06/12/2026
I recently spent a day at Ride The Lightning Tattoo | Olympia, WA , with a camera in hand and no real agenda beyond documenting a typical day in the shop. Those are often my favorite assignments. No stiff poses. No forcing moments. Just paying attention.
I photographed each artist, captured some finished work, and spent the rest of the day following the flow of things—clients coming and going, artists focused on their work, conversations between coworkers, and plenty of laughs throughout the day.
I think that’s what I enjoy most about this kind of work. It’s not really about the camera. It’s about spending enough time with people that they forget it’s there.
The shop was welcoming, creative, and full of good energy. As a bonus, I got to spend the day getting to know the people my daughter Kaci Alderin works with and see a little more of the life she’s building for herself in Olympia. Hearing her coworkers talk about her, seeing the friendships she’s made, and getting a glimpse into this part of her life was pretty special. Sometimes the best part of a photoshoot isn’t really the photos at all.
Thank you to everyone at Ride the Lightning for welcoming me in and trusting me to tell a small part of your story. Here are a few favorites from the day.
