Livin' the Dream

merry christmas

2007-12-25T17:31:00.001-05:00

i didn't shoot this for me... but i wish i had

i'm gonna be gone for awhile, some things i need to take care of
'preciate cha

cold as (insert euphemism here)

2007-12-16T20:28:00.000-05:00

2 inches... 4 inches... today.... 8 inches
time to weather feature hunt! but first i gotta dig my car out of this mess and slip and slide my ass into the city (i live in the mountains). the thing about new england is that its cold all the f'n time and consequently the snow doesn't really melt, it just accumulates. i'm not complaining though, now that i have some new boots to keep my feet dry.

the highlight was see'n this dog chasing frisbees in the park. if you can imagine how deep the snow was (deeper than him), he made it happen and o with such fervor. wish i could muster that kind of enthusiasm

warm fuzzies

2007-12-15T19:38:00.000-05:00

i think this just might be my favorite assignment here. this couple was married by Santa in a Harley Davidson store. she had brought her son to see Santa 3 weeks ago and was put aback when Santa asked her what she would like for Christmas. "I'd like to marry that man over there," she said pointing at her boyfriend standing in the corner. well it just so happens that Santa is a justice of the peace.

still no laptop

crashed

2007-12-08T12:57:00.000-05:00

was working on this big project at the monitor and my computer (laptop) crashed.
i.e i'm on hiatus

ATL: i love these people

2007-12-07T00:51:00.000-05:00

been really busy this week since my trip to atlanta and haven't had time to post, but man it was great, just what i needed! it was so sweet to get out of town and see loads of quality work, meet new people and schmooze with even more important ones BUT... this is what it was all about (best friends and alcohol)! now that im out of school and realizing i won't see my friends much (if at all) i value them more than ever. my time at western was hands down the best time of my life and it was all because of the people i met and the friendships we developed. its hard to describe the bonds we all have to eachother just as it is to describe our dedication to our work but maybe this might provide a window into life in WKUpj

its the End of Year Slideshow that we watch together in a drunken mass (that i sprained my ankle in) after finals Allen Bryant produced it this year and man he knocked the ball out of the park!

the Ang family

2007-12-07T00:42:00.000-05:00

before flyin out of Boston, stopped at my friend Wiqan's to park my car in a neigborhood instead of paying like $35 daily at the airport. I met Wiqan and Suk at Western, Wiqan was one of those seniors i really looked up to. he's a badasss! we stayed up late drinking quality beer (he has the best taste in beer) and discussing my impending trip to Asia. here it goes: Thailand, Burma, Cambodia or Vietnam, Nepal and ending in China w/ David. by the way mom i'm thinking more like 6 months, 3 just won't cut it.

a big show

2007-12-07T00:33:00.000-05:00

this assignment sounded way better than it turned out. senator mcCain speakin to gen Y on mtv. i'm think he from...gen a?
(i know, i know cheap shot). i walk in and see the nicely lit set, the ironic slogans and tacky icons, money in the bank right? i'm there walk'n freely for all of 30 sec. before someone tells me i can't be there and proceed to escort me backstage. photographers went out in ten minute increments to shoot from a 5ft masked off square. the highlight of my night was getting leaned into by Christopher Morris of VII so that he could get a better angle. he smiled and apoligized. i offered him my spot, he declined. he's a really great guy, at the top of his game with no ego. God bless humility!

K to the Y

2007-11-27T00:06:00.001-05:00

a sudden death in my family has me travelin back, from new hampshire to ohio to kentucky. this brief stint in the homeland will then be followed by a deeper southern venture to atlanta, then full circle back to boston followed by a bus ride back to my car. if only i had somewhere to park.

no more posts for atleast a week

mitt (what's in a name)

