ITD's Mark Hall wins an AASHTO photography award

ITD photographer Mark Hall's image of Jayme Coonce overseeing nighttime construction at the Meridan Interchange won the "People Building America" category in the 2015 Faces of Transportation national photography competition sponsored by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

Hall described the moment he caught the award-winning image.

"It was a cool Saturday night in August and close to midnight when I finished shooting girders being installed on a new interchange at Meridian, Idaho. I was preparing to leave when I saw our project manager Jayme Coonce standing on the old overpass watching over the installation. I thought I would say "hi" and chat about her being on site, yet again, at odd hours on another Saturday.

"As I approached the crest, I noticed that work lights were casting a perfect light that dropped off, giving me a great background. Jayme didn't see me and I wanted that honest, candid moment that photographers all look for. I used a long lens and no flash so I wouldn't over-expose the reflective vest.

"The camera's depth of field made for a perfect background with a very soft focus. I held my breath and prayed she wouldn't move. I got three shots off before she saw me. Luck was on my side.

"I knew Jayme from other projects and I have great respect for her and I thought this was a good representation of her dedication to her craft and her genuine desire to build projects that were beneficial to her community and make it safer for our Idaho family of citizens."

Learn more about the competition and view a video that includes Hall's picture.


Published 09-25-15