Ohio Archives - James DeCamp Photography

DeCamp Honored in ONPA POY Contest

Behind The Scenes, Images, People, Personal

Columbus Photojournalist James D. DeCamp Honored in 74th Annual Ohio News Photographers Association Pictures of the Year Contest

Columbus, Ohio – Renowned photojournalist James D. DeCamp has been recognized with two Honorable Mentions in the prestigious 74th annual Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA) Pictures of the Year (POY) contest, held on March 16, 2025. The ONPA POY competition, one of the premier showcases of excellence in photojournalism, celebrates the most compelling work from Ohio-based photographers, videographers, and visual editors, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of industry professionals.

Award-Winning Work

DeCamp’s first honored image, “Adopted,” is a poignant portrait of Em, 16, as she sits contemplatively over a cup of coffee in her Chester, Vermont home. Recently adopted into a ‘Forever Family’ after enduring years of instability in the foster care system, Em’s journey to a permanent home came with the support of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, an initiative of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. DeCamp captured this powerful moment while on assignment for the Foundation in Vermont, bringing to life a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of adoption. DeCamp has been working with the agency as their principal photographer for more than 9 years.

The second honored photograph, “The Doctor,” showcases John Haughwout, owner of Free Flow Plumbing and self-proclaimed “Drain Doctor”, as he prepares for a meticulous operation – on an American Standard Edgemere toilet. Taken on September 26, 2024, in Solon, Ohio, for Plumber Magazine, the portrait infuses humor and creativity into an otherwise ordinary subject, demonstrating DeCamp’s mastery of lighting techniques and character-driven storytelling.

A Legacy of Photojournalism Excellence

The ONPA POY competition, judged on March 16, 2024, attracted 21 visual journalists from across Ohio, submitting 328 entries spanning news, features, sports, and portrait photography. The judging panel, composed of esteemed photographers and editors, evaluated submissions based on journalistic integrity, storytelling, and visual impact, while also offering feedback to encourage professional growth.

Established in 1951, the Ohio News Photographers Association (ONPA) has been a cornerstone of photojournalism education and advocacy for over seven decades. A nonprofit organization, ONPA fosters a vibrant community for professional and student photographers alike, offering monthly clip contests, the Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship, and an annual convention featuring educational seminars and networking opportunities.

About James D. DeCamp

James D. DeCamp is a seasoned photojournalist, commercial photographer, and visual storyteller, whose work spans editorial, corporate, portrait, and event photography. With a career dedicated to capturing compelling narratives, DeCamp has built a reputation for delivering technically masterful and emotionally resonant imagery. His portfolio includes assignments for major news outlets, commercial clients, and nonprofit organizations, consistently pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

His passion for the craft extends beyond his own lens – DeCamp is deeply involved in mentoring aspiring photographers and staying ahead of emerging visual media trends. Whether working on high-profile commercial shoots or intimate personal projects, his approach remains rooted in precision, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

For more information on James DeCamp Photography, visit JamesDeCamp.com.

For more about the Ohio News Photographers Association, visit ONPA.org.

March 16, 2025/0 Comments/by James

Woltemade Big Problem Challenge

Images, News

Ohio Wesleyan Students Secure Startup Funds in High-Stakes Pitch Competitions

DELAWARE, Ohio – At Ohio Wesleyan University, students aren’t just learning about entrepreneurship—they’re living it. On February 27, innovative student entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their groundbreaking business ideas in two high-energy, “Shark Tank”-style competitions hosted by OWU’s Woltemade Center for Economics, Business, and Entrepreneurship. The stakes? Thousands of dollars in startup funding and a chance to turn their visions into reality.

Two standout students, Inesh Tickoo and Thomas Stathulis, emerged as the top winners, each earning $3,000 in funding to propel their entrepreneurial ventures forward. But they weren’t the only ones with big ideas. From AI-powered climate solutions to edible coffee capsules, the competitions showcased some of the brightest and most ambitious minds at OWU, all vying to make a difference in their industries—and the world.

Revolutionizing Agriculture: AirScrub Tackles Ammonia Pollution

For junior Inesh Tickoo of Delhi, India, entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit—it’s about solving global problems. Tickoo claimed victory in the Woltemade Big Problem Challenge, a competition focused on addressing environmental and social issues aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. His winning concept, AirScrub, proposes a cutting-edge “wet-scrubbing” technology designed to reduce ammonia emissions from large-scale livestock farms.

