Maryland Photographer Patrick Smith || Photoblog || Patrick@PatrickSmithPhotos.Com

No Joe: Death of Paterno

2012-01-27T09:46:00.023-05:00

"A man reaches out to touch the statue of Joe Paterno, the former Penn State football coach, shortly after hearing of Paterno's death outside of Beaver Stadium on January 22, 2012 in State College, Pennsylvania. Paterno, the winningest coach in major college football, died at 85 due to complications of lung cancer."

State College, known as Happy Valley, turned into a somber depression this past week.

Legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in major college football, died at the age of 85. But he ended his historic career mired in scandal.

Last Saturday, driving up late into the night with conflicting information of Paterno's death gave me a lot of time to prepare for the story that I'd be covering for Getty Images.

On Sunday morning, I'd later come to find out that after taking a simple building mug of the hospital where Paterno was fighting for his life, that he passed, seconds later.

From that point on, those in the community, whether students, alumni or residents, near and afar, would spend the week reflecting, remembering the man they knew as "JoePa."

From chanting students at the bronze statue outside the football stadium, which was turned into a memorial, growing by the hour, to the quiet mourners filling every square-foot of concrete sidewalk through town, it was all clear, yet complicated to understand.

It was obvious that relationships had been fractured after his firing in November 2011. Conversely, it was also easy to see that he was not defined as a celebrity, per say, but a humble king in the town of State College.

Loss and celebration, hands joined at the memorial, tears shed at the viewings, it was a tranquil week that took an emotion toll on nearly everyone I passed and talked to. Though I try, it's difficult to sum up, I don't think a single adjective could describe the week.

The above images are my initial edit of the second part of my story entitled, "No Joe." I never once saw Joe Paterno - not last time I was there covering his firing, and not this time assigned to document the reaction of his death. The first part can be seen here.

I hope these images, from my previous visit and now, show and evoke an emotion.

Goodbye, JoePa

2012-01-26T10:07:00.006-05:00

"Students, mourners and those in the community gather around the statue of Joe Paterno, the former Penn State football coach who died earlier in the morning, outside Beaver Stadium on the campus of Penn State on January 22, 2012 in State College, Pennsylvania. Paterno, the winningest coach in major college football, died at 85 due to complications of lung cancer."

I've been in State College, Pa., covering the passing of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno for Getty Images all week.

It has been an emotional week for those grieving in what is known as "Happy Valley" and will continue today with a formal memorial.

I wanted to quickly share a photo from a powerful moment during the week. Here is a short raw video of the night, too.

More to come and more to elaborate on once I'm back in Baltimore.

I'll tumble for ya

2012-01-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

"Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens tumbles after intercepting the ball against Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 15, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens, 20-13, win advances them to meet the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game."

One of the best pieces of advice I ever learned as an athlete was to never show your weakness.

No matter how much you may struggle to beat an opponent, stay strong and finish until the end.

The Ravens certainly showed some vulnerabilities and at times I absolutely thought the Texans would be moving on. But the Ravens finished strong and will be advancing to the AFC Championship Game next week.

While I don't show my weaknesses, I will say not every assignment is as perfect as we wish. In other words, much like the Ravens, I've had much stronger performances, too.

My friend Trent Nelson said it best, "You will disappoint your editors, clients, readers, and even your parents. But that's how you learn technique and develop style. So when it happens embrace it."

It wasn't until late in the game when Ed Reed made an interception right in front of me to seal the victory that I made my favorite frame of the game. Sticking with the long glass on the play proved to be worth it.

Alas, what I'm trying to say is that this was a mediocre game at best. Conversely, this past season has been one of my best NFL seasons to date, so I'll take one bad game a season at this rate.

And since it would be a an act of ~~Tebow~~ god to get to shoot the AFC Championship Game next week, I'll chalk this one up and ready myself for the 2012-13 NFL season.

Sunday school show

2012-01-11T16:32:00.011-05:00

"The Indiana Hoosiers warm up before taking on the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Bryce Jordan Center on January 8, 2012 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers won, 88-82."

I got called out to post this picture because it was better than the last.

Not sure about that. Conversely, I did agree that not one other photographer at the game saw, nor shot a frame, like the above.

The pants of the Indiana Hoosiers inspired me the minute they took the court. I had to work the warm-up session. Recently, the University of Maryland took a lot of criticism for their circus like football uniforms.

While I was one of the bizarre ones to love Maryland's new style, I was wondering where the fashion police were with the Hoosiers, as their pants were similar in style, color.

Nonetheless, creativity and the dare to be great, whether anyone else thinks it's appealing or not, always gets the nod in my book.

Back bump

2012-01-09T10:53:00.012-05:00

"Jermaine Marshall #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (L) and teammate Matt Glover #5 (R) are introduced before playing the Indiana Hoosiers at the Bryce Jordan Center on January 8, 2012 in State College, Pennsylvania. The Indiana Hoosiers won, 88-82."

Was excited to get the call from Getty to head back to Penn State on Sunday. While I wouldn't be covering more news of the ongoing scandal during this trip, I was sent to document the Nittany Lions new head football coach Bill O'Brien.

O'Brien was announced to the crowd, with his wife Colleen and 6-year-old son Michael, during a timeout at the Penn State men's basketball game as they took on the Indiana Hoosiers.

It happened very quick. As photographers ran circles around coach, I stayed put and worked the spotlights that popped on after he walked onto the court. Before I knew it, he was back hidden (or gone for all I know) into the masses.

Before, and afterwards, I shot game action. Despite being done with my assignment after the final whistle, I drove through town.

Cruising down College Avenue in State College after the game was tranquil. Last year it was total chaos for a week. I searched to see if there was anything going on, but all was quite.

I'd love to continue this story on Penn State whenever I can. But who knows long this story will continue to unfold.

Not sure what I was expecting to maybe find after the game. I guess the store front I saw summed it up. It read, "We're 'still' Penn State."

Reflect

2012-01-03T13:12:00.008-05:00

"Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos prays with teammates and players from the New England Patriots after an NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

Happy New Year - I hope everyone had a great holiday.

Every year, January is a time to reflect back on the year and search through thousands of images from the previous year. I always said, if you don't look at what you did before, you'll do all the same stuff over again.

While it's a good to look back on the highlights and lowlights, I make sure it's short and sweet as I jump back into assignments and eagerly look forward to the new year.

Here is to health, happiness and a exciting 2012.

Take one for the team

2011-12-29T12:22:00.011-05:00

"Quarterback Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins rolls onto his back after taking a hit against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at FedEx Field on December 24, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Minnesota Vikings won, 33-26."

I was going through my final images of the year and thought I'd make one last post before the new year.

Despite early start times, NFL games in the winter tend to have some great light that only lasts for about a quarter or two.

For this game, my teammate photographer for the day wanted to shoot from above the first two quarters. I had no problem with that, so I decided to work the back-lit side and avoid the other ugly background side of the field.

Working the light of these type of games is a gamble. You can try and be safe or take risks and expose for highlights. While this isn't really either of the aforementioned, it was sort of a little magical moment that ended up telling the story of the game in the end.

Thanks for reading this year. Hope you're looking forward to 2012 as much as I am.

Happy New Year!

Big show

2011-12-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

"Defensive tackle Kevin Williams #93 of the Minnesota Vikings, Jared Allen #69 and teammates enter the stadium before playing the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on December 24, 2011 in Landover, Maryland."

Serendipity is the craziest thing sometimes.

While feature hunting during pregame of the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Washington Redskins NFL game at FedEx Field I stumbled into another light, lens flare image this week.

Funny thing was that I saw it when I walked into the tunnel, but wasn't going to work it because of my recent Tebow, Brady flash photo. But there was a couple other photographers working the same scene so I decided to go for it.

Shooting pregame features is always a big challenge to be different. I guess that's why I like doing it.

Nonetheless, this frame isn't perfect in my eyes, but it worked for the game.

Tebowing

2011-12-22T09:15:00.004-05:00

"Place kicker Matt Prater #5 of the Denver Broncos and teammates stand in the tunnel before taking on the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The New England Patriots won, 41-23."

Last Sunday I photographed the New England Patriots taking on the Denver Broncos.

We had an amazing team of Getty photographers to work the game. Since there were four of us, we each had a quadrant of the field to work from. It was the first time I've ever been limited to a certain corner of the field.

While I had literally no action in my corner of the field during the first half, I remembered to be team player and worked the action down-field from my spot. Always up for a challenge, it made me see the game differently.

The game wasn't as hyped up as it was when I was assigned the game. But by the time game day arrived, it was the biggest game of the season.

The game pitted proven NFL veteran, three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion and two-time MVP Tom Brady against the highly polarizing, unconventional and thrilling fourth quarter performer Tim Tebow against each other.

In the process, the Patriots won their sixth consecutive game and clinched a playoff berth in the AFC East. Tebow’s thrilling six-game winning streak was snapped in the loss.

As usual, I liked most of my images away from the action. I also found myself moving and focusing more on the quarterback rivalry that seemed to be one one the main story lines coming out of Denver.

Hopefully I'll see one of these teams again in Baltimore for the playoffs.

Let there be light

2011-12-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

"Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos and quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots shake hands after an NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The New England Patriots won, 41-23. The game pitted proven NFL veteran, three-time NFL Super Bowl Champion and two-time MVP Tom Brady against the highly polarizing, unconventional and thrilling fourth quarter performer Tim Tebow against each other."

Got the opportunity to photograph the New England Patriots taking on the Denver Broncos in Denver this past weekend.

Just got back east and running around before one more game of the year on Saturday, but I wanted to get a relevant image up.

I had a blast out west despite sucking wind. Always great light, had surprisingly warm temperatures for the game and was fun meeting, shooting alongside some new photographers.

However, I obviously forgot what it was like to shoot at 5,000 feet. I think I am still gasping for air.

As for this image, I still have no idea where the light came from. I should ask Tebow.

More images from the game later this week.

Best of 2011 | Features, Portraits and News

2011-12-19T17:39:00.014-05:00

"Hikers ascend and descend a snowy, yet warm Logan Pass at Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Mont., Sunday, July 31, 2011. Logan Pass rests at 6,646 feet above sea level and is along the Continental Divide, which is at the summit of Going-to-the-Sun Road."

This year was very lopsided - sports were the king of my editorial assignments. Most of my time shooting features, portraits and news were personal. And most of those were venturing out on my own as I strengthened back up.

Two of my favorite stories that I worked was the Penn State Scandal and my personal visual diary of the boardwalk. Both were a challenge, a lot of hard work, yet a lot of fun after the fact.

Other than that, did a little traveling as perusal, found myself wondering local streets more and meeting those in the community I'd have never met before.

Overall, this was a great year. It certainly was transitional year as I went from being a staffer back to a freelancer. And to echo my last comments, I'm super eager and looking forward to a full-year of health, happiness and shooting in 2012.

Best of 2011 | Sports

2011-12-12T09:40:00.002-05:00

"Referee Pete Morelli #135 and other officials take the field before the start of the Washington Redskins taking on the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on September 18, 2011 in Landover, Maryland."