2007-11-26T23:52:00.000-05:00

this was enjoyable, a trip to another circus, but an enjoyable show nonetheless. this guy is really likeable and he seems really genuine, if he's not, he's really good at pretending. being with politicians all day, you start to see the wear. usually when the lights go off the personality goes with them. don't get me wrong, i don't think thats wrong of them. i mean if you had to shake hands and talk personally with hundreds and hundreds of people each day all the while being flanked by cameras and journalist shouting questions. how long could you hold that grin? romney was great though, if i was a republican...i'd vote for him

but i'm not

holidays

2007-11-26T23:45:00.001-05:00

thanksgiving was nice. its nice to have a home away from home. as we all went round the table and stated what we were thankful for, i joked "free rent". well it wasn't a joke really. this family has saved my ass with their boundless generosity. my forthcoming trip to asia would not have been possible without their amazing hospitality (turns out it exists outside the south too) they are very genuine sincere and have pretty much adopted me into their family. i won't be making it home for any of the upcoming holidays, this though, is the next best thing.
for this i am thankful!

kucinich

2007-11-22T11:38:00.002-05:00

that was fun. had a good time covering this assignment. looks live Saturday, i'll be covering Romney too. as far as access goes and like-ability Kucinich is the man. i love this guy! his campaign was also really nice, a real pleasure to work with. i'm thinking about producing some multimedia for the monitor on primary coverage. if u have any bright ideas leave a comment. i know one thing i want to do. a story on the volunteers with a campaign. each candidate has a group of college aged kids that drop everything and follow the leader, contributing their time for little or no pay because they believe in change. ahh for the love of the game

looking forward

2007-11-20T22:51:00.000-05:00

tommorow i'm shooting another "day in the life" assignment. this time it's Kucinich, a long shot congressman from ohio. can i just say i love this guy! he's super down to earth, honest, straight shooter, in short not like any other politician. i'm stoked

as a kid, i always wanted to join the circus

2007-11-20T22:22:00.001-05:00

dreams really do come true... though it isn't really as i had imagined.
the bottom shot is from the AP. wonder if it was printed anywhere nationally? somehow i doubt it, never really heard about candidate Tancredo before this assignment. he paid $400 to charity for this haircut, mocking John Edwards follicle investment. i really like to shoot primary coverage, but it's challenging at the same time. so many photogs and video people pushing into me. for what? to get a shot of a suit "glad-handing"? it pushes me though, to see differently, work harder and push back.

i've been extended a couple more weeks, will be here til mid Jan. to cover the primary. originally i was gonna leave on new years

mom, look what i made!

2007-11-19T22:38:00.001-05:00

i'm done! well almost but still... it works!
CLICK HERE.

on another note, thanks to all who contacted me and offered concern about my mom. she is feeling better and is at home recovering for two weeks before going back to work. i can tell she's feeling better because she's picked back up her current cause... convincing me that i should'nt go to asia.

my buddy

2007-11-13T16:43:00.000-05:00

(up top, me and Jeff during a class trip to Keeneland)
big ups to by best buddy, Jeff Giraldo, on finally attaining some accolades for his mad storytellin' skeels. you should listen to me more often dork, i've always said you were a badass

dark days

2007-11-09T19:20:00.000-05:00

put the portfolio aside for now. not really in the mood to break code. my mom got sick this week and is still in the hospital. the doctors haven't found whats wrong. she's stable though and will be out of intensive care in the morning. the messed up thing is that i would never have known, had a confused sergeant not contacted me one morning asking after my mom (mom works at an air force base). my brother didn't call me, he said he didn't want to alarm me since there was nothing i could do about it in new hamshire. this is confusing because my brother has never been protective of me, why now? when i'm 26 years old! and so i wait... for more news, and pray that it isn't serious because i don't think that i could deal with something like that.
please pray for her

truck'n along

2007-11-05T20:39:00.001-05:00

i think i can see the light at the end of the flash/html/xml/css/php tunnel! it hasn't been too awful just tedious, but its gonna be purty when i'm through. on another note, i think i've decided to persue the backpacking asia route when i'm through here. i'm gonna apply for jobs just the same but come Jan. 1 if nothings decisive...i'm buying a ticket. sorry mom

post season

2007-10-31T23:28:00.000-04:00

gettin even more excited about shooting sports. the post season is here and the kids are kick'n in with the intensity. now i can shoot not only action but reaction too. bread AND butter!
more to come

i know how u feel

2007-10-30T18:25:00.001-04:00

yeah kid, welcome to my world.
so i'm gettin into Flash again to build my website, its been a year and i'm a little rusty while trying to use more sophisticated programming than i've ever done before. i can program in Flash pretty good but its just not my bag, but once i'm through with this site i can walk away from it for a good while. i'm learning and using xml this time, it'll be a lot easier to update and next time it won't take me a year to get around to it.

