UNDER THE BRIDGE

It's never a good by

2011-03-14T20:08:00.001-04:00

I've been living a second life:

http://wonderfullydull.blogspot.com/

Everyone is welcome. I hope to see you there.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T17:18:00.002-05:00

Before the Next Teardrop Falls

2010-10-03T18:10:00.000-04:00

Not quite the man in black but I believe his heart is just as big. The senior center down river puts on a yearly variety show. Tom wall played and sang his heart out.

Sideline

2010-10-03T18:07:00.000-04:00

Most people watch the action on the field but more and more I find myself shooting moments away from the crashing of the pads. I like to watch things unfold the friendships within the clubs.

2010-09-19T17:03:00.001-04:00

Lindsey and Logan look like each other. The hair, the freckles, even Logan has a pretty good smile.

I can't help but think when I look at these two that they are having some sort of conversation about how big the other's hair is. Something like if you could only see how ridiculous you look. And then the other will crack some kind of insult that references a black kettle.

Love Hate

2010-09-18T14:53:00.000-04:00

I grew up a Big Red, not a Husky. I've been spending a lot of time on the other side of the field this season. The Huskies have a new coach and with it a new attitude about Friday night football. It's starting to grow on me a little. Last night I had a pretty good time on the gridiron.

Growing

2010-09-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

He will never understand how much he is loved until he has a child of his own. It's been five and a half months since we first met. I've learned so much about life and love and what the really important things are. He makes the world a simpler place. A place I am so happy to be living.

Blue Water

2010-09-14T15:15:00.000-04:00

I can't imagine growing up without it.

stay puft marshmallow and a fancy sandwich

2010-09-11T22:50:00.003-04:00

JimmyJohns and Ghost Busters go together like Crystal and Duff. I'm so happy to have been a part of their day. It's like they were made for each other. Here are a couple from last Saturday as these two set out on the start of something incredible.

Tunes

2010-09-10T21:21:00.005-04:00

It was an east, west field tonight. The wind is getting nippy, the sun still warms my face.

Pickle

2010-09-02T09:39:00.003-04:00

John and I spent a couple hours yesterday canning pints of pickles. I got a great deal on some little cucumbers at the Armada flea market Tuesday and found a nice brine mix up near Sandusky earlier this summer so we gave it our best shot. I love dill pickles so much I can eat a jar full at a time and not think twice. John wouldn't walk across the street for one. I'm hoping the Joe man shares my pickle passion. He couldn't wait to get his hands on one.

It's hot again

2010-08-30T20:34:00.004-04:00

Here's a scene from the local pond where people flock to cool off and get away from the heat. I'm ready for fall.

Football

2010-08-29T10:35:00.005-04:00

Baseball is might be the American pastime but football is America's favorite sport. I'm pretty happy to be on the sideline this time of year. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Triathlon

2010-08-29T10:32:00.003-04:00

It was pretty choppy in Lake Huron at 7:30 that morning.

Floatdown

2010-08-29T10:28:00.002-04:00

Mmmm Rice

2010-08-05T21:37:00.004-04:00

That's right I'm digging the rice. It's good for my complexion too.

Eva

2010-07-27T16:54:00.004-04:00

It's been 54 years since the Machine Gunner stepped foot on the midway. The Texas native gave up a government accounting job and signed up for a life travel and long hours all in the name of love. The widow of a carney still knows her stuff. "It’s a living; you’ve got to pay your bills. There aren’t too many people who will hire an 86-year-old woman."

I bet she's a pretty good shot.

Keith at the rodeo

2010-07-26T21:43:00.004-04:00

Today I got an e-mail from a good photographer friend and with it good news that he was now full time staff at his home town paper. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling that he's found a place in this crazy world even if it is just for the moment. Tonight I shot the rodeo at the local fair and couldn't help but think about how much Keith loves to shoot this kind of stuff. When I pushed the shutter on the first frame I couldn't help but think of him and the nice vertical moments he always manages to grab. The light was glorious out there tonight. Just right for kicking up a little dust.

Morning

2010-07-23T14:48:00.003-04:00

Sometimes John will give in and I'll be lucky enough to get a photo of him. Yesterday we had coffee on the back porch while Joey napped. It was one of those times... I love you.

sis in the kitchen

2010-07-21T20:14:00.002-04:00

There is this sweet spot in my kitchen where the sun floods through the window and casts the most amazing light on whoever is lucky enough to be standing there. last night it was Leslie as she was making some sweet treats during the golden hour.