With ammonia pollution posing serious health and environmental risks, Tickoo’s solution could be a game-changer. AirScrub captures up to 85% of ammonia emissions, converting them into ammonium sulfate fertilizer—an innovative approach that not only reduces pollution but also creates a new revenue stream for farmers. Unlike existing industrial solutions, which are often energy-intensive and costly, AirScrub offers a practical, sustainable alternative for the agricultural sector.

“Most efforts to control ammonia emissions focus on industry rather than agriculture,” Tickoo explained. “AirScrub changes that, making it easier and more cost-effective for farms to adopt cleaner practices.”

Bringing Greek Flavors to Ohio: Cephalonian Creations Takes the Prize

Meanwhile, senior Thomas Stathulis of Westerville, Ohio, had a different kind of innovation in mind—one that appeals to the taste buds. Stathulis took home the grand prize in The Woltemade Center’s Pitch OWU competition, winning $3,000 to launch his food startup, Cephalonian Creations. Inspired by traditional Greek recipes, Stathulis and his father, Stacey, plan to introduce a line of healthy dips and spreads, including a signature feta spread and a Greek-inspired guacamole.

“This is a passion project for my dad and me,” said Stathulis, who also shares food-themed videos on TikTok. “We’re excited to bring these flavors to central Ohio.”

As part of his pitch, Stathulis provided samples of his creations to a panel of judges, including Glenn Entis, a senior director at Google DeepMind, Gary Campanelli, a leader in education, and Marcus Hazelwood, a sustainability expert. His compelling presentation—and delicious products—secured him the top spot in the competition.

More Big Ideas, More Big Winners

While Tickoo and Stathulis walked away with the top prizes, they weren’t the only students with bold ideas. The competitions also awarded funding to other promising ventures:

$1,500 Award – Aethera AI: Juniors Aninditha Nair and Aryaka Tickoo pitched an AI-powered urban cooling system that uses satellite imagery and climate data to predict heat zones and optimize green space placement. Their goal? To help cities combat rising temperatures with smarter, more efficient climate planning.
$750 Award – IPM+: Sophomore Aarav Singh presented a patented AI solution to cut energy consumption in data centers by 50%, extending hardware lifespan and reducing e-waste.
Gift Card Award – FreshCaps: Junior Aanuoluwapo Fadairo introduced an eco-friendly alternative to traditional coffee pods—fully dissolvable capsules made from oats, cocoa, and vanilla, designed to reduce global plastic waste.

In the Pitch OWU competition, additional winners included:

$1,500 Award – GeoKey: Junior Kaye’Ann Muetzel-Smith pitched a tracking system to help car dealerships manage vehicle keys efficiently.
$750 Award – Lotus: Senior Tyler Duhl developed a smart device to help users break compulsive phone habits and reclaim their time.
Gift Card Award – Spotless Stays: A team of seniors proposed a cleaning service to help rental property owners increase guest satisfaction and booking rates.

Beyond the Pitch: A Gateway to Bigger Opportunities

In addition to cash prizes, all participants earned free admission to Kickstart Ohio, the state’s largest entrepreneurship conference, featuring keynote speaker Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple. This exclusive opportunity will connect OWU students with top innovators, investors, and business leaders, helping them refine their ideas and gain valuable mentorship.

The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University, which supports student startups year-round, will continue to provide guidance and resources to help these young entrepreneurs turn their winning pitches into fully operational businesses.

A Legacy of Innovation at OWU

Ohio Wesleyan’s Woltemade Center has a long history of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, providing students with the skills, funding, and mentorship needed to succeed in business. With programs like the Big Problem Challengeand Pitch OWU, students are not only learning how to launch successful startups—they’re making a real impact in industries ranging from technology to sustainability to food innovation.

“Our goal is to give students a platform to turn their ideas into action,” said [Faculty Advisor’s Name]. “The creativity and drive we saw in this year’s competitions were truly inspiring. These students are the future of entrepreneurship, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.”

With groundbreaking ideas, real investment capital, and an ecosystem of support, OWU’s young entrepreneurs are proving that big change starts with bold thinking—and a great pitch.

