Something to smile about...

I came across a picture today that made me so happy. It instantly filled my heart with joy. Not because it's the best picture in the world, but because these are my nephews, Benjamin and Bryce, sitting on the front porch of the home I grew up in in Bakersfield. I shot this on Memorial Day weekend four years ago. I can't believe it has been that long. So cliché, but it really really does feel like only yesterday. I don't usually post pictures of family or stuff that is too personal. But, I started thinking today... why not? Pictures of my family are the pictures I cherish the most. And when I'm with them (which is only about once a year) I photograph them as if they won't last another second. Especially these two boys. I love them so much. I mean... come on.. who wouldn't? look at 'em! In a couple weeks I'm going to see my parents for the first time in their new home in Nevada. I will be posting hopefully from there. So mom... be prepared to see your business all up on this blog. :)

Dedication

Relief

Sometimes, you just need to take a break.

Five years....

Today marked the five year anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. In that time, 3,990 service men and women have died. Some photos from our local coverage.


Vietnam veteran and Marine Chuck Gunther holds one of the many crosses he has repaired Monday, March 17, 2008, in preparation to be used in Arlington South in Naples. Each cross has the name and age of a service man or woman who has died in Iraq.





Volunteer Marnica Andrews places flowers at the base of each cross at Arlington South next to the Naples Pier on Wedensday, March 19, 2008.

Love, At First Sight

I was covering a tennis match last week when someone pointed out to me that the children of the two players were sitting next to each other. It appeared they couldn't care less how well-known their fathers are or how well they were doing in the match.



Jade Krickstein, 4, right, gives her attention to Jack Martin, 5, instead of watching the tennis match between their fathers, Todd Martin and Aaron Krickstein during The Oliver Group Champions Cup on Friday, March 14, 2008 in Naples, Fla.

It is a beautiful thing.

Yesterday, I saw first-hand evidence of why we, photojournalists, do what we do. It was a beautiful and moving moment that echoed a beautiful and moving moment.

I want to share it here, even though it isn't really my moment to share.

My good friend and colleague, Greg Kahn, handed me his iPhone while we were sitting in the office. He received a message from a woman whose son was killed in action during the war. On January 28th, he posted a photo from the funeral to his blog and the soldier's mother found it and commented on the photo. Today, he received another message, from the soldier's wife.

Please go read them here:

http://gregkahn.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-heart-broke-today.html

I'm writing this, and pointing you in this direction, because it touched my heart, and it touched his.

Funerals are so hard to photograph, as I know it was for Greg. I think they are difficult for most journalists. We worry that the people we are photographing will feel like we are just there to take... to show their pain to the world, rather than share in it. Even though, every funeral I've ever covered, I have shared the pain. I have cried, either during or after.

I told Greg, I live to work for days like he had yesterday. He was given a gift from the soldier's mother and wife. One that said they understand and appreciate that he handled their most horrible day with respect, giving them the space they needed to grieve with dignity, yet still capturing a moment that makes them want to remember.

Good job, Greg. Keep up the great work.

International Festival

Sometimes you just feel like your missing a piece of yourself. I'm lacking a certain amount of intimacy in my pictures lately....

President's Day Feature

"Go out to the beach this afternoon and look for a feature. Maybe there will be people doing stuff since the kids are off for President's Day."

Ok. Here you go.

I guess it wasn't cute enough. It didn't run in today's paper. But that's ok. I'm publishing it here.

Nessy

Tonight, there was a Loch Ness Monster sighting at the YMCA pool. I noticed it while I was shooting, but it was really funny back at the office to see how similar this swimmer actually looks to the famed Nessy. If you'd like a quick comparison, follow this link: Loch Ness

Irony

We got a call saying that Domestic Animal Services had picked up 25 roosters from a home that was suspected of fighting them. There was nothing too dramatic to photograph when I got to DAS. They were all just sitting in their cages. But, I thought it was ironic that they were all transported in the boxes that say "I love my pet" considering the circumstances and when next week, they will all be euthanized. I think I'm the only one in my office who thought this picture was funny. They ran a mug shot of one of the birds.

Basketball in a dungeon

I just LOVE shooting basketball in dimly lit gyms. God, it was dark in there. I should have lit it. But, I didn't, and this is the best I got tonight. The girl on the left was told by one of her coaches to stop crying and have some respect for herself after they lost the tournament. I thought that was a bit harsh.

Feeling bold

Yesterday my photo editor, Judy Lutz, blew my mind. Every once in a while she does this. She is a little unpredictable, and at times, I totally love it. My assignment was to photograph preparation for this weekend's Everglades Seafood Festival. So, I photographed carnies setting up rides. (Ah, how I love the carnies.) I had plenty of pictures that had decent light and decent composition that would have worked fine. And she chose this one. I looked at her with a look on my face that said, "are you sure?" Because, normally, we run a pretty safe ship. Safe is not to say boring or bad photography is used, just safe. But yesterday, Judy said was feeling bold. And she said we shouldn't "spoon feed" everyone all the time. I was sooooo happy. Because really, I shot this picture for me. And today, it is in the paper, for everyone.

Devil in the Deep Blue Sea

Tonight was the annual Mardi Gras-style parade at one of our MANY retirement community mobile home parks in Naples. I could not decide which of these pictures I liked the best. I was going to only post one. But, maybe you can help me. I know what I think. I like the first one, but the pole drives me a little insane. Not like... I'll be committed... insane. More like... give me some Paxil.. insane. I like the portrait, but it lacks something dynamic. What is your opinion?

I had a great time for the hour I was with these folks. I told them that I wanted to move in to their park. They said it could only happen if I married someone who was old enough to live there. I guess I'll just have to visit.

Mitt

Yesterday, I photographed Mitt Romney as he stumped through Naples. I can't decide if his hair is more like that of a baptist minister (yeah, i know, he's Mormon, whatever) or a car salesman. Is that harsh? Anyway, he was nice enough to deal with and his security guards weren't jerks, so that's a plus.

NDN Half Marathon

Alright, so since my rant, I've fallen off the map. I guess it took a lot out of me to write all that down. But, I'm back. hopefully for good.

Over the weekend I shot the Naples Daily News Half Marathon with my co-workers, Greg Kahn, Michelle Cassel and Michelle Le. It was the first time I ever shot it. I don't know how I've gone five years working here and avoided getting up at the butt-crack of dawn at least once for this assignment. I was always secretly glad that I didn't have to shoot it, but next year, I may just volunteer. It was a lot of fun. And I love doing assignments with other photographers. We all have our own approach and I love seeing how others work.