112 days ago

2010-07-19T22:53:00.003-04:00

I became a mother and my life forever changed. It feels good real good, kind of like putting your bib over your face.

Boat Night

2010-07-17T08:59:00.003-04:00

It's a pretty good time.

Before the rain

2010-07-15T20:57:00.003-04:00

The light was really nice and the air was so thick my skin stuck to everything...

Then I was so wet everything stuck to me...

I can't wait for the party tomorrow night.

Hollyhocks

2010-07-11T21:11:00.004-04:00

These blooms have been two years in the making. They were beautiful along the west side of the house a week or so ago. With the heat and the rain we have had over the last week they are looking a little drab now but I guess that's why I made a picture.

I like RED cars

2010-07-09T19:39:00.003-04:00

They are snazzy er than all the rest.

And what a fine place it is.

2010-07-05T15:36:00.002-04:00

It's been a long couple of days as the only photographer working and normally this would cause quite a bit of frustration which would eventually lead to anger but the assignments this weekend were really all about celebrating who we are as a country and where we are going. It's nice to just take a step back sometimes and appreciate the individuality of our great country and what allows us to maintain it. The first frame is of a woman giving me a tour of her neighborhood which she has worked for several years to try and take back from the drug dealers and the gangs which use her street on a daily basis.

The second two are from the Lexington Parade. there were so many people lining the street for such a little town.

And this last guy just got back from California after serving in the military and couldn't wait to leap into the water of the St. Clair River.

Fireworks take 4

2010-06-26T23:27:00.003-04:00

I've been photographing the fire works every year since I have started at the paper and every year they keep getting a little better. I tried to stay away from the lights in the sky and pay a little more attention to what was happening on the ground. Here are a few frames from the night after the rain moved through.

fastpitch

2010-06-25T21:50:00.002-04:00

It's summer time

2010-06-19T12:16:00.004-04:00

The sun is hot, the light is beautiful and this photographer is elated. It's kind of a reward for all those cold dark winter days. The pools opened yesterday and I spent a little time making some pictures of those brave enough to tackle the deep end. and one little boy who just made it off the ladder.

This morning after kissing Joey good bye for more than five minutes I made some frames at a women's invitational. I've never really been a fan of women's golf but this morning the light was nice and the ball was in the right spot. I think it made a pretty nice little picture.
After golf I got in my car and headed home to grab something that I forgot and on my way I saw this doe standing in a wheat field. She was watching her two fawns getting a drink of water in a nearby ditch. When I got out of the car to make a picture the fawns slipped back into the cover of the wheat. But I managed to grab this frame.

back to work

2010-06-19T12:12:00.002-04:00

It's been three months... I've been back four days counting today. It's taking some time to adjust but I'm happy to be here. I took this while playing on the floor Monday before heading out the door. He's growing so fast.

Lover and I

2010-05-31T19:01:00.004-04:00

A photograph hangs next to the microwave in our kitchen. It was taken the day after John and I married an hour or so before we set off to the airport to enjoy our honeymoon. It is my favorite photograph of him and I. More so than all the photographs taken the day of our wedding. I remember the sun on my face that afternoon but mostly how happy we were. We had and still have the rest of out happily ever after ahead of us. We leave it there not to remind us everday how good things were then but more how great our marrage is everyday. Happy second anniversey Lover! You do and always will rock my world!

After 8 weeks

2010-05-31T18:48:00.002-04:00

I feel like coming back to the blogging world. If I were to say that the last two months haven't been taxing and that it was all a walk in the park I don't think I could look you in the eye. What I have learned is that the little things are really what make life worth living. An extra hour of sleep, a few minutes alone in the garden, a thunderstorm in the middle of the night, and of course all those little wet kisses from the little man on my shoulder. But my favorite thing of all time right now is make pictures of my husband and our baby. Those little moments between them that they will both cherrish for years to come.

And then there was three

2010-04-11T16:37:00.002-04:00

Joseph George was born 3.30.2010 at 8 pounds 2 ounces at 8:52p.m. I had tears in my eyes the moment I heard him cry. I think it's one of those things that just happens when you become a mom. He's perfect in every way. I never knew I could have so much love in my heart until the little man came a long. Life is taking some getting used to. The 3a.m. feedings can take their toll but I just keep telling myself that in a couple months when I get to sleep through the night I'm going to look back and miss the fact that he is so tiny, precious and most of all the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. I love my boys more than they will ever know. They rock my world.

