Quick post: 3200ISO

"Georgetown University guard Shanice Fuller (no.23), who shot 11-12 from the free throw line, drives past Towson guard Shanae Baker-Brice in the final minute of the game at the Towson Center, Thursday, Nov. 29. Georgetown rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat the Tigers, 67-57, in their home opener."

Tonight I got my first chance to test out the Nikon D300 at a high ISO while shooting low light basketball. I must say I am very satisfied with the results thus far.

Focusing was very quick and tracked subjects way better than my D200. The quick frames per second were a nice added bonus, and I still don't have all eight yet, as I am still waiting for the Nikon BL-3 adaptor.

And of course, the high ISO images look very nice. I decided to shoot the entire game at 3200ISO just to get a feel for it. Typically, the Towson Center has me shooting 1/250 @ f/2.8 - 1600ISO. This also varies.

Tonight I shot 1/500 @ f/2.8 - 3200ISO.

Well, it's late. I just wanted to give a quick update to my results tonight. I need some rest. Tomorrow I continue to tackle my laundry list of things I need to do by next Tuesday.

Avoiding the cricket

"Beneath the main visual on the set of "The House of Bernarda Alba" Danielle Robinette, who plays Bernarda Alba, rehearses in the Center for the Arts New Studio Theatre Wednesday night. The Towson Univeristy produced play premieres Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m."

There is nothing more irritating than the cricket chirp...and unhelpful people.

If you don't know what the cricket chirp is, it's when a camera focuses and makes a "beep...beep" noise. When a amateur is continually focusing, it imitates the sound the lovely summer time insect.

Every semester at Towson I shoot the final rehearsal of the new big play to accompany the preview story in the Arts section.

These performances always lend themselves to be very visual, with awesome sets and lighting. Luckily, each one I've shot has been in a different theater, too.

This time around things weren't pleasant.

Other than poor lighting, upon walking into the theater, I was rapidly approached by a photographer girl whom said, "Don't get in my way."

OK... No, hello? No, who are you? No, hajmemashite? Also known as nice to meet you.

Baffled, I looked at my friend and writer, Alex.

The next girl seemed to be very helpful, until she ignored and failed to help me out. Alex and I were in shock about how we were being treated.

In the past I had always been treated with a lot of respect by the department head and all the actors.

The play eventually started 30 minutes later and all I can hear is: beep, beep, beep.

There were three other photographers shooting this rehearsal, each with cricket chirp on "super loud mode." Their auto focus illumination lights were also continually blinking into the actors faces.

I really couldn't believe all of this. Anytime I shoot plays, I tip-toe around and shoot one frame every couple of minutes, waiting for the decisive moment. Basically trying not to disrupt the actors by being seen or heard.

To my advantage, I was shown some stairs in the hall by a friend who did the light design for the play. These stairs led me to a balcony, catwalk type ledge that surrounded the theater.

From this vantage point I managed to "stay out of the way" of the other photographers and get a image of the main character while including the main visual of the play.

Sometimes irritations can led you to something better than expected.

New toy: D300

Yes. Finally.

The biggest photo store here in Baltimore, Service Photo, called this morning and said they had a new Nikon D300 camera body with grip waiting for me to pick up.

I was there Saturday to pick something up, so asked about there shipment. They didn't have any in, so they put me on (another) waiting list without a charge. I figured why not.

To my surprise I got a call from them at 9 a.m. Just three days later with the good news.

Being anxious, I canceled my original order with Jeff Synder at Adorama since I placed my order late and was on the backorder list. (Thanks for everything again, Jeff. I'll keep you in mind for my next one.)

At this point, my order was still in pending status. I was under the assumption I was going to get my gear in mid-December, only because of the high demand for these cameras. I figured I'd make someone on Adorama's waiting list happy by putting them one step closer to a new D300.

OK. No more banging on the keyboard. I can't wait any longer. I just opened the box for this picture.

Quick initial thoughts? Simply amazing. Feels and shoots like a D2 body. Stay tuned, hopefully I'll have time to post a review this week.

Until then, posting is probably going to slow down the next couple of days. Not only because of this new gem, but because it's the last two weeks of the semester. That means a lot to do.

