Patrick McDermott | Visual Journalist

Two and half years ago I moved to California to attend Brooks Institute of Photography to continue to develop my skills as a photojournalist. I had learned during the previous year that to be successful in this ever-evolving industry, learning skills like multimedia and documentary filmmaking were musts. So off I went.

In the last few years, I have meet some amazing people and developed lasting friendships. I spent nearly four months on the road covering the lead up to and the 2010 Winter Olympics, and then another three months traveling in Asia. And in that time, I have learned more about myself both on a personal and professional level then even I think I have come to fully realize. I now know where I want my life to take me in the coming years. It is absolutely remarkable what happens when you surround yourself with good people and distance yourself from those things that are having a negative impact on your life. And now it is time for me to head back to the East Coast to start the next chapter of my life… In the months ahead of me, I have a funny feeling that I will be challenged and grow more as a photographer than I have in my entire career thus far. It’s going to be an amazing journey.

So here are a few photographs from some of the memories that I will forever remember. To those who were part of them, thank you for everything and for standing by me. I will only be a phone call away…

“I can’t keep up with your turning tables…”

A riot of color, Holi is one of the most colorful and spectacular events I have ever had the chance to photograph. Hindus celebrate the spring festival originating in northern India around the world in an explosion of color to mark the end of winter.

The festival traditionally starts with the lighting of bonfires symbolizing the burning of demons. Though there are many versions of its origin, they all relate to Lord Krishna. According to legend, Krishna’s mother decided to apply color to Radha’s face after Krishna complained about his dark complexion in contrast to Radha’s fair complexion. Millions, both Hindus and non-Hindus, around the world, now embrace this act.

Though I was not in Vrindavan, a holy city three hours from Delhi and the epicenter of the event, the experience of photographing this festival in Spanish Fork, Utah was extremely powerful. It is hard to describe an experience like this in words. From being surrounded by hundreds of fellow devotes to being engulf in a supersaturated cloud of color is an experience that all should have. And the undying laughter and joy experienced by all as they are pelted by vivid colored powered – pink, yellow, red, and green.  And forget trying to protect the camera gear, the color gets everywhere. In your ears, nose, hair, and clothes. All you can do is just laugh, smile, and enjoy the intensely spiritual and emotion experience that this festival is.

Next year, I’ll be in India to cover the real thing!

I have always wondered what I would do if one of my cameras decided to fail me at a crucial moment while covering an event…well Saturday was the day. My trusty 5D decided that if having massive amounts of colored dust thrown at me from every direction was not enough to challenge my photographic instincts, what would happen if its mirror suddenly fell out… And it did! Something tells me that I had a priceless look on my face when I watched the mirror hit the ground after I removed the lens to see what was causing a disturbing noise when I engaged the shutter. So what did I do? Grabbed some gaffers tape and went on with my day…