It's spring

2010-03-18T19:31:00.003-04:00

I spent the day riding in my car with the window down looking for life as the sun warmed the earth. The little numbers on my dash ready 68 degrees at one point. Three weeks ago I thought my skin would be wind burnt until May.
The the birds and the bees are starting to do their thing and it's time for babies, our baby. Today was my last day at the paper until the spring moves aside for summer. I'm pretty excited about the weeks to come. I'll be off the locals beat but I'm sure there will be plenty of action at home in my living room. I'll be sure to share some of those stories here. Life is about to get so much sweeter.

Thaw

2010-03-07T15:40:00.004-05:00

That's right it's in the 40's today and has been for the past couple of days. It makes sitting in my car feel like one of the best places on earth. Liz and I were out hunting down a weather story when we happened to drive by Mark's place. I guess the sunshine and mild temps inspired him to get out and take down the garland with his dog Daisy. It wasn't until after I made a few frames from beyond the sidewalk that I discovered he had also not gotten around to cleaning up his yard.

ball in the sunshine

2010-03-04T18:52:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe it's that time again. It seems I was just heading to the ball fields a few months back. I really don't think there is anything better than photographing baseball, well except for photographing baseball on a 70 degree day in the sunshine. I felt lucky today to draw such a beautifully lit assignment. I brought lights but when I stepped inside I quickly set them aside. Here are a couple of out takes from this afternoon. I'm going to miss nearly all of the prep baseball season this year and to be honest I'm feeling a little torn about the whole thing. Here's to hoping a little boy will fall in love, catch the bug, can't get enough of America's past time.

Treasure hunt

2010-03-01T12:14:00.003-05:00

In preparations for this month's life changing day I dedicated 30 or so minutes today to cleaning out my car. I figure a new baby should not have to ride home with the rest of my life. The best part of my efforts was some of the stuff that I happened to find. I don't think I'll be short a pen any time soon. Expired coupons anyone?

Keep on driving

2010-02-28T18:00:00.002-05:00

“When you’re about to give up…don’t give up, just keep on driving,” the Rev. Roger Carson preached to members of his church and the community Sunday. I spent part of the afternoon listening to messages of perseverance and keeping a faith. “He may not come when you want him, but he’s always on time.”

Gloves

2010-02-27T21:33:00.001-05:00

They were a swinging tonight.

BOYS Basketball

2010-02-26T20:58:00.003-05:00

Most of the season I have covered girls basketball but tonight I was lucky enough to pick up a boys game. Although there is nothing wrong the floor game girls tend to play it's nice to see a good drive to the basket now and again. I've shot a lot of hoops in the last 3 months but I think this is one of the best frames of the season. it's the expression on that kid's face after getting fouled that I think makes the frame.

Snow day

2010-02-22T17:30:00.001-05:00

It's winter, It snows in the winter, I make photos of people living in the winter... I caught Jordan and his grandfather in a snowball fight outside in their front yard. The little guy could bring it.

Samuel

2010-02-18T14:51:00.004-05:00

When I called the office this afternoon I was told I needed to shoot a portrait of Samuel Chapman, 76 a man who had marched in a Civil Rights movement through the streets of Port Huron in his younger years. When I walked in the front door I looked to the right and seen the walls covered in photographs of his children and grandchildren and the light was wonderful coming in the south window, I knew this was the place he needed to be. I listened to the words that made up his faded memories, he often paused to chase the words through his mind before apologizing about not being able to recall all of the details, but I'm sure the pride he felt while marching is as vivid as the birth of his children. I just love hearing stories from those who have lived a lifetime.

Sledding

2010-02-18T14:46:00.002-05:00

It's mid February and I have only been to the local sledding hill once so far this season. If you wait around long enough at the bottom something good is bound to head strait for you. Here is one from last Sunday. An assignment fell through and I only had about 20 minutes of daylight before I had to head to a hockey game.

Another year

2010-02-13T15:08:00.003-05:00

I had Leslie out for dinner for her birthday Wednesday and made the traditional birthday photo of her with her cake. I think I enjoy it just as much as She does.