Last year, I said it was hard to spit out the the words "Best of the Year" because I was sidelined from injury for about three months. Well, this year wasn't much better.

I spent more than half of the year recovering from a serious surgery. It wasn't until May when I found the energy and inspiration to attack my first assignment post-op.

And it wasn't easy. The Preakness Stakes was the last assignment I thought I'd get back into the game with as I lugged around a heavy 600mm chasing horses for 12 hours - but I survived.

From that point on, I spent the latter of the year photographing what I didn't think I would be able to handle after surgery: Sports.

Thanks to the amazingly talented group of editors at Getty Images, as well as some local and distant shooters, for giving me the boost and confidence I needed to overcome the pain I endured from: being unexpectedly laid-off in 2010, moving halfway across the country, and the physically, mentally challenging time spent in bed fully-recovering for months.

This year, I realized I that I'll never take my health for granted. Young, driven and talented means nothing when you cannot pick up a camera and do what you love.

I also learned to work light - in two ways. First, while I've always been a chaser of color and nice light, my goal for the short year was to exploit every opportunity I had to work the aforementioned. Last year, I found myself converting everything in post, not so much this year. And second, I learned to ditch the extra gear and work with the bare minimum.

With those in mind, my favorite sports picture of the year didn't even happen on the field. If you know me, I love to shoot features. I enjoy the challenge of working access and making pictures others don't see - whether another photographer or a reader.

This picture was made before a Washington Redskins game. I camped under the stands and waited. And waited. Then waited some more. While I was hoping for players, this image connected all the elements I look for: color, light, moment, composition, and being close.

I'm super eager and looking forward to a full-year of health, happiness and shooting in 2012 - sports related or not.

Feedback welcome. Enjoy.

UP NEXT...Best of 2011 | News, Features & Portraits

Music to my ears

2011-12-04T22:44:00.008-05:00

"BSO Music Director Marin Alsop conducts during Arthur Honegger's epic oratorio Jeanne d'Arc au Bücher ("Joan of Arc at the Stake") on Nov. 16, 2011 during the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, Md. The production also starred Caroline Dhavernas and Ronald Guttman."

One of the greatest things about being a photojournalist is getting to photograph new people, places and events.

So when I got the call to cover a performance for two nights at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra I was thrilled.

While my excitement glowed, I was nervous because not once in my life had I ever been to an opera. I could only picture that I'd be fighting to stay awake like every other male that I've ever seen on television or movie attending such an event.

Conversely, I was doing anything but that. BSO Music Director Marin Alsop is very much a familiar name here in Baltimore. My interaction with her, while brief, was real; as it was with all of the performers alike.

The performance was simply brilliant. When sneaking around very quietly, I found myself smiling ear-to-ear. I don't know if it was the seductively sounding French coming from Caroline Dhavernas mouth, the intense music, the deep bellowing from the singers, or watching Alsop at the stand. Nonetheless, it all was fresh.

Thanks again to the BSO for allowing me to do my thing and making the pair of nights a breeze. Looking forward to the next show.

Sizzle

2011-11-29T13:57:00.009-05:00

"Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to the sideline after making a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

I promise this isn't turning into a Ravens blog.

Was simply going through some second-edits and felt like posting this for my Ravens fan friends to enjoy.

Sports hair

2011-11-26T20:01:00.014-05:00

"Linebacker Rey Maualuga #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals hair covers his jersey during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won, 31-24."

Despite the outcome, when a certain play occurs, the news line from a single sporting event can change.

Whether it's a player stomping on another of the opposing team, or much like in Baltimore, when wide receiver Torrey Smith of the Baltimore Ravens was pulled down by his hair by a Cincinnati Bengals defender, it's talked about.

While I was all over the latter play, my positioning wasn't the best. My image looked the same as everyone else ahead of the line. Those shooting from the backfield got better images of the pull-down, which showed faces.

But I knew that talk of hair would be in the sports world. So I started shooting some long hair dangling out of helmets to give readers an idea of how many players indeed risk the chance of having their hair pulled.

Not sure why I kept coming back to this image, but I did. Maybe I've been thinking of an NFL detail photo essay. Could be a fun challenge with the limited access we're given.

Roughing the ref

2011-11-21T09:40:00.011-05:00

"In an act of protection, referee Ron Winter #14 covers his head after he is caught up in a fight for a fumbled ball between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won, 31-24."

Sometimes you get a half of second to capture a moment during a game.

During the third quarter of yesterday's Baltimore Ravens Vs. Cincinnati Bengals game, something odd happened.

An interception by the Ravens quickly turned into a fumble, a pile of players, and before I knew it, there was a Ravens playing celebrating that they retained possession.

The worst part of it all was I was totally tricked from the time the ball left the quarterback's hands. I was panning down field, so I had to rapidly pan back the other direction to catch up with the interception.

Once I caught up to the play, I was again searching for the ball as the 70,000-something crowd gasped at a now fumble. By the time I found it, mind you this is seconds in time, I wasn't focused on the ball anymore.

I saw referee Ron Winter flying into my frame and onto the ground. Usually, these pile-ups aren't very visual as one cannot see anything. But this time I was lucky to catch Winter covering for protection as players continually jumped on the pile.

Something I've never seen before and glad Winter was able to walk away from it. Hopefully this goes to show that the officials and referees are putting their bodies at risk, too.

edit: I found YouTube video of the incident.

Crime stopper

2011-11-19T00:00:00.002-05:00

"Aquille Carr of Patterson High School poses for a portrait in the Belair-Edison neighborhood of East Baltimore, Md., Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011. Carr, who's affectionately referred to as "The Crime Stopper" for clearing the streets with his must-see talents, is poised to join a pair of former diminutive point guards from Baltimore who made big splashes, Shawnta Rogers and Muggsy Bogues - whose games, Carr has said, have been influences on him."

Last month I got a call from GQ shoot Aquille Carr.

The name at first meant nothing to me. So I had to ask the question, "Who is he?"

According to superstar writer Corban Goble, "Tiny Aquille Carr is one the brightest young hoops prospects in the country, and admired by some of the NBA's brightest stars. But can he keep it together before hitting the big time?"

I met up with Aquille in his East Baltimore neighborhood and setup shop on a court where the locals play ball. Luckily I had some awesome subjects that let me test my lights on them; time and time again. Even sent them some hard copies to their school for being so helpful (I hope they got them).

Once Aquille arrived, it was a bit of a circus. Everyone wanted to take him on and everyone wanted to see him. It was tough for my assistants keeping people out of the background of my photo, so props to them on that.

We shot a couple different setups. But that didn't stop Aquille from being one of the most down to earth, charming athletes I've met in a long time. The kid has an amazing smile and went to great lengths to make the shoot go well. He is super-talented and I wish him the best.

You can learn more about him and read the article online here.

No Joe

2011-11-16T07:55:00.000-05:00

"A fan pays respect to a statue of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno before the Penn State against Nebraska football game at Beaver Stadium on November 12, 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania. Paterno was fired amid the growing furor over how the school handled sex abuse allegations against a former assistant coach."

As mentioned previously, I spent the week in Harrisburg and State College, Pa., for Getty Images covering the emotional roller coaster that was, and is, the Penn State scandal.

I think I touched base on the psyche of Penn State in my previous post, so I won't echo that sentiment. While I never photographed Joe Paterno or Jerry Sandusky (others on our team did), it was a lot to process at the time, much like those in the community at State College.

Alas, after carefully looking over the batch of images I captured over the week, during long hours of hard work that was well worth it in the end, I think these above images best showcases the sensitive work I was able to document.

I hope these set of images make viewers feel the emotion to both sides of the story during what most are calling one of the top news stories related to college football.

Thanks for taking a look.

More than football

2011-11-14T00:34:00.003-05:00

"Penn State student Tina Seklecki embraces Kyle Garcia as they and other students hold a candlelight vigil in support of the alleged victims of a child sex abuse scandal involving former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky on Old Main Lawn, November 11, 2011 in State College, Pennsylvania."

I am just returning home from after a week of Penn State scandal coverage in State College, Pa.

Once I decompress I'll be sure to share more and elaborate on the week. But I must preface, it was an amazing team performance by the folks involved at Getty. Very humbled to have been apart of it all week.

It was harrowing week for Penn State, and by the weekend, it was evident that the university was taking tentative steps toward a new normal - that is if students, faculty and alumni alike know what that exactly means.

As and outsider, it's difficult to say, as emotions were very mixed all week as the victims of sexual abuse allegedly carried out by longtime coach Joe Paterno's assistant Jerry Sandusky were foremost on those in the community and university's minds. The alleged allegations and developing stories simply consumed the school’s psyche.

But as mixed as feelings were, and as difficult of a week as it was for all those covering the story and all those involved, whether directly or indirectly, the Friday night tribute to the alleged victims of sexual abuse was proper.

One of my favorite images from the week came from that vigil and I thought it showed the difficulty that students were dealing with and how they coped.

More to come.

Penn scandal

2011-11-09T01:17:00.000-05:00

"A State Trooper covers his face as Penn State university vice president Gary Schultz and athletic director Tim Curley (both not pictured) sit in the conference room at the Magisterial District Court before being arraigned on charges of perjury and failure to report under Pennsylvania's child protective services law on November 7, 2011 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The two high-ranking Penn State administrators have resigned, and will face arraignment on charges they lied to a grand jury investigating suspected child abuse involving the university's former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky."

Not much time to write. On my way to State College to cover more of the Penn State scandal.

While this image doesn't really tell the story as much as this, or this, so far, I liked that the above shows the anticipation, anxiousness and chaos that is this story.

In a way, it does tell the story though. As the media and public patiently wait for answers, no one really knows what is, or has been, going on behind closed doors.

Eager to get to State College to see what I can find and document of the story as it continues to unfold further.

Whip my hair

2011-11-08T09:00:00.005-05:00

"Washington Redskins cheerleaders dance during a timeout against the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The San Francisco 49ers won, 19-11."

Being born and raised in Baltimore, I grew up with hip-hop musical influences. Still listen to a lot of it, too.

There is no denying that a little Kanye West and Jay-Z doesn't pump you up before an assignment.

With that in mind, after shooting some cheerleader frames during the Redskins game last weekend I couldn't get the hook of this song out of my head: "I whip my hair back-and-forth. I whip my hair back-and-forth."

Funny that pop culture always seems to get ingrained in our brains whether we want it to or not.

Tunnel of red

2011-11-07T09:02:00.011-05:00

"Defensive end Stephen Bowen #72 of the Washington Redskins takes the field before playing the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The San Francisco 49ers won, 19-11."

One of the best things about covering the Washington Redskins is that they are very lenient about photographers shooting pictures in the team tunnels.

I'm all about making pictures that have never been made before and that are different from game action. So when I get the chance to roam behind the scenes, so to speak, I work it for everything it's worth.

The funny thing is, last time I was down at FedEx Field, I made some nice pictures against the red wall that is the Washington Redskins tunnel. Not sure if it was coincidence or me just wanting to give friends a hard time, but every time I walked by, someone was camped on the red wall.

They all inspired me, so I had to try and one-up myself from the last game, too. Not sure if I like this better than my referee photo (read: I don't) but it still showcased some nice light and color.

