Oshkosh Portraits

Written By John Slemp

During the recently concluded airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, I had the opportunity to continue photographing WWII veterans, in this instance four Tuskegee Airmen. Two of the men I had photographed before, but two were new to me, and not knowing how long we’ll have ‘em around, I made an effort to honor their legacy by creating portraits. One doesn’t always know how an image might be used, but one thing is for certain, if you don’t have the image, it’ll never be used.

Below is a portrait of Lt. Col. George Hardy, a combat veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Rather than list his accomplishments, it seems appropriate to listen as he tells his story in a very well done interview with the American Veterans Center.

Many Thanks to Lavone Kay of the CAF Red Tail Squadron of the CAF for her assistance in arranging this opportunity. Enjoy!

Portrait of Lt. Col. George Hardy, created at the Jesuit House lodge in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on 26 July, 2023.

John Slemp

John’s 30 year career has seen him create images for a wide variety of advertising, corporate, and editorial clients worldwide.

After almost 11 years in the US Army, John attended Atlanta’s Portfolio Center, and later assisted established commercial photographers for five years.

Oscar winners, Olympic champions, astronauts, musicians, artists, pilots, veterans and regular people have all been captured by John’s lenses.

An experienced, innovative, and award winning commercial photographer, he deftly brings studio techniques to location work.

John is increasingly involved in showcasing his work through galleries and museums, and is currently writing a book about WWII “bomber jackets.”

Past clients include: The Company of Others and Innis Maggiore ad agencies, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Epps Aviation, Goodyear Aviation Tires, EAA’s Sport Aviation magazine, General Aviation News, Smithsonian Air & Space magazine, Jet Support Services International, Avfuel, The Lindbergh Foundation, and Women in Aviation International.

A long-time member of the American Society of Media Photographers, John served 5 years on the national board, and twice as the Atlanta/SE chapter president.

http://www.johnslemp.com
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