The Woltemade Big Problem Challenge photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ohio Wesleyan junior Inesh Tickoo presents his idea to capture and transform unhealthy ammonia emissions from animal farms into ammonium sulfate fertilizer. Tickoo earned $3,000 for winning the Big Problem Challenge sponsored by OWU’s Woltemade Center for Economics, Business and Entrepreneurship photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The Woltemade Big Problem Challenge photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Pitch OWU photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

From right, Glenn Entis, a 1976 OWU graduate, Marcus Hazelwood, and Gary Campanelli listen to presentations while judging the Big Problem Challenge and Pitch OWU entrepreneurship competitions photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Pitch OWU photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

OWU senior Thomas Stathulis earns the top prize in The Woltemade Center’s Pitch OWU competition for Cephalonian Creations, a small business that will create and sell healthy dips and spreads inspired by Greek recipes photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Pitch OWU photographed Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Merrick Hall on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus in Delaware, Ohio. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

February 27, 2025/0 Comments/by James

Brigid’s Path: A Sanctuary for Newborns

News, People

In 2023, the United States recorded over 80,000 deaths from fentanyl overdoses. An increasing number of infants exposed in utero are being born dependent. In Ohio, a center is helping them through withdrawal.

Brigid’s Path: A Sanctuary of Healing for Newborns Affected by Addiction

Walking through the doors of Brigid’s Path, a specialized care center for newborns exposed to drugs during pregnancy, one is immediately struck by the peaceful atmosphere. Located in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, this unique facility is designed to provide a calm and nurturing environment. Soft pastel-colored walls, gentle lighting, and hushed voices create a soothing space where the only interruptions come from the quiet sighs of content infants or the soft exchanges between nurses and parents.

This is not a typical neonatal care unit. Open since 2017, Brigid’s Path is dedicated to minimizing distress from the moment a baby enters the world. For infants undergoing withdrawal, excessive crying can worsen symptoms, making it even harder to manage their delicate condition.

A Safe Haven for Infants and Mothers

On the day of my visit, six newborns were under the care of the Brigid’s Path team. Nurses and volunteers work around the clock to provide comfort and support. Each baby has their own private room, a stark contrast to crowded hospital nurseries.

Among the patient mothers is Chelsea, a mother gently preparing a bottle for her three-month-old son, Carter. As she feeds him, she communicates using sign language—a tender moment that, at first glance, seems ordinary. But Chelsea’s journey has been anything but.

“I was homeless and using marijuana. When I was referred here, I didn’t know what to expect, but I immediately felt safe. The doctor reassured me that Carter was healthy,” says Chelsea, a 39-year-old mother exhausted from a sleepless night tending to her son.

Her past is filled with grief, depression, disability, domestic abuse, and substance use, but here, no one questions her history. At Brigid’s Path, the focus is on healing and moving forward.

The Opioid Crisis: A Devastating Toll

These infants are the innocent victims of a nationwide opioid epidemic. In 2023, an estimated 81,083 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses, according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

The crisis began in the 1990s with the overprescription of painkillers, worsened in 2010 when those addicted turned to heroin. By the time fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, entered the streets, overdose deaths skyrocketed. Declared a public health emergency in 2017, the epidemic has only worsened. In 2024, Portland declared a state of emergency as a new, fourth wave of the crisis emerged—fueled by fentanyl mixed with stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.

Tragically, the crisis extends to newborns. According to the NCHS, one baby is diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) every 24 minutes in the U.S.

A Different Approach to Care

Lisa Jasin, a neonatal nurse at Dayton Children’s Hospital, has witnessed this crisis firsthand.

“At first, doctors told mothers that opioid use was safe during pregnancy. But by 2010, nurses were seeing more and more babies in withdrawal,” she recalls.

Brigid’s Path was founded as a response to this growing need. Jill Kingston, the center’s founder, was inspired to act after caring for a baby in foster care in 2013.

“The first baby I fostered weighed less than 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and had been exposed to heroin. When I fed him, he vomited everything and briefly stopped breathing. I had no training and had to learn everything on my own,” she remembers.

Seeing the gap in care, she created Brigid’s Path—the first center of its kind in Ohio. Named after Saint Brigid of Ireland, the patron saint of newborns, the facility even includes a small chapel where mothers often go to pump breast milk.

Monitoring and Comforting Withdrawal Symptoms

At Brigid’s Path, both nurses and parents keep a close eye on monitors tracking each baby’s heart rate. Withdrawal symptoms include:

🔹 Tremors
🔹 Irritability
🔹 Digestive issues
🔹 Sleep disturbances
🔹 High-pitched, inconsolable crying

Every three hours, nurses conduct an assessment using the Finnegan Score, a clinical tool that measures withdrawal severity.

“If the score exceeds eight in two consecutive evaluations, we call the doctor to determine if medication is needed,”explains nurse Shelly Decker.