Championship win ends season

2011-11-05T12:59:00.016-04:00

"Despite defeating rival South Carroll, 39-6, to win the unofficial Carroll County championship, Dallas Dacote #21 of the Westminster Owls shows his emotion because his team lost an appeal which abruptly ended their season, Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, at South Carroll High School in Skyesville, Md. The Owls lost an appeal to the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association to have a forfeit of a 57-7 win over Manchester Valley overturned. The Owls were penalized for illegal player use. Losing the appeal left no chance for the Owls to advance to next week's regional playoffs - ending their season. Players did not want to know the outcome of the ruling until after the game."

That's an odd saying - Championship win ends season. Unfortunately for the Westminster Owls high school football team, that's exactly what happen.

On the field, the No. 12 Owls were perfect as they defeated rival South Carroll, 39-6, to win the unofficial Carroll County championship. Off the field was another story.

The Owls coach learned at 3:30 p.m. that he had lost his appeal to the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association to have a forfeit of a 57-7 win over Manchester Valley overturned. The Owls were penalized for using a quarterback for three plays in that week's varsity game after he played in a junior varsity game the same week.

Losing the appeal left no chance for the Owls to advance to next week's regional playoffs - ending their season after an amazing finish in the county championship.

What was honorable, was that the coach said his players did not want to know the outcome of the ruling, so he waited until after the game to tell them.

So in a matter of about five minutes, I saw nothing but joy as the game ended. Hugs, high-fives and pure happiness. To defeat a rival, one that was perfect against county opponents since 2009 I believe, in the county championship is speical.

But to watch as players and coaches broke down in tears minutes later after hearing the appeal result is heart-breaking. I cannot imagine the feeling of being punished and stripped of a playoff opportunity for a mistake that the team didn't intentionally commit.

My heart goes out to the team. If nothing else, they ended how I think any athlete would want to - with a win.

Color flash

2011-11-04T20:23:00.000-04:00

"While in costume, Baltimoreans march lighted crafts during the Great Big Halloween Parade of Light & Luminaria at Patterson Park in Baltimore, Md., Sunday Oct. 30, 2011."

Always fun to cover an event you've heard about year after year, yet never attended.

That was the case with the great Big Halloween Parade at Patterson Park in Baltimore. I got a call from an editor to cover the event and was hyped that I'd finally have a reason to go witness the fun.

I am not one to use a flash on assignment - I'll stalk and milk ambient light for all it's worth. In addition, with higher ISO capabilities nowadays, even in darkness, files look marvelous.

So I am not sure what got into me. Maybe the need to change my routine and my seeing for the night. Whatever the case was, I broke out the small speed like and off-camera flash cord and blinded every I walked by.

While this image doesn't necessarily show the Halloween aspect of the event, it's fun to look at. And I look at holidays that way anyway. Not colorful, but once they're over...they're over.

Time to move on.

Hallow-eve

2011-10-31T01:11:00.001-04:00

"Mike Burn of Baltimore, Md., takes a break outside a bar as other Halloween revelers navigate between drinking establishments in Fells Point in Baltimore, Md., Saturday Oct. 29, 2011."

Was assigned to shoot the debauchery that is Halloween in Baltimore on Saturday night.

Luckily the odd October snowstorm and bitter-cold winds didn't stop revelers from doing what they do best when alcohol and costumes are combined.

At first, I was worried when I got out of my car at Fells Point. Bar-hoppers were easily outnumbered ninety-nine to one by Baltimore City police officers. But that quickly changed.

Why I ended up finding some rather funny, and some, well, unpublishable moments for most publications, I did have a lot of fun braving the cold while searching for moments on this assignment.

I tried to shoot the assignment as if I was shooting street photos, but I guess I stand out to those consuming alcohol. I had a lot of moments ruined by the phrase every photographer hates, "Hey, camera dude, take my picture."

Nonetheless, I still found some story-telling images, and on my way to my car, I stumbled across this scene. Couldn't resist the colors, textures and light.

Happy Halloween.

Escape plan

2011-10-25T00:04:00.000-04:00

"A hand-cuffed racer slips in the mud as he eludes zombies during the Run For Your Lives 5K in Darlington, Md., Saturday, Oct., 22, 2011."

This morning I had the chance to go through my take from the Run For Your Lives 5K in Darlington, Md.

I showed a friend some of the pictures since I really wasn't happy with my entire take. He thinks I am crazy that I didn't post more, but we did agree that this picture is more of my style than the last I shared.

Despite this not really being a newspaper story-telling image like the previously posted, I do like this image much better. Simply put - it's odd.

Maybe if I can be convinced, I'll share more from the race.

Blood sport

2011-10-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

"Zombies try to remove runners flags during the Run For Your Lives 5K in Darlington, Md., Saturday, Oct., 22, 2011. The Run For Your Lives 5K was a one part running race, one part obstacle course, and one part escaping the clutches of zombies. Runners navigated a series of 12 obstacles throughout a 5K course in an attempt to reach the finish line - all while avoiding zombies."

I'm no Sol Neelman, and this was one of the first weird sports I've ever photographed, but had a blast covering the The Run For Your Lives 5K - a running race where racers dodged hoards of zombies along the way.

Sol came to Baltimore for the event, so I figured, if he was coming across the country for it, that it must be fun. With that in mind, I asked one of my local media outlets if they'd be interested in photos. Being an awesome client, they already had the assignment in their system and gratefully assigned it to me.

Despite getting up before the sun, traffic issues, getting there hours early, and finding quite impossible to track down people for names - it was amazing. I never did get to meet up with Sol since I had another assignment following the race (and was covered in mud head-to-toe and needed a shower in-between), but it was a well executed event.

I tried to have as much fun shooting this weird sport as people were racing. I smiled the entire morning, even wished I was racing myself, but had trouble doing my thing. Things were cluttered and the light was pretty bad, especially for sun rise.

Maybe I'm over thinking what I shot. It is what it is and had a good morning. Excited to see what the master of weird sports came out with and upset we never got to meet up during the shoot, although we did get to share a beer the night before.

Weird sports for life.

Come as you are

2011-10-15T10:55:00.013-04:00

"On an overcast, yet still warm day, a nakedly clad man sits on the end of the pier enjoying a beverage in South Beach in Key West, Fl., Friday, Oct. 14, 2011."

I am currently in Key West, Fl.

While it's an interesting town, it's small and not nearly as wild as I expected. Maybe I'm going to bed too early? Fantasy Fest on the other hand is out of control, so I hear, but I am not here to cover the event - That is, unless you're reading this and need coverage.

Nonetheless, Key West is a welcoming town and embraces diversity of people of all kinds - they recognize we are all unique and equal. It's refreshing to see everyone happy and smiling. That is, other than the guy cussing out his wife for her dragging him home too early from drinking festivities. That was a fun scene to witness.

I'm wandering the streets and water front as often as possible. I'll try and get some more pictures up before heading back north in a couple days.

Near the hill

2011-10-05T19:54:00.024-04:00

"Republican presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) speaks during a luncheon at the National Press Club on October 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. In a new poll, Paul is still lagging far behind frontrunners former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, businessman Herman Cain and Texas Gov. Rick Perry."

Earlier this week, I got a call from asking if I was available to cover some politics in Washington, DC.

Without hesitation I said, "Yes" and was making the pilgrimage down south from Baltimore to cover a speech and an event at the White House.

I've always been a bit intimated by those covering, as we call it, "The Hill," and the political world around it.

Simply stunning work from many different agencies coming out of there every day. The photographers there day in and day out are truly a talented bunch as they make great moments, images of otherwise mundane visual situations.

But after being in the district for the day, there seems to be an energy of not just capturing the day, but rather documenting history. While that's always a thought in mind mind during assignments, it's a really captivating feeling in Washington. It's all not hard-hitting news, but the images coming out of Washington every day are important to history around the world.

Glad I got a chance to do my part documenting and also meeting some amazing photojournalists that I only knew their names up until this point.

Defensive battle

2011-10-05T19:47:00.006-04:00

"Linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before taking on the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

The title pretty much says it all - the New York Jets at the Baltimore Ravens was a game won and lost on defense.

I'm no sports analyst, but when the first two plays of the game are a fumble returned for a touchdown, and a 107-yard kick-off return, we all knew it would be a long night - and I'm talking the actual duration of the game.

It felt good to get back to M&T Stadium, as I had not shot there since probably 2008 or 2009 before leaving to head west. The sidelines are so open and spacious, it's simply lovely.

Hopefully I can catch another game there before the end of the regular season.

History

2011-10-03T11:28:00.014-04:00

"Former teammates Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens and Derrick Mason #85 of the New York Jets share a laugh after an NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore Ravens won, 34-17."

Last night, I covered the Baltimore Ravens taking on the New York Jets in Baltimore.

Despite the very late night - I had a great time shooting. I felt as if I was moving more pictures than I was actually shooting, as I attempted to get photos that I thought told the story out before most east coast deadlines.

The game was one of the more interesting games I've covered in quite some time, and I don't think I ever shot a two hour first half. Throughout the game, I tried to focus on some of the history between the two teams, including coaches and players who jumped the fence so to speak.

I'll be posting more from the game, but liked this moment between former teammates, that was sent long after editors, designers and copy desks around the country went to bed.

Oher

2011-10-01T11:40:00.011-04:00

"Michael Oher, offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, is photographed at McDonough School on Sept. 30, 2011, in Baltimore, Maryland."

Teamed up with Brian to shoot some pictures of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher yesterday.

Things went very smooth and Oher is a friendly, laid back guy who was patient and open for anything we needed to shoot to make our client happy.

While we lit almost everything in a dramatic way, I liked the in between moments the best.

Most are used to seeing and thinking that football players are big, mean and intimidating. And while I tend to see that aggressive side of NFL players on the field when photographing the games, I liked this quite moment from the shoot because of that preconceived notion.

It's nice to know that these superstar, phenomenal athletes are human and have genuine quiet moments that we often don't get to see from the sidelines or stands.

Thanks again, Oher. Good luck the rest of the season.

Bye, bye baseball

2011-09-26T09:58:00.005-04:00

"Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals warms up in between innings as the grounds crew freshens up the field against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Washington Nationals won, 3-0."

Spent the weekend covering what will most likely be the last baseball games I'll cover this year. That is, unless I somehow end up shooting some playoffs.

I decided to spend a couple extra innings shooting from above since it was the last game of the season. Thanks to Mark, I have a picture of me in the super-secret location.

While the game was scoreless much of the game, I did make some interesting pictures with the 2x converter that I borrowed. It was an interesting view that I'd certainly like to try for football, too.

This was my favorite picture from the game, only because a couple photographers had been talking about the classic days of baseball when photographers were literally allowed right on the field.

The sport would certainly be a lot more interesting if grounds crew, photographers and other media could simply wonder the field at any given point.

Then again, batters would probably use others as targets, much like on a driving range when the cart is out diving around.

Baseball, it has been fun. I'll see you next season.