Ice

2010-02-07T18:01:00.002-05:00

So every winter like any other season right of passage the ice starts to flow and usually makes all the way to the southern end of the county before jamming up the St. Clair River. Today was different, it's jammed nearly all the way to Lake Huron. According to Ralph, one of those super cool guys that has worked a million years as a photographer at the paper, the ice hasn't piled up this far north in nearly 30 years. Here's a look a look south and nothing but ice as far as the eye can see.

Here's to posting again

2010-02-07T13:59:00.003-05:00

Well it's February... I think I've been away for long enough.

Carol is one of my biggest fans which I have a hard time believing because I have only photographed her twice in my life. Once for some Christmas food story and Last week when I talked her into getting all gussied up to shoot a Super Bowl food story illustration. I couldn't believe how much she got into it.

Two weeks ago the ice drags were rained out, in Michigan, in January. It was super icy with all that water on top of the snow and as one pregnant mama I was not a happy camper when I drew the assignment. Today was much better. There was more snow than ice around the track but far fewer racing fans in the stands. I guess thats what happens when you try to compete with something like the Super Bowl.

Fred made his appearance at an Armada basketball game sporting a construction barrel. I could not help but make a photos. Here is Fred taking a gander at the score board just before halftime The tigers were down 36-35 against the Blue Devils but came back for the win and first place so far this season in the league.

Warm Face

2009-12-11T21:12:00.003-05:00

Hundreds of people lined up this afternoon at one of the outlet malls to pick up a box of food and a toy for their kids from Santa himself. The unemployment rate in our country is almost 20 percent... When I hear the numbers they are just numbers but this afternoon the figures became a lot of people waiting in the cold for a chance at a better Christmas. Allen was the one taking the tickets at the door and ost people were just as excited to get to him as they were for the few minutes out of the cold.

Buck Pole

2009-11-15T15:22:00.003-05:00

It's opening day for firearm season in Michigan. I drove about 70 miles up to the corner of M53 and M46 to get a gander at the morning's hunt.

Poisoned chocolate

2009-10-31T15:49:00.004-04:00

What ever happened to good old trick or treating? My sister and I along with my cousins would pile into my aunt's Astro van and leave the side door open so we could jump out at each driveway to fetch the loot. Before that, Dad would hitch up a trailer to the lawn tractor and we would make our way down the street making sure we didn't miss any houses that had their porch lights on. If no one came to the door we wouldn't leave the porch without looking in the window. Come on who doesn't hand out candy to kids!

Now it seem everyone piles into their Caravan or Town and Country and has to go to these new Trunk or Treats when it's light outside and in a safe environment. Half of the fun is running though the mud and wanting to eat a piece in the sugar filled pillowcase before my dad could convince me that all the chocolate bars were poisoned. He always had to eat them just to make sure.

Bras

2009-10-29T21:15:00.003-04:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month the local art studio has a show where local artist decorate bras and then they are auctioned off to the highest bidder. The money goes to a fund to help women pay for mammograms that they otherwise could not afford. Then the fun starts. Local firemen volunteer to model some of the bras as local ladies swoon and hopefully drop a dollar or two in the bucket. I wish I cold have stayed longer tonight but deadline stood in the way. Some were hot and most of them were harry but none of the ladies seemed to care.

Life

2009-10-24T15:31:00.003-04:00

Introducing the newest addition in my life. John and I have been working hard to start a family and a few months ago some time between cruise night and the Mackinac race everything came together. I think this, quite possibly is the coolest thing I have ever done in my life and I can't wait until the little guy makes his way into the world. The first photo is from a couple months back when I was just nine weeks and the last two are from last Tuesday at 17 weeks when we found out our baby is a he rather than she. Over the last week or so I can even feel the baby move and it has really helped to put my mind at ease. It blows my mind that it only takes 40 weeks to make a human and even more that my body knows just how the assembly works, even without directions!

Fall

2009-10-19T16:51:00.003-04:00

The air is getting cooler around here and I can feel winter in the air when the wind blows. It's the kind of feeling that makes you want to cuddle up on the couch and eat soup for dinner. Here's a frame from my fall color hunting around the northern part of the county this afternoon. The colors should be at their peak by this weekend. It sure was pretty out there today.

Crystal + Duff

2009-10-15T21:05:00.002-04:00

I spent some time with Crystal and Duff a couple weeks ago in Marine City, the place where Crystal just bought her fist house. These two were a lot of fun to be around. They are both transplants from Indiana where they both worked in media. These two could be a couple of the most care free people I have ever met. Their love will definitely be around for a long long time.

