Pioneer Valley Punx.

What follows are a few photos from my documentary photo project entitled "Pioneer Valley Punx" (or "Punx of the Pioneer Valley"... it doesn't really matter, just so long as you spell it with an x, because what's more punk rock than spelling words with more angular letters?). These are some of my favorite images from what I shot. It was difficult to pick only ten. Each person or group that I shot was interesting in their own right, whether they were the down-to-earth vegan couple or the new-to-punk high school band.

The subject matter is one that is close to me and that I can relate to (behold, my reasoning for choosing the topic). I remember being just like the guys from COD when I was in high school, and realizing everything Lauren and Ryan were talking about during their interview about punk being less about appearance and more about holding tight to your convictions and relentlessly fighting for what you believe.

There are absolutely images that I failed to capture for this project. I would have liked to get straightedge middle school teacher Jon Galanis at work with his students and at a show; the guys of COD in school hanging out with people other than each other; Lauren and Ryan interacting with friends and family. I could not get these pictures simply because of timing. Schedules conflicted, and time ran out. However, although the project is due today, I have every intention of continuing to shoot this subject matter until I'm satisfied with what I have captured.

The experiences I had while shooting each subject were immeasurably cool. I got to take pictures of a best friend, an acquaintance I've always wanted to get to know better, and somebody I previously knew only on the internet. There is a story for each time I took photos for this project. That's probably been my favorite thing about this.

Since I don't know how to go about finishing the introduction to a project I have put so much into in the last few months (my first all-nighter!), here are my top ten images, in no particular order.



Rob Fortune of Westfield, Massachusetts poses in his work clothes. He has had a mohawk for over a month and his boss doesn't mind, he said. Rob was a food science major at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and currently works in Salem, Massachusetts. He is the former bass player of local group Andyhasaband and recently finished writing his first book. Russ also used to book punk shows on campus as part of the DIY UMass club.


University of Massachusetts junior Sarah Meunier works on a piece of artwork after classes on Wednesday, March 31. Meunier is an activist for equal rights and works at the University's Stonewall Center for bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, and transgender students.


Cory Gillette, left, and friend Sam Hage, both students at Amherst Regional High School, at band practice on Friday, April 9. Their band, COD, was not initially meant to be a punk band, but quickly evolved into one. Cory, a graduating senior, is attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall and, although presently undeclared, is considering majoring in computer science "because that's where the money's at," he said. Sam, 15, will continue to attend Amherst Regional High School.


COD drummer Mike Kane at band practice. The band practices in his basement and occasionally receives noise complaints from irritated neighbors, frustrated with the sound.


Sam Hadge adjusts friend and bandmate Cory Gillette's mohawk while Mike Kane looks on from the best seat in the house.


Local band The Frills during a photoshoot in Northampton, Massachusetts. The band, consisting of Isaac Simon, Lauren Garant, and Meagan Day, began in 2007 and has been picking up speed in the last year, slowly playing more shows in bigger venues.


Jon Galanis takes his miniature daschund, Saurkraut, for a walk in Northampton, Massachusetts. Galanis, a history teacher in Hadley, takes his dog for regular walks in the dog park. "This is where we usually run around," he said upon reaching a grassy hillside. Galanis, who is straightedge, used to book shows in the Amherst area and continues to play music.


University of Massachusetts senior Ryan Young slices tomatoes while making vegan pizza with girlfriend and Frills guitarist Lauren Garant. Ryan and Lauren have been vegan for one and four years, respectively, and regularly cook together.


Cory Gillette and Sam Hadge at an all-girl punk band at the University of Massachusetts. The show was headlined by The Frills and put on by the DIY UMass club, which sets up shows for local musicians on campus that are usually free. Cory and his friends regularly attend shows put on by the club.


Cory Gillette after having his mohawk touched up. Cory started dressing like a punk after being one for Halloween and enjoying it, he said.