my best friend

2007-10-30T17:27:00.000-04:00

found this goin through old photos, man i miss this hound. i mean come on... look at him

pull'n it together

2007-10-29T22:04:00.001-04:00

(i would like this picture, if the yellows didn't look so mucky)
spent my last two days off doin a whole lot of nothin'. i'm trying to get myself motivated to build a new website in flash while intermittently goin through the stuff i've shot over the past year and re-editing my portfolio. i may post some old stuff over the next week that isn't gonna make the cut. i'll let ya'll know when my portfolio is live

Senator McCain

2007-10-24T12:23:00.000-04:00

(from an assignment on a day in the life of John McCain)

so yesterday was the first of many day in the lifes assignments. its really cool because of the great access but also very frustrating because the memebers of their campaign can make things difficult. i undestaqnd that they want to present a certain "image" but the whole point of the story is a behind the scenes and informal look at each candidate. McCain was very patient and kind, just wished he was more expressive (less stiff). don't know that i could have expected it though seeing as everything he's been through, have you read his bio? holy crap! (pardon my language) I like the picture of the three old politicians talking to three trendy girls, makes me smile. it's actually McCain's daughter and her friends, when there was a break I hung out with them for awhile. It was a very long day, about 15 hour day, but aside from a bout of food poisoning (don't ask) all went well

when nothing is sure

2007-10-22T14:34:00.000-04:00

been kinda hard lately and as usual, i've been thinkin too much. i'm lonlier here than i've ever been which is confusing because i've never been happier with the work i'm producing daily or had such an amazing employer. not to mention how fantasticly beautiful it is here! recently found out that i didn't get the job in Roanoke. its too bad cause i really felt like it was the perfect place for me. back to the drawing board and the uncertainty with which direction i may be heading next. i'm comforted though in the security that i have the best friends EVER and do feel extremely blessed in all these opportunities. guess i just need to keep reminding myself that "when nothing is sure...anything is possible"

miss you guys!

maine

2007-10-18T00:45:00.001-04:00

thought i lost this take from when i visited acadia natl park in maine one weekend

i cant force myself to take pictures without people in them.
since the leaves have turned, dan sends me out often with an intention to shoot some foliage pictures. its incredibly beautiful here but i'm not ansel adams and for some reason i find it incredibly difficult to compose without any human element. it obviously occurs to me that surmounting this hurdle may help in strengthening my compositions. i've recently bought some chrome to shoot, trying to teach myself to slow down and see color more. man i love film!

i can't decide, u likey?

2007-10-10T22:33:00.000-04:00

from a visit to Jasper this summer
its not really my style but something about this struck me

i miss you guys

2007-10-10T22:01:00.001-04:00

these are the guys i lived with at colonial court at WKU
lately i've been kinda depressed, it gets lonely moving around so much. and not knowing where i'm going next while realizing that i won't have my friends to come home to after this doesn't help much.

full circle

2007-10-10T21:36:00.001-04:00

i came all the way from indy for this? hell yeah! admittedly, i was not thrilled about this assignment, i had my fill or motorsports this summer. but once in pit row i changed my mind (also after a good bit of harrasment from Weber), i worked through it and found my stride. i think this was the first time i really slowed down and began making compositions that were not only graphic but layered! of course it helped that i had great access to the garage and pits, plus bright colors and sexy light equals happy to be here. also realizing how lucky i was to be there helped, i hate that sometimes i take this stuff for granted. this sure as hell beats inspecting car parts and cooking sausage gravy at Bob Evans.
I.E. quit ur bitch'n, ur livin' the dream

this makes me happy

2007-10-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

so you don't want me to shoot nascar tommorow? what? instead i should shoots a soldiers return? God bless you sir! this makes me happy! driving up to the airfield i could feel it in the air, so much emotion.. it was intense. i'd like to think i'm not a very emotional girl (comparatively speaking) * but i have to admit that they joy of this scene brought a tear to my eye, what can i say? emotion this intense must be trasferrable. While it was a incredibly difficult assgnment, it was one of my all time favorites!
It was difficult because I needed to find soldiers specificly from Concord (about 1 out of 20 were) and all of the most memorable moments happen inside of the first 5 minutes. In the end i followed my heart and shot the moment
* Lori (one of the staffers here) has a theory that while I'm tough on the outside, I'm all squishy inside

october in new hampshire, thirsty?

