C2: Hand Logo Hat

The Combat Obscura collection was inspired by my Dad’s photography taken during his time serving in Baqubah, Iraq circa 2007.

True story from my dad: “When we finished patrolling and headed back to the FOB, we used to connect the iPod to the speakers we had set up on our Humvees. We played all types of music, from the Deftones to Metallica and System of a Down, you name it... we probably played it. Nothing could compare to the feeling of pulling up to Camp Warhorse and blasting “Boys are Back in Town” on the loudspeakers. We would get scolded for it, but it was something we eagerly anticipated when returning to base, as we never knew when our time would be up. It became a returning ritual, seen as a blessing to make it back after every mission.”

I wanted to find a way to capture my dad’s story, to portray the calm before the storm and how quickly things can turn dangerous in an instant.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate that he made it back, despite him having to go through a recovery process after being hit by a Daisy Chain IED. Having him still around is a true blessing.

Combat obscura