Some infants receive methadone, buprenorphine, or morphine—common treatments started in the hospital. However, Brigid’s Path minimizes medication use, prioritizing comfort-focused care instead.

“We don’t fully understand the long-term effects of these medications, so we use them only when absolutely necessary,”adds Lisa Jasin.

A Place of Transformation: 250 Families Helped

Decades of experience have shown that these babies thrive in calm, nurturing environments.

“Sometimes, they need to be held in a dark room for days,” says Jasin. “Babies who scored 16 or 17 in intensive care drop below 8 here—proving that comfort care works without heavy medication.”

Volunteers are trained to rock infants for hours at a time, providing the human touch so crucial to their healing.

“A typical neonatal ward is noisy, with alarms and bright lights,” explains Shelly Decker, who worked in a traditional NICU before joining Brigid’s Path. “Here, the babies are calmer, sleep better, and the families notice an immediate difference. Mothers bond more easily with their babies—without feeling judged.”

Brigid’s Path not only supports newborns but also guides mothers toward stability. Their stay can last up to 90 days, during which they receive help with employment, housing, and social services.

The results speak for themselves:
✅ 85% of babies leave with family members rather than entering foster care.
✅ 250 families have received support since the center’s founding.

For Chelsea, Brigid’s Path has been life-changing.

“I feel more confident, more secure in taking care of Carter. I’m not going back to drugs,” she affirms.

Stories of Hope and Heartbreak

Karen, another mother, continues to visit the center years after her son, Isaiah, was treated there.

“Seeing my baby suffer was unbearable—I knew it was my fault. I recognized the withdrawal symptoms because I had been through them myself,” she says.

Now six years old, Isaiah is thriving—he loves baseball, riding his scooter, and dancing to Michael Jackson.

“This place changes lives!” Karen exclaims.

Not every story has a happy ending.

“I remember a mother of twins who was deeply involved in their care. One day, without warning, social services took them away. That was devastating,” says Kingston.

To provide long-term support, Brigid’s Path plans to expand by building individual homes for families in need—ensuring that more babies like Calvin, Carter, and Isaiah have a chance to heal in a loving environment.

Brigid’s Path stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the midst of crisis, compassionate care can make all the difference.

May 22, 2024/0 Comments/by James

Hope, Prayers and Recovery

Images, News

Indian Lake Tornado: Tragedy, Destruction, and a Community’s Strength

On the evening of March 14, 2024, the tranquil community surrounding Indian Lake, Ohio, was abruptly disrupted by a powerful EF-3 tornado. The storm carved a path of destruction through Logan County, leaving a profound impact on the towns of Lakeview, Russells Point, and the Midway area between them. Tragically, three residents lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries as a result of the tornado’s devastating force. Yahoo

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tornado touched down near Indian Lake, approximately 70 miles northwest of Columbus. With maximum winds reaching up to 155 mph, the tornado’s path extended through several communities, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In Lakeview, a single-family home on North Oak Street, just east of US 33 and west of Indian Lake, suffered catastrophic damage as all its walls collapsed under the tornado’s force. The tornado’s width at this point was estimated to be half a mile. Newsweek National Weather Service

One of the most severely affected areas was a mobile home park located between Lakeview and Russells Point. The tornado’s direct hit on this community resulted in significant destruction, with numerous mobile homes obliterated. The aftermath left residents grappling with the loss of their homes and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Yahoo

In the immediate aftermath, local authorities and emergency responders mobilized swiftly to assist those affected.Schools in the Indian Lake area were closed due to power outages and structural damages but were repurposed as shelters for displaced residents. Community organizations, including the United Way, coordinated efforts to provide temporary housing, food, and essential supplies to those in need. Wikipedia Yahoo

The Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce played a pivotal role in disseminating information and rallying support.Amber Fagan, the Chamber’s president, urged displaced individuals to reach out to local agencies for assistance and emphasized the importance of community solidarity during this challenging time. Yahoo

In the days following the disaster, images of the extensive damage circulated widely, depicting leveled homes, uprooted trees, and debris scattered across once-familiar landscapes. These visuals underscored the tornado’s sheer power and the extensive recovery efforts required. Newsweek

The path to recovery for the Indian Lake community is expected to be long and arduous. Rebuilding homes, businesses, and infrastructure will necessitate substantial resources and collective effort. However, the resilience and determination exhibited by residents, coupled with support from neighboring communities and organizations, provide a foundation for hope and renewal.

