Hi Everyone,
I wanted to share some of the pictures taken while on the Joplin Copy Run. There will be more in the coming weeks on the homepage/blog and the newsletter to come out. The delay has been partly due to getting the family's photos tagged and cropped and uploaded to PhotoShelter and my coming back with a sinus infection. A big thanks to Jan for getting all the Joplin photos uploaded, plus some her candid shots taken during the run. The forum has the benefit of being able to add more photos as we go along and also letting others chip in with their thoughts.
Jan had the camera set with a timer and many shots were taken. One was done in fun and I'm still debating whether it will ever see the light of day. Two volunteers by the name of Claire and Linda may wish to pay to keep these off.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/GroupJoplin-1.jpg)
Front Row-Left to right: Jan Neil; Linda Pedroley; Pat Sluder, Victoria Johnson; Annette Crossen; Margie Hayes; Vicky Sutterfield.
Back Row-Left to right: Phil Hughlett;Claire Walker; Randy Henderson; Mike Sluder; Scott Crossen, Christine Crossen; Corey Crossen.
Friday when we opened the doors there were people lined up outside and things took off. Some of the people remarked that they thought there would be a line wrapped around the library.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/JoplinOPR-13.jpg)
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/_MG_7801.jpg)
Most of the volunteers were new to the copy run experience and it gave them a real appreciation for what OPR does. We were so lucky to have Scott Crossen, owner DigMyPics, and his wife Annette, son Corey, and daughter Christine help on their 2nd copy run. My sister Vicky and Jan were the only other ones that had been on previous runs.
Tomorrow, more on the copy stands that were used. Jan is so spoiled with our new system that I will probably never be able to get her near a tripod again.
Margie
I'll always be grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and work with fellow OPR volunteers and also meet the amazing people who came to us to have their damaged photos restored.
We met families clutching photos that they felt sure we'd say were a lost cause only to be moved to tears in some instances after hearing us tell them "no problem", "we can fix that", or "you'll be amazed, you'll see." We heard amazing stories of how photos were found miles away and returned to their families. We heard stories of family relationships and the friendships of the people portrayed in the photos.
It was very uplifting to be a part of something that would have such a positive impact on people in the mist of such devastation.
Thanks for posting the photos and updates!
Thank all of you for your dedicated work at the copy run.
As for the silly fun picture, what happened in Joplin stays in Joplin, unless it will embarrass our fearless leader.
Great photos Margie and Jan. I want to see the silly picture too lol.
Hello everyone,
It was an incredible experience meeting everyone from the OPR Copy Team and all the people that came in with damaged photos. You really see what the photos are worth to the people who own them.
Mike
More photos coming later. This time more about the copy stands that were a great improvement this time around.
Shujen, no the embarrassment is for Linda and Claire, with Linda probably taking top honors. She almost looked like a Red Skelton character. ;D
Margie
Now for more about the copy stands. We had three: Mike and Pat's; Linda's; and mine. The first two were large professional copy stands. These were big, but really nice! Since all of the copy stands were transported by car no problem. However, should a person need to fly to the destination the copy stand would have to be shipped ahead. Unlike before when we traveled with tripods and the lights and supplies were shipped ahead. This time we saved on shipping and it really was easier packing up at the end.
I will let Mike and Pat tell you more about their copy stand. It was the newest and very impressive. Both Mike and Pat had their system worked out and maybe the the mini Ohio run before helped set the stage for this one. What Jan was so thrilled about on this run was having the camera's on the stands tethered to a lap top that gave a preview of each shot.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/JoplinOPR-38.jpg)
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/MG7815.jpg)
Here Mike is explaining how to work things to Christine and Scott Crossen. Sorry Corey, but the shots of you didn't come out because i didn't have my camera set to the highest shutter speed for Mike. You can't believe how fast this guy is---one minute he is in your frame and the next he isn't. <sigh>
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/MG7804.jpg)
Next is Linda's copy stand that Randy used his camera on the first day and Linda her own camera the second. This was a very nice professional stand that Linda got for a steal from a Missouri University and I think on eBay. We kidded Linda and Randy about getting a sun tan from her lights.