My current to do list:

- Multimedia project. Shooting and audio capture on Friday.
- Post production Saturday morning.
- Independent study proposal
- Current independent study paper
- Study for Japanese final, which I am struggling in
- Brush up on my InDesign skills for class
- Get a hotel and plane ticket for SSA V
- Monday night football
- Plan for NYC, which is on Dec. 9
- Oil change and new tires for the Subaru
- And the list goes on...

Availability: back ordered

"Visitors gaze at jelly fish as they swim past a circular window at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. July 20. Known as South Carolina's most visited attraction, Ripley's is home to thousands of other marine animals and creatures including sharks and stingrays."

Black Friday. The official mark of the holiday season.

Christmas music is now acceptable everywhere, except in my car, and traffic now congests daily commutes everywhere, especially in my car.

Having the day off, I spent my time doing anything but shopping. I never understood waking up at sunrise to save $10. Time is money.

I don't spend much money though. I am sort of a miser, but I do manage my money well and I do buy items I really want.

Too bad everything I want right now is back ordered.

I ordered the new Nikon D300 (I can't afford the new D3) a couple weeks ago knowing new technology and Internet reviews showed it being better, especially at high ISO, than the D2X.

Although the camera was finally shipped to stores Nov.21, I still have yet to see my order pass the "processing" stage. Also, the additional grip, extra batteries and a new charger (mine is dead) are all back ordered, too.

Back ordered items 4, me 0.

I'll try and be patient until the friendly UPS man drops my gear off, but that hasn't stopped me from calling every photo store within a 60 mile radius to see if they have any in stock. Only having one camera body is driving me crazy!

Now, the phone. I've always been the simple cell phone guy. But with changing technologies and my obsessive habit of checking my e-mail (I check my e-mail if I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom) I decided to pick up a web based cell phone. More specifically the Verizon Voyager.

I had originally wanted a iPhone, but I do not have AT&T. So then I opted for a Blackberry. Oh, what is that you say? It costs $40 for the web a month? No, thanks! Small towns provide free wifi. I will not pay $40 for web on a phone.

Luckily the Voyager looks pretty cool and web is about $10 a month. However, it's back ordered.

Back ordered items 5, me 0.

With that, I think instead of drowning my Black Friday sorrows with a couple cold beverages, I think I'll comb through my resume and portfolio for internship season.

Thus is where I found this image, looking over photos from this past summer.

I shall return Monday or Tuesday. Have a good weekend.

Staff photo by Nemo

"Towson University sophomore Bradley Bolin lives between two worlds. One, where he is the Tigers swimming and diving teams' top male diver. Second, he is an open homosexual and an activist of gay rights as the secretary for the Queer Student Union."

I was told about a story of a swim team member about two months ago. At that time is was only a thought in the writer's head. However, he mentioned how he envisioned the portrait: the swimmer standing with a rainbow flag near the pool. As I always do when I get an idea from a writer, instead of fighting with them, I say, "sounds good."

What I am really saying is stick to writing the story, I'll make the art.

It amuses me that writers have no problem telling photographers how to take a picture. Sure, it is "their" story, but we don't tell them how to write their lead or what words to use in their headline.

So, the story. One of the top swimmers divers on the Towson swim team is an all CAA athlete. He is also open homosexual and an activist of gay rights as the secretary for the Queer Student Union.

My very first thought was get an underwater portrait. But how I was going to do this was unknown.

Normal underwater housings for digital SLR cameras cost as low as $4,000. Not worth it for one portrait, wouldn't you say? Maybe if I did a ton of underwater work or lived somewhere where I was actively in the water everyday. But not for this assignment.

I opted to my friend Kanji for assistance. As always, he had the right gear: a fish tank.

I had heard of using a fish tank for underwater work before, but never bothered trying one.

The setup used was one five gallon fish tank with a custom ball head attachment, some gaffers tape, and silicone. And to avoid confusion, there is no top on the tank.

As mentioned, this was my first time trying something like this. It was more difficult than I thought, too. I was under the impression that the weight of the tank with the camera would make the tank sink. Wrong.

I had to forcefully push the tank down in the pool without having the water come into the top of the tank, although a little managed to spill in at one point.

In addition, the pool had really high sides making my reach very difficult.

After motor driving 200 frames, I had things perfect and my final image three minutes later.

This isn't something you would normally see a photographer going to length for on a daily assignment. I'll definitely keep this in mind if I ever have to do another swimmer or diver portrait.