More than Dominoes

2009-10-08T20:44:00.003-04:00

Wednesday John and I went to dinner at my grandparents house and after all of the eatin' was over the dominoes came out of their box. Most of my childhood I can remember spending my summers around their dinning room table dealing and playing some kind of card game or another. On occasion we would even play for quarters and that's how you knew things were getting serious. I've been spending a lot more time with family as of lately and yet it still seems that I don't get to see the most important people in my life as much as I would like. A conversation with a good friend over lunch this week helped me realized just how important my family is to me. In aw of this revisited discovery I'm going to try to document the little things in the lives that mean the most to the people I can't live without in hopes of keeping memories alive that will someday be lost. By the way after seven games, I only came away a winner in two of them... I spent most of my time watching for cheaters across the table, but I'm not here to name names.

Allie's a Senior

2009-10-07T09:22:00.004-04:00

It's almost hard to believe that Allie will graduate in the spring. I first met her at a photography show when she was in the 5th grade. Over the last couple of years I've photographed her in pool during swim meets more than a few times. When It was time for some more photos I was honored to think she picked me to make her images. We spent a couple of hours shooting around town and had a blast. She sure has grown up over the years. Allie you are one gorgeous lady. I hope your senior year rocks.

It begins

2009-08-27T21:51:00.003-04:00

Tonight there I stood... toes on the chalk line, a cool breeze across my face and the sound of pads smashing against one another. Yes, quite possibly one of the best places on earth. Well, at least until November when I'm cold, wet and in the dark before kickoff... Might as well enjoy it while I can. Here's to working Friday nights until basketball starts!

Small things

2009-08-24T12:14:00.003-04:00

I found this guy on some cosmos while I was walking along a nice garden while covering the triathlon yesterday. I think the bug was the one putting the holes in the peddles but he sure was pretty. Sometimes the smallest things catch my eye, It always reminds me I'm living! If anyone knows what kind of insect this is I would love to know.

Triathlon

2009-08-23T15:33:00.004-04:00

I don't normally work mornings but this morning I made some photos at the Blue Water Triathlon. The light was so nice despite the looming rain clouds. I don't think the swimmers much minded.

Joseph and Krysten

2009-08-16T21:40:00.006-04:00

In late July I had the privilege to photograph Joseph and Krysten on their wedding day. I've know Joseph for a couple of years now. He's a sports reporter at the paper and I have heard so much about Krysten at half time over the last year. I had a blast with these to who value God and their families over everything else. I have never felt so welcome.

Rodeo

2009-07-27T21:33:00.005-04:00

It was the first night of the fair. I spent an hour at the rodeo. At the start of the show all the cowboys and girls rode a lap in the ring. I pushed the button and the sun did the rest.

Shower of all showers

2009-07-20T20:43:00.005-04:00

And I'm not talking about soap on a rope! Saturday afternoon after everything was over I spent three hours of my life sleeping, harder than I have slept in a very long time. It felt good. I deserved it! Leslie is the best sister in the whole world so I wanted to make sure that she got one kick butt bridal shower. Although it was a lot of work I would do it all for her all over again. Let's just hope it never comes to that. The first two frames are ones my mom took while I was doing my maid of honor duties, the rest are just some of the details from her tea party.

Have you ever seen someone as excited as her about an electric knife?

She's trying hard to not break those ribbons. Kevin is especially cautious.

I made thank you cards for each place setting and gave all in attendance a set of tea pot and tea cup cookie cutters. My great grandmother's sour cream cookie recipe was printed on the back.

Kayla and I arranged all the flowers with a little help from the nice people at the Flower Depo.

I made labels for a lot of the food and Leslie makes one heck of a cheese ball, It was gone in a matter of minutes!

Pancakes Muffin style!

Sour cream cookies made by my favorite aunt with the cookie cutters we gave away.

Chocolate covered strawberries. Leslie and I washed dried and dipped two pounds worth.

We all helped with the fruit salad on a stick it was yummy and pretty.

Carmel and chocolate covered pretzels as if we didn't yet have enough chocolate!

