"Focus on the Mission" takes you behind the scenes with Josh, a NASA photographer, as he documents key moments of the Artemis program. From jets soaring over rockets to the Orion capsule's ocean return, Josh combines art with science to capture NASA's incredible journey back to the Moon. This talk highlights how his images contribute to the story of human achievement in space, inviting the audience to appreciate the power of photography in celebrating discovery and inspiring future generations. Josh has been a professional photographer and videographer for 18 years and has served as a Scientific Photographer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center since 2017. From engineering tests to astronaut training to mission control operations, Josh documents subjects and events of importance to NASA’s human space flight effort. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly backseat in a NASA T-38? NASA photographer Josh Valcarcel takes you behind-the-scenes to show his perspective riding with NASA astronauts to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to check out Artemis I on the launch pad.

My first flight in the backseat of a NASA T-38 left me speechless, so here's a video.

Music: Astronaut, by Vincent Tone

The 360fly is a water-resistent virtual reality action sports camera that works with your phone and Google Cardboard. We tested the $400 camera at the California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium. 

As Star Wars fans have grown up, so have their lightsabers. Forget cheap plastic toys, these sabers are bespoke laser blades that light up, buzz, and are made for Jedi dueling.

Max is a fifth-generation blacksmith that wants to revive the trade his forefathers committed their lives to. He spends almost every day from the early morning into the late night transforming raw metal into intricate works of art.

Danny Terhaar, age 45, has been an organic beekeeper for two years. He's responsible for nearly 50 hives spread over several locations from Carpinteria up to Thousand Oaks. Recently, he started up Bees and Beyond – his own bee rescue company.

Bees and Beyond offers humane swarm removal services to areas around Ventura county. Rather than exterminating the hive, Terhaar relocates the bees to a new home in his yard or with other local beekeepers.

Take a ride with Jon Husman as he navigates through North Park, San Diego on his tall bike.

Music: Ryan Clement

Back in 2008, Derek Sanchez, a friend and colleague of mine, put together this video of a portrait shoot I organized on the flight deck of USNS Mercy while anchored in the Federated States of Micronesia. I used a single SB-800 with a LumiQuest Mini Softbox attached to light the foreground.