Weekend festivals and a regatta

Paul Hellstern is a native Oklahoman and has lived in Edmond since it was a college town of 10,000. He graduated from Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma) with degrees in both History and Philosophy. Picking up a camera for the first time after graduating, he attended three semesters of Journalism classes, working part time in the Photographic Services Department at CSU. He then was hired as the photographer for the Edmond Sun, where he worked for a year before being hired at the "Daily Oklahoman" in December, 1981. Two years later Paul was hired as photographer for the Kerr-McGee Corporation, where he worked for two years before returning to the "Daily Oklahoman". He has won two Oklahoma Press Association awards for "Photo of the Year" and one for "Photographer of the Year", as well as numerous 1st place Associated Press awards. Paul has photographed every type of event from college football championships to disasters such as the Murrah Bombing, the May 3rd 1999 tornado, and Hurricane Mitch in Honduras. It was there that he developed a love for the Latin American culture and people, and has since made more than 20 trips to Central America.