As the community moves forward, there is a collective commitment to not only restore what was lost but also to implement measures aimed at enhancing preparedness for future natural disasters. The 2024 Indian Lake tornado serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the enduring strength of community bonds in the face of adversity.

Jodi Miller, packs up the last of her belongings Thursday, March 21, 2024 from her home that was devastated from a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team enter a home Thursday, March 21, 2024 looking for victims of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Craig Hewitt, rear, and Butch Smith, Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team pray for Jodi Miller Thursday, March 21, 2024, a survivor of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Tom & Amy Hanes, Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team plan their next steps Thursday, March 21, 2024 as they look for survivors of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Crews haul away the remains of homes Thursday, March 21, 2024 following a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

A worker carrying his chainsaw on his shoulder between clearing debris from a tornado Thursday, March 21, 2024 that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (Photo by James D. DeCamp) (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Photographed Thursday, March 21, 2024, the splinted trees and devastated homes left as a result of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Tom & Amy Hanes, Chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team pray for a survivor Thursday, March 21, 2024 of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Butch Smith Chaplain with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team prays Thursday, March 21, 2024 with Crystal Hornblowerr, a survivor of a tornado that ripped thru Lakeview, Indian River and Russells Point Ohio killing three people and injuring dozens more on March 14, 2024. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

March 21, 2024/0 Comments/by James

The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center Collaboration

Events, Images, News

Ohio Wesleyan University, City of Delaware, and Delaware County Reaffirm Commitment to The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center

DELAWARE, Ohio – March 14, 2024 – In a demonstration of ongoing collaboration and dedication to fostering innovation, Ohio Wesleyan University President Matt vandenBerg, Delaware City Manager R. Thomas Homan, and Delaware County Commissioner Gary Merrell have signed an agreement to continue their joint operation of The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University (DEC OWU). The signing ceremony took place today at the Center, located on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.

Established in 2018, DEC OWU represents a pioneering partnership among Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware County, and the City of Delaware. The Center serves as a business incubator and educational hub, cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that equips individuals with the mindset and knowledge to devise unique solutions addressing global challenges.

Since its inception, the Center has achieved notable milestones, including the graduation of 11 companies from its incubator program, the creation of 45 full-time jobs contributing to the local economy, and the attraction of over $3.7 million in investments and grants for its members.

President Matt vandenBerg, who assumed office as Ohio Wesleyan’s 17th president on July 1, 2023, emphasized the Center’s role in the university’s mission to drive economic growth and cultural vitality. He stated, “Ohio Wesleyan University is a powerful engine of social mobility, educational opportunity, economic growth, and cultural vitality.”

City Manager R. Thomas Homan highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the Center, noting that its success stems from the shared vision and commitment of the partnering entities.

Commissioner Gary Merrell, who has served as Delaware County Commissioner since 2013, expressed enthusiasm about the Center’s impact on local economic development and its potential to inspire future entrepreneurs.

The renewed agreement underscores the partners’ dedication to sustaining and expanding the Center’s initiatives, ensuring that DEC OWU continues to be a catalyst for innovation and a resource for entrepreneurs aiming to make a global impact.

About The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University

The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University is a unique collaboration among Ohio Wesleyan, Delaware County, and the City of Delaware. Located at 70 S. Sandusky St. on the OWU campus, the Center functions as both a business incubator and an educational facility, fostering an environment where innovative solutions to global challenges are developed.

About Ohio Wesleyan University

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is a nationally recognized liberal arts university located in Delaware, Ohio. The university is committed to providing a transformative education that prepares students for leadership and service in a global society.

March 14, 2024/0 Comments/by James

Best Columbus Portrait Photographer Award Winner

Behind The Scenes, Personal

James DeCamp Photography is proud to announce that for the fifth year in a row we have been named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Columbus, Ohio by Expertise. This prestigious award is only presented to only a few highly selected photographers around the country.

“That this is the fifth year in a row that we have won the honor of Best Portrait Photographer in Columbus speaks highly of our dedication to our clients needs and their positive feedback is what drives us to do each job better and better”, James said in response to the award.

Why This Portrait Photographer?

Our goal is to connect people with the best local experts. We scored Columbus Portrait Photographers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

We were graded on our Availability, Qualification, Reputation, Experience and Professionalism and found to be the best in Central Ohio.

