A Sunday's Drive

CMU Men's Basketball - Mostly Wide

2011-11-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Decided to change it up and shot with a wide angle a large portion of the first half. Had and early deadline and only could stay about six minutes into the second half. The game went to double overtime and I can only imagine what I missed, but it's a "digital first" world strangled by print deadlines. I digress, enjoy the photos.

Rosebush apple orchard

2011-10-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you arrive 30 minutes early and they are running 40 minutes late.

Sometimes there is a lack of emotion.

Sometimes you get yelled at for taking photos of people wiping themselves free of apple pure.

Sometimes you label your photos in the order they should run.

Sometimes the designer chooses other wise.

Sometimes is a good way to characterize the life a photojournalist.

Sometimes good, sometimes bad.

Never, ever the same.

15 minutes of practice

2011-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have an a couple hours for an assignment. Other times, 15 minutes. The pressure to make images in a limited time frame is sometimes what makes the job so much fun.

Window light stalking

2011-09-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

A man, who asked to be unidentified, looks through science and nature books Tuesday afternoon at Alma Area Used Book Sale. The annual sale continues today and Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church, 495 Charles Ave. in Alma. The funds raised from the sale fund scholarships for local non-traditional college students.

Some times you have to wait, wait some more, wait a little longer and then just maybe everything will align.

Jingles and Chandler

2011-09-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Chandler Denton, 12 of Clare, takes a break Friday at the Clare County Fair after walking his quarter horse Jingles who was dehydrated. "She doesn't like the water here," Denton said. Denton, a member of the Giddy Up 4-H Club, had to walk Jingles to keep her from eating dirt and laying down to prevent colic. "There's nothing I'd rather be doing than riding," he said.

Isabella County Fair

2011-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

We did a feature on rides at the fair. I knew immediately I wanted to do some long exposure(something I've never seen in our paper). I arrive just before dusk and as I set up, the lights go out and the rides suddenly stop. An hour and a half later and a fixed generator I made this.

Sometimes all you can do is wait.

Light Stalker

2011-07-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon with a young female racer at the Mount Pleasant Speedway. It's a story I think needs further exploring. We'll see what happens I guess.

Volunteer Kid

2011-06-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Steven Stokes, 12, of Mt. Pleasant helps unload potatoes from a pallet Saturday morning during the Community Compassion Network at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 320 S. Bradley St. Stokes said he has been volunteering with organization, that provides food to those in need, for three or four years. Stokes said it's important to help because, "God wants us to help people and God is really what it's about."

I really haven't updated because I haven't been in love with anything I've shot lately besides sports. I met Steven last Saturday and I spent more time than I was supposed to with him. I'm not really happy with this frame, but to be honest the kid totally touched me. He really loves helping others and not for the selfish reasons a lot of young volunteers to do it for. His parents grounded him once and his punishment was he couldn't volunteer for the week. I'm not making that up either.

Running them down

2011-05-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Alma anchor Lupe Garza attempts to catch Ovid-Elsie's runner in the 3200 meter relay Wednesday afternoon at Alma College. Alma finished second in the relay.

Not the greatest of sports moments, but I love this light.

Roller Derby

2011-05-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Andrea "Getcha Pawz Off" Mata, 38 of Mt. Pleasant, gets up after being knocked down during roller derby practice with the Mountain Town Mayhem Thursday night at Spinning Wheels on North Mission Road south of Rosebush.

I feel like this was the millionth time I've shot this assignment and I finally walked away with something worth keeping.

Home plate

2011-05-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

CMU's Amanda Patrick jumps on Brittini Merchant in excitement as she crosses home plate tying the game Sunday against Ball State. CMU won 9-5.

Winners and Losers

2011-03-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

As one team celebrates, another morns.

Winners and losers.

Athletes compete for the emotional high that follows the buzzer.

They play to win. No one wants to lose. And certainly no one wants to feels the crash course of emotions that come with it.

When your winning you're immortal and nothing matters except winning.

When your losing the whole world is pinned against you and nothing matters except not losing.

It's about winners and losers; otherwise, why keep score?

Readers claimed the crying photo was incentive.

Fans hate losing and love winning almost as much as the athletes themselves.

As the final seconds run off the clock one team basked in glory, the other stood in the shadow.

One the winner, the other the loser.

They celebrate, because this is what they spent an entire season working toward.

They cry because this isn't how it's supposed to end.

It's hard to watch the array of emotions. It's probably even harder as parent.

The truth is it happens. It's why they play the game.

Winners and losers.

Victory

2011-03-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Fulton cheerleader Bailey Steiss, senior, celebrates after junior Brandon Trefil knocks down a three-point shot during Friday's win against Pewamo-Westphalia, 81-50.

Defeat

2011-03-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

CMU senior Antonio Weary leans against the wall outside of the men's locker room after Saturday's loss to Western during the final regular season home game of the year. Weary scored 6 points and played 21 minutes.

The Maple Building

2011-02-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Maple Building, the old elementary school in Shepherd, Mich., was being torn down.

When I arrived on scene I took my typical construction photos and I knew if I waited long enough somebody would pass to stop and look at what was going on.

It was cold, but I was dressed warm and I was set on coming back to the office with something different.

I remembered a similar conversation when I was in college and a fellow photograph had to photograph an apartment which had been vandalized with spray painted swastikas.

He came back with a generic photo of stair case and spray painted swastikas. Brett Marshall's reaction was, "Where is the little girl jump roping."

I posted early about waiting. Persistence and patients always pay off.

It's not perfect, but it feel victorious.

All three photos took an hour of waiting and happened within about five minutes of each other.

Finding the drive and making the fight

2011-02-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm already a month into the new year.

I seem to be fighting all kinds of battles.

My days run together working the night shift. At times it can be a daunting task to find the motivation to wake, rinse, drag yourself to work for three or four hours of sun light, enter a dark gym, leave to a dark parking lot, edit, caption, tone, then to leave work knowing not only is it dark, but also freezing cold.

This all leads me to my next topic. I shoot basketball everyday and sometimes I cover two games. A college photographer asked why I was leaving a Central Michigan University game early and it got me thinking about how drastically different my life is from a year ago.