Only next time I'll be sure to try and incorporate more light.

Flashback to high school

"The North Harford High School football team fights to get an extra drill in before day light expires during practice in Pylesville, Tuesday, Nov.20. The Hawks face Wilde Lake in the 3A East Region final on Friday."

Yesterday I had the chance to shoot at my alma mater high school, North Harford.

Located about an hour north of Baltimore city in Harford County, the school sits quietly in Pylesville, Md. Most refer to it as cow country. Others call it Hazzard County, referencing Dukes of Hazzard. For me, I still like being called a duck farmer. Not sure where or how that nicknamed was created, but I have a t-shirt to prove it.

The assignment was simple. Shoot the star player, Dan Griffin, and the rest of the football team practice for their 3A East Region final match against Wilde Lake, which is Friday night.

As I drove up, I had totally forgotten about the school being remodeled. When I attended it was old, beat up and nothing to write home about. But now the school is full of life and probably one of the nicest looking schools in the county.

I was about ten minutes early, so I checked my e-mail as I sat on the hood of my car. I started to reminisce as I saw students hanging in the parking lot, and the team walking to the field horse playing.

I played both soccer and lacrosse in high school and seeing the team really made me miss it. Especially now with the nice school and gear.

I assume the team has some wealthy parents, as the coaches sported Under Armour coats and the team was wearing some really nice helmets. We had some exhausted gear when I played sports. Thinking back to when my brothers played, they had t-shirts for uniforms.

As for the practice, I virtually had what I needed to move in ten minutes. Too bad I had to get to another assignment and only had an hour total to shoot and transmit. I really wish I could have stayed longer.

When I went there the football was very bad. It's pretty cool that they have gotten this far and have a 10-1 record. Hopefully they make it the states. That would be a first. From what I can remember, they've never won a state title.

This image just reminds me of my time playing sports there. Horrible, muddy fields.

Well, time for bed. Early assignment tomorrow. Check out some more images from the practice here.

Happy Thanksgiving

"Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis celebrates his one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, Nov.18, 2007."

Before I forget, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. What better what to show it than with more football images, specifically former Baltimore Raven Jamal Lewis.

Assignments will most likely be slow over the holiday. However, I do know I have two tomorrow followed by some delicious sushi, which replaces my weekly Japanese class. Maybe I'll throw some fun images from that up.

If not, stay tuned for a really cool portrait (if all goes well). Here is a little hint. I'll also have another little update tomorrow night.

If you get bored, you can always scope out my friends pages in the side bar on the right until I return.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving and don't eat too much turkey. I know I will.

TU threat

"Towson University students continue to make their way across campus Monday morning although a threat was made indicating harmful action in Linthicum Hall. The threat elevated police presence on campus and classes were not canceled."

We reported yesterday that Towson University Police received an anonymous threat on Sunday, which specified harmful action could take place in or around Linthicum Hall on Monday, according to a posting on the University Web site. Full story here.

Now, I am not the kind to take advantage of the situation and skip classes, so I attended my only class this morning. But I did feel unwell knowing that some harmful act may occur.

I just don't understand how Towson University could leave school open knowing someone could be trying to harm others, with intentions to probably kill.

OK, sure. It could have just been a prank from a student who didn't do his midterm paper and wanted an extended Thanksgiving break. And yeah, students could abuse this system by calling, e-mailing or mailing in threats just to get off of class.

But this direct quote from Carol Vellucci, a university spokesperson, left me unwell and unsafe this afternoon.

"We have not experienced a threat of this nature in anybody's memory, including the police."

That led me to believe this was very serious. I am thankful nothing ill mannered has happened.

Be safe out there.

Replay comeback

"Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson celebrates his 33-yard game-winning overtime field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, Nov.18, 2007. Dawson kicked four of five field goals; one which sent the Browns to overtime, and one which won the game. The Browns won 33-30."

Sunday's NFL game between the Ravens and the Cleveland Browns was anything but a bore. Unlike last week's game, all I wanted was some action and touchdowns scored. No more field goals, please.

I got my wish... well, sorta.

An eventful first half led me to editing many images that would depict the Ravens winning or losing. At this point in the game I was just moving images that will go either way.

As I made my way back on the field late in the third quarter, I found myself shooting Kyle Boller getting hit and tossing a sloppy pass to no one. No one expect a Cleveland Browns defender whom returned the catch for a 100-yard touchdown.