1. Availability

Consistently approachable and responsive, so customers never feel ignored.
2. Qualifications

Building customer confidence with licensing, accreditations, and awards.
3. Reputation

A history of delighted customers and outstanding service.
4. Experience

Masters of their craft, based on years of practical experience and education.
5. Professionalism

Providing service with honesty, reliability, and respect.

March 16, 2022/0 Comments/by James

Newt Gingrich & Valerie Jarrett

Images, People, Political

Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Valerie Jarrett, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, engaged in a dialogue on stage at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts in New Albany, Ohio on January 28, 2020, before students from 29 local schools from Columbus and Central Ohio. Organized with the New Albany Center for Civil Discourse and Debate, the program offered “A surprising level of civility between the woman who helped shape the Obama agenda and the man… credited with leading the Republican Revolution in 1994,” according to NBC news anchor Colleen Marshall.

The Jefferson Series is an annual lecture and educational event series in New Albany, Ohio, featuring nationally and internationally prominent speakers. Organized by the New Albany Community Foundation since 2014, the series has brought leaders in public affairs, international affairs, health, history and the arts to Central Ohio.

Intended to stimulate a lifelong learning, The Jefferson Series is named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, who founded the University of Virginia and believed that education and the free exchange of ideas were essential to the progress of democracy. Jefferson wrote in 1813, “Ideas should freely spread from one to another over the globe.” The Jefferson Series programs are open to students from local school districts as well as the general public. Students have said that the experience of attending Jefferson Series events has changed their worldview, sparked their desire to learn, and inspired them to pursue ambitious career goals. Guest speakers also meet with students in smaller groups as part of a student lecture program in which more than 13,000 students have participated.

Valerie June Jarrett (née Bowman) is an American businesswoman and former government official. She served as the senior advisor to U.S. President Barack Obamaand assistant to the president for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs from 2009 to 2017. Before that, she served as a co-chair of the Obama–Biden Transition Project.

Newton Leroy “Newt” Gingrich is an American politician and author who served as the 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. A member of the Republican Party, he was the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 6th congressional district serving north Atlanta and nearby areas from 1979 until his resignation in 1999. In 2012, Gingrich unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

January 28, 2020/0 Comments/by James

Honeybook Photography Scam

Behind The Scenes

I have been a member of Honeybook for some time – its a great application to pull scheduling and billing for photography shoots together all in one place.

There is also a portion of the app/website where fellow photographers can post help wanted notices. Its usually photographers looking for second shooters for weddings, or posting opportunities on dates they already have booked.

One such notice caught my eye in around the first of the year:

“Fashion photo shoot opportunity.. please reply to my email (langsmatt070@gmail.com) for more details about the photo gig”

I responded with an interest in the project and got the following reply back from Matt Langs the next day:

I need a photographer that will direct and produce an 
independent street fashion photo shoot for Complex Magazine. 
As the photographer you pick a suitable date and location, 
work with a male and a female model, one hair stylist, 
one makeup artist, and a pro wardrobe stylist.

Complex is a media platform and an online community that 
publishes the best, most diverse and most relevant voices 
in culture, period. With over 120 million unique monthly 
visitors and 1.4B monthly page views, Complex makes 
culture pop from its collection of partners, brands 
and its hub site Complex.com for one of the most 
sought after audiences of millennial influencers ever assembled.

Job details:
1. You will be required to work with 2 models
2. There will be 3 outfits and foot wears per model, 5 
images for each outfit/look, which totals 30 images
3. Outfits/Wardrobe will be supplied by us
4. Location, date, and time will be fixed by you
5. We want 30 professionally taken pictures in 
High Res Digital Copies (800 x 600px)
6. Image type: JPG
7. Transfer method: Fileshare or Dropbox
8. Delivery date:January 30th
9. Full budget: $6300
10. Compensation: $2200 ($700 upfront and $1500 final payment)
11. Talents' budget: $4100
12. You will hold full image right (Licensor)

Sounds like an awesome job opportunity except for a number of red flags:
For a typical shoot like this, the client WILL NOT dictate how many models are going to be used,
WOULD NOT want such low resolution images,
WOULD NOT from the get-go describe payment terms including the ‘upfront’ amount,
WOULD NOT allow the photographer to retain full rights

This was almost verbatim the script from the FLAUNT magazine scam that I blogged about in 2018 and get 5-6 similar ones every year.