FEARLESS

2009-07-09T19:54:00.001-04:00

Johnny Love

2009-07-06T18:13:00.004-04:00

Stephen and I took a drive to the boardwalk this afternoon in search of one thing. Our quest was to seek out the finest hotdog under the bridge. Here is a small glimpse of our life page taste tester checking out the cart of the famous Johnny Dog. Just look at the wonderment. You'll have to wait untill Sunday to find who sells the finest hotdog in the land.

Independence Day

2009-07-04T17:33:00.004-04:00

The light was nice on the way home last night I had to stop and make a picture. This was the first flag I could find before sun dipped behind the trees.

Mom and Dick

2009-07-04T08:07:00.001-04:00

Happy second anniversary you two. We hope you are having a great time in Arizona. We love you guys.

Joseph and Krysten

2009-06-29T00:04:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I shot Joseph and Krysten's wedding in Southfield. Working with the two of them was so much fun. Joseph is a sports writer at the paper and I have gotten to know Krysten through Joseph over the last 2 years. Their wedding was beautiful and I can't wait to hear all about their honeymoon to the Dominican Republic. Here is a peek at their portraits in the park. These two are so in love!

Last week

2009-06-28T15:38:00.002-04:00

I know its been a while and It's not that I haven't had anything worth posting I just haven't had much time to post. I found out Thursday I would be the one to make some pictures at the annual fireworks and and I was talked into making another video. I will be the first one to say doing both at the same time is a little tricky. I talked John into battling the bugs along the St. Clair River and he watched the video camera while I moved around to make a few frames of the sky with my still camera. These where the two I liked best. It's tricky, you have to get enough ambient light in the frame before you blow out the sparks in the sky. The second one even shows the leaves on the tree blowing a bit in the breeze.

I was off Wednesday the hottest day or what felt like the hottest day so far this season but on Thursday when I got back I still took some time to drive in circles around my favorite neighborhoods to find feature. I wish I had more time to feature hunt. I think it's the best part of my job. These sisters were splashing in the pool at their babysitters house. The little one could not stand the tolerate splashes in her face so she would turn around and get the older two with some backwards splashes.

Here is a pretty simple frame It was raining off and on yet the boys played ball. I just like the motion in it.

John's new hobby

2009-06-15T12:08:00.001-04:00

It's been almost two weeks now that he's been spending his nights as the sun starts to fall in the back yard watering all of those little grass seeds. I keep crossing my fingers that soon we may see a sprout out two.

One Tough Slugger

2009-06-13T18:13:00.005-04:00

I spent a half a game in the dugout with these little leaguers. The Story is about 12-year-old Zachary who has a condition where he has to have brain surgeries to maintain a shunt in his head. He had 12 of them from March to April and got leave the hospital May 2nd this year. All the technicalities aside he's one tough baseball player and probably the most humble on the line up. He knocked in two runs on his first trip to the plate. I wish I could have stayed until the end.

Little eyes

2009-06-13T13:17:00.002-04:00

This little guy has Leukemia and the rest of his family is having a hard time paying for the medical bills. All the teaches from his school got together and raised some money for his cause. Yesterday The family got word the Leukemia is in remission but he will need treatment for another three years. When we got to his house the little guy ran inside to hide. I feel like he's trapped in his own body, looking out to the world. He's got a long road a head of him I just hope he makes the journey in one piece.

Grandma's Flowers

2009-06-12T08:24:00.002-04:00

My Grandma for as long as I can remember has always had a peony bush in the bed along the front of her house. The blooms are gigantic bursts of deep color waiting for me each spring. In the back she still continues to keep a snow ball bush that now towers over my head filled from top to bottom with fist-sized white balls of flowers. I clipped some of the blooms on my visit Wednesday and tossed in a few of my late lilacs to make what I think is a pretty nifty bunch for my table. Oh and they smell good too!

Wet

2009-06-11T22:09:00.002-04:00

I pulled the card for the annual Marysville Days, a cool little festival along side a park and the St. Clair River. It's a midway mostly but for a few days each year the water front is booming... Well until today. On the drive down I put my windshield whippers on full tilt it was raining so hard but as i ran to the trunk for my rain coat it started to taper off and I thought this will be good I'll get some lights and kid and I'll be on my way. Turns out the Midway didn't open for another two hours and they were unsure if it was even gong to be a go tonight. So I made use of the puddles and this one worker guy walking by the Ferris Wheel. I think it tells the story pretty well. It was raining and no one showed up.