Things did not look good for the home town favorite Ravens. Now down at this point 27-14.

As the game progressed, Ravens kicker Matt Stover would come on to knock down six points on two fields goals. Ugh, more field goals. These brought the game within one score. The Ravens, who had been trailing the entire game, would finally tie up the game late in the fourth quarter.

Some plays go by, and yep, another Stover field goal to put the Ravens ahead.

After firing the what would have been the game game winning point, a fellow photographer whispered to me.

"As a non-basis journalist, yet a local and Ravens fan deep down inside, I think it's safe to say the game is over."

I thought the game was done, too.

However, trailing 30-27, the Browns marched down the field to attempt a tying 51-yard kick. This is where things get screwy.

I had my lens aimed at Browns kicker Phil Dawson. The ball is kicked, he raises his hands, must be good. Then he drops his head. He missed. Game over.

I run to transmit my final images, but as I get into the photo room, I see a reply.

The ball hit the left upright, through the uprights and then bounced off the back support and back into the end zone.

The kick was good.

A surprise to me and everyone at the game, the game was headed for overtime.

From there, the game ended quickly and disappointing for the Ravens and their fans. Tough break, but the reply was right.

Good, exciting game aside from the controversy surrounding the call on the kick. Now I have a week off of Ravens coverage until the following Monday night football against the undefeated Patriots.

Bouncing around ballet

"Students including freshman Rachel Cagiwa, a pre-dance performance major, perform a stretch and conditioning exercise during professor Sandra Perez's foundation of ballet class in Stephen's Hall Auditorium Tuesday afternoon. A flood caused by a pipe burst on July fourth in the CFA resulted in damage to 57 rooms, forcing three quarters of the dance department classes to relocate to Stephen’s Hall Auditorium."

Being an editor is not an easy task, but once you do any job for a certain amount of time you learn how to manage all aspects of it without many problems. Sure, it will still be stressful at times, but you'll have a better understanding of your task at hand after experiencing the ups and downs.

It is amusing when I read my other photographers blogs online and they say how busy they are. "I have had a lot of work thrown at me these last few weeks," is a direct quote from one of my photographers. I am not saying they aren't, but I just think of myself in relation.

I also get e-mails every once in awhile from other photographers who say they like my blog, but have no time to do one themselves.

In my opinion, managing time is crucial to success.

However, I won't get into that topic in this post. Maybe more on that later this week.

The above was a last minute assignment since the original cover story got cut. When a main story gets cut or changed, this generally complicates my day. Further meaning, I suddenly had drop everything I was doing to make time for the only ballet class before deadline.

The story surrounding the image is that there was a flood in the Center for Arts building earlier this year. Since damaging waters ruined many class rooms, most of the dance and ballet classes were forced to move into a different building without resources they normally use.

As I walked into the auditorium I tried to visualize how I would capture the students now having class in the old, dark theater like room as opposed to having class in their new, bright dance studio.

Despite the horrible lighting, I was surprised how many different angles I was able to shoot from.

The above image was my favorite. It was shot from the sketchy catwalk I climbed up and probably was not suppose to be on.

What I like about the image is the hands and feet coming into the frame. I shot many images during that streach trying to make everything line up nicely. Not perfect, but I still like it.

It will probably be the lead image, but one of the following will probably get the jump. I am not sure which on I like the best, so here they all are:

[Image 2]
[Image 3]
[Image 4]

Let me know what you think.

Seven for seven

"Baltimore Ravens running back Cory Ross returns a kick off during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday, Nov.11, 2007. Bengals kicker Shayne Graham kicked a team-record seven field goals in the 21-7 victory over Baltimore."

Last night I shot the Ravens and had a blast even though there was not much action in the endzone.

I was hoping the Cincinnati Bengals and Ocho Cinco, other wise known as Chad Johnson, would run up the score with a lot of touchdowns. I was wrong. Insert field goals in that last sentence. Seven field goals.

I was also wishing that Ocho Cinco would score a couple touchdowns and pull some sort of crazy celebration antics. Nope. That didn't happen either. And no touchdowns were scored until late in the fourth quarter.

Nonetheless, the game was fun and I even got off a couple images that are different than the standard action images. I've uploaded some of them onto my SportsShooter page.

Well, I am keeping this post very short.

