Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Second Amendment

"NRA President David Keene speaks to supporters during the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association Second Amendment rally at the Modern Maturity Center on January 20, 2013 in Dover, Delaware. U.S. President Barack Obama recently unveiled a package of gun control proposals that include universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines."

Last week, I had the opportunity to cover NRA President David Keene speaking to supporters during the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association Second Amendment rally at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, Delaware.

In light of recent tragic events, U.S. President Barack Obama recently unveiled a package of gun control proposals that include universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines - thus making gun ownership a highly debated topic of late.

Having no real connection to firearms, I wasn't sure what to expect while covering this assignment for Getty Images. I had seen images of both anti and pro gun rallies across the United States in recent weeks, but never covered any sort of firearm event or rally myself in the past.

With Keene making an appearance, one of his few since the shooting in Newtown, Conn., I wasn't sure if protestors would make an appearance against those in attendance.

In the end, aside from the very large gathering of Second Amendment supporters, this event was very low key and I found myself retracing steps and shooting from some odd locations to make the everyday event look a little different to catch readers eyes.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Solemn Honor

"U.S. Army soldiers carry the flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. David J. Chambers, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, on January 19, 2013 in Dover, Delaware. Chambers, who was from Hampton, Va., was killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom."

My first news assignment of the year was at Dover Airforce base covering a dignified transfer.

As always, it's an honor to get the opportunity to cover this return home for Getty Images. While I've only covered a handful of these transfers, this one was different than the previous I've covered.

Aside from a long flight delay that pushed back the solemn, dignified transfer honoring this young man who have gave his life in service of the United States, there were no family members there. This meant that there were only a couple of us standing on the runway. While this made the feel of the transfer different, in no way did they change the process.

Always a humbling event to document, thanks to my editors for having the trust to send me out there and thank you to the family for allowing us to cover this ceremony.

Monday, January 07, 2013

Ray Day

"Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to the stands during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 6, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland."

The year has kicked off and the first assignment is in the books.

I had the great opportunity to start off the year shooting the AFC Wild Card Playoff Game for Getty Images with season long football teammate Rob Carr in Baltimore, Md.

Prior to the game, Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens made the announcement that after 17 years in the NFL, that he was set to retire once the Ravens post season run ended. This turned a normal playoff game into a lot planning with question of what Lewis would do before and after the game - as it was guaranteed to be his last home game - win or lose.

Unfortunately, lots of preparation and hope for a compelling introduction image turned into disappointment when all of the photographers remote cameras had to be removed, aside from one pool remote image provided by the AP.

Still wanting to try and get something of Lewis' tunnel dance, I placed a remote in the 500 level seating and fired that as I attempted to shoot past a barricade of people, players blocking his dance from field level.

While everyone on the field level was blocked, including myself, I had to remember there was more than an introduction to my assignment and more importantly there was a game to be played, too.

Not much came my way action wise and I'm still missing a card with a touchdown and some other action on it. But I thought this intense face of football was telling of the day.

Alas, nothing like a little stress and excitement to get the year started. Now that it's out of the way, I hopefully can relax and get back into my groove for 2013.