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. 

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.