As I mentioned in my last post, I've shot nothing but sports in the last four days, and honestly, I just want to close my eyes and go to bed. Hopefully The Towerlight looks good tomorrow. I was in briefly before the Ravens game. I guess I'll see in the the morning.

Four sports in four days

"Loyola College head coach Jimmy Patsos celebrates a fourth quarter call against Towson University at the Towson Center, Friday, Nov.9. Patsos and the Greyhounds were defeated 83-69."

My past four days have been comprised of nothing but sports. It odd, but most of my shooting of recent tends to be more in one category than another. I'll still shoot all categories, but it will lean more toward features for a day or so, than sports, than news, etc.

Anyway, Thursday I shot the last Towson men's soccer game at home this season. But that has now changed as they will be back in action Tuesday since they clinched a playoff berth with a win.

The game made me realize that winter is here. I was freezing.

Following Thursday's cold game was the season opener for the men's basketball team versus local rival Loyola. As previously mentioned, I am not much of a basketball fan. Being confined to one spot all game, having to sit on a hard-wood and in a dull, dark lighting gymnasium in not my view of fun. But I am not going to complain because I love my job.

The game was close and exciting, but Loyola head coach, Jimmy Patsos, made the night for me. His passion, and style of coaching is the most entertaining in Baltimore. Sweating, jumping and screaming is his style. I loved every second of it.

As if I wasn't sick of sports at Towson already, Saturday afternoon was host the last home football game of the season. This time I was prepared for the cold.

First half action of play didn't lend it self to many points on the score board, but I made most of my images then. As second half rolled around I tried some fun stuff, but made sure to keep my insurance images saving to my memory card. And, as expected, Towson was defeated once again this season.

Now, as I lay here in bed, I will be waking up fairly early to shoot the Ravens game at 4p.m. I am pumped as always, hopefully Cinco Ocho, other wise known as Chad Johnson, will score and pull some sort of silly celebration.

I'll try and update with that tomorrow and maybe my favorite images from each game mentioned.

SSA V, Japan

"Towson University forward Kevin Ruck (no.22) maintains poession as he advances by George Mason University defender Michael Vallie at the Towson Center Soccer Complex, Thursday, Nov. 8. The Tigers defeated Mason, 2-0, and clinched a berth in the CAA tournament with the win."

Today I found out that I am not graduating as expected in the spring. I thought I needed two classes to graduate; apparently those two courses only complete my major. With my general education courses already completed over a year ago, I'll be spending another semester at Towson taking classes that only waste my time; e.g. gym, racket ball, etc.

So to lift my spirits I thought I’d mention my upcoming travels in 2008.

First, I'll be heading to Orange County, Ca. to participate in SportsShooter Academy V in March.

If you are unfamiliar with SportsShooter, it "is an online community and resource for sports photographers and other working photojournalists. It serves as an informative and inspiring site for anyone who aspires to be on the sidelines capturing great moments at their favorite sporting venue."

I've been a member for a little over a year and thought I'd submit my portfolio to see if I would be chosen for the five day workshop. Last week I got a confirmation that I was accepted, I was very surprised. I cannot wait to get out there to learn, meet some of the top professionals and other members, and have a good time shooting.

My second trip is before SSA V, and I am really excited for this one.

JAPAN.

I have always had a strong interest in Japanese culture, from the automobiles and technology, to the food and traditions.

I am going for 8 days in January and staying in Toyko. I will say I am a little nervous, but having been studying the language since August I think I'll be OK. I’ll definitely be doing some serious blogging when I go out there.

Well, before I get too excited talking about my adventures I better get some sleep. I have a long weekend of sports ahead of me.

Personal pet peeve

"A student chats on the phone as she walks between Van Bokkelen Hall and the Media Center Wednesday afternoon. Students around campus are beginning to bundle up on their treks between classes. Many said they enjoy the change in temperature and scenery.

“I really like the fall and the cool weather,” junior, religious studies major Ricardo Silkworth said. “I’ve had to wait all of October for it. It took so long to get here, so it’s nice to feel the breeze in the air. I really like seeing all the leaves change color too.”"

Being subjected to find a feature image, often called a standalone here at The Towerlight, can sometimes be challenging.

Since our cover stories didn't lend themselves to visuals, today I was told I needed fill the space on the page with a fall foliage image. Not only was it to be bright, but needed to have people in it; those people hopefully being students.