Being at a college newspaper you print three times a week and you maybe shoot three or four assignments a week. You have a rough web deadline and you pretty much do things at your pace.

It's great in theory to want to shoot an entire game, but there are many reasons it's not always applicable at a daily.

Web first - Despite what you want to do or know will produce the best content your editor and bosses know differently and they have expectation you have to meet.
Deadlines - Much like the first point other people (page designers) are waiting for you so they can do their job. They have friends and most importantly families.
People - Not everyone understands you or what you do. They have families which are more important than their jobs, whether you think it's fair or not. To many it's about the paycheck.
Real world - It's not college. You have three assignments a day instead of three a week. "Don't forget video," they politely remind you, so make that four. Your a staff of few instead of many. The reality is it's not feasible and you have to budget your time properly. You learn what to and what not to spend your time on.

All of this brings me to a final point.

Pick and choose your battles.

Not everyone you work with is as dedicated as you. So choose what you fight for wisely. Otherwise you alienate yourself and are labeled a with giant asshole target.

This doesn't mean you give up and give in. This means you lead by example. You show others you care and use your passion to motivate them. Instead of being the complaining gnat, be the caterpillar. Cheesy, yes, but little by little you achieve change. As others see the greatness in your work they will be inspired to do the same. They will also be inspired if they see you getting a pay raise.

The truth is you have to change your game plan sometimes. Instead of spending three hours on basketball, spend one. Spend the other two working on real projects and finding features. When the big games comes the editors will understand and take full advantage of it.

It's all a game.

Pick your battles, plan accordingly, do the right things, control the tempo, attack and you'll sometimes win.

Nadine's, a family tradition

2011-01-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Nadine Voisin, 64, of Mount Pleasant attempts to the cut the hair of William McClintic, 2, as he reaches for his mother Rachel Friday afternoon at Nadine's Beauty Salon, 701 E. Michigan St. Voisin has owned her shop for 44 years and has been cutting four generation of McClintic family hair. When asked why the family comes back to her Nadine said with a laugh, "Because I'm good."

Since William didn't get a haircut and either did any of his other family members the assignment was looking like a wash. I stuck around Nadine's and photographed a few of other appointments and made photos of her doing what she does.

As I came back to the office I was a little disappointed William wasn't cooperating. As I edited through photos I realized how valuable and story telling the top photo is. Had he sat in the chair and had his hair trimmed the photo would have been just that. Instead I was able to create a unique moment in the life of both William and Nadine.

CMU basketball

2011-01-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

CMU center Will McClure lays on the floor after being fouled in the first half against the University of Detroit. The Chippewas lost, 75-49.

Here's to looking at you 2011

2011-01-01T09:24:00.001-08:00

As Facebook and Twitter flooded with posts cursing the year known as 2010 and casting it away, I thought about how great the past year was for me.

Two ago I set out on journey to find myself as photographer. What was supposed to be a one year voyage morphed into something greater than I ever visioned. I'm still searching, but to see the growth from then to know astonishes me.

What 2010 brought me:
1. I completed multiple photo stories
Even though I feel there is work left to do, it is something I always put on my to do list and never finished. Finishing these projects and more specifically the one above led me to so much. I just want to say it's amazing what you learn from others.

2. I landed a full-time job at the daily in my college town
Bottom line I'm thankful I have a job doing what I love. My friends warned me about this job and made me pledge not to "lose my soul." There are many things this paper could do better, but instead of being jobless I'm actively attempting changing things. It's not easy, but isn't active change why we all wanted to become journalist?

3. I stopped worrying and started taking control of my life
Putting yourself out there is scary. When you stop everything in life and start driving the other direction it's dangerous, but along the way I found so much I thought was ahead of me I had passed because I was never paying attention. Slowing down helped me to become a better photographer and a happier person.

4. Living a positive progressive lifestyle
The truth about journalist is a lot of them are failures who become super jaded at the world and have fallen into a dark place of anger and spite. This type of person uses their AP Style (or photo) intellect to make others feel inept. Surround yourself with good people. Find people willing to help you and lead by example. Those kind of people never advance in life. It's not that they aren't smart enough or good enough, but it's attitude. It's about wanting it and not losing site of how and why.

5. My internship with Dan Stewart
It was undoubtedly the most valuable experience I have had as a photographer. I learned not only what it is to be an outstanding photographer, but also an outstanding husband, brother and friend. No matter how terrible a shoot went Dan somehow always remained optimistic and walked away positive. He is the exact opposite of the jaded journalist. I'm thankful for Dan, his wife Liz and brother Jason who always made me feel welcome.

Yes, 2010 was filled with long wedding days, too many "you've just go to do it" assignments, but it made all of the little wins seem sweeter.

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."
~John Wooden

Standing Still

2010-12-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

I'm a wander.

I also get overwhelmed way to easily. My brain starts seeing everything and I want to capture it all. This is especially true on assignments when you have a limited time frame.

I'm facing right and then a moment happens left. I turn left and with in a fraction of a second I fumble with the focus button and exposure, but then I'm left watching the moment instead of capturing it.

I try to tell myself to breath, that's if I even remember to do that, because like I said I'm easily overwhelmed.

So instead of being a wander, a worrier or rusher, just realize life goes on.

Take your time. Sit and wait. Wait more and eventually it will happen.

And if you still miss it, just remember it's only a fraction of a second and not the rest of your life.

Where's the jube?

2010-12-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

St. Louis breezed through the first two sets against Ithaca in the conference title. The third game was essentially a blowout until the Yellow Jackets started a rally to pull with in a few points, after being down by something like 15.

This frame never saw the light of day of in print or even came close, but I personally love absolutely everything about it.

In the end St. Louis won the third set and the game was over. This was the jubilation.

As far as my photos go I wish they would have lost in five sets, but I guess you take what you are given.

Raising Jylin

2010-11-27T13:56:00.001-08:00

I spent a couple of hours with a John Williams, a father, football player, student, and all around great guy.

I felt well received by John and fiance and they very open to me telling their story. It's amazing to see a young man like John who is only 20 years-old take on the responsibility he has. I can not say enough kind things about him and his family. I think this is a story I will continue to work on.

