Raising Jylin

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.

It's Friday Again

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.

And So It Begins

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.

Down but not out

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.

A little bit of what I have shot lately

Summer Football Camp... boy do I not miss those hot days in the sun, especially the Two-A-Days in the August heat.
A little old church in Midland. It was so hard to get both Dan and his grandmother in the same frame. He is the Pastor of the Church and she plays the organ. This might be a family worth calling back for a story.


There will be many more, soon I'm just busy.

Working through the gitters

Saying I was nervous can't describe the emotions that were going through me on Saturday when I freelanced for The Midland Daily. 

My assignment was to shoot spring football at Northwood University. The whole day I felt sick to my stomach and I was doing my best to keep myself calm but nothing was really helping. I wanted to impress them. I wanted to break out of my shell and produce an outstanding image. 

Above is what I came out with. As Kevin said it's ok, but not mind blowing. I agree but I just wish I knew how to make those images I see everyone else producing. I've been shooting for a full year now and I see myself getting there but I can't help feel frustrated with myself at the same time.