The first image that came to mind was my photo from Saturday. However locating a place much as Rocks State Park would be tough to find around Towson University.

Campus doesn't lend itself to many colorful trees where students roam, so I was planning on driving around Towson trying to find some vibrant trees.

That was until I went to class this morning.

Between the two buildings I frequent the most on campus stands a beautiful tree. I don't know how I forgot about it since I pass it daily. I knew I wanted to use this tree as my focal point, but I still needed students to walk by.

Having been on the roof of the Media Center with Darnay before, I decided to venture back up. (Darnay is now a sports anchor in Kalispell, Mt. far left). I am glad I did because it provided a nice vantage point and placed me in front of the radiant tree.

I stood up on the roof for about an hour waiting for the perfect moment. Light was nice when not hiding behind clouds. The temperature was cold and the wind was strong.

Class change came and I had an abundance of students to work with.

But this is where my personal pet peeve comes into play: I couldn't identify my subjects.

While I could have tried yelling down to a student after making a picture, I doubt they could have heard me. Had they even been able to, I would have made a scene and other students would have began gazing up at me.

Why didn't I run down into the building they were entering to get names you say? Because by the time I walked across the roof to building which gained me access to my position, down the elevator, through the library and up a flight of stairs they, the students, would be gone or in class.

I know I beat myself up over something minor like this because its only happened maybe five times in my stint as photojournalist. I feel every assignment, including small ones like these, that it's vital to identify those in your images.

It's also something I stress to freshman photographers that come to the paper for the first time.

Hopefully they don't criticize me for my error and personal pet peeve.

Basketball preview: Part 2

"Towson University basketball players Junior Hairston, left, and Shanae Baker-Brice pose for The Towerlight's 2007-08 basketball preview at the Towson Center, Friday, Nov.2."

As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to keep the basketball preview cover simple. Knowing I wanted to try something completely different, I opted for a magazine style image, relying solely on text by production.

My first task was finding a place to shoot it with the right materials. My original thought was to use the photo studio on campus. I figured they would at least have seamless backdrops to use in or out of the studio.

I decided instead of writing an e-mail or calling, I would just walk over and introduce myself. After finding the studio occupied by a class, I made note of available times and asked a nice receptionist who I should contact to get access.

She gave me two names and I contacted both:

"Person A" was the head of the photo department. He was very nice, but said he had nothing to do with the scheduling. He was sorry that he could not be more helpful and accommodating, and forwarded me to "person B."

"Person B" was the person in charge of scheduling studio times. I waited almost two weeks, and am still waiting to this date to hear back from her. It's a a little upsetting that I have not be contacted back.

So, I decided to ask Kanji for a white seamless, in which he let me borrow without question. Thanks again, Kanji.

Now that I had everyone scheduled, the right materials and a place to shoot, I went to work with Kris Friday morning.

Having never shot on a seamless before, we did a lot of testing and retesting before the two players arrived. It is tough getting settings exactly right to blow out the background, yet keep my subjects well exposed.

It was a learning experience and after many readjustments, the lights were again changed when the subjects arrived.

As for the pose, I knew I wanted to show their height differences, he being 6 feet 8, give or take, and her being 5 feet 5. Again, I kept it simple with a back-to-back pose, and intentionally leaving room to the right for text.

This is how I turned the image into production. A nice blank canvas.

Having seen the final product or close to it, I don't know how I like it. I guess I'll have to wait to see it in print in the morning.

EDIT: I decided to go back and make the final cover product the main image. Here is the original.

Basketball preview: Part 1

"Towson University forward, Junior Hairston sits with one of his two sons Malachi, four months, in the Towson Center where he will start for the Tigers this season. A transfer from the College of Charleston last season, Hairston said raising his child and being there for his fiancée are atop of his priorities."

The past two days I've been compiling basketball images, action and portraits, for the annual Towerlight basketball preview. I figured I'd post up a portrait before posting the cover on Monday.

I really enjoy putting together images for any sports preview. However, I always have a hard time with basketball. I don't know what it is about shooting portraits of basketball players. Maybe it's because I am not a huge fan of basketball, the fact that they are hard to schedule, or the confinement of a gym. Nonetheless, I feel as I am always producing the same sort of portraits over and over.