An inny and an outy

2010-11-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

Inny

Mount Pleasant head coach Jason McIntyre hugs wide receiver Ryan Heeke Saturday after defeating Cadillac, 17-7, in the Division 3 Regional Finals.

Outy

I made this frame with a wide angle lens waiting for time to expire on the clock and the celebration to begin.

There was some running, yelling and hugging, but the real moment came when the two teams lined up to shake hand and off in the distance coach McIntyre, with a smile on his face, gave Heeke a hug. McIntyre is an intense coach and when I captured this I knew it was rare moment and the moment.

Halloween: A banana, Flo and a hippie

2010-11-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Culmination

2010-11-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

As a photojournalist we spend a good portion of the time fighting the elements; terrible light, horrible weather, bad subjects, you name it we fight it.

And then some times it all comes together.

Friday Night Light

2010-11-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

I arrived to a Friday football game 30 minutes early. It was a cold night and my jacket was still damp from shooting a cross country meet two days earlier. I started shooting features before the game to keep my mind off the cold.

Water Tower Repainting

2010-10-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

I was shooting my second CROP Walk in a week and I saw this. Nothing special, but I thought it made a nice pictorial.

Head to head soccer

2010-10-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I've become so used to seeing collegiate players, but these two teams were tiny.

The game was a lot of kicking the ball, chasing the ball, kicking the ball in the other direction, and then chasing the ball in the other direction. It was a pretty standard high school soccer game to say the least, but I thought I would share some images.

It's Friday Again

2010-10-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's Friday again. That means high school football.

Fulton High is literally surrounded by corn fields. They come so close to the building that I'm willing to bet a dollar I can reach both arms out and touch the school and the stalks at the same time.

Ashley (who tagged along for fun) and I approach the field. I take some test shots as these golden rays of light peak over the top of the trees. The light is perfect. In my head I know it's only a matter of minutes before it will be lost.

The teams come out, introductions are made and the National Anthem is played. There and then it hits me. I feel that pain in my stomach. Don't worry it's not kidney stones or diarrhea, but nerves.

The cool dry air with a sight breeze from the west, the orange cast of a dusty sunset, green grass, white jerseys and the sound of people cheering make me suddenly miss it.

The ball is kicked and I turn to Ashley and I say, "I just want to hit someone."

Unless you have ever played, you will never truly know that feeling.

Wheatland 2010

2010-09-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Blenda Chmielewski of Warren, left and Bev Lipmyer of Ann Arbor, right, dance Sunday with Gus Limbo, 72, of Barryton who has been attending Wheatland for 37 years.

Music, hippies and camping. Wheatland had me at sight and sound. I've told all kinds of stories about Wheatland, but nothing can describe the experience.

Had I not been so busy and tired from the KISS concert the night before I would have stayed longer and made more pictures. There are so many stories and different kinds of people.

In short Wheatland is something I would love to attend next year, whether it's camping with friends, or documenting for the paper.

High School Soccer

2010-09-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's taken some time to get used to shooting sports with a full-frame body. I miss the extra frames per second, but I also miss my 70-200mm being more like a 300mm. I'm learning to adjust and I honest love the shallow depth of field from my 5D Mark II.

And So It Begins

2010-09-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

The sun sets earlier and the wind blows a little harder. The warm summer nights are over and it's football season.

Parents and students fill the stands. Girls wear jackets that read John. Moms cheer and dads think he had the first down. Coaches yell and football players throw their helmets. Refs just ignore it all.

It's Friday night.

I love Friday's.

I wish sometimes they played on Saturday's during the day so I could shoot an entire game with decent light, but I guess it wouldn't be Friday than.

Wedding: Tim and Laura

2010-08-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Old 27 Tour

2010-08-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Blake Siefka, 7, of St. Louis writes the name of his favorite cars in his journal Thursday afternoon during the annual Old 27 Tour which stopped in St. Louis. "I'm writing the names of all the cars in my new journal I got today. It has my favorite band AC/DC on the cover," Siefka said.

This kid was awesome, I'm mean he is seven and an AC/DC fan.

I've been swamped with freelance work, creating a business plan, weddings, logo design, helping my girlfriend move back to college and every other lame excuse for not updating my blog.

Expect some real updates soon and maybe even a few other surprises.

Pete and Chelsea

2010-08-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Every wedding is different and each is it's own adventure.

On our car ride to where the bride and groom were getting ready Dan told me about Pete and Chelsea. More specifically we talked about how rainy it was on their engagement shoot. As we approached our destination it only became darker, cloudier and rainier.

After meeting both Pete and Chelsea I knew the weather wasn't going to be a concern. You see Pete and Chelsea have something special. They weren't concerned about the little things or the details. Today they were getting married and nothing was going to stop them.

Just for Fun

2010-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Every so often I take the back roads to visit my mom. I always past this small barn on the corner of a 4-way stop and I've always wanted to stop. Usually there is never anyone with me, but this time I had Ashley and I convinced her to stop with me.

We spent probably about 15 or 20 minutes playing around and took a few pictures.

Breakfast on the Farm

2010-07-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

There is so much to say about those photos of above and I don't know where to start.

So I'll just say it was a drizzly overcast day that turned out to be one of my favorite assignments from the year.

Makes me want to start a farm family story.

Cheshire Cat

2010-07-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

One of the things I missed about living at home is having pets. My mom and her boyfriend left to visit his family in Cleveland. I became the master of the cats. Actually I was their slave. They meowed I let them out. They scratched, I let them in and they ran to the food dish. They meowed more making sure I knew their dish was empty. Then they fought and I had to separate them.

Then I realized why I don't own pets. They are just to much work.

I made a new friend though. Her name is Tigger, she was the one being picked on at the food dish.

I found her in my room and she was too cute not to take a photo of. One problem. I was spotted.

So I did what any journalist would do, I sat and waited.

Animals are like children, keep the camera in their face long enough and they forget you're there. Which brings me to my next blog post where I was licked to death by a baby calve. Stay tuned.

Bob and Nikki Paschall

2010-07-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

I made my usual weekend trip to Traverse City to work for Dan Stewart Photography to shoot the wedding of Bob and Nikki Paschall.

