Pie

The Sycamore Pumpkin Festival pie eating contest occurred this past Saturday. I wasn't pleased with my images from the first two groups of children that participated, but then I saw this guy. I didn't bother looking for anything else and just focused on this bearded wonder. Our designer didn't run this image, but I can understand why they didn't. Oh yeah, he won.

Fake Field Goal

On Saturday the Northern Illinois football team hosted Central Michigan. In the fourth quarter as the Huskies appeared to settle for a field goal attempt the ball was instead tossed to the kicker, Mathew Sims, and he ran it in for a 14-yard touchdown run. Avery Cunningham of the Chippewas took exception to this and hit him in the end zone. Sims didn't see it coming and was rattled for a moment but remained in the game.

Stonehouse Park

I visited Stonehouse Park over the weekend. The 40-acre, Earlville-based "agritainment" venue has been caught in a whirlwind of problems in the past year, from neighbors' complaints about late-night parties and drug use to permit violations and now financial hardships. During my visit the owners were working on maintaining the property and I followed them for a bit and then I saw a group participating in live action role playing. The group had rented park for the weekend as many other different groups have done in the past. While LARPing is interesting, I definitely would love to have seen a music festival there.

Good boy, Walker.

Some time ago while surfing the internets I saw a stencil of a little girl with an All Terrain Armored Transport. I loved it so much that I had to make a photograph with the same elements, so I made this for fun.

Long Exposure

If you live in the Chicagoland area you are aware of the wild weather we had last night. On my drive home I decided to pull over to capture some lightning. Within 10 minutes two motorists stopped to ask if I needed any help, which was really surprising to me. Anyhow, I decided to press the shutter as one of the vehicles drove off after I assured them that I was fine and in those thirty seconds I got this image.

Dog in a Suit

While covering an assignment in 2007 at a PetSmart in Crystal Lake I saw this dog that reminded me of a Beagle on stilts. I learned that the dog was an American Foxhound. Nearly a year later I got one myself. He barks a lot, but that is what he was bred to do. My wife and I have always said that he'd look great in a suit, so I made this for her.

Kids

I was told once that I should photograph adults the way I photograph children. Apparently I spend more time and get closer to children rather than with adults. I didn't disagree and it's true, but kids are so much more interesting to me. They don't hold back and I think that's why I'm more interested in capturing their images.

Malta Days

Since high school sports are done and everybody has graduated it is now time for festivals. Today I was in Malta and I feel I may have missed out on some moments because of the weather. You see I use sunscreen when it's sunny and today it created a problem. Somehow it got into my right eye and I couldn't see clearly and it got all red and cracked out looking so I left the festival a little earlier than I wanted to. Stinking sun and beautiful weather.

 

May Work

I have not posted in some time so I just wanted to put something up from my daily assignments. A photo from a story about autism awareness. Dad took his daughter outside to play and she just wouldn't let go of the snow globe.

This child received a new bookcase and a set of books and was just so thrilled about Elmo. Tickle-Me-Elmo must have come out like 15 years ago.

Grad in glasses.

Soldier homecoming party in DeKalb at Sullivans.

Collision during a soccer match.

Rain Delay

Before tonight's game between the Northern Illinois and Northwestern baseball teams there was an hour and a half rain delay. Both teams entertained themselves and the crowd, myself included, with interpretations of bull riding, battle scenes, a wedding and a fashion show that just got weird (above). I believe this was the last 'show' before the tarp came off the field. Yes, there were children in the stands. Go college baseball.

POY

I haven't posted for some time now and I decided to post some more portraits of student athletes. Taking a portrait of someone that I just met is always weird. I'm not sure that will ever change. I wonder how the subject feels about being photographed.