Feels like fall

2011-09-19T10:10:00.022-04:00

"Referee Pete Morelli #135 and other officials take the field before the start of the Washington Redskins taking on the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField on September 18, 2011 in Landover, Maryland."

It has been just about a year since I last shot football, and then very shortly after finding myself in the operating room.

So to say I was anxious was an an understatement. While I am completely healed and released to do whatever I want, remembering football was the nail in the coffin, so to speak, terrified me.

But all the worries quickly vanished as I walked onto the field. The feel of football was in the air - cold and crisp, the colors of the Redskins stadium replicating the leaves, colors of fall and the large crowd echoing loudly - I was pumped.

While shooting NFL games doesn't really excite like it did when I first started shooting them years ago, I was really excited to be back out there shooting a fun, fast, hard-hitting sport.

I was teamed up with all around rock-star Rob Carr to cover the game for Getty.

The game started slow for me, as all the action seemed to be on the other side of the field, but by halftime I was feeling confident, despite almost getting run over in the endzone.

As the second half rolled around, I was really having a good time. The game started to get interesting and came down to a Redskins field goal late in the four quarter to win the game.

Cannot wait to get back out to shoot more football. Being my first football game of the season, I had a tough time editing down my frames, so check out the slideshow. You can also see our full Getty take of the day here.

On deck

2011-09-18T11:18:00.003-04:00

"Maicer Izturis #13 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim warms up before leading off against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore Orioles won, 6-2."

Another baseball game, another lead off photo.

I couldn't pass up not taking a photo with the ominous clouds. The only downside was that the game was delayed about 15 minutes because of an umpire injury, so I worked the scene while the player had his helmet off. Minutes later, the sky was completely black.

The bright red helmet would have added another layer of color and make it pop a bit more.

Alas, documenting what's happening in front of you is what it is.

Inside

2011-09-15T11:41:00.002-04:00

"Washington Nationals grounds crew walks by the dugouts before they play the New York Mets at Nationals Park on September 4, 2011 in Washington, DC."

I tend to always start shooting from the inside wells when shooting baseball games. I also tend to get out to the field about 25 minutes early to get warmed up and get a sense of the what the light is doing.

Since I started shooting the Nationals earlier this year, I watch this grounds crew member walk by me with this huge "W" that is used on the pitcher's mound.

Despite the harsh, odd light, I was able snap a couple frames as he walked by. Knowing me, I'll probably try and make a better image of the scene next time I'm at Nationals Park.

Then again, the season is coming to a close.

Ringing ears

2011-09-12T11:36:00.001-04:00

"Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Kellogg's/Cheez-it Ford, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 10, 2011 in Richmond, Virginia. Edwards finished second in the race, which was slowed by cautions 15 times for 85 laps for a track tying record."

I'm not ashamed to admit anything, so I'll come right and say it - NASACR is a challenge.

Got the call a couple months ago to shoot the high-speed auto sport at Richmond in September and was hyped from the minute I was asked. Conversely, I was nervous because I don't follow the sport, have no idea who anyone is and knew simply nothing about photographing it. So to say I was anxious was an overstatement.

Luckily I wasn't alone, as I had the pleasure of being apart of a face-melting, awesome Getty NASCAR team in Richmond.

I can't be more appreciative of the guys on the team. They kept me grounded, had my back and answered my non-stop questions, which means a lot considering I had literally no clue what the hell I had gotten myself into.

It took me a solid day to get acclimated to the sport and I'm sure it will take me another race or two to really feel completely comfortable. In addition, it might also take until another race for my ears to stop ringing.

In short, being put along the wall where these machines fly by and rip your eardrums out was simply unbelievable. I learned a lot, had a lot of fun and can't wait to get back out on the track in the future.

As for the picture, it was one of my favorites from the weekend. And to answer the question probably burning in your mind, yes, I tilted a auto racing image. I'm not a tilter, but it was fitting and worked.

Now only if Edwards would have come in first, not second, and I was able to get a couple more cars in the frame.

Next time I suppose.

Bird view

2011-09-09T23:36:00.000-04:00

"The New York Mets warm up before taking on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 4, 2011 in Washington, DC."

I always like to show up early when covering the Nationals. Mostly because of traffic coming down from Baltimore. But it also gives me time to walk around and try and find features.

Decided to walk around on the five-hundred level before the game last week to catch a view.

As I looked over the side of the railing, I got pooped on by a bird. First time in my life that has ever happen.

I also made this picture, from a bird's eye view, if you will.

Need a play

2011-09-08T01:53:00.002-04:00

"Alex Cora #13 of the Washington Nationals slides into second underneath Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets in a double play in the ninth inning at Nationals Park on September 2, 2011 in Washington, DC. The New York Mets won, 7-3."

I often find it amusing when people are jealous of my job - especially when photographing professional sports. They think my job is easy and that I have the best seat in the house.

While I cannot deny the latter, it's not easy. Of recent, a lot of the baseball games I've been shooting have been really lacking in the action department, as well as, images that tell the entire story in one or two images.

While to average reader, this means nothing. But as a photographer, you know you're really reaching for something great when the world seems to stop, go silent and all you can hear is camera shutters clicking when there is a play at second base - even more so when it's in the ninth inning.

The game the other night was nothing but pop-flys and plays at first. We really have to put ourselves in unique positions to get something great. I rarely move batting images or plays at second because they are so standard, but I had no choice against the Mets during the first game of the series.

That's the way it is some games.

One up

2011-09-06T10:00:00.005-04:00

"Jose Reyes #7 of the New York Mets takes the plate before leading off against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 2, 2011 in Washington, DC."

Baseball is boring. It isn't my favorite sport to shoot, yet ever since spending some time in Utah shooting a lot of college and high school baseball - and now back east shooting the pros - I've come to enjoy shooting the game.

However, in the majors, especially when they're .500 teams, they don't really show that much emotion, and action seems to be hit or miss, too.

So to keep my interest peaked, I shoot as many features as I can. Sometimes they are near repeats of my old images in the same parks. But I'm always trying to out shoot myself - one up myself if you will.

This image is far from perfect, but I liked that I was able to capture to the field on the JumboTron to give it an extra element.

Clear the court

2011-09-05T01:43:00.000-04:00

"Carmelo Anthony wipes his face during the Goodman League All-Stars taking on The Melo League basketball game at Edward P. Hurt Gymnasium at Morgan State University on August 30, 2011 in Baltimore, Md."

Last week, my editor contacted me see if I was available for some sort of basketball game on Monday night. At first, there wasn't much information to the assignment, other then it was some sort of game related to the NBA.

On Tuesday morning, I had assumed it was high school kids looking to make it into the NBA or something. But when I got word later that it was some of the best talent in the world playing - actual NBA players - I got a little bit more excited.

It sounded like an awesome assignment since the NBA is currently on lock-out. But I also knew it would be a circus.

I arrived early and got in without hassle. But the minute players started rolling up, things got out of hand. Without using too many words, the entire production was planned by word of mouth - so there was little, to no, structure to anything.

The game started late. People wouldn't get off the court and the baselines were littered with non-media folks shooting iPhone pictures. But who am I to say it was wrong? Maybe they were trying to agree with Chip Litherland that Hipstermatic is in fact a trashy iPhone app?

At the end of the ~~circus~~ night, I guess it was ironic that my favorite picture ended up being the exact opposite of what everyone (read: non-media) was trying to get pictures of - actual closeup pictures of the NBA stars.

Maybe I felt the way "Melo" looks in the picture - just trying to shield myself until it was all over.

Alas, it was an interesting and fun night despite all the challenges.

Thinking of Theo

2011-09-03T10:14:00.006-04:00

"Theo Stephen lays in his bed after having portions of a malignant brain mass removed at University of Maryland Medical Center, Aug. 30, 2011."

Caveat: I try and leave family and personal posts off my blog, but this deserves some attention.

As journalists, we are supposed to be biased. We uphold strong ethics and follow them with strict guidelines. That often means holding our opinions to ourselves and not becoming part of the story.

However, when you're already part of the story, you can only try and help. That's the case with K's nephew - Theo.

Following his first birthday party, some adverse conditions had him in the hospital. He would be intubated and then go unresponsive before having surgery on Monday.

During the procedure, a majority of a posterior fossa tumor was removed, but hard portions near the brain stem were unable to be eliminated. The tumor was found to be malignant - otherwise know as containing cancerous cells.

Theo is still under the care of the pediatric intensive care unit and will receive oncology treatment.

Having worked stories similar to these in the past, I did what I thought would best help Theo and his family. I set a website and foundation in which friends, family and those in the community can donate contributions to help with Theo's medical support.

I don't ever ask of anything from anyone, but I ask you to please donate, and if you cannot financially do so at this time, to please forward on the link. I'm also offering that anything does make a donation over $50 that I will send you a 11x14 signed print free of charge.

If you're donating from this blog post, please email me to let me know what print you'd like. There will be a Paypal payment option soon, too.

Thank you for reading. To find out more about "Thinking of Theo" please visit | http://www.thinkingoftheo.org/

Hurry rain

2011-09-01T19:25:00.005-04:00

"Evan Cunningha, 9, uses a down tree as a playground as Maryland deals with the after-effects Of Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States."

The New York Times reported Hurricane Irene as a storm that "will most likely prove to be one of the 10 costliest catastrophes in the nation’s history."

While that may very well be true, Baltimore thankfully didn't suffer much damage. No real flooding, but lots of high powered wind that left many without power.

I was originally assigned to head to Ocean City, Md., to cover the storm. Then my schedule changed and a mandatory evacuation had us changing plans and send someone in sooner.

So while I was out in the storm shooting lacrosse Saturday, I got the note to head to Annapolis on Sunday morning. However, by the time I was walking out the door, it was evident that the storm spared Annapolis and Baltimore, but I still was sent out to cover Baltimore City.

All my rain gear and extra clothes were a waste as it never even rained on Sunday in the city. I drove around for a couple hours and photographed a lot of downed trees. Hopefully my coverage gave Baltimore a voice in a rather dull storm in the city.

Chesapeake rain

2011-08-30T01:25:00.000-04:00

"Heavy rain from Hurricane Irene falls on the Chesapeake Bayhawks before they take on the Boston Cannons at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Annapolis, Maryland. The Bayhawks would be eliminated by the Cannons in the Major League Lacrosse semi-final."

Shooting two lacrosse games on Saturday was difficult.

Heavy rain fell and strong winds gust the entire time, so keeping the front element of my lenses clean, dry was almost impossible.

I realized that keeping a second body with a wide-angle lens with me would be a hazard because several inches of water flooded the field. So keeping it dry and safe would have been an added pressure aside from trying to get images in focus with the torrential downpours.

Alas, this was one of the few wide frames I got off and liked before stashing the wide in the dry press box. Only if ThinkTank Photo would design a, in my opinion, long awaited rain cover for a pro body and wide lens - then I wouldn't have been so scared of drowning a camera and lens.

Rabil

2011-08-29T00:37:00.000-04:00

"Paul Rabil #99 of the Boston Cannons celebrates with teammate Brad Ross #10 after a goal in the second quarter against the Chesapeake Bayhawks in the Major League Lacrosse semi-final at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on August 27, 2011 in Annapolis, Maryland. The Cannons won, and would go on to win their first MLL title."