My wedding day journey typically starts with me waking up at 8 a.m. and being on the road for my two and half hour journey north. I should also mention that I usually don't sleep the night before because of nerves. I often toss and turn dreaming of malfunctioning cameras, bridezillas, rain, or not waking up on time. Yikes!

My biggest fear though is meeting the couple. Dan meets with all of his clients before hand and being the intern who doesn't live remotely close to Dan I don't have that luxury.

Why is this such a fear?

Because you can't make happy pictures of people who aren't happy. Well you sort of can but it's essential like asking a chemist to make COKE without sugar. It's just not as good.

Back to the story.

Dan and I arrive at the Park Place Hotel where the girls are getting ready and also where the reception is being held. As Dan introduces me to Nikki I extend my handout for a formal greeting and denies my request, but insists she is a hugs person instead.

Right away from her smile and enthusiasm I new this wedding was going to be a breeze.

The nerves settled and the wedding went on.

Independence Day

2010-07-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you add too much salt to your beer.

Vena and the girls had their sparklers while the guys opted for mortars. For those of you who might now know what a mortar it's basically the real thing. They are loud, beautiful and of course a little bit dangerous.

It was amazing to spend the weekend back in my hometown with my friends. The food, yard games, drinking, icing, music and storytelling is already missed.

Cleveland: Pre-LeBron Drama

2010-07-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

My friends and I ventured to Cleveland to celebrate Chris'(the guy in back)24th birthday more than a month ago. We visited the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and roamed the bars of Cleveland. I surprised at how clean and safe the city was, especially compared to Detroit.

Not living in the metro-Detroit area I rarely get to see my friends who are a large piece of life. I really do miss them. The one downfall of shooting weddings is working weekends because everyone else has them off.

Six Column Victory

2010-07-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Mount Pleasant's Brittney Horan celebrates after scoring the the first run of Saturday's against Swan Valley.

It's kind of vain, but I love seeing my images in print. Especially when they take up an entire front page.

Rosebush Elementary Closing

2010-07-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

I thought I published these, but I found it in my draft box with no body copy which I spent at least an hour on a few weeks ago. So here we go again.

As I walked into the small elementary school in Rosebush, Mich., just north of Mount Pleasant, I could feel the tension.

Some wanted me there and greeted me with punch and cookies. A woman approached me and asked why the paper wasn't around when the school was fighting its battle to stay open.

What do I say? I'm just a freelance photographer and in one way I feel for them. They are losing 60 years of history. It's the type of school where Mrs. Teacher taught your older brother, your mom and she plays euchre on the weekends with your grandmother who attended the school when it first opened.

Despite some of the families having to break six generations of tradition the other part of me feels this is the right thing to do.

Economically the school district is in a bind like many others in the country. Being in Michigan with the current economy only makes the situation worse. Everyday a newspaper in a local town some where is writing about X-school closing, or Y-cutting Z-jobs. Everything and everyone seems to be cutting and consolidating.

Looking at this situation I think to myself, it could be worse.

Not everyone sees it this way and I understand the pain. But by closing the school only two jobs will be cut in the school district. All of the Rosebush's teachers have been relocated with in the district. The two jobs were going to be cut regardless according the superintendent. More jobs were at risk if the school stayed open.

Again not everyone sees it this though.

I stood in the library analyzing what to say. She was awkwardly waiting for me to replay.

What do I say?

I can see the pain in her eyes, she doesn't have to say a word. I know exactly what she's thinking.

She's angry and drawing impatient.

I swallow hard and utter "I'm sorry."

The hardest part of being a journalist is holding your tongue when you clearly see the right and the wrong.

Austin and Traci

2010-06-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dan Stewart and myself traveled to Bronson, Mich. for the wedding of Austin and Traci. June 25 was also special day because it was my 25th birthday and my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. My birthday was somewhat overshaddowed, but after 24 others I'm alright with it.

Austin and Traci held their wedding at Traci's family farm just a few miles away from the Indiana border and the reception was held in the backyard of their home near the lake. Austin is a chef and prepared all of the food himself. Four Amish woman helped to finalize the cooking and serve the food. But Austin never fully let them have the duties. Shortly after saying, "I do," Austin was cutting warm meat off the grill to be served to guests.

I wish the best of luck to Austin and Traci as they embark on a journey to learn about organic farming in Puerto Rico.

Memorial Day Wedding

2010-06-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

I'm interning with Dan Stewart who is based out of Traverse City, Mich. Dan and I were classmates at Central Michigan University. He is an amazing photographer and an incredible source of inspiration. This is a photo from my take of Nick and Leah's wedding in Holland over Memorial Day Weekend.

Michigan Special Olympics 2010

2010-06-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Brian Atha, 37, of Bay City dances with the current Miss Michigan Nicole Blaszczyk, 23, of Novi. "I'm so in love," said Atha about his opportunity to dance with Miss Michigan.

Mount Pleasant resident Ed McKinin, 37, gives his son Xander, 5, a kiss on the forehead at the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony Thursday. Xander is competing in the youth program for the first time this year.

I attended the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. It is such and uplifting indescribable event. There is so much to learn about kind, patience and love from all of the people in attendance. There are so many stories to be told that it was overwhelming as journalist.

Oldies: Track and Field

2010-05-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've been organizing photos on my hard drive and I came across a bunch of stuff I never shared. So the next couple of days will be filled with posts from previous work shot earlier in the year.

These photos are from a feature about the Central Michigan University track and field team. Coach Willie Randolph gave me free access to shoot what ever, where ever, and who ever I wanted. I met coach Randolph last summer when I photographed a portrait of him for a feature story. He is a charismatic guy, but he demands excellence in everything; he's someone you just have to meet. Either way I really built a rapport with Willie and full access which allowed me the freedom to just shoot.

Senior thrower Greg Pilling was and All-American last year and is the best athlete I have ever worked with. He had more questions about what I did as photographer than I had about throwing. At one point I was questioning who the journalist was, but his kindness put me at easy and allowed me to create a beautiful image.

Freelance: Aikido

2010-05-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Dr. Scott Vogel teaches Aikido Tuesday night at the Wellness Central Fitness in Mount Pleasant. Aikido is a spiritual discipline and self-defense method that uses grappling, throws, and non-resistance to debilitate opponents.