Last but not least was my copy stand that was used as an extra and in this shot Randy and his wife Victoria. This is what you call the "Deluxe Cheap" Model. I went to a camera store and bought an old enlarger and had them exchange out the enlarger and put a tripod head in its place. I bought a set of lights and two polarized filters to clamp on the lamps and a circular polarizer for the lens. I had a chance to use this once and it turned out good, but really need a couple more clamps to hold the filters in place.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/_MG_7800.jpg)
Jan was so delighted with the results of having the camera's tethered to a computer that this is how she wants to go in the future. Jan probably got the most work out as she was responsible after each shot to download to her laptop and with Lightroom would enter the personal info for each photo and then have the extensions added by each batch. She was also on the look out for any errors before the families were allowed to take their photos home.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/7806.jpg)
More tomorrow.
Margie
Very, very interesting. It's great to put names with faces. What brand is Pat and Mike's copy stand?
Bambi
Hello everyone,
Bambi, the Copy Stand is a Bencher Copy Mate 900-60. As you can see from the pictures Margie posted it has florescent lights and they are daylight balanced. The lights run cool so if you have to spend a lot of time on the copy stand you don't get overheated. All the major camera manufacturers have camera control software. This lets you take a preview of the picture before you actually take the shot. Once you have verified it is in the correct position, in focus and has the correct exposure you take the shot with a click of the mouse. Each picture is automatically named correctly and loaded on the computer as taken. Pat has a post to follow with more detail. The files are named by the computer (which is set-up prior to taking each owner batch) they are put on a flash drive at the end of each batch for Jan. It saves her renaming each and every file so she just verifies everything is correct and loads them on to her master computer. The whole process is much faster. We had two very appreciated helpers on the computer and copy stand, Christine and Corey.
Mike
Hi Everyone,
It was a real pleasure working with our youngest volunteers Corey and Christine Crossen. Those two young people were seemingly everywhere at once with a helping hand and I'm not talking just the mundane go-for chores. When they expressed a particular interest in copy stand work we literally put them to work. Corey was a real wiz working the computer side of the process and Christine was a natural working on the camera side. When you see photos show up in the galleries for the families of BettassoJ, BowyerL, FinneyJ, HammC, NewbyK, just to name a few, they will be ones done by Corey and Christine along with some of the ones for the SnowH family which was the very last batch of photos brought in. I think Margie has a story she wants to relate later regarding the Snow family.
With our copy stand set-up our camera is tethered to a laptop. When a family brings photos to be restored we enter that family name into the computer along with the number of photos. Example, NewbyK10_4_8x10 which indicates the Newby, K family brought in 10 photos, the 4 and 8x10 indicates this is the 4th photo of 10, which is automatically incremented by the software, and the photo size. The photos are then individually placed on the copy stand, the camera settings are checked manually, a preview shot is then taken via the computer. If the preview shot which shows up on the laptop is a-okay the final shot is taken, again via the computer. The very first shot taken for each family is a identity /permission paper filled out and signed by the family when they come in with their photos. With one person handling the computer and the other handling the copy stand and camera work, things run pretty smoothly and swiftly. Mike and I usually alternate these positions.
Once all the photos for a particular family have gone through the copying phase of the process, the metadata for that batch can be embedded in a batch process; the photos cropped, and then uploaded to the OPR archives. They are now ready to be placed into the galleries for the volunteers to choose.
Pat
OMG, we have come a long ways since my first copy run to Biloxi, MS!! Our "copy stands" were a couple of cheap desk lamps--on the FLOOR. We KNEELED on the floor. One lady felt so sorry for us that she brought us a couple of gardening "knee pads". Oh, my back aches just thinking about it....
Jan
We had the copy stand (eh... tripod) on the floor because I was too short to look through the viewfinder if it was on the table. In Winona, we had a right-angle viewfinder and put the tripod on the table. The tripod toppled when nobody was around and broke the camera. It was in a historical armory built in 1915.