Of course I said yes – LOL 🙂

Mr. Langs response:

Hello,

Thanks for the reply and the interest to work with 
us on this project. Your works are quite aesthetic 
and I would love to work with you on this gig. 
There are few details you need to know: 

Wardrobe will be picked by our stylist based on 
urban trends for the fall season. We want you to 
use an outdoor and urban location but not necessarily 
metropolitan. We're not expecting your images to be 
exactly like what’s in the sample images but at the 
same time we really want something creative and artistic.

You will have to do little retouching if pictures 
can be taken with natural lighting. Final images 
will be 30 individual photos; 15 (640 x 480px) 
and 15 (800 x 600px), to be delivered via file 
share or Dropbox. Images will on be used as an 
editorial content on Complex.com for 12 months.

An agency will provide a male and a female fashion 
model, makeup and hair stylists. I was just informed 
the budget for the project has changed a little; 
it’s now $6300 (photographer gets $2200 and $4100 
for the talents). You will be paid $700 upfront 
plus the talents budget while your balance payment 
will be paid after sending us proof that the job 
has been done; usually watermarked images.

Photographers we hire usually take on the 
responsibilities of coordinating the shoot, 
selecting location, and disbursing fees. 
An advance payment of $4800 will be issued 
prior to the shoot; this covers your $700 
upfront and fee for talents’ fee payable 
to their manager.The shoot will take place 
in your city.

you will have to agree to the shoot before 
the company's contract for you can be sent over

If you’re comfortable with the above, please 
confirm the name to be written on your payment 
and contract, phone number, and address.

note,the date for the shoot will be decided after 
you have agreed with our terms.

Regards

Me:

“All sounds good.
Please send over the contract and contact numbers of the local people I will be working with.”

Hello,

Thanks for agreeing to do the shoot; I look forward 
to having a wonderful working relationship with you. 

The agency providing models, Hair stylist, and MUA 
is Eggler and Queck and I will want you to discuss 
possible dates with the agent (Arthur Benjamin Eggler) 
while I work on getting your advance budget and the 
contract; you can email Eggler at Arthurben070@outlook.com
Please send these details: 
Name 
Address 
Phone number

Well, my email footer has my Name, Address and phone number in it already – my buddy Matt must have been missing that.

I responded with my contact info and reached out to Arthur Ben, who responded:

Hello,

Thanks for touching base. We’re to provide 
2 models, a Hair/MUA, and a mobile studio 
(VanImage or Motor home) for Complex’s photo 
shoot you will be coordinating.My team will 
be available to shoot from the 13th January
except (Sundays) to January 25th

I will be waiting for you to pick a date that
best suits you.

Our fee for the entire services is $4100 
including refreshment for my team. Regarding 
payment, we require you to pay our fee prior 
to the shoot; we only accept cash deposit for 
shoot with less than 30 days booking notice 
but if you are unable to do that we accept 
mailing on Money Order.

You will be the one to choose a suitable location 
and a cloudy weather will be okay

If you have any question, please feel free to 
email me. Authurandqueck.com is presently offline 
so I attached the models’ com cards; 
Ray and Hannah fits into the profile Complex 
is looking for.

we look forward to working with you

We set a date of January 23rd and I heard nothing back for a while.

In the mean time I reached out to Honeybook and alerted them of the scam – sending them copies of the emails up to that point and referring them to my previous blog posts about scammers of this type.

Amelia from Honeybook got back to me almost immediately:

Hi James,

Amelia from HoneyBook here - thank you so much for 
reporting this in and really sorry for the delay! 

I wanted to confirm that we've fully blocked this 
profile and the listing has been removed from the 
community, and we are working to understand who, 
if anyone, this scammer has been in contact with 
on the system so we can prevent them from falling victim.

As manager of our Member Experience team, 
I generally handle reports of this nature, 
so feel free to call me directly at (415) 591-7768 
for any future reports like this that should be expedited.

Thanks so much,
Amelia

A week went by and it figured it was dead as half of these scams just go silent, and I had reported his profile on Honeybook to be a fake and they had taken it down, possibly cluing him into me know this was a fraud – but I prodded the cat to see if it was alive:

“What is the status of the assignment – I haven’t heard back from either of you regarding my several emails about it.
THANKS!!
Jim”

Hello 

I sent you a text on your phone number and 
I’m still waiting for you reply

The only number I had provided him was a landline and told him that.

Hello 

Your check is ready to be mailed,
You will need to insure the check and security fee.

This is because some clients won’t reply 
again when they receive the check So this 
is the measure the company has put in place  
against theft.

You are required to pay the insurance and 
security fee of $350 which will be refunded 
back to you immediately you receive the check.