I would describe Aikido as mix between Tai Chi and Judo. There is a lot of slow fluid movement along with throws and grappling. From watching the practice there is a lot of mental discipline and cognitive thought in every movement.

Something Beautiful

2010-05-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't shot much this week and it's mostly been spent sorting/key wording images taken in the last year. I will post some older stuff that never made it to the blog, but looking back I shot a lot of great material.

Too often I find myself stuck trying to fit a photography mold and comparing my work to others. As I mature I see myself doing this and I'm attempting to change. Every photographer develops their own style whether we recognize it or not. I personally don't fully understand mine and it often times frustrates me.

The point is just sometimes you have to get back to making photos. Once you stop thinking about lines, circles, rules of thirds, exposures and etc... you get back to the basics.

It's about capturing something beautiful.

Graduation

2010-05-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

College came and went. While I'm sad it is ending I'm optimistic for the future. Student loans are the only black cloud over my parade. I still don't know what I want to be when I graduate, but I'm content.

Thanks you Ashley Miller for taking picture above of me and acting as our personal photographer during graduation for those of us on the CM Life staff.

CM Life Banquet: A final senior year

2010-05-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be graduating from CMU finally. Friday was our annual CM Life banquet at the wonderful Buck's Run in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

It was a good time with good people, including my amazing girlfriend Ashley, Timba, bottom left, and Eric, bottom right.

Thanks to all of the photo people who have helped me on the way. I really can't thank people like Alex Stawinski, Dan Stewart, Brett Marshall and the rest of the people I have worked with who impacted my work. I would not be who I am with out all of you.

Bringing God to the Fight

2010-04-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Mount Pleasant resident Jody Bass, owner of Faith Fighting, holds a picture from his adolescence. As a youth, Bass had many run-ins with the law and decided after facing jail time to turn his life over to Christ. He is now a father of three, attends seminary school and works at Staples while managing Faith Fighting. “Nobody is too far gone. Man, I can’t express that enough,” Bass said. “Even if at first it’s not about God, what’s wrong with bettering yourself?”

The past month or so I have been working to tell the story of Jody Bass. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to tell Jody's story, but I'm also very thankful I met him.

Jody is from Mount Pleasant, Mich. He has a troubled past, but has since moved on. He's now an active member of Potter's House Church, a father of three wonderful children, and a husband. He also works full-time at Staples and owns Faith Fighting, a Mixed Martial Arts training facility.

Bass is someone who choose to do the right thing in life. He has grown from his past and has turned his anger into a passion. He truly cares about his community and seeks to make the world a better place. He is not a pushy Christian, rather he is embracing. He listens without judgment or persecution.

In many ways Bass has given me faith in the church. He is an example of what we should all strive be. A genuine, selfless person, who seeks to help others.

Thanks to everyone who helped me in some facet of this story. I'm so thankful to the Bass family for accepting me, a total stranger, into their lives and allowing me to document it.

Some people travel to third world countries to document life. Some want to be photojournalist to expose all of the hatred and negativity in the world. For me, I'm content with covering everyday life. I think their is a lot of beauty in being normal.

Story
Slideshow
Audio Slideshow

Faith Fighting

2010-04-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been working on a story on a man named Jodi Bass. Bass is owns an MMA training facility here in Mount Pleasant, Mich. He's also going to seminary school, hence the name of is business if Faith Fighting.

Last weekend I attended church at Potter's House with Bass and his family. During some down time I made this photo. It's amazing what happens when your bored and you start looking at things differently.

Gymnastics

2010-02-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

These are a few outtakes from my gymnastics assignment the other night.

Rose Arena is a D-1 venue, but it in reality it looks like an inner city high school cafeteria/gymnasium. So I shot tighter than normal and did my best to clean the backgrounds, it was still nearly impossible.

Winter X Fest

2010-02-15T20:19:00.000-08:00

Snowboarding.

Mobile, Alabama

2010-01-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

I drove 18 hours to Mobile, Alabama for the GMAC Bowl to photograph Central Michigan and Troy.

I shot this on our way to the parade downtown Mobile. It reminded me of a smaller, cleaner, New Orleans in some ways.

Zac and Vena: Sneak Peek

2009-11-29T18:05:00.000-08:00

Zac has been one of my closest friends from high school and he came to visit over Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for Zac he came became a test subject for my studio class.

I really never know how to tone engagement or wedding photos. I feel like there are million ways and styles, but nothing really fits me. Essentially that is my life story;I've never really fit anything.

More over Zac and Vena endured the cold and my commands to just relax and at about an hour into photographing it all came together. They became relaxed and I started making the pictures. You can't fake intimacy or chemistry, so when it clicked I stalked them through the viewfinder allowing them to do what was natural.

Thank you Zac and Vena for dealing with cold and uncomfortable poses. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek of what is to come.

Illustration: Cleaning Products Going Green

2009-11-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

I used a piece of white cardboard to make a cyc. I front the products from above and filled in the right shadow by placing a piece of white cardboard right to reflect some light.

JRN 420: Fashion

2009-11-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin senior Layla Gilmore models a coat from Burlington Coat Factory along with black and white destroyed jeans from Kingdom.

Lighting setup: Flash fired off gold reflector camera right. Filled in with a umbrella at cameral left.
F11 @ 1/125 ISO 200 White Balance set to cloudy to warm photo. Shot at 70mm with a 70-200mm f2.8 Canon lens.

Wisconsin senior Layla Gilmore describes her look as Urban-chic.

Used a gold reflector camera right at about the same angle as the models arm. Fill flash through white umbrella on camera left just beyond the corner of the dumpster.
F7.1 @ 1/125 ISO 200 White Balance set to cloudy, shot at 98mm.

An update not for school!

2009-10-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

CMU's soccer team is amazing a record breaking season.

Friday it was pouring rain and IS0 1250 was barely cutting it. But here's what was salvaged.

Lately I have had the hunger and it's a big part of why I won't be an editor again next semester, even though I know I will miss it. I will for sure miss the design aspect and just seeing friends in the office.

I need a break from the office and I want to get back to the daily grind.

