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. 

Year-End Chess Tournament

I went to a chess tournament this afternoon. The DeKalb Chess Club was holding a year-end tournament in the basement of a church on New Year's Eve day. Adults and kids were participating and I mainly focused on the children because of their expressions. Happy New Year.

Good-bye Toledo! Good-bye Toledo!

Last Friday morning I began a 300 mile journey to Ford Field in Detroit for the Mid-American Conference football championship game between Northern Illinois and Ohio. About 100 miles into the trip my check engine light began flashing and I had a cylinder misfiring. Since my car seemed to run fine above 55, I continued my drive and hoped that the car would last. Thankfully, I arrived on time and was ready to work. Unfortunately NIU wasn't ready. The Huskies turned the ball over 3 times and trailed by 20 after the first half. The second half started with another fumble on their first drive. Somehow they turned it around and won on a time expiring field goal. I decided to focus on Nathan Palmer, who had a pair of receiving touchdowns during the second half, instead of the field goal. I wish I had used a wider lens, but woulda, coulda, shoulda I guess. Palmer was named the MVP so I'm glad I focused on him. Now with the game over it was time for my 2000 Civic with 291K miles to head back home. I am happy to report that I made it back, but my car, aka Black Beauty, is toast. Best car ever.

Seniors Last Game

On Saturday the Sycamore Spartans football season came to an end. I stuck around for a bit to capture some emotions. Unlike in the past, I was looking for something other than tears. I saw these three senior players near the end zone and I decided to photograph them from behind, because (a) the sun was behind them (b) the background was clean (c) and I think the middle player with his hand clutching his teammate's jersey is just as emotional as someone crying.

Basketball Preview Tab

Our theme for this year's basketball prep tab is "Where I grew up." This photo illustration came to me during my drive to work yesterday. I know Lebron tosses powder into the air and I know Jordan did too, so I just needed a child old enough to understand what I was looking for. Fortunately for me, our features editor has a 10-year-old son who had three different Bulls jerseys to choose from and he completely understood what I was wanting him to do. So after two weeks of worrying what our cover would be, I came up with this idea and shot it within 2 hours. Stress over...for now.

Sideline Portrait

During a game last weekend I snapped this shot of the Kaneland quarterback resting on the sideline. I was thrilled with the results because my ISO was 2500 and the light just looks good. I want to be a better portrait photographer.

Fire

Yesterday I was called to a house fire in Genoa. I was in DeKalb at the time and I could see the smoke as I got into my car. I expected to see huge flames when I arrived, but all I really saw was a lot of smoke and a lot of people watching as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. I knew why I was there, but I wonder sometimes about the bystanders. A few years back I went to a fatal accident and I recognized one of the bystanders from another tragic event. Apparently he listens to a police scanner and if he hears of something that sounds bad he checks it out. I realize in a way that I too do the same thing, but that's not why I do what I do.

Quidditch

Last Wednesday night I went to a Northern Illinois University Quidditch practice. When I saw the request I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought "is this for real." Sure enough it is. The participants all have to hold brooms and they run around throwing balls through hoops. There is also a snitch that runs outside the game field with a seeker from each team chasing after. To be honest, it took me a couple moments to control my giggles when I first arrived.