Thanks

This was a new twist to the old game, asking for “insurance money” to get my money (that I would then have to send to someone else).

“Well of course. I understand the insurance.
THANKS!
Jim”

Thanks for understanding sir 

When will you get the payment done so that I can 
mail your payment check first thing on Monday morning.
You can get a Apple store gift card worth $350 
at any store around you.carefully scratch the 
card and send the picture to me.
It will be converted and paid

So this professional relationship has now turned into a gift card scam – hahaha

I googled “Apple gift card scratch off” and sent them an image that looked legit.

I’m sorry for disturbing you.Please take the 
picture properly to show the value of card
And it’s of high importance to show 
the name of the gift card
Thanks

my reply (another googled image)

I’m sorry for disturbing you,
I will need you to snap the full card sir...
there is difficulty in converting the card 
Please kindly do it immediately so that I 
can proceed to mailing your check

with in minutes he emailed me with:

I’m still waiting sir

five minutes later

Are you there sir ?

“Please good Sir Langs.
It takes time to set up my camera and photograph
Patience.
What is your rush?
THANKS!!
Jim”

Okay

I’m gonna sit here and wait...there is no rush
Please take your time

I figured I would take things down a new road and see how far I could go.

“Im rather disturbed that I have heard nothing from Arthur Ben
THANKS!!
Jim”

I chatted him up yesterday and he is ready 
with his team.
The only problem is their payment which will 
be resolved when you receive the payment check

“When will I receive the payment check?
THANKS!!
Jim”

I will mail the check when the insurance and 
security fee has been paid and it will take 
just 24hours for you to receive it

“Would you say that trust and honesty are the most important pieces of business?
THANKS!
Jim”

Yes 
Why did you ask ?
I know you are being cautious and I appreciate it because it shows you are a smart person and I’m sure you are the right person for this photo shoot.
Let your mind be at rest because everything will go on well as planned.

I decided I had had enough and figured this would be the end:

“I’m glad I can trust you.
I haven’t told anyone this but need to come clean to someone
When I was 12 years old I killed Bobby Scoval. He was a friend who tried to swindle some money from me and in my anger I stabbed him to death.
My parents helped me bury the body and keep it secret. No one ever knew what really happened and everyone thought he just ran away from home. That was 30 years ago, but still haunts me.
I hope that this doesn’t taint our great working relationship.
I know that I can trust you.
THANKS!
Jim

but less than 30 minutes later a desperate Mr. Langs replied:

It’s okay...your secret is safe with me and a 
mistake doesn’t define someone
What about the payment?

Gotta give him credit – he had his eyes on the prize.

I decided to borrow a cue from the great spam replier himself James Veitch and threw this at him:

“Thank you for the understanding.
Im concerned about security of our emails.
Please view this video – it raises valid concerns. Watch til the end – I think we should adopt codewords like he does.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QdPW8JrYzQ
THANKS!!
Kit Kat”

a couple hours later I taunted him:

“Are you still there?
Sincerely,
Kit Kat”

He came back three days later (the day of the actual shoot) with:

You have diverted from the line of business 
Maybe you aren’t interested in the photo shoot anymore

“I am deeply devoted to the craft of photography.
You obviously did not view the video I sent.
I would look at it if I were you.
You also might want to look at this since its is exactly the same line of business that you are in, but the name of the magazine is different:
https://www.jamesdecamp.com/2018/08/29/another-day-another-scam-going-around-flaunt-magazine/
Let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kit Kat”

I think I’ll see if he is still around and send him this blog post 🙂

January 23, 2020/2 Comments/by James

Wild Ohio Weekend

Events, Images

RH Columbus Grand Opening Celebration

Events, Images, People, Things

Gary Friedman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the home furnishings retailer Restoration Hardware, Inc. hosts the grand opening celebration of the RH Columbus: The Gallery at Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio Wednesday, December 11, 2019. The new store is a 40,000 square foot anchor and centerpiece of a 16 acre expansion at Easton and is the first of its kind in Ohio and one of only 19 in the United States.

“RH Columbus is an extraordinary concept and we’re so pleased it will anchor this important next step in the evolution of Easton Town Center,” said Jennifer Peterson, chief executive of Easton. “It is a one-of-a-kind experience and a complete immersion into the RH brand. With the closest RH galleries located in Chicago and Nashville, we are confident this will be a strong draw for customers from throughout the region.” Easton is operated by Steiner & Associates and The Georgetown Company.