Location Lighting

2009-10-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Farmington Hills sophomore Ashley Miller models her neon yellow fitted jacket from Old Navy. According to Glamour Magazine neon colors are this season's latest trend.
F8.0 @250th ISO 200

Breckenridge sophomore Eric Dresden has played baseball for since he was five-years-old. He has an intense love for the game and batted .312 during summer league baseball.
F5.6 @200 ISO 200

JRN 420: Still Life

2009-10-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

For the two candle photos I back lit the photos so to give create separation and also to light the smoke. I then used another strobe at 10 o'clock to as a fill and then place one at 4 o'clock as kind of main/fill for the front of the candle. I also used a blue gel the second photo to give the smoke a blue color.

For the shoes I used a red Nalgene Water Bottle as a gel and lit a white background. I then placed the shoes on a white piece of cardboard and used a main flash high and left and fill on camera right to light them.

State Supremacy

2009-09-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

I'm such a procrastinator. More updates from non-studio work coming this week.

JRN 420: Painting with light

2009-09-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Grand Haven junior Jake May and Milford senior Matthew Stephens play a game of night soccer at the Woman's Soccer Field behind the Student Activity Center Friday night.

Milford senior Matthew Stephens is an avid golfer. "What I golf in one round, is the same score Tiger golfs in a tournament," said Stephens.

Studio Assignment 1: Studio Portrait

2009-09-08T22:48:00.002-07:00

Caption:
Midland senior Brad Canze is too old and should have graduated college by now. Canze is the guy you want to take the bar if you want to have a good time and possibly have a drink thrown on you. He has a fetish for Asian woman and cheap wine. He's a writer by day and a regular at Marty's by night. He is Brad Canze.

About the photos:
Brad is a carefree guy who pushes all kinds of weird boundaries so I knew he would have no problem going balls out for this portrait.

The lighting is very simple and is nearly identical the setup we used in class.

Images 1 and 3 were shot with a telephoto lens while the second image was shot with a 28-75mm lens. I used a ladder and a wide angle lens to take the photo to the next level. I feel the distortion in this image only enhances the viewers perception of Brad as kind of a rebellious "punk" kid.

Nature's Wrath

2009-08-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

Willie Randolph is the new track and field/cross country coordinator at Central Michigan University. Randolph was working in New Orleans as a track coach when Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Gulf Coast. He has a very heart warming story about his personal struggles during the storm and following months afterwards.

Check the whole story out here:
http://www.cm-life.com/2009/08/24/natures-wrath/

I designed this front page and I'm extremely happy with the way it turned out.

Sunsets and missed oppurtunities

2009-08-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

"There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is!" DeGriff

Much of the last month has been just that for me. It's been nice break to step away from the camera, but I found myself day dreaming about photography. I'm always approaching everyday situations and thinking about how I would shoot it or what I can do to make it look different.

Reegan

2009-07-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

Grand Haven has become my second home this summer. It's such a beautiful town and the beach. I love the beach. I haven't shot much at all, but Jessica's niece Reegan loves the camera and is just to easy to photograph.

Work Stuff

2009-06-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

I've been uninspired for a while and it makes it hard to shoot news type stuff. My mind has been on finding a fall story and creating my own studio. I really need to make some money and the weather has been so ideal for taking outdoor portraits. The problem is I've done nothing to market myself and I've been too busy with other things to even start.

I took this picture for a preview of an upcoming play and instead of shooting the dress rehearsal, I shoot a feature of the girls getting ready. I spent a lot of time waiting for some interaction as they all were dressing and sitting on their computers and then it happened.

It was extremely difficult to compose a clean frame, but this was honestly the best I could do. Neil the paper's adviser was not a fan of the photo because he wanted to see the face of the tattoo artist. This image is leaps and bounds more interesting than a plain photo of some guy laying down ink. Look at the irony of this photo, who brings their kid to a tattoo parlor and how often do you see them taking a picture of the tattoo.

Left Turns All Weekend Long

2009-06-22T14:07:00.001-07:00

Three guys, one tent maybe is a more appropriate title but we won't go there.

Norm, Chris and myself ventured to Brooklyn, Mich. for a taste of NASCAR and of course to celebrate Norm's birthday.

We camped out for three days at the North Camp just outside of the race track. It was an adventure to say the least.

Free Bird was the official-unofficial song of the weekend, even though it was never once played.

Bloody Mary's for breakfast, Budweiser and Martini's for lunch and dinner.

Watched the Canadians get all excited about the Detroit Red Wings losing.

Didn't have a spatula so we went back to Camp Canada and stole theirs. Don't worry we gifted onto to someone else after we were done camping because they put up with our drunk debauchery.

Talked trash about Canadians all night in the dark only to wake up and see we were surrounded by them.

Burgers and dogs when we sometimes ate.

Walked more than 4 miles for a clean porta-john.

Wrestled Norm and won. The Canadian's wanted more and then he kicked the crap out of me.

Found our neighbor Sammie, passed out in our camp.

One word to sum up the event: Sammie!!!

It was an awesome weekend of three city boyz finding their little bit of country deep down inside of the. Thank god that side doesn't come out often.

P.S. How many Canadians does it take to screw in a lightbulb? "Ohhh no the lights are out? I'm scared." - HIMYM

Centered

2009-06-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Who ever said being centered was a bad thing?

A picnic in Alma and a short drive later Jessica and I found an abandoned warehouse on the river. We spent about 20 minutes taking turns of shooting photos of each other. I wish I would have a had reflector and someone to hold it to eliminate some of the shadows.

Memorial Day Weekend with friends

2009-05-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day in Milford, Michigan led Jessica, Norm and myself to a little photo adventure in Kensington Metro Park. The sun was a little warm and kind of harsh, but we couldn't stay long anyways because the three of us had a date to see Terminator. If you haven't seen it yet, it's pretty sweet.

500 Jello Shots, Memorial Day and the Start of Summer

2009-05-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

I took a visit back to my hometown of Milford, Mich. I slept on the futon of Norm McGarry, had a midnight BBQ, drank, had a bonfire, played a lot of pool, attended Chris' college grad party, drank more, watched hockey, had a photo shoot, saw Terminator, missed some hockey, watched basket, attended the Memorial Day Parade, drove 2 hours, visited my mom, had a BBQ there and at some time and point slept in between these events.

