bastone in Royal Oak. I am shooting their brewing process/beer for new photography that will adorn the restaurant. More to come - I have quite a bit of photos to sort through.

Labels: commissioned photography, craft beer