So I had to change things up this time around. Last year we ran with this as cover and this portrait of Gary Neal along side action images.

My original plan was to get the players out of the gym, maybe off campus, but once I got the actual stories on them, I had to revert to plan B.

For cover, which I'll post on Monday, I kept simple. This will probably give it away in this test shot of Kris. I'll discuss that more later.

As for the above portrait, I had a totally different idea for him. But once I found out his story was more about his life and his son, I pulled an idea out day of. I wanted to show that his kid is more important than basketball. For what I had to work with, I think it tells the reader exactly that.

I had fun putting up all those chairs in the stadium, too. Probably could have put another row up. Oh, well.

For the second portrait, I again had to come up with an idea off the top of my head.

The girl is roughly 5 feet 5, the smallest on team. She also has a "swagger like Allen Iverson" according the writer, in which the story would loosely be surrounded on. My idea, have her standing between to of her tallest teammates, but cropping at the top of her head to show her height, and her sporting a cool, tough swagger like Iverson.

Two problems. She liked smiling in images for cover and there were no other players around.

I end up keeping it simple with this since I had a couple minutes before she had to jet over to practice.

Overall, I think the images turned out well. I am excited for the cover. Hopefully it looks as I planned in print.

Last lyme of defense

"Onlookers gaze over the edge of Rocks State Park's 190-foot king and queen seat in Harford County, Saturday, Nov.3. Fall foliage in Maryland is past its peak and leaves have begun falling at an accelerated pace."

I questioned posting this, because I am not much for shooting silhouettes and I just posted one. However it's fitting for today's post.

This morning I had planned to head down to the local Strobist meet, but I woke up an hour after it started. Sorry,guys. I figured since I had already overslept and had the day off that I'd just stay in bed.

After finally migrating out of my warm sheets, I procrastinated doing my homework. So I decided to head up to beautiful Rocks State Park.

Located in rural Harford County and conveniently five minutes from my house, it's a great place to spend an afternoon during the fall.

I love to go there and trek though the picturesque trails. Once at the top you can effortlessly climb a 190-foot rocky lookout point known as the king and queen seat, and gaze at the landscape in a way that a ground view can't provide.

It is especially scenic during this time of the year as the fall colors paint the skyline.

While I had a nice afternoon today, it was definitely the last place I should have gone. Littered with wildlife, and more leaves you can shake a stick at, I am sure there were thousands of ticks crawling around. In case you missed it, I had have Lyme Disease, which put me down for two weeks.

I say have because I am still on antibiotics, but feel normal now.

It's like when you eat a certain food and get ill. You never eat it again and can barely stand the sight or smell of it anymore.

One would think after being sick for two weeks straight from being bit by a tick, the woods would be the last place I wanted to be. Ha.

I look at it this way, I am not going to let an insect the size of a pin needle hold me back, and if I did get bit again, I am on antibiotics for just that.

Oh yeah. Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight.

Stopping for a view

"A student walks toward the University Union from the Union garage Monday, Oct.29. Sunset will remain to be at 6p.m. until daylight-saving time on Nov.4."

Every Tuesday I have class until 8:30p.m. Every Wednesday and Sunday I am at The Towerlight until at least 10p.m. The latter has been a staple in my schedule since arriving at Towson in the Fall of 2006.

After all my work is done at the paper I pack up my gear, make my rounds to each editor and check my e-mail one last time I head out to my car. Exhausted, I walk right to my car and head toward home. Well, maybe not straight home. I have a bad habit of stopping at 7-11 for a Gatorade and a peanut butter cliff bar. I swear by this combination.

Anyway, the above image is one I've been seeing on a daily basis, whether it's night or day. Every time I walk along the connecting bridge from the Union building to the Union garage, that picture (above) would be in my head.

The other night, I finally took it. I don't know why it took me so long, but I like the simple outcome.

What's odd is I always carry my camera with me. I guess being eager to get home after a long day, I just never feel like stopping to take a photo.

Some think it's weird to always carry a camera, but you never know what you are going to see.

I passed this tip along to a friend the other day, too. He was walking down the street and almost wtiness the accident from Wednesday. Without a camera, he literally missed the incident by seconds. Had he had his camera, he would have had the lead photo. I know he will have his camera on his side at all times now.

Anyways, whether you are a photographer or not. Take time to stop and view the images you see everyday. Because you can't go back to take them again.