Spent a couple hours in a complete downpour (read: a Hurricane Irene) shooting my favorite past-time: Lacrosse.

I grew up playing the sport in Maryland and always have had some sort of connection to the game. Simply search it here on my blog and you'll find a ton of images and stories.

However, I've never gotten the chance to shoot the Major League Lacrosse. Luckily, I got the call to shoot not one game, but two semi-final games in Annapolis.

The fun part of the weekend, minus the sideways rain, was that some of the players I played with growing up and others I photographed in college where gunning for the championship. That would include, according to my shot list - "THE most popular player in the world" - Paul Rabil.

I wouldn't go that far, then again, I should agree. He has more Facebook fan pages than, umm, who knows. The guy is simply popular and very talented.

Left after five

2011-08-27T20:53:00.005-04:00

"New York Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (34) wipes his face after giving up a home run against the Baltimore Orioles' Mark Reynolds (12) in the second inning, the first of six runs Burnett would give up in the inning, during a baseball game in Baltimore, Friday, Aug. 26, 2011. Burnett left after five innings, having allowed nine runs, in the 12-5 loss."

This weekend has been a schedule of change. A lot of news happening on the east coast, as well as sports action taking place.

I've been changed around a couple times, but that's the life of a freelancer. I cannot complain - I am still working.

Last night, I was called last minute to cover the New York Yankees taking on the Baltimore Orioles.

A hot, humid night as hurricane Irene came into town, the game was full of action because of some questionable pitching. But this ended up being my favorite moment of the night.

Now back to getting wet in the rain.

City

2011-08-25T13:51:00.002-04:00

"Carrying balloons, a man walks down the sidewalk near the East Village in New York City, Ny., Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2011."

Was in New York City yesterday and spent a lot of time on my feet.

I kept thinking back to this guy, as I wish I could have floated around. Probably would have saved my feet the pain that they're in today.

But I had a great day in the city. Simply love the energy.

Placement

2011-08-23T09:41:00.014-04:00

"Starting pitcher Ross Detwiler #48 of the Washington Nationals warms up before taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on August 22, 2011 in Washington, DC."

Sometimes you hit a homer, other nights, you struggle to get on base. Most of the time, you feel like you're in the right. Your mind tells you to use a certain lens and anticipate the action from the unquestionably perfect spot.

But there are other times where your brain, even with the help of luck, cannot predict the output of the game. Not sure if that was the case last night or that there just wasn't much happening.

The game started slow. Everyone next to me seemed to be in the same situation, as no telling pictures had been made early in the game.

Working a game alone has its risks, too. Deciding when to go into the media lounge to transmit a couple pictures is one of them. Most times, you can file a couple pictures and resume shooting without anything major happening. Last night, I was filing for all of five minutes when the main play of the game, a multiple run homer, occurred.

It certainly was the peak of the game, as when I returned to shooting, things were again lackluster.

It's the way of the game. You hope the next game is better than the last visually speaking - whether you had a great game shooting or not.

Idealr

2011-08-19T12:13:00.007-04:00

"A man stands on the sidewalk in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, July 26, 2011."

Still working on some recent street images from other cities and neighbors I've wandered through.

I was really attracted to the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif. Then again, I am always attracted to places I probably shouldn't be walking on foot. And with that, when I am somewhere new - I am naive.

So it could have been perfectly safe. Or not. Who knows. That's me being curious and not caring.

One day I'll find and in, or just get the courage, to walk down east Monument Street in Baltimore.

Mark Poppins

2011-08-13T14:53:00.007-04:00

"A man looks at his shadow as he holds an umbrella near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011. The Lincoln Memorial is an American memorial built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln."

Went through my tiny take of Washington, DC., from the other day and forgot about this moment.

Not only was I attracted to this scene because of my cliche-loving-desire to photograph umbrellas, but to oddity of the scene.

In jest, I said, "Look there is Mary Poppins’ brother – Mark." But as we approached I cranked off about 10 frames before we got too close and the moment was over.

Playing tourist

2011-08-12T13:39:00.006-04:00

"Visitors walk around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011. The Lincoln Memorial is an American memorial built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln."

My friend Matt Mills McKnight is in town for some photo meetings north and south of Baltimore, so I thought I could do my part in showing him around and give him a place to rest his head at night.

Picked him up in Washington, DC., yesterday and showed him some of the nation's most iconic monuments he had never seen in person before.

While I am in the district a lot for work, I don't really walk around downtown much because of all the tourists (read: tourists and traffic). Not to mention, I've been to Washington to see the monuments pretty much every year since fifth-grade.

They still amaze me and it's always fun to shoot around acting like a tourist from another country when there.

Missing element

2011-08-10T11:41:00.002-04:00

"A car is parked along a steep road in San Francisco, Calif., Wednesday, July 27, 2011."

There is nothing worse than stalking a spot waiting for another element.

This scene had everything going: color, light, composition - but was missing the moment.

I would have done with a single person walking by. But didn't even get that.

Sometimes the photo just doesn't come together and you're left wondering what it might have been.

At the top

2011-08-06T01:11:00.001-04:00

"Hikers lay exhausted on Logan Pass at Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Mont., Sunday, July 31, 2011. Logan Pass rests at 6,646 feet above sea level and is along the Continental Divide, which is at the summit of Going-to-the-Sun Road."

I made a small hike while at Glacier National Park, which was a fairly steep grade in melting snow.

While the elevation was somewhere near what I was used to when living in Salt Lake City, it still kicked my ass. Those at sea level don't realize such simple hikes at a moderate elevation can simply kill your lungs. Not literally of course.

I still remember mountain biking and feeling as if my brain was going to squirt from my ears from the height when in the mountains.

As for these two, they were gasping for some air. Not sure where they were from, but obviously they needed some oxygen and weren't finding much.

At the bottom

2011-08-05T11:36:00.005-04:00

"A park visitor fixes her hair as wind blows along Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Mont., Sunday, July 31, 2011."

Visiting national parks is always memorizing. It's also sensory overload for the pupils.

While most of my pictures tend to be "Ansel Adams" I do try and seek warm bodies to compliment the amazing landscapes.

I am not sure what drives me to always get a human in my photographs, it's probably my journalistic instinct, but I think when I am in wilderness I want to show that I wasn't the only person there.

This image was near the bottom. The top comes tomorrow.

Glacier

2011-08-01T13:13:00.008-04:00

Handy

2011-07-30T18:18:00.008-04:00

"Homeless men try to stay warm in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The city of San Francisco due to its mild climate and its social programs that have provided cash payments for homeless individuals, is often considered the homelessness capital of the United States."

While I simply loved San Francisco, and now considering it one of my favorite cities in the country, there was an obvious abundance of homelessness.

While I am used to it in Baltimore, it seemed as if even the nicer areas of town had its share to.

While my camera was directed toward them, I tried not to make it apart of my street work.

However, I couldn't help but to capture this handy moment. Not sure what was happening, down there, but let's just pretend his hand was cold and his front zipper was mistaken for a pocket.

Hello

2011-07-28T11:57:00.004-04:00

"A payphone sits randomly across the railing in the Muir Woods National Monument in Sausalito, Calif., July 27, 2011. The Muir Woods protects 559 acres, which 240 acres are old growth Coast Redwood forests, in the San Fransisco Bay area."

Ventured up into the hills, along the coast and into the woods yesterday.

Also got a mix of the city as well, but I kept coming back to this image to post.

It was ironic. People were visiting the Muir Woods to see the simply stunning Redwood trees, yet everyone seemed to be equally amazed by the placement of a what could be called "just as ancient" payphone.

Mission

2011-07-27T00:45:00.005-04:00

"A musician looks into a store in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, July 26, 2011."

Currently in San Francisco, Calif., and loving every minute of it.

While I had some issues getting here due to some flight problems, I arrived and wasted no time hitting the streets shooting some street photos. This is my first time in California, let alone San Francisco. The city is perfect in comparison to Baltimore for street photos and simply stunning on all aspects.

More to come before heading a couple states west.

Hemingway

2011-07-21T16:06:00.007-04:00

"Local resident Booker T., sits outside Scott's BBQ in Hemingway, Sc., on Thursday, July 21, 2011."

I am currently in South Carolina. While I've been here before, I have been venturing to some other towns.

Thus was the case today, as I made the pilgrimage to Hemingway, Sc., to get my first real southern barbeque at Scott's BBQ.

This establishment is simply what I have always pictured as the south. Smoke billowing from the rear of the building, amazing smell of pork, friendly, endearing folks sitting out front, watermelons in shopping carts, and hot, humid weather.

While this isn't a food review, the food was simply brilliant. I've never had pork or chicken so tasty before. I wish I lived around the block.

Not sure if I'll be able to post anymore from here, cell service and Internet have been simply terrible where I am at.

No delay

2011-07-10T11:08:00.000-04:00

"Grounds crew skim rain water off the infield cover before the Washington Nationals take on the Colorado Rockies on July 8, 2011 in Washington, DC."

What do you get when you combine the main mode of transportation from Baltimore to Washington, DC., Friday afternoon and heavy downpour rain? If you said traffic, you're right.

I left very early to get down to Nationals Park because the weather forecast was calling for more than two inches of rain throughout the night. I assumed it would be a lost cause and there would be no game.

It rained heavy and hard from 2 p.m. until 6:45 p.m., right before opening pitch at 7:05 p.m. So thinking there would be a long delay or no game, I ran around shooting features, trying to make something of nothing - and by nothing - I mean no game.

Despite my effort, some fun, no dinner, and getting a little wet, the game started on time and ended fairly quick as the rain held off for the entire game. But at least I churned out a couple features I liked.

Nats drop the bat

2011-07-09T11:30:00.004-04:00

"Danny Espinosa #18 of the Washington Nationals reacts after striking out in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park on July 8, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Colorado Rockies won, 3-2."

Back at the ball park for more Nationals action. There was one problem though - there wasn't much action.

One of the more boring baseball games I've shot in quite sometime. Literally a bunch of pop flies and strikeouts for the better half of the game.

It wasn't until the fourth inning when things started picking up a bit. But even then, action was lackluster.

Alas, that's the way of sports sometimes.

Sandy

2011-07-07T01:03:00.002-04:00

"Beach-goers soak in the sun on the sandy beach in Ocean City, Md. on the Fourth of July, Monday, July 4, 2011. Ocean City features 10 miles of family-friendly ocean beach which is free to the public."

Ideally shooting aerials is done safely from a helicopter. There are many positives to it, rather than a plane, but I had an issue getting into one for this assignment.

There are virtually no helicopters in Ocean City, Md., so my last option was a small airplane which could barley squeeze four people - uncomfortably. Having never really known how high I have flown during past aerial assignments, and never had shot from a plane before, I wasn't sure what lenses to bring.

While I shot a majority of the time in the air with a 70-200mm and a 1.4 extender, my 400mm would have been a better option. I did have my assistant hold on to it in the rear of the plane. Alas, there was no way I would have been able to safely hang a 11-pound lens out, or near, the window.

