South Dakota
Through my travels, I've shot portraits all over the world. In my photos, I work to capture real moments and honest emotions. I search for subjects with unique facial features. Shot in both color and black and white, these images function as a window into understanding not only the subject, but ourselves.
Rapid City Regional Airport, South Dakota
At our company, Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in 2023, we stopped for refueling our Cessna 182T and lunch at Rapid Falls (KRAP), South Dakota. Oh KRAP! The American Midwest is beautiful. The airport code for the Rapid City Regional Airport is indeed KRAP. Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP) was our next stop after Idaho Falls on the way from Palo Alto.
KRAP has a rich history and notable geographical significance. Established in the mid-20th century, it quickly became a pivotal hub for air travel in the region. Notable for its strategic location, the airport lies in the scenic Black Hills, an area renowned for its natural beauty and historical landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Over the years, KRAP has undergone several expansions and renovations, reflecting its growing importance in the region. One of the most significant moments in its history was in the late 1980s, when the airport underwent a major expansion to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, showcasing its importance as a gateway to the western United States. The airport's geographical position also makes it a vital link for air travel to and from the more remote areas of South Dakota and neighboring states.
Flying Over Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.
On the way from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), Idaho to Rapid City Regional Airport (KRAP), South Dakota we did a flyby of Mt. Rushmore in our Cessna 182T. This was during our cross-country flying trip for our company Robometrics® Machines’ annual AI Demo Day II in Oshkosh Wisconsin in summer of 2023.
Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, is one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. Its creation began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. The monument features the colossal carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, chosen to represent the nation's birth, growth, development, and preservation, respectively.
The project was conceived by South Dakota historian Doane Robinson and brought to life by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The selection of the presidents and the monumental scale of the sculpture were intended to reflect the grandeur and scope of American history and ideals. Carving the 60-foot high faces into the granite face of Mount Rushmore involved the efforts of over 400 workers and was an incredible feat of engineering and artistry. Mount Rushmore has become a symbol of American democracy and heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year.