Simply put it, it was a good time.

Summer

2009-05-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

Baseball. The true sign of summer. Fresh cut grass, a cool breeze and warm rays of sunshine best describe why I love baseball.

I have shot more baseball this year then I ever have and honestly I have seen such an improvement in my photographs. I need to upload the Michigan State University photos from almost a week ago, but I've been a little preoccupied with other things.

This 'cold' summer weather has me itching to take some dusk portraits, but no on is in Mount Pleasant. It's to bad because the sunsets here have been astonishing and the warmth of the sun is perfect right now. I need to also book some weddings and senior portraits both for the money and my own sanity. I'm finding it hard to sit at a desk and not be doing what I love.

'Rain' - Ace Enders

2009-05-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

'Rain, I'm filled with lust and pain
So take me back to three years
When we all looked the same'

I won't lie; I'm afraid for the future. In exactly one year I will graduate from college and be faced with extensive loans I can't pay. I won't have a job because I no longer have dreams or goals. How did all of this change? What do I want out of life and why can't I answer this?

Stealing Home

2009-04-29T22:33:00.001-07:00

Stealing home never happens. Stealing home NEVER happens against a right-handed pitcher.

Well never say never I guess.

Tailgating Spring 2009

2009-04-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Spring 2009 football game and the weather was sunny and warm. A rare commodity in Mid-Michigan in the month of April.

It felt good to get out from behind the desk and make something.

Threads 2009

2009-04-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

I did this last week for a class project and for work. Shot it and edited it all in 24 hours.

Wrestling

2009-03-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sad. The collegiate wrestling season has come to an end. I will update with some new photos from 24 hour trip to St. Louis, Mo.

For the win

2009-03-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

I spent the first part of my spring break in Ypsilanti, Mich photographing the MAC Wrestling Championships for fun.

I left the edge of the mat in search for a different perspective. High a top the stadium I stood thanking Erik Holladay for his words of advice a few weeks ago. The words of advice were along these lines, "Shoot the shit out of every cliche' and then go find something else." And so I did.

Engelage Meet Pasquale's fist

2009-02-18T14:29:00.001-08:00

This is from a few months ago when I was in Saginaw on assignment. Sadly the lights decided not work for myself or the team's photographer, but such is life.

Hidden Pain

2009-02-13T23:29:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when the writing, art and design make love.

I owe Dan Monson for being such an amazing writer and writing his lead around my photographs. This is what are paper should look like everyday.

Perfection

2009-02-04T23:57:00.001-08:00

The life of a photo editor is never boring, but I miss shooting. I miss the nerves, I miss the excitement, I miss it all. I need it badly. I'm striving to be the best and working on a real story.

However I find myself in a different calling right now. Everyday I wake-up head to budget and fight for space. I fight to keep a photo standard. Everyone thinks they can do my job. Everyone thinks they can make a photo. They don't understand, and sometimes I want to say fuck it because who/what am I fighting for? And then I realized I'm supposed to be doing this. I owe it to those Alex Stawinski's, Jill Woodbeck's, John Remus', and Merissa Ferguson's who created a standard, a name, an expectation, a legacy. If I don't stop this now their won't be the next Jessica Scott, or the next Dan Stewart.

If only my staff new what I have sacrificed for them and how much I care. That's why I'm an ass about deadlines and cutlines. I want them to be the highlight of the paper, I want them to be the next legend, the next CPOY winner. I want perfection and if that means being steam rolled by the other editors I'll gladly do it again.

History

2009-01-25T00:33:00.001-08:00

Where to start? D.C. was amazing and overwhelming all at once. So many people, so many stories. Where do you start and end with something like this? I can't and I won't even begin to try and explain what it was like to you. It was simply...

History.

A grandmothers birthday

2009-01-25T00:26:00.000-08:00

There is so much compassion in sincerity in this photo that it speaks for itself. A little part of me misses the daily in and outs of Saginaw. I miss the sound of Bernie's cowboy boots tromping across the floor to yell at me. I miss seeing my photographs in print, but most importantly I miss shooting.

Summer in the Winter

2009-01-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

And like the birds we flocked the beach to embrace the sun and crashing waves. The wind wiped granites of sand in our face but we battled the sand and frigid cold. It made a nice present later in the day when I reached into my pocket to discover what I was looking for had been replaced with sand. It didn't matter though, I was just happy to see the sun.

It had been months since I seen it glow like this. Irony at its finest moment. I was happy to be done with my internship, glad to be around people I love again, and ready to make all this work. A pleasant reminder about life and its funny way of letting up just before you break.

Motor City Bowl

2009-01-11T22:40:00.000-08:00

The link below is too a photo gallery by Jessica Scott and myself from the MCB. Please enjoy and I promise their will be new update soon.

CM Life

What a week....

2008-12-30T20:34:00.001-08:00

I ended my internship a few days later than planned, moved in the pouring rain and intense fog, unpacked, made the house a mess, went home for Christmas eve, drank with my family, then got them wasted by playing all kinds of drinking games, woke up at 4 am to open gifts on Christmas, ate a sweet breakfast, left for Jessica's house for dinner at her grandparents, well you get the point I was busy.

Eventually I made it back home and Jessica and I did a 30min photo shoot with my brother who was home visiting for the holidays.

Christmas Presents

2008-12-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

I won't lie; it was kind of emotional.

The day after Thanksgiving....

2008-12-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

I found myself in Frankenmuth wondering the cold streets shooting two assignments. One about shopping in the Frankenmuth where there is always some kind of festival going and the other was an assignment about a ceremony they were having. It was cold and my nose, toes and finger tips received the worst of it.

I really didn't have a lot of good art for shopping and of course my hands just had to be full when I saw this. So I literally dropped everything I had in my hands and ran up to the window. People were staring at me and the girls thought I was just as weird when I went inside and asked where their mom and dad were. They gave me "ohh shit eyes" and turned away and didn't say anything. I felt like and ass asking random people if the two girls were their daughters, but after about 5 or 6 people I found their mom and she was more than thrilled to give me their info for the paper.