Despite the strain from the awkwardness of shooting from the plane, and having 100 mph winds rip through my eardrum, I'm happy with the result of this and the last post. I think they would look simply brilliant next to one another on a wall.

But, as per usual, they could be better. Yet I say that after every assignment. Once it's over, I can always think of how I could have made it perfect.

I'll be getting a gallery of extra aerials up. If you're interested, email me or please visit this link which will be updated in the near future.

Salty

2011-07-05T12:16:00.007-04:00

"Beach-goers swim and surf in the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City, Md. on the Fourth of July, Monday, July 4, 2011. Maryland's ocean and Chesapeake Bay beaches ranked 16th cleanest for swimming and wading in the latest nationwide survey by the Natural Resources Defense Council."

I was fortunate enough to find myself in Ocean City, Md., during Fourth of July.

However, instead of being packed like a sardine on the beach, I was high above the city shooting aerial photographs of what laid below.

While aerial photography is a challenge, especially in this case from an small overhead Cessna airplane, not a helicopter, it's very rewarding. It was also a treat because I have been visiting Ocean City since I was young, but never seen it from above.

While time flew by in the air and I made the photographs I needed to make, I was able to make some pictures I really liked. I have a lot of extras I want to share and have available for large prints.

Up next, the sandy side of the shoot.

Last light

2011-07-03T01:11:00.000-04:00

"Two beach-goers walk into a shaft of sun-setting light between condos as another woman reads in Ocean City, Md., on Friday, July 1, 2011."

I've been raving all week about the light in Ocean City. It's simply stunning, it reminds me of the sunsets in Utah.

Instead of the sun reflecting off the western desert producing magnificent sunsets, the bay and surrounding waters do the same here on the Eastern shore.

As I was heading out yesterday, I watched as everyone on the beach migrated toward the remaining shafts of sunlight that spilled through the openings between condos and hotels.

I stayed patient and waited for another layer aside from the woman reading alone. Luckily it paid off when two girls walked right through the light.

Kirei

2011-06-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

"Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners warms up before batting against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Washington Nationals won, 2-1."

My eyes couldn't help but to see and make features between action when I was recently covering the string of baseball games in Washington, DC.

The major perk to shooting at Nationals Park is the abundance of room and the inside photo wells. Not every stadium I've shot at has the inside photo spots, and even during high school and college coverage, it can be literally impossible to make any sort of on deck or close dugout photos.

So as the sun set, I waited for an all-star to make their way to the plate. Just so happen to be Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners as the day light slowly faded into night over the crowd.

Managed to reach out of the inside well and compose a couple frames blindly. While this is nothing more than graphic art that doesn't tell the story of the game, it's a good bit of color that I think could be used for future stories and such.

It is kirei - or beautiful - in Japanese.

Morning spot

2011-06-28T07:09:00.001-04:00

"A man sets up his umbrella early in the morning on 99th Street in Ocean City, Md., Saturday, June 25, 2011."

Lucky me, I am headed back down Ocean City for a shoot this weekend. So I'll get to mix business and pleasure once again.

I almost formatted this card, but remembered I made about 30 frames before heading back north to Baltimore during my last visit.

And if you know me, you know I cannot pass up the cliche umbrella image, no matter what shape, color or size. Speaking of which, I am sure my shoot will include many more, so check back for the update on this weekend's shoot.

Bored walk - revisited

2011-06-26T01:12:00.002-04:00

"Boardwalk visitors stare at a pigeon near the inlet in Ocean City, Md., Friday, June 24, 2011."

Found myself in Ocean City, Md., this weekend and managed to squeeze in an ongoing personal project entitled - Bored Walk.

The small project and its name are very simple. The name is a pun, because the boardwalk is anything but boring. And the project documents the people who roam the boardwalk. It's more or less capturing the busyness of the three mile stretch.

Normally when I am shooting on my own, especially when traveling, I stick to my graphic, clean way of seeing. But this project forces me to dirty up the frame so it matches the chaotic, yet subtle, people and mood the boardwalk evokes.

As I said, this is ongoing, and probably will never be finished as long as I have a chance to visit Ocean City. I simply enjoy people and capturing raw moments and scenes in this small area, as things are never the same. I'll actually be back next weekend for a shoot, so I'll be trying to get up there again.

With all that, I don't want to type too much because I think the pictures say what I cannot.

Magnificent sunsets

2011-06-24T20:44:00.003-04:00

"The sun sets on passengers inside a public transit bus in Ocean City, Md., Thursday, June 23, 2011."

I am down Ocean City, Md., for a couple days. Been trying to sneak in some street photos along the way.

However, this one hasn't really fit the set I am shooting, and I liked the light, so I thought I'd throw up a quick post.

Not to mention, I needed something to break up the recent overload of baseball posts.

Ichiro

2011-06-23T11:35:00.000-04:00

"Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners changes into his field shoes during warmups before taking on the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2011 in Washington, DC."

Not being an avid Major League Baseball fan, I have to do some homework before the games. In this case, other photographers made me aware of the Japanese all-star Ichiro Suzuki.

I also got a friendly "konichiwa" in jest from some Nationals employees as I took to the field during batting practice. I knew then there was also an abundance of Japanese media.

As batting practice and warmups commenced, I found myself photographing Ichiro. I overheard someone say he has a strict routine, so I thought some of the things he did may make some nice pictures, much like the above as he changes his shoes (which he does multiple times before the first pitch).

The only problem was that there were some technical issues as I moved pictures through the night, so this picture and a couple other telling favorites never made it up live. They all had to be sent second non-live edit.

It happens - All you can do is go out an make better pictures the next day.

Now walk it off

2011-06-22T10:20:00.005-04:00

"Wilson Ramos #3 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after hitting a three-run walk-off home run against the Seattle Mariners during the bottom of the ninth inning at Nationals Park on June 21, 2011 in Washington, DC. Washington Nationals won, 6-5."

This is the epitome of sports - come from behind, last minute victory.

The game last night between the Washington Nationals and the Seattle Mariners was a complete snoozefest. I continually looked at the back of camera throughout the game wondering what the hell would tell the story.

Then the Nationals entered the ninth inning trailing by four runs. Seemed impossible. One out. Two outs. The game was over.

But having played sports, you never give up. Sometimes things change, all it takes is one play. For being out hit at one point, 13-4, you still thought things were impossible for the Nationals.

But all it took was a crack of the bat an instant roar from the crowd. Three-run walk-off home run bomb to win it. Walk it off it style and then get smothered by teammates at home plate, Ramos.

Incredible ending to the game. Got to love sports.

Take me out

2011-06-21T11:11:00.003-04:00

"Jayson Werth #28 of the Washington Nationals makes a catch against the Baltimore Orioles in the seventh inning at Nationals Park on June 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. The Baltimore Orioles won, 7-4."

The first series is over, and I am heading back down today for a new series against the Seattle Mariners.

While I was lucky to have two day games to start things off, the next two games are under the lights.

While a bit anxious, I shouldn't be. I can't remember the last pro lighting venue I've shot under, as everything in Utah was high school or college lighting and poor. So things should be very nice.

These first games were fun, but I was missing one key ingredient - music. I've learned to listen to my iPod during baseball games to make them go by a bit quicker. Yet I am terrified to do so during MLB games, as foul balls seem a bit more lethal.

Oh, well. Still enjoying myself. So aside from my last two posts, here are some of favorites, which I had trouble editing down, from the Nationals Vs. Orioles series.

National miss

2011-06-20T00:12:00.002-04:00

"Outfielder Roger Bernadina #2 of the Washington Nationals attempts to pull in a diving catch, but missed, against the Baltimore Orioles in the second inning at Nationals Park on June 19, 2011 in Washington, DC."

Another day - another game at Nationals Park.

Things seemed to flow a bit smoother on Sunday since I knew my way around the stadium. Action also seemed a bit more exciting, too.

Within the first three innings, I had more action than I did during the game on Saturday. But that's how it goes in baseball. Some games are a total snooze fest, while others are much more action packed.

Only difference was that the light wasn't as nice in my opinion. Although some beg to differ, as the overcast skies and sprinkles of rain delighted others.

Was hoping the Nationals would keep their winning-streak alive. Alas, the Orioles came out on top, 7-4, ending any hope of setting a new winning streak.

I have a break between the action, so hopefully getting some more pictures up in the meantime.

Battle of the Beltways

2011-06-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

"Mark Reynolds #12 of the Baltimore Orioles hits the dirt after an inside pitch against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park on June 18, 2011 in Washington, DC."

I haven't shot any baseball since, well, I cannot remember when. I did a bunch of high school baseball in Utah last year, but that was last spring.

Getty Images assigned me to shoot a string of Major League Baseball games down at Nationals Park in Washington, DC - which began Saturday. I had shot a lot of Baltimore Orioles games before I moved to Utah, but never any Nationals games.

So everything was new to me - new stadium, new area of town, new team, new players, and even my lens was new - as I recently upgraded from a 300mm f/2.8 to a 400mm f/2.8.

But despite my anxiousness to shoot the game the night before, I feel like I did pretty good. It was like riding a bike - you never forget.

I'll make a couple more posts in coming days as I cover more games, but wanted to get some sports action back up on this blog.

Sweet and sweaty

2011-06-17T00:20:00.000-04:00

"Amanda Borzymowski shares a moment with her husband, Joey, in White Hall, Md., Wednesday, June 8, 2011."

I certainly don't label myself as a wedding, candid, portrait - what have you - photographer. But that doesn't stop me from shooting those type of non-journalistic photo assignments when asked.

Luckily, I got a call from the all around brilliant couple, Mandy and Joey. I had the pleasure of shooting their wedding a couple years ago, and they are now expecting a little girl. So naturally, they wanted to get some maternity pictures on their stunning property.

We had a good time despite the more than 100 degree heat index. Can't wait to meet the new family member.

Little moment

2011-06-14T01:42:00.001-04:00

"Lori Stephen lifts her son, Theo, from a small pool on a hot evening in Whiteford, Md., Saturday, June 11, 2011."

This past weekend, I spent the day hanging out with K, her sister Lori, and her son, Theo.

We roamed around downtown, drove in the car, went to the store, and ended up at their parent's home in Whiteford.

By now Lori and everyone else in the family is used to my continual documentation of their lives when I am around. So snapping frames of Theo in the baby pool was simply normal them.

I kept shooting tight photos of them, and everyone else, around the baby pool when I decided to move back for a few frames.

Stepping away yielded this little gem which I think is a great moment. This is totally a type of feature I hoped and prayed to find on the daily feature hunt when in Utah.

It's not often I give someone print, but I had to give Lori one of this the next day. She thanked me and maybe one day Theo will thank me, too.

Benches

2011-06-12T10:32:00.006-04:00

"A woman walks west on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore, Md., Saturday, June 11, 2011."

These benches litter Baltimore City and read "The Greatest City in America." Not sure how true that statement can be with one of the highest murder per capita rates in the country.

Alas, I love the city. It's full of life. Something is always happening. Unfortunately, there is always news.

Made this frame yesterday as we roamed around at a Greek festival that seemed a bit lackluster. While I love making close, intimate street photos, every once in a while stepping back makes something interesting in my eyes.