Highlander Sea

2009-06-06T20:21:00.001-04:00

I spent the day on the run starting with a tour of the Highlander Sea, a tall ship on display as part of Be a Tourist in Your Own Town. People spent the day checking out all the actions the area has to offer, and the best part, it's all free.

Leah

2009-06-04T21:02:00.002-04:00

She's the female track athlete of the year. Here's an outtake from our time making a few frames at the track.

Drew and Amber

2009-06-04T15:31:00.004-04:00

These two were always meant for each other, their weeding was amazing and I hope you two have a blast on your honey moon.
Here are a couple from my Holga.

M-119

2009-06-01T22:11:00.003-04:00

It's a heritage route north of Harbor Springs where the state highway narrows to a single lane at times and the tree tops lean over the road. It was a rather enjoyable 20 miles, even in the rain.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

2009-06-01T22:03:00.004-04:00

John and I got away for a couple of days last week. We drove to Traverse City and stayed a few nights to celebrate our anniversary. It rained most of the time but we still did some exploring. Here is the top of the dune looking over a foggy Lake Michigan.

Iris

2009-05-21T21:20:00.003-04:00

She's fast, real fast.

Angelo

2009-05-17T21:53:00.004-04:00

Friday I got a phone call from my cousin Vicky, as it turns out her son Angelo graduates this spring and has yet to have any senior photos taken. She said she needed something by next week. Tonight I spent about forty minutes photographing Angelo and his pride and joy. I'll have a disk in his hands by tomorrow afternoon. I had fun tromping though the state game area with great light. I just wish the nats were a little less feisty.

A little of everything

2009-05-16T18:42:00.002-04:00

These girls just finished first in the 4x100 and will go onto the state meet. I though the hug was way better than just anothe running shot.

I made a stop on the way to track out to the St. Clair County farm Museum and this team was in the middle of getting hitched to pull a wagon for rides. Their names where Sonny and Sandy. They didn't mind the camera much.

The last two are from a story that will run next week about a woman who made sure to place flags for the veterans for Memorial Day. She passed away in March and this year her family spent the last couple of days carrying on the tradition.

Rain drops

2009-05-15T20:50:00.002-04:00

I had a couple of assignments to hit up tonight and by the time I got to the regional track meet I was just in time for the 4x400 and a few rain drops.

I love spring sports

2009-05-11T18:47:00.005-04:00

Maybe it's just the mild weather or maybe it the nice light or maybe it's just that I like baseball and softball so much I wish I could photograph it all year round. Whatever the case I'm happy to be on the field. Here's one from the cross town rival game this afternoon.

Dreamy

2009-05-10T13:27:00.006-04:00

It's been a few weeks since i developed these frames from my holga but I finally had some time this afternoon to scan them in. They make my heart skip a beat. I'm loading more film right after I put up this post.

Football in May

2009-05-09T17:30:00.002-04:00

I know it's almost too good to be true! We have a semipro team now out of Marine City and they will be on the gridiron all summer long. The best part. They play in the daylight! If only I could be this lucky in the fall.

More Chess

2009-05-08T21:50:00.004-04:00

The south windows on the second floor of St. Mary's Catholic School let in the nicest light while I spent some time making photos of second and third graders on their way to mastering the game of chess. I do not know anything about chess but I could tell these kids could talk the talk and walk the walk. Who knew there are terms for moves like forks and spears and other fancy stuff.

Love taps

2009-05-04T21:43:00.004-04:00

The light is almost always pretty while I spend an hour or so on a softball field. Today it was nice to feel the sun on my back along first base. After Northern scored their first run against Marysville the girls got out their love taps. I didn't get to stay until the end but word has it the Huskies pulled through.

I have never had any interest in marshal arts so when I drew the Tae Kwon Do assignment I thought it would be nice to try something new. This kid is a black belt and can't be much older than 10. They have to memorize all these moves in order to simulate fighting. It's still not for me but I had a great time making some photos.

Happy Birthday Kathy

2009-05-03T21:35:00.003-04:00

It's been a little over a week since my trip to Fort Wayne to see my best friend Kathy. I Never get down there quite enough. She rocks my world.
Happy Birthday girly!