A little snow before Thanksgiving break

2008-12-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

So I was sick and tired from working 9 days in a row and a top of my other 4 stories I was told they absolutely needed an A1 weather feature for the light snow we received two days before Thanksgiving. After driving around for a while and a few failed attempts at making a nice feature I decided I could get a safety shot up above the highway by the Titabawasee Bridge on I-75. So I hiked up the over pass only to sprayed by a semi-truck traveling at least 60 miles and hour. I drenched from head to toe in slushy dirty snow/water and all I could do was laugh. It was something you would only see in a movie. So I drove through the SVSU campus which I never use enough and got out of my car to shoot some kids making a snowman and then they made snow angels as I froze to death from being wet.

Division 6 Football Finals

2008-11-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

According to Tom Hanks there is no crying in baseball, but apparently that rule doesn't apply to football. I've covered two very important games and both times the home team has lost and tears have rolled.

Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central 34, Montague 35 in overtime. (Nouvel went for two)

Fireworks

2008-11-23T20:52:00.001-08:00

First time shooting fireworks. I love how the smoke rolls through the trees to make it look all creepy and what not.

Down but not out

2008-11-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Cold weather, snow, drunk fans and one hell of a football game made for a chance to make great photos. CMU lost to Ball State, but CMU still has a chance to be crowned MAC Champs if Western beats Ball State. Don't ask how this works, just trust me.

Defeated

2008-11-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Thought I had the game winning shot here with Flint Beecher scoring on St. Charles and then Beecher had to go and blow it. I love high school football because the kids are filled with so much emotion and each game is probably one of the final ones they will play in.

Taken at The Saginaw News Woman's Expo a few weeks ago. These to ladies are a mother and daughter couple who spent a lot of time in the jewelry section of the expo bounding and of course picking out jewelry.

Renaissance

2008-11-04T15:56:00.001-08:00

Ren⋅ais⋅sance: [ren-uh-sahns, -zahns, -sahns, ren-uh-sahns, -zahns, -sahns; especially Brit. ri-ney-suhns]
–noun
3. (sometimes lowercase) any similar revival in the world of art and learning.
4. (lowercase) a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth; revival: a moral renaissance.

Happy Election Day.

Disgraceful

2008-10-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken at the rivalry game between Saginaw's two inner city school; Saginaw High (Black jerseys) and Arthur Hill (White Jerseys)

I hate to put these up here, but they have a place and a story. I don't like the fact they were used in our paper and secondly I'm upset with myself for turning them in hoping my editors would side against this.

Some of these young men thought this was funny and even took pride in the fight that broke out by bragging on the sidelines. However their coaches did not and for that I am thankful. Arthur Hill's coach ripped these kids a new one and it made me feel proud inside that this behavior isn't being tolerated. It is so sad to see a lot of these kids with no direction in their life and so misinformed about life. They think they are confined to the hood life and how are they not supposed to believe this when it is reinforced around them all the time. Whether it's the print news, television, hip-hop, rap, movies, magazines they think they being tough is cool and it's sad.

For those of you that say well I grew up with these things and I turned out fine there is a big difference between you and them. Direction. You didn't grow up in a household where you like didn't have a father. If these kids have fathers they are working long hours doing manual labor jobs at factories for cheap wages and then sleeping when they are home.

For those of you that didn't have both parents I bet you had someone that filled the void for you. Whether it was church, another family member, a teacher or a best friend you had something to instill direction. These kid's don't have that, they have a version they are called gangs. They have all of these reinforced values around them in the mass media (music, movies, whatever)and they just don't have map to show them there is more.

2008-10-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm officially ready for the election to be over. I really haven't covered much election stuff except when it comes to silly stuff like mock elections for the occasional neighbor feud over signs. And it's not that I dislike elections or the process, but more so the people. In all honesty I'm tired of 15 year-old kids wearing Barak Obama shirts, marching in parades and telling everyone they know what is good for America.

Your probably going to assume that I hate Obama and because these kids political views don't fit mine I'm upset. Well, your probably half right, but the whole truth is do these kids really know what they are talking about?

For example at The Saginaw News we have this really annoying process of getting name, middle initial, hometown, age, and if your under 18 your parents info. So I'm at high school taking these photos with uptight kids who think because they come from the corn fields of Saginaw they got street credit. I can't begin to tell you about the fight I got in with a student who thought it would be funny to try and knock me over with all my equipment in hand, but this is all getting of track so back to the point. The point is I get their information and ask for their parents and they have no clue on how to spell their names. Ladies and gentlemen this is our future. I'll give them not knowing their parents age, but the spelling of names? I just stared blankly at these kids as I asked them questions and watched them reply with just sheer stupidity. What did you learn from this process? "It's important to vote." How did this teach you that? "Um.., because this election is the most important in our history."

Really? You learned it is important to vote because this election is important? So what are you going to do when X-President is up for election and you eligible to vote. Student after student, dumb answer after another.

Look for the next post because I found out how much smarter first graders are compared to high schoolers. It will blow your mind.

CMU defeats Western 38-28

2008-10-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have made that photo. You know the one where you don't even have to look to see if you got, you just know it's it. Now only if I could shoot something other than sports. I wonder sometimes

I hate parades

2008-10-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

The nice thing about interning in the fall is there are few parades this time of year and for the most part I have been successful in avoiding them. However my luck ran out Friday when I was told I had to shoot Saginaw Heritage's Homecoming Parade.

Among the generic and monotonous shots of floats, people walking, and kids picking up candy I managed to make a few photos. Of the two I loved, one ran and the other didn't so I was contempt with that but I really wish one of these would have made it.

By the way which variation do you like of this photo.

The story behind these photos:
Something I have learned along the way is to get their early and leave late. This isn't always possible when your on deadline, but I always find my best shots either come at the beginning or the end. I was running a little late because of other assignments and apparently I wasn't the only one running late. This young homecoming court member was even later. Their giant black Escalade came rushing up next me and out jumped this young woman and her mother who immediately began fixing her daughters dress. I know it's not the best photo, but I'm really attached to these for some reason. Maybe because I saw this and then saw the potential for photos like it had I been there in time.