Readadelphia

2011-06-09T14:14:00.006-04:00

"A shirtless man reads a book in front of a mural on 9th Street in Philadelphia, PA, Monday, June 6, 2011."

Was in Philadelphia earlier this week and made some snaps on the streets.

Of course, I also had a cheese steak despite hearing that they're the old news in terms of food in the city. The word on the street is that pork provolone sandwiches are in.

Maybe next time I'll get some more time on the street and indulge in a pork provolone sandwich.

Jersey light

2011-06-06T18:45:00.004-04:00

"A guest is illuminated by sun-setting light during the Ponton wedding at the Stone House in Warren, NJ, Sunday, June 5, 2011."

Ventured north to New Jersey for the night for a childhood friend's wedding.

It was a long drive up, and in the middle of nowhere, or so it seemed, but was by far one of the nicest weddings I've been to in my life.

Lot's of "fist pumping" and fun. Made some carefree snaps along the way, this being one of many.

The public pool

2011-05-31T14:47:00.002-04:00

"People swim and wade in the pool at the Arena Club in Bel Air, Md., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011."

There is something about summer and public swim pools that screams Americana to me.

The way everyone crams into the pool, the way the air is just as moist and humid as the water in the pool itself, mother's continually yelling at their children, the sound of life guard's whistles blowing, and the way the scent of really bad cardboard brand pizza lingers in the air.

I haven't been to a public pool in years, so I was simply smiling the entire time. In my humble opinion, there is nothing better than a nice swim, and I am glad I grew up in the water.

I'll probably attempt to shoot this photo as summer goes on, but I liked it enough to share the first capture.

Snoozing secruity

2011-05-29T08:56:00.008-04:00

"A security guard sleeps in the media room prior to the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 21, 2011 in Baltimore, Md."

People often ask why I am so meticulous about locking up all my gear during sporting events. Obviously, I don't want to see my investments walking out on their own.

While I am trusting of everyone in the media lounge, as we all should be of one another, there are those that can get into the media rooms with no questions asked.

I think this picture clearly shows how easy it could be. I was walking out of media room and had to take a snap of this.

At an overcrowded race track where literally anyone could walk into the media lounge, this scares me. Anyone, media or not, could simply walk right in and back out with my gear and I'd be dreaming to think it was protected unlocked.

Protect your gear, folks. You're are responsible for it.

Horse, hat kingdom

2011-05-23T00:12:00.002-04:00

"A race fan checks the forms prior to the 136th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 21, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

(CLICK HERE FOR SLIDESHOW)

Its been a long time coming, but I finally strapped up, got back in the saddle and shot my first assignment since spinal surgery.

This was my fourth Preakness, yet I was still excited to get out and shoot the night before.

While hesitant to get back out in the field, primarily for schlepping heavy gear for hours on end, all-around rock star Rob Carr of Getty Images talked me into getting off the couch to shoot with him.

I was worried I'd forget how to shoot, caption and transmit on a tight deadline, but I picked things up right where I left off months ago. And I should say, I had a lot of freedom to do my thing which gave me a lot of confidence and made working a hell of a good time.

My roll was to simply shoot features and shoot the race head-on with a 600mm. I was on my feet a solid 12 hours, trekking all around the grandstands, infield, on the roof, along the rail, and up-and-down stairs, lots of stairs.

Finished the day with a couple cold ones and some Aleve. Not sure which helped, but I certainly felt good the day afterward which was a pleasant surprise.

Short review | X100

2011-05-15T09:23:00.015-04:00

"A woman walks on a trail in Harford County, Md., on Thursday, May 12, 2011."

Let me preface, I am not a camera reviewer and never do this sort of thing here. In addition, I don't like reading lengthy articles about new cameras. But I recently got my hands on the new Fuji X100 and thought I could share some insight on it for the other photojournalists out there eager to get their hands on one.

Caveat: I am not going to fire off the technical specifications and dwell into minor issues like the menu. If you're reading this, most likely you know about them already.

I spent a couple of days shooting some mundane situations in various lighting conditions to get a feel for the camera: from my dog, a hike, the streets, in my car, and at a friend's wedding. So let’s dive into things.

The camera looks and feels great in the hands. Not too light, not too heavy, easy to carry all day, and not awkward in the hands.

As for aesthetics, I got a lot of compliments from photographers and people who knew nothing about photography. Ironically, it actually drew more attention than lugging around a Nikon D3S with a 35mm; except on the street. People wanted to know more about it and know why I was carrying around an "old film camera."

I didn't grow up in a film era, most of my time shooting is digital. I have used and still use 35mm cameras for fun, so this was a fresh breath of air. Shooting is fun and relaxed. While I know this isn’t really considered a rangefinder, it still feels fresh and opens a new door of creativity without the expense or limitations of film.

I am finding myself slowing down to make the shot rather than motordrive. I am shooting less, but with more quality. While I shoot with a 35mm f/2 often, this camera simply feels different. As a friend recently said unrelated to this topic, which sums up how I feel, the limitations force you to anticipate and improvise.

But while the camera looks good, performs well and is convenient, there are many odd quirks that are disappointing.

To start, the battery downright sucks. It doesn't last long – and charging takes a lifetime. Autofocus in low light can be painfully slow, but nothing to really fuss about since you can pre-focus and leave it on manual. Yet manual focus is cumbersome and unusable - down right bad with horrible implementation. Another odd thing is single images are named different than when shooting in the motordrive mode. Alas, I won’t be motordriving anything, such as sports, with this camera anyway.

As for the files, they are very juicy, especially when you nail the exposure. I found up to 3200 ISO in horrible light to still be usable, while at 6400 I began seeing some banding issues.

To sum up a short review, will I keep it? That’s a tough choice. While I lean toward yes, for the price I am still a bit unsatisfied at times. The obvious pros would be the great image quality, sharp lens, very discrete, quiet, and it simply being a carry anywhere, shoot anywhere type of camera with much better files than my point and shoot, and much lighter and inconspicuous than my work gear. Maybe I am comparing it to my pro Nikon systems too much when it comes to the files, but the overall experience of the camera outweighs the image quality. It certainly won’t be my go to camera, but a camera I know I can go out and about with and be happy with the results and overall daily experience.

I know I left a lot out, and there is a lot to talk about, so I am happy to answer any specific questions in the comments area about my time with the X100. Edit: I've also uploaded a web sized comparison here.

Places

2011-05-13T22:35:00.003-04:00

"A parking sign in an grassy parking lot in Harford County, Md., Friday, May 13, 2011."

I go a lot of places. I see a lot of things. I usually like what I see.

Just today I saw a refrigerator in a front yard. An old barn on an small side street. And some other stuff, like this sign in a grassy parking lot overshadowed by lots of greens.

All gems in my eyes. Always a fresh view. I decided to, and have been, combing through some old files to put together a "places" essay. No people. No faces. Just places.

From the archive | Hands

2011-05-10T14:15:00.005-04:00

"An unidentified person is dragged over a railing by security after a fight breaks out in the infield before the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Saturday, May 16, 2009."

Preakness is an amazing event held in Baltimore every year. While things used to be wildly out of control, its since been tamed.

The last year I shot, of recent was, in 2009 when things really changed.

Drunken debauchery, fighting and other wild antics which usually occurred infield was sparse due to ban of bringing in outside alcohol. Horse racing fan attendance dropped 7.5 percent according to track officials.

I remember the infield being pretty much empty. It wasn't until I decided to shoot some of the ZZ Top concert that some fighting occurred.

For a brief minute it felt like the old days that are long gone. I wonder what this year will bring.

From the archive | The chair

2011-05-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

"In an empty town, a chair sits in the cove of a red backdrop in Helper, Utah on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010."

I should apologize for the recent overload of images of inanimate objects. I am not sure why I am on such a kick with them.

My only excuse is that I've always been attracted to people. I always want to see how others live, whether locally or foreign in my eyes. Yet, I always shoot everything that interests me.

Freedom, boredom and curiosity open my eyes to new things.

These images are simply details of people, their environments, lives. Although I seek warm bodies in my photographs, whether on an editorial assignment or not, I am still drawn to the lifeless, non-breathing objects and scenes I see.

An amazing photographer of Luceo, Kendrick Brinson, recently said it much more poetically than I ever could, "You can learn so much about people without ever showing them. Sometimes a place can say so much more than a face."

Pickles

2011-05-03T09:31:00.005-04:00

"Pickles the puppy rolls around in the grass in Baltimore, Md., Tuesday, May 3, 2011."

I generally don't make personal life posts here, I try and keep this blog professional with work. But I've made yet another website and blog, this time for my new pooch - Pickles.

Pickles has been a long time coming, she has been wanted for a while now. Now that I am on the upswing from surgery and have time to spend with her as she enters our home, we thought it would a perfect time to welcome her in.

I've setup a fun blog so I can watch how she grows up. It's a mix between iPhone pictures on the go and what I guess people are now calling "real" pictures. Check it out if you are interested by clicking here.

Driveby feel

2011-04-29T11:00:00.006-04:00

"A passerby tries to prevent rain from hitting her in the face as heavy rain and strong wind blow on Calvert Street in Baltimore City, Thursday, April 28, 2011."

I am not sure why I like this frame yesterday, but I do.

After a doctor's appointment, I grabbed some breakfast and then sat on Federal Hill.

From there, I thought I'd shoot some street photos before the wicked storm. It was a mix of either a group of people, or completely deserted, as strong storms rolled through. I didn't last long not having a rain coat on me.

As I got in my car, the rain really started to come down. Driving north on Calvert, people began pulling out umbrellas and such. I have a bad tendency to shoot pictures when I am driving, which should be a series of photographs of mine by now.

This woman caught my eye, as she attempted to prevent the sideways rain from pelleting her in the face. Just so happen I wasn't paying attention and severely underexposed the frame. But for some reason everything came together.

I still can't explain it, but I guess that's what a lot of time makes a good street photo to me - the curiosity and randomness that is the street.

More street stuff to come.

Mindless snaps

2011-04-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

"An umbrella tumbles across Elm Avenue at the corner of Wellington Street in the Hampden neighbor of Baltimore City, Wednesday, April 20, 2011."

My friend scored some free tickets to the ballgame last Wednesday, so we ventured to Camden Yards.

The temperatures hovered in the mid-80s and made for a interesting afternoon and evening.

I had not been to a baseball game as a fan in Baltimore since I was probably eight-years-old. Every other visit has been work related. Instead of being crammed into one of the photo pits, I was 15 rows behind home plate filling my stomach with beer and snacks.

This is a quick glance of what crossed the graces of my lens for a couple hours leading up to and at the game.

Most were mindless snaps of whatever I glanced at.

Memory persevered

2011-04-26T10:31:00.004-04:00

"Travis Smith puts his thumb up to show everyone he is OK after his brother's shot blasted him in the face while playing soccer during the Easter family party in Forest Hill, Md., Sunday, April 24, 2011."

Not long ago I looked through old albums of family photos. I loved each and every frame.

Shortly there after, I mentioned it to some friends the lovely experience of seeing the old frames. For being such terrible photographers, my parent's pictures were simply brilliant. I wish I only could take pictures half as bad as them.