2007-10-06T00:56:00.001-04:00

(from a story about an old fashioned cider house)
it really is strange that the leaves haven't turned yet. everyone is remarking that this is the first time they have seen such a long indian summer. i'm not complaining! some fall colors are exist but the temperature is consistently 60-70 degrees. this is perfect for me, and the light...o the light here is beautiful. excuse my photo geekiness but this means alot to a photographer. i could def settle down in new england, obviously because of the monitor but even without that... i'd have to witness a winter to be sure. though its a completely diff landscape it beauty is comprable to colorado. every day when i'm driving to assignments i remark to myself how blessed i am for this opportunity, concord is all its cracked up to be!

meet ron paul

2007-10-05T11:13:00.001-04:00

he's got little chance of ever making it past the primary. got some really abstract ideas abot the issues, i don't think he'll get too far to be honest. i was talking with a reporter about how i just don't understand why he's bothering to compete, all that money he's spending on campaigning without a chance in hell of being elected. i have to admit, i kinda admire the effort. he has loads of supporters but they could never contribute enough to his campaign to compete with candidates with corporate backers. however, i'm glad he's out there. that's a major problem in our democracy... two party system. now i'm not gonna pretend like i know my ass from my elbow in the game of politics and its impact on our democracy, but im learning.

i love to shoot sports!

2007-10-05T10:43:00.000-04:00

well.... except for golf

one thing about newspapers in the fall is you shoot loads of sports. the only sports i dont really care to shoot are golf and baseball (sorry ed). its funny because baseball is my favorite sport to play, but its a slow sport to shoot. the action happens in sporadic spasms by which point i have usually lost attention and miss the picture. i love to shoot soccer, football and basketball. its all right there, non- stop action. does that mean i'm lazy?

growing graphic

2007-10-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

my composition has improved loads. i've always been "all heart, little composition" (which i must say i prefer to Carl's being "all composition, no heart") jeff and tim are constantly assuring me that my composition is fine, and my storytelling ability is strong, "which is all that matters" (jeff) i need more than that, i need strong compositions with storytelling moments!
when i was in colorado i taugh myself how to shoot with clean backgrounds, unfortunately while graphic is clean, clean isn't necessarily graphic. lately though i've been able to find more of a balance between the two. i love this place
ps i wish blogger had a spell check, i feel like an ass

confessions

2007-10-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

(from an assignment on the rights of nursing home residents to smoke)
can i tell u something? i started smoking again. i know, i know, what can i say... i'm weak! and apparently jeff was right AGAIN, i owe u a drink buddy. so i had quit for 1.2.3.4 months and now back to square one. sorry to dissapoint u folks.

welcome to the big show

2007-10-03T09:42:00.000-04:00

every person wants to join the circus at some point in their childhood. well, its never too late!
tis primary season here in New Hampshire and over the next four months it'll have to become my schtick. so far i have covered Fred Thompson, Ron Paul and a conference with John McCain.
during my Thompson assignment, we all followed him through Manchester to "meet the people" it was Sunday and the patriots were playing. he was sure to not interupt the game and only came through during half time so as to prevent heckling. all the other candidates seem pretty articulate ,but fred did not seem prepared. one guy that shook his hand asked him what he would do about climate change. he paused a moment and confidently responded, "well... i think we should change it"
bravo fred, bravo

home is where my dog is

2007-10-02T22:59:00.000-04:00

(shot in Indy for a home tours assignment)

lately i’ve been feeling a little confused about what’s next.
i’ve lived in so many diff places, and truly appreciate the experiences…but it can get lonely. i miss my friends, my family but most of all i miss my dog. not a whole lot to come home to these days. kinda makes me wanna settle somewhere.

although i truly love living in various geographys, i’d also love a bookshelf.
and let me tell ya pack’n boxes of books from place to place for 3-4 month intervals…is silly