Sunday, December 21, 2008

First NBA Game

Tonight I shot my first NBA game. The LA Lakers lost to the Orlando Magic 106-103, at the Amway Arena in Orlando. NBA games are an excellent experience. I felt all levels of personnel it takes to put on an NBA game contribute to making the ticket price well worth the price. Being able to photograph Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, along with the other great NBA players was something I hope I have the pleasure of doing again soon.

Lakers Magic

*        Lakers Magic

Lakers Magic

Being my first NBA game, I was a little cautious about being hit by stray basketballs, or flying bodies. It didn't take but 15 minutes of shooting and hanging out around warm-ups until I was hit by something. I was chatting with a fellow photographer, not paying attention to the activity on the court, and BOOM. A ball flew right into the side of my face. After collecting myself I couple seconds later, I look onto the court and Magic's Hedo Turkoglu projected a laugh and smile my way. I'll know better next time, look toward the court if you are on it.

More photos can be viewed at Florida Today's game gallery.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Fall 2008 Graduation at UCF

Graduation

Graduation

Eloquence of Bristol

The New York Times' writer Dan Barry has filled in the gap in what last summer's photo internship at The Bristol Press seemed to have left in Connecticut. Mr. Barry has made me realize how special it was to be apart of Bristol's staff, independent of the papers' unfortunate passing or miraculous prolongation. Truth is, I may have only realized my appreciation for editor Bill Sarno, chief photographer Mike Orazzi, front desk clerk Margaret (for her last name escapes me) and the many others I interacted with daily until after hearing it from Mr. Barry. Maybe I needed this article to teach me a giant lesson on the importance of a community newspaper, and the people who piece it together day in and day out.
Mr. Sarno and I shared the same "dimly lighted newsroom" for a summer. I remember rummaging through the newsroom on one of those 96 degree Connecticut days looking for a spare light to put in the photo workroom that had but only two lamps, where eight would have properly lit the area Mike and I filed our photos every evening.
But Mr. Barry is right, amid the dark work space, the editors and writers in The Bristol Press newsroom are dedicated to the city the paper serves. Since 1871, the people of Bristol have read what is important to them - in The Press. I will always have a affinity with the city of Bristol and Central Connecticut, regardless of the paper's future.

clock Museum

Bristol's Clock Museum

Friday, December 5, 2008

Was it snow?...no, it's Florida

This morning I shot the UCF Air Force ROTC Detachment's changing of command ceremony. When I arrived at the ceremony grounds, which was the UCF Soccer Complex, it seemed like the grass was covered with light snow. It is was really just dew mixed with cold temperatures. I let my mind wonder a bit. Or I'm just getting ready for my trip to Western New York in a month, where I anticipate seeing a lot of snow. I wore my gloves in case I really needed them.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Eppy is on duty

After a lot of effort to get the "Eppy" video compressed and online, it is finally here. I wish the video was larger online, but that is part of the compression learning curve I have yet to reach. On the other hand, continuing my education into Final Cut was very accomplishing.
It was a great experience meeting and spending time with Eppy. Having met someone who spent 65 years of their life doing what they love was quite a lesson into devotion. I hope this video pays homage to the dedication, fervency and compassion Eppy has toward barbering, his customers and his life. With good fortune, I hope what I learned from Eppy can be applied to my own career. Please enjoy!

Monday, December 1, 2008

UCF season comes to an end...

Saturday was my last time shooting in Bright House Stadium as a UCF student. I suppose it wasn't the best game to be at as a photog or a fan. Placekicker Swayze Waters scored all 15 pointes for the visiting Blazers from U. of Alabama at Birmingham. The game ended 15-0, with almost no UCF offense from the two quarterbacks Rob Calabrese and Joe Weatherford. It is a shame there will be no C-USA Championship game this year at the bright house. UCF ended its seaon 4-8. I'm sure future assignments will bring me back. And as a soon-to-be UCF alum, I would be nice to see a strong program develop.

UCF UAB

UCF UAB

UCF UAB