Maybe the pictures were good because of the nostalgia they brought to my eyes. To think back of a time where life was simple. I can remember every detail, down to the clothes I had on. Conversely, I could show the albums to photographer friends and I am sure they'd agree that the images are striking.

The more I think about it, they are timeless photographs. I am drawn to them for so many reasons, but most of the things I love about them are that they are so technically bad.

They are poorly composed. They aren't sharp. The light is gross. There is zero moment. Everybody is far away from the lens. The verticals are simply poor. Most are portraits. The colors are bad. My parent's mishaps, or I should say, careless ideologies behind the camera, turn these snap shots into gems - a memory persevered.

My parents didn't have the instant gratification of showing us a good picture after snapping it. Had they though, I doubt we would have said they were cool then. Much like this picture, my nephew will probably think this picture is bland compared to the other action shots I got. But maybe that makes for a good memory? A simple snap (which was with my iPhone before I had my other camera out). Who knows what they will think in twenty or forty years.

All I know is that some of the time the attempt to make a photograph haphazardly like my parents can sometimes bring out a memorable moment frozen in time - technically bad or not.

Invest

2011-04-23T09:20:00.006-04:00

"A typical view, a row of vacant homes are boarded up in East Baltimore City, Wednesday, March 16, 2011."

My view old daily view - beautiful mountains in Utah - has been replaced by rundown, empty and boarded up vacant homes in Baltimore City.

Much to the liking of the song title of LCD Soundsystem, I've revised it for an ongoing photo project: "[Baltimore], I love you but you're bringing me down"

Don't color me ugly, the city is full of character and is unlike anywhere else. I love it - I do. But it's depressing all at the same time.

This ongoing project will feature whatever intrigues me, but fits its title.

Dam view

2011-04-21T11:23:00.000-04:00

"A bench sits in the water of the north bank of the Susquehanna River near its discharge into the Chesapeake Bay in Port Deposit, Md., Monday, April 18, 2011."

Thought this was an interesting scene of the Susquehanna River.

Days earlier we had some heavy rains which I had thought muddied the waters as I passed the Conowingo Dam from Harford County into Cecil County.

However, the dam was open, and water levels were very high.

Had it been a warm, sunny day, I may have taken off my shoes and sat there. Then again, the perch may have nibbled at my toes making it uncomfortable.

Not far from home

2011-04-19T07:11:00.001-04:00

"On the porch of his home, Jackie Bittner laughs with an old friend, in Port Deposit, Md., Monday, April 18, 2011. Celebrating his birthday, Bittner has lived in Port Deposit his entire life, moving less than 100 feet from the home he was raised in."

As I've mentioned, I've been venturing out to shoot whatever interests me - and generally that's people. It's good exercise I need, and it's a confidence booster since I've been out so long. As a friend said to me, "The world can take everything, whatever it wants, away from you, but they can never take your talent."

On the agenda today, the town of Port Deposit.

I've driven through this historic town more than I care to remember, but I've never walked more than 50 steps on the main drag. So I made the pilgrimage there, parked at the south end, and started walking north.

It's amazing how little I shoot when not on a deadline. I shot less than the equivalent of two rolls of film and bumped into a lot of friendly folk, including Jackie and his old friend John.

I spent about 30 minutes talking with the two, who are life-long residents of the town. I learned a lot of the town, and Jackie, who was celebrating his birthday.

Promising Jackie a print, I'll be sure to be back. I also am waiting to visit a certain place nearby once warmer weather breaks.

Bored walk

2011-04-11T01:45:00.000-04:00

"Standing with his dog, a man talks a boardwalk entertainer in Ocean City, Md., Saturday, April 2, 2011."

The boardwalk is one of my favorite places to visit when I go to Ocean City, Md.

In my humble opinion, there is nothing more interesting than ourselves - people. Sitting on a bench, walking or pedaling on the boards bodes well for my eye balls. It makes me happy. My camera clicks a lot. There are literally all walks of life.

However, when it's considered the off season, weeks before Memorial Day when the beach begins to breathe a new life of excitement, things can be boring. The warm weather transforms the boredwalk into the boardwalk.

There were some sights to be had during this short visit, but with very, very little warm bodies there - it was lack luster. I'll be sure to go back soon once things ramp up and maybe live under the boardwalk for a couple days.

Alas, here are a couple that stuck with me.

Inlet parked

2011-04-03T21:43:00.013-04:00

"On a rainy afternoon, a visitor feeds masses of seagulls at an empty inlet parking lot in Ocean City, Md., Friday, April 1, 2011."

Ocean City breeds an air of familiarly for me and always will.

I was fortunate enough to be raised by the water from the time I could breathe and blink. Every time I visit, there is something about the entire city that makes me nostalgic.

The sticky feel of sea air as you hit Delaware, the sand between your toes, the comfort seafood, the lingering scent of caramel popcorn, and the smile it all brings to my face.

I can walk by dozens on dozens of businesses, recalling times of my youth and wishing I was still living a carefree lifestyle. No stress. No struggle. But life moves forward. We grow. We learn. We move. Our perspectives change.

No longer are the the small three-foot waves appearing as massive tidal waves. No longer are the slices of pizza bottomless and free. No longer do weekends feel like entire weeks. No longer must we wake and provide.

But even though these perspectives shift and take new form in our lives, we can still let go and discover new treasures beneath the sand.

As I spent a pair of days this weekend roaming the boardwalk, and driving down coastal highway, I tried to see things in a new way, despite being drawn toward my past memories.

It was a great weekend where I found myself forgetting about the tough times I've endured these past couple months and the time there really lifted my spirits about returning to work and the future.

From the archive | Off season

2011-03-31T10:33:00.003-04:00

"Passerby make their way down the beach in Ocean City, Md., Sept 9, 2010."

I am heading to Ocean City, Md., today to avoid the rain. Well, I won't really be avoiding the rain since it will be raining down there, too. But I'd much rather be anywhere but home when it's raining.

Most likely I'll be sporting my camera, 35mm, strolling around, and eating some comfort food I've longed for.

I haven't been to the beach since last year, and even then, it was a really quick trip. It was when I first herniated my disc in my lower back and visited with my parents for a short weekend. I was supposed to be resting after a cortisone shot, and I thought what better way to rest then with the company of my parents and on the warm beach.

When there, I manged to snap some iPhone pictures when walking to and from a pool where I was doing some therapy. I maybe fired off 40 frames, and these were my favorite, including my own feet at the end.

I doubt there will be anyone on the beach this time in March, but keep an eye out for a post from "the beach" next week.

Lounge

2011-03-27T12:17:00.007-04:00

"A man lounges in the unseasonably warm temperatures on Conkling Street in Canton, Baltimore, Md., Friday, March 18, 2011."

While this frame is from the same walk as the other day, I've been really getting more into the street photography scene as I try to get back into the rhythm of shooting daily.

Street photography is something I love equally as photojournalism - I just don't do it as much as I should, and only do it abroad. It's always fresh, new and exciting. There is a rush in walking the same street and it never being the same twice. It's also a fun way to explore.

Baltimore isn't a huge city, and there isn't the abundance of folk say like New York or Chicago. It's for lack or better term - less chaotic. But there are a lot of characters and a vast of difference neighborhoods.

A lot of the time it's a tough crowd, so being inconspicuous and shooting from the hip is a must. In addition, it's difficult trying to pick areas of the city that I feel safe in by foot.

This is another from Canton and Highlandtown.

Purposeful rothko

2011-03-22T15:33:00.001-04:00

"A graffiti cover-up colorfully stands out on a mural on Conkling Street in Canton, Baltimore, Md., Friday, March 18, 2011."

Saw this mural a while ago. Then just the other day, I literally walked right by it, and then paused.

I thought I could incorporate some warm bodies into the frame, but no one was passing, except me.

Instead of not shooting this wonderful art, I thought of Chip Litherland. The guy is a total color junkie, loves a good rectangle and can't pass up a well placed rothko.

Chip even sells a book, "Accidental Rothko" which you should check out.

While you check out his book, I'll continue to dream of an unpolluted ocean and seek non-territorial Baltimorons to photograph on the streets.

Smallitmore

2011-03-18T19:25:00.005-04:00

"George White drags on a cigarette on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore City, Friday, March 18, 2011. 'I'm like a bad penny, I keep popping up,' White said, in reference to where he can usually be found. White has lived in Baltimore since 1958 and is a self-proclaimed 'bum' who has been on the streets for about a year."

This week at my four month post-op spinal surgery follow-up, I was told by my doctor to "break in" my back. In other words, start doing more, get out and start shooting, and see how I feel.

I thought what better way to start break in my back, which in my book is a fine line with breaking my back again, than to shoot some street photos and street portraits.

I've been eager, and very anxious, to dust my cameras off and start shooting again, but have been terrified. This marks the first time I've picked up my cameras since having surgery back in December 2010. Of course, I am lying because my iPhone blog is frequently updated.

I don't want to ramble, so I'll make this short. You have to love Smallitmore, otherwise known as Baltimore. Today I walked around East Baltimore in Highlandtown and Canton. Different in many ways.

As I packed up for the day I bumped into a self proclaimed "bum" who I wanted to shoot a portrait of back in October. I had seen him in his Orioles gear back in October when I was back east from Utah. This time I had my cameras. We talked. I shot a handful of frames and we both moved out separate ways.

While sore, it felt really good to get back out again today. One day at a time. One day at a time.

Help Japan

2011-03-14T15:19:00.008-04:00

"Children play a game in front of Himeji Castle in Japan, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008. This flatland-mountain Japanese castle was originally constructed in 1346."

I have a deep respect for Japan, know many wonderful people there and have traveled the country a pair of times.

I don't usually do things like this, but I figured since I am currently not shooting because of recent spinal surgery, the very least I can do is to help those in need following the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

I'm offering a selection of images, in which all profits from the sale of the images will go toward relief efforts in Japan.

You can help donate by directly visiting my PhotoShelter page and clicking the "Help Japan" gallery or by e-mailing me directly. Please note, I can only sign those prints that order by e-mailing me, as my PhotoShelter page orders are fulfilled by an off site printer.

Thanks for your support.

From the archive | Running in the wind

2011-03-02T19:26:00.000-05:00

"Britnee Nguyen runs through the strong winds in Simpson Springs, Utah, on Sunday, April 11, 2010."

Back in April 2010, on my off day, I ventured out west of Salt Lake City to the middle of nowhere with my old co-worker Mark and his girlfriend Britnee.

Those two were in search of geodes and I decided to tag along. The only problem was that the roads were graded and pretty much impassable by a Mini Cooper. We should have taken my Subaru, or even better, an SUV.

Alas, we didn't make it very far before all of our teeth rattled out of our skulls.

During the adventure we managed to find some places to stop and shoot pictures of inanimate objects and landscapes, as there weren't many people roaming around out there.

I managed to snap a couple images off as Britnee ran through my frame after we photographed a sign. Yes, a sign. We all should have taken her running back to the car as a sign to turn around.

But we didn't. Nonetheless, we still had a good time.