Shujen
Wow! The process has certainly streamlined since Biloxi, Jan. I remember handing you photo after photo while you crouched over the camera for hours. The upgraded copy stands and the new computer hookups sound awesome. It seems to me that this set up would allow two or three people to conduct "mini-copy runs" to areas of lesser disasters or returns for more copy runs by people who live near an area of a previous run. Even someone who's not a professional photographer could probably pull off a copy run with an assistant or two. This is really exciting. The photos are wonderful and brought back so many tremendous memories of Biloxi (including the "what happens in... stays in..."). Thanks for sharing your impressions of the trip. Those of us who can't be there feel more involved, and I know I enjoy learning about what happens when an OPR group gets together. I always wish we could have a global conference and ALL be together and meet. If only the corporate jet hadn't been hijacked! Darn it!
Hugs, all, and bless for making the run. You're the best!
GK
Jan, I saw those knee pads! Someone, maybe Margie, brought them to Joplin. Fortunately they were for show and tell only. Our copy stand was on the floor when we shot the photos from our mini copy run to Stark County Ohio simply because we didn't have a free table available at the time. I took Aleve twice a day everyday for three days afterwards!
Shujen, it's strange how those pesky tripods have a way of toppling when nobody's around. You can't take your eyes, or hands, off them for a minute! A table is the only way to go even for those of us who are vertically challenged. Stepping up onto a sturdy little one-step stepstool when I have to check the viewfinder is just the ticket.
Glenna, with so much of the population affected by disastrous weather conditions lately, having trained volunteers willing to do mini copy runs would be absolutely wonderful. The mini copy runs could be conducted more frequently, helping people in more areas, and at less expense than major copy runs.
Pat
I had to laugh when I read Shujen's post about Winona. While I couldn't find the photo, I did have a shot of Shujen on the manual for doing a copy run. I also have a photo of Jan at the Biloxi run.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/copy2.jpg)
Below Shujen, it an example of the kind of tripod that we bought and used at the Nashville run. This makes it easier to look in the view finder, but the photographer used one of our small desk lights as ballast.
Jan and the copy stands used at Biloxi. I don't remember if is was Jan who caught Christine's camera when it came off the copy stand, but that could have been another expensive fall out.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/copystandjan.jpg)
I do agree about doing mini-copy runs, but getting volunteers is often easier said than done. Also, I'm not sure that we could afford to send the type of stand that Mike and Pat has as that would be over a $1,000 and what happens if the lights get broke in transit? The idea of having photographers in place is something that I have in mind for Joplin and a mini copy run later. We know there are plenty more photos to be claimed from what Angela Walters and Victoria Johnson are doing with Lost Photos of Joplin, but that is going to take time to be put out and found. I will be getting something in place and will post when I know.
More coming about the photos and families at the run.
Margie
This is the 6th copy run that I've been on and while they all hold similarities, Joplin was different because of it being an F-5 tornado that destroyed so much in its path. Photos in Joplin suffered water damage similar to floods and hurricanes we've done, but so many photos were blown miles away from home. Some were found 200 miles away and the furthest I heard was one found in Nashville, TN. The other tragedy is that 155 people lost their lives in this tornado.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/JoplinOPR-32.jpg)
As Claire helped the woman pick out the photos she most wanted restored from this album, stories about people came out and you felt connected to them.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/JoplinOPR-34.jpg)
Phil Hughlett, one of our newest volunteers, signed up with OPR right after the tornado to help. He works at Hallmark in KC and others there have also volunteered for OPR. Phil also appeared on the front page of the Joplin Globe that gave us a lot of coverage. Phil was not able to stay over and have dinner, because he needed to get back and help his folks clean up the damaged they suffered from the tornado.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/JoplinOPR-25.jpg)
Beside the Joplin Globe, Ky3 TV out of Springfield did a segment on us. Here is the interview:
http://www.ky3.com/videobeta/f0899430-f3e4-4c60-b813-f36842467376/News/Operation-Photo-Rescue (http://www.ky3.com/videobeta/f0899430-f3e4-4c60-b813-f36842467376/News/Operation-Photo-Rescue) What was nice about this interview was a genuine interest to get the story out and the cameraman was really interested as a photographer in what we do.
