Read F8 - The My Final Photo Newsletter
From Bloom to Brown
The Japanese magnolia tree on South State Street, which just a week ago dazzled passersby with its colorful blooms, now hangs dull and brown after an overnight freeze damaged its blossoms. My Final Photo for April 8, 2025.
Smarter Worker Working Hard
Following what he calls the “work smarter, not harder” approach, Florist Dave Talbott uses his shop broom to move his flowering pansies into a sheltered area to protect them from an overnight freeze forecast in Uptown. My Final Photo for April 7, 2025.
Dock Under Water At Hoover
Wind-driven water laps against the docks at the Walnut Street boat ramp on Hoover Reservoir, where water levels have reached nearly 895 feet — the highest for this date since 1918. My Final Photo for April 6, 2025.
Prom Night Selfie
After posing for more formal photos in their prom gowns in Uptown’s most picturesque location, three girls finish the evening with a selfie on the bench in front of Graeter’s. My Final Photo for April 5, 2025.
Highlands Wetlands Mirrored Parking Lot
Bare trees reflect in the flooded parking lot at Highlands Park Wetlands, creating a striking mirror image on a calm, overcast day. My Final Photo for April 4, 2025.
8 State Shines In Rain
The 8 State marquee reflects its bright lights on glistening surfaces during an early evening rain in Uptown Westerville. My Final Photo for April 3, 2025.
High Water at Hoover
High water pours steadily over Hoover Dam, flooding the spillway and surrounding lowlands as spring rains swell the reservoir in Westerville, Ohio. My Final Photo for April 2, 2025.
Rafters Raised
Carpenters lift pre-made rafters into place for a multi-townhome building at Towns on the Greenway, located on North West Street in Westerville. My Final Photo for April 1, 2025.
Unfazed Beauty
A Japanese magnolia blooms undisturbed by traffic along South State Street, across from the post office. My Final Photo for March 31, 2025.
Casting for Adventure
A pair of young anglers cast for baitfish from the small island downstream from the Alum Creek Dam before beginning their fishing expedition further upstream. My Final Photo for March 30, 2025.
Repair Inspection
Brother and sister watch as a volunteer technician repairs the boy’s spring-powered toy scooter during Saturday’s Repair Cafe at The Point at Otterbein. My Final Photo for March 29, 2025.
Personally Historic
An audience member uses her phone to display some personal historic photos before the start of the Westerville Historical Society’s presentation on theaters in Uptown Westerville. My Final Photo for March 28, 2025.
“Take my Picture!” Request Granted
Friends and family gather at the crossroads of State and Main Streets in Uptown Westerville during the Fourth Friday festival, pausing to request their portrait for Take My Picture!, a 50-year photographic series capturing community life at the invitation of those photographed. My Final Photo for June 27, 2025.
Underground Instructions
A contractor and an inspector review the installation instructions for a new underground garbage dumpster in Hanby Alley, off East Home Street. My Final Photo for June 26, 2025.
Fishing Before the Storm
A fisherman casts his lure into the flooded lagoon at the Walnut Street boat ramp as the sky darkens under an afternoon rainstorm. My Final Photo for June 25, 2025.
Summer Respite on Still Waters
A kayaker paddles into the waters of Hoover Reservoir from the Twin Bridges boat launch, seeking refuge in the nearly still waters of the lake on a very warm summer day. My Final Photo for June 24, 2025.
Last Hour Of Playground Fun
A young girl runs across an open field in the last hour before sunset, heading to the playground at Alum Creek Park North. My Final Photo for June 23, 2025.
The Stage to Himself
Fifteen-year-old A.J. Dotson played a brief private concert at a nearly empty Alum Creek Park Amphitheater on Sunday night. His family had gathered there for a pizza party to celebrate his birthday following the scheduled performance by the Westerville Jazz Orchestra. When the concert was cancelled due to extreme heat, A.J., a jazz fan who had brought his French horn along, took the opportunity to take the stage himself. My Final Photo for June 22, 2025.
OldSkool Standard Setup
Wally Carl tightens the trucks on a Tony Hawk cruiser at OldSkool Skate Shop, where walls lined with bold, colorful decks set the tone for a hands-on approach to skateboarding culture for 24 years. My Final Photo for June 21, 2025.