Laying Asphalt on Loop 1

This was my favorite part of last semester: our Photojournalism assignment.

Not only have I always loved the excitement of learning something interesting at a newsworthy event, but I also love laying out spreads for publications. Here's my final spread (it was printed 16"x20").


Laying Asphalt on Loop 1.

It was an expose ...ahem, well, a story... about the construction project currently underway on Mopac (aka: Loop 1) and Duval. They've added a bridge to the area to allow for an extra auxillary lane and closed off (and since re-opened) an off-ramp at Duval.

During my story, I followed around the Project Engineer as they layed asphalt on the newly built lane.

For those not familiar, these are photos of what I used to do: construction inspection. I look back fondly on the days when I was outdoors all day learning new things about how a road gets built. Afterwards, I was moved indoors where I worked to design projects like this. Develop construction plans for Highway improvements on State facilities, road widenings, drainage design ... and on and on.

Here are a few of the photos shown in that spread.


Project engineer treading over a freshly compacted 5" lift of asphalt pavement as he heads over to the Asphalt Crew.


Looking through the rebar framework which will serve as reinforcement for new traffic rail on Loop 1, workers have spray-painted instructions to "saw-cut" the existing pavement structure in order to "tie-in" new pavement. You can see that the pavement has already been saw-cut (at a depth of 18") and awaits new asphalt.


Sitting amidst wooden forms and rebar, TxDOT Construction Inspector coordinates with Contractor superintendent about the paving operation underway on Southbound Loop 1 at the Duval Street exit ramp.

This ramp has since been opened to the public!

Estee Lauder

I had several tubes of old lipstick to throw away. What a better way to put them to good use: make a lipstick "product shot."

My favorite thing about this set-up is the background: silver mylar lit with two different shades of blue.


Of course, this doesn't highlight the product. The mylar steals the focus. So, here is my final submittal.

"I am Mudman!"

There's been some construction on our street. Add to that the light rain showers we've had recently, and you have a recipe for some free entertainment.


It started out innocently enough with Rev drawing in the mud with sticks. Then he got his toes muddy, and eventually his hands.


Once he had successfully squished mud up to his elbows (while following my request to keep his clothes clean), he started "shooting" everything in sight, including confused passersby. Somewhere around this time he began yelling, "I am Mudman!"

He did an excellent job of entertaining himself in the mud for several minutes, but before too long he flung some dirt on his unsuspecting mother.

"Sweet, don't get me muddy please!"

"But I want to get you muddy," he said with his much-practiced and very convincing puppy-dog eyes.

Long story short: a very messy mud-fight ensued.

I couldn't take pictures of the delightful event, but luckily a friend got home just as we were heading to the hose and took these shots.




Judging by the volume of mud that I poured into his hair, I'd say I won.