There were two occasions where the stories were so tragic, that a hush fell over the room. A mother came in with her daughter's photos. There were a few of her daughter with her childhood sweetheart she married and had 6 wonderful years together. A few of her wedding pictures survived and will be restored. For her daughter, life will never be the same---her husband shielded her with his body. She survived, he died a hero.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1391145/Joplin-MO-tornado-Wife-talks-moment-husband-gave-life-save-her.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1391145/Joplin-MO-tornado-Wife-talks-moment-husband-gave-life-save-her.html)
The second that stands out was an elderly couple that looked to be in their late 70s or early 80s. The husband came in earlier with some photos and you can see him on page one with the Clorox wipes by his arm. Later he came back with his wife and she was using a walker and they slowly made their way back in. As often happens, looking at the damaged photos brings home the loss and tears are near the surface. So many of their prized photos were gone as well as their home destroyed. One of the photos of her daughter showed up many miles away and was posted and someone who had worked with the daughter recognized her and the photo made its way back home. The room was quiet by now as they were our last family, but everyone gathered around them to give them comfort and to let them know we could fix their photos.
More tomorrow.
Margie
Great story Margie. It is good to see how far we've come with comfort for the photographers. I found one from Biloxi, you'd need good knees to do this all day.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c5/tassie_devil/OPR/copystand.jpg)
Tess, they would have fun trying to get me back up. What is even more amazing is that this was the last run where no limits were placed. They came back with over 3,000 photos and it took more than 2 years to complete.
Margie
Margie, that picture looks like someone I know tiptoeing in front of the copy stand. A day of work like this guarantees a stiff neck and a recommendation to a ballet troupe.
(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z298/schen_album/IMG_5005.jpg)
So those were pink toe-shoes I saw peeking out of the box the knee pads were stuffed into!
Pat
Shujen, all these years I had no idea who the pink toe-shoes belonged to. Thanks Pat. ;)
I'm running a little late getting more photos posted, but will try to get them in tomorrow.
Margie
The great part about being on a copy run is the chance to meet some wonderful people and that includes our group. I got the chance to meet Pat and Mike Sluder for the first time. Victoria Johnson, who set things in motion after her first email asking if we could help Joplin, was there along with husband Randy Henderson. Both of them long volunteers have spent a lot of time promoting the run by brochures, fliers, radio, and TV appearances. Phil Huglett, Linda Pedroley, and Claire Walker (Jan's sister) were new and it was great working with them.
The three evenings that we were in Joplin we all went out for dinner and Scott picked up the tab Thursday and then the last night when we stayed in and ordered pizza. This is the 2nd run for Scott, Annette, Corey and Christine. I can't say enough about how wonderful they are and that's not because Scott seems to be feeding us a lot. Plus, by your 2nd run there is a lot of teasing going on and while your t-shirt may say OPR on the front, there was a bull's eye on my back.
Friday after we closed up for the day, Jan and Claire wanted to see the destruction so my sister drove us around in her van to take pictures. It got to the point Vicky was no longer called by her name, but was given a new one by Claire---James (the chauffeur).
What I found so impressive is large structures like the St. John's Hospital were destroyed along with the houses. So much of the destruction has been cleared away and large areas of land are barren. We came upon what was once a church and the only thing left standing was a cross that was held up by cables.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/Oct2011-34.jpg)
Besides St. John's Hospital we drove by the Joplin High School and it is a sight you find hard to believe.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/7842.jpg)
I found this online and it gives you a better idea of the destruction when you see the before/after the tornado comparison. The report came out earlier before the final count of 155 people that lost their lives.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1391075/Joplin-tornado-photos-devastation-232-missing.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1391075/Joplin-tornado-photos-devastation-232-missing.html)
Throughout the destruction you would see these little sign with different messages of encouragement that look like they were done by children. I am going to find more around about them.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/7848.jpg)
One of the last shots that Claire took before we headed back to the motel to meet the group for dinner. There were many flags around of all sizes and also signs thanking volunteers for helping.