Jinny Sheldon

2009-05-02T19:32:00.008-04:00

I hit the road running this morning. My first stop of many was to Jinny Sheldon's house. The story goes, Jinny had some mold in her lawn and some ladies from the community visited her house last week to do some clean up and were supposed to come back to plant grass seed this morning but couldn't make it. Jinny made a few phone calls from her kitchen table while I waited. I had some time to spare so I stayed almost an hour hoping the work ladies would show. They didn't, but my hour this morning with Jinny in her kitchen was the best one so far today. She's a retired kindergarten teacher who once had a turkey spend three days in her class room. We talked about life and teaching and growing and getting older mostly the human spirit. Yesterday was May Day and just like every year for the past 60 She found a May Basket waiting for her. Someone must really think she is special. I know I do. Thanks Jinny your visit. I really enjoyed myself.

Path

2009-05-01T19:41:00.004-04:00

I took a short stroll through the Lakeport State Park this afternoon after making some photos of rangers getting the park ready for the season. The trillium were in full bloom. I have never seen this many in one place before. Nature is pretty nifty.

Michelle and Tyler

2009-04-26T18:19:00.006-04:00

Saturday I spent photographing Michelle and Tyler between the rain drops and gail force winds. I attended a workshop held by jackie Blair. I picked up a few things while I was there and had a great time with a few other photographers. Here are a few of my favorites.

Zoo

2009-04-26T18:15:00.002-04:00

I spent Thursday at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo with Kathy. Thee guys were the last animals we browsed on the way out just before we hit up the gift shop.

Grant and Jenn

2009-04-18T19:02:00.005-04:00

Monday I spent a couple hours on the back roads of Grant Township with Jenn. I made a couple photographs with my digital camera but what I'm most excited about is the frames I made with my Holga. I haven't had time to get to the darkroom but I made time for Tuesday night to soup some film. We'll see what develops.

Connell's Pride

Mike's Court

Comstock Grove

Hay Sans Don

More critters

2009-04-18T18:17:00.002-04:00

I am aware that the last post featured critters but I found these guys sunning themselves along the bank of a pond while shooting some golfers this afternoon. I wanted to pick one up but they are fast. They slipped in the water before I could even think about getting my hands on them.

Customer Parking

2009-04-17T22:06:00.003-04:00

These two were waiting for me as I pulled in after the Icehawks game tonight. They were even cooing a bit.

Refresh

2009-04-16T20:53:00.006-04:00

Yeah I would love to but as you can see as my luck tonight would have it my Diet Mountain Dew got hung up on the Coke and I'm stuck drinking from the water fountain. I'd also like to mention my dinner got ripped off from the break room fridge and the taker didn't even spare my tupperware. I need to get out of here.

LEGO

2009-04-16T20:16:00.006-04:00

One the elementary schools in St. Clair offers a LEGO club where kids can spend time after school one day a week working on projects that teach them physics whether they know it or not. This week was windmills and solar power. The little guy was telling his older clubmates about crucial steps in the building process.

Flying

2009-04-16T19:40:00.005-04:00

I had some extra time tonight at work and while flipping through some folder from last month I found this one from the local ice show. I like the black space and the motion. I almost feel as though I'm flying.

Softball

2009-04-16T19:30:00.003-04:00

The weather is nice out there, well not quite nice enough to leave my jacket in the car but it's getting there. I spend a lot of time now shooting at ball fields. Don't tell anyone but I kind of enjoy it. It's mid April already, it's hard to think about preps sports being over in about six weeks. Here's to a good time while it lasts.

BBs and Kids

2009-04-05T18:10:00.005-04:00

I was busy today and this morning the weather was nice. I spent some time making some frames of young shooters at the Richmond Sportsmen's Club. These boys where trying their hand at shooting clay pigeons with their BB guns.

After, Liz and I went out to a goat farm in Jeddo to visit a lady that raises LaMancha goats, they are a popular dairy goat. While standing out in the pasture learning more about goats and milk and all the stuff you can make with it, Liz met a few new friends.

Try a little

2009-03-27T20:47:00.005-04:00

Here's the scoop. I'm just a couple months short of three years here at the Times Herald. I can't honestly tell you where the time has gone. The other day while looking for something in the basement I can't even recall now I came across the binders of clips my grandma saved for me from my first year here. While flipping through them I found some really nice frames and it has had me thinking the last couple of days how excited I was to be making pictures. I want that excitement back. So I'm starting over. I'm going to try to stop just pushing the button but instead study the light and get back to making simple pictures. I tried a little tonight and for the first time in a while I feel like I can't believe I get paid to do this.