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/Oct2011-60.jpg)
Sunday everyone headed home--some left earlier than others. Jan and Claire were to catch a flight back to CA and their taxi was to pick them up at 6 am. There was some doubt about whether it would show up, because coming down Thursday the cab driver said they only had 5 cabs. So around 6:05 we get a call from Jan that the taxi is not going to pick them up and could we please get them to the airport. I never would have believe my sister could move that fast or for that matter Jan and Claire. We got them to the airport about 6:30 and Jan practically jumped out the van before it came to a stop. She raced ahead of her sister to get signed in. We thought all was well and drove off---turned our cell phones off in case it wasn't---OK, just kidding.
It wasn't until we got home that we found out out their troubles had just started. For some reason Jan's ticket went through, but with just a few minuets difference---Claire you should have not let Jan run past you---Claire was not allowed to board because she went past the cut off time. They tried to explain the situation but no one really cared. Jan then asked for the supervisor and having worked for American Airlines knew what she had to do. She explained that she and her husband were Gold and Platinum members and she had doubled her frequent flyers miles for Claire to have her ticket and she couldn't stick around till 3:30 for the next flight. The supervisor didn't seem to care either and then Jan asked for her supervisor. Finally Jan convinced them that they could allow Claire to board and it would really be more pleasant to see them flying out than refusing. I was impressed, because Jan is not a bossy person---although she has been known to chase a strange van and pound on the window to be let in. ;D
Margie
Margie, I know you're always busy, but thanks so much for sharing photos and the Joplin Journal. It takes me back to the Biloxi run and what an unbelievable trip that was. There were so many poignant moments, and times of joy and companionship, disasters (like Jan's and Claire's - mostly perpetrated on Christine), and the best part was interacting with the people for whom we're doing the restorations.
Your descriptions have reminded me of the rewards of being on one of the copy runs and make me wish I'd been with you in Joplin. I haven't given up on making it to another one, and if you keep up the commentary, I'll be completely determined to get to the next one!
Bless all of the Joplin crew for your hard work. Having been on a run, I know how hard the work is, how painful it can be emotionally and physically (I was the local "pharmacy" in Biloxi), but more than anything, I remember the rewards, the tears, the smiles, the hugs, the wonderful people who withstood so much loss and still retained their humor and their spirit and the camaraderie of the OPR team.
Hugs to you all.
GK
GK, wish you and Iron Man could have been on this run, but maybe the next. I was slow getting these out not because I was too busy, but more from being under the weather from the sinus problems due to the working around some mold on an album.
Margie
Margie, thanks for the lovely report and the photos. It is great to see everyone and I absolutely love the copy stands, they look amazing.
Can't believe you took those knee guards with you to Joplin, were you expecting to use them? :)
It is also nice to read the reports by all the other volunteers, it gives us a good picture of what a copy run is all about, thanks so much. (even if one has to wonder what was going on, pink ballet slippers and running after a total stranger's van demanding to get in....)
I see a wonderful group of people that want to look further than their own needs, what a great bunch!
Margie, your sister Vicky has been helping out more than once, many thanks to her as well!
:hug:
Hannie
Quote from: Mhayes on October 18, 2011, 08:28:05 PM
Shujen, no the embarrassment is for Linda and Claire, with Linda probably taking top honors. She almost looked like a Red Skelton character. ;D
I guess I shouldn't have watched all those Red Skelton shows when I was a kid! Who knew he would have such an influence on me! ;D
I just wanted to say it was a great experience for me to participate in the Joplin run. It seemed to me that, for the families, it was almost therapeutic for them to bring in their cherished photos and find out that someone cared and was willing to help as much as possible. I would love to be there when they receive the repaired copies and see the looks on their faces!
It was wonderful working with all of the other volunteers and meeting them in person. What a great group and what a great organization! Thanks to everyone who went to Joplin and to all of the volunteers worldwide who contribute their time and talent to OPR!
Linda
Hi Everyone,
Something tells me this next photo should be locked up in the OPR fault or in a time capsule not see the light of day for a very long time. That would be noble, but ther real reason would be to use it against them for blackmail. I sense from Linda's post a certain pride in being able to make the best Red Skelton face and I know all of you would like to see the group after they came unhinged at the end of the day. >:D
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z10/hayesbucket/2nd_group.jpg)
I warned you!
Margie
Linda is showing some real talent there!
Don't you just hate it when thing start growing out the top of your head when a photo is taken!
Hannie