Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Saying goodbye

Saying Goodbye on airplane

Jason Neers, 12, of Baltimore puts his hand up to the window, as he did a few times, to say goodbye to his father and younger brother, who were watching him board the AirTran plane Tuesday evening in Baltimore. It is Neers first time flying to Michigan. "I'm going to miss him the most," he said of his six-year-old brother. "He and I haven't been apart his whole life. I know my dad will take care of him while I am gone, but it makes me sad. I already miss them both so much. I can't wait to get back to be with them."

Monday, December 27, 2010

2010: A year in photos (and thank you's)

2010 proved to be a great year.

I was named second place College Photographer of the Year in Michigan, and was given an honorable mention for a feature photo story. I was also named the student clips contest winner by MPPA for the 2009-10 school year. I had my first official photo internship at the Jackson Citizen Patriot in the summer. I was photo editor at Central Michigan Life in the fall semester. I was incredibly fortunate to be awarded twice in the College Photographer of the Year competition: Silver Sports Portfolio and an Award of Excellence in Domestic Picture Story. I also placed three times in the first round of the revamped NPPA student clips contest.

At the end of this post is a thank you list to all of those people who have made this year phenomenal, and without which, these accolades would never have been possible. For now, here are my favorite photos of 2010 (in no particular order):

Chalk flood

Mallorie Hollenbeck, 5, of Midland lays seemingly lifeless as she tries not to move while she takes her turn of getting her body sketched in an outline onto the cement on Saturday during Community Canvas' Chalkflood, a celebration of Midland’s artistic, musical, theatrical, and scientific diversity. "It's so much fun. Chalking is great. Making circles, coloring them in and getting colorful all over the ground," she said. "I don't mind getting my hands covered because it's worth it."

Sledding at sunset

Davino Bedore, 7, slowly trudges up a hillside with his sled while the sun sets Saturday in Spark Foundation County Park in Jackson, Mich. Bedore sledded for about an hour with his cousin and uncle alongside about 40 others.

02.11.10

Gymnastics Coach Jerry Reighard and his wife Nancy, assistant gymnastics coach, laugh while fighting over a piece of foam in the foam pit at the gymnastics practice room Thursday in Rose Arena. The two met in 1972: Nancy on the women's gymnastics team at CMU; Jerry on the men's team. Every day after practice, Jerry walked Nancy home to her dorm room in Sweeney Hall. The two have been married for 36 years. "I was in love with her. That's why I did it," Jerry said. "And I still love her just as much today. I just know her a bit better now, that's all."

Hot Air Jubilee

Aubree Smith, 18 months old, of Grass Lake reaches up to grab the hands of Caitlin Bergeon, 13, of Mason and her sister Anna Smith, 14, while waiting for the night glow to begin after one balloon launched Friday during the Hot Air Jubilee at Jackson County Airport. "It's like she wanted us to pick her up and bring her into the basket," Bergeon said.

Baseball Fight

An umpire attempts to separate Homer's Mitch Pease, left, whose arms are wrapped around the head of Concord's Mike Kaplinski at the beginning of a fight at third base. Both benches nearly cleared out to join their teammates, resulting in both teams forfeiting the Division 4 district championship game.

04.13.10_2

Junior Brittni Merchant, right , draws a cross in the dirt before every at bat to express her faith. Her sister, Macy, draws the number four, which she chose to wear to honor a late friend and a mother of a friend who is battling Lou Gehrig's disease. Away from softball, the two are extremely close. "(Macy)'s my best friend, my rock. She's everything and she's awesome," Brittni said.

Hiding in Ball Pit

Seven-year-old Kevin Davis of Albion sinks into the ball pit to try and hide from his brother and cousin while playing at the Fourth of July celebration Saturday morning in Hanover. "They'll never find me," he giggled, but quickly stopped talking as they jumped into the ball pit to uncover him.

Perfecting dribbling

Nine-year-old Tashari Hale of Jackson dribbles a basketball between her legs trying to perfect her skills on Thursday afternoon in her driveway. "We laugh and play all the time, and sometimes we even ride our bikes, racing down the driveway to see who can win," Tashari said.

CMU vs. Miami (OH)

Central Michigan senior defensive back Vince Agnew tackles Miami senior wide receiver Armand Robinson just before halftime Saturday afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Robinson recorded nine catches for 102 yards. Robinson had the second most yards total behind Miami redshirt sophomore Andy Cruse, who recorded eight catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 71-yard catch.

06.23.10

Indiana resident Atlee Miller, 74, takes a nap Wednesday evening outside of the Grass Lake High School gymnasium after completing a 45-mile bicycle ride alongside about 800 other participants in the Pedal Across Lower Michigan bicycle tour. The tour started in South Bend, Indiana on Monday, and Miller has already ridden about 143 miles on his third tour. "Rest is important to keep up my energy during the rides," he said. "This bicycle tour keeps me in shape, gives me a sense of accomplishment and heck, it's kind of like being a kid again."

MemorialDay_01

Sgt. First Class Todd Vaive stands outside of the Spring Arbor Township office building as he lays his hands on his nine-year-old son Caleb's shoulders peering into the sky in hopes that it will clear for the Memorial Day parade on Monday afternoon in Spring Arbor. Vaive, who returned home from Afghanistan 13 weeks ago after an 18-month tour of duty, was named grand marshal of the parade, which was canceled because of rain. "We celebrate this day because of every person who fights for us, dies for us and some that come back," said Caleb Vaive.

New Darryl Morris Edit

A portrait of Jackson resident Darryl Morris. View the full post.

emily

Grass Lake resident Christie Mazur kisses her 15-month-old daughter Emily Elizabeth Mazur as the two roll back and forth, playing and snuggling with one another on Saturday at their Michigan Avenue home. Emily Mazur was born with Dandy-Walker syndrome, a brain defect that can lead to slow motor development and malformation of the heart, face and limbs. She was also born with a cleft lip and palate. "It's been incredibly rough, but a true blessing," Christie said. "She's a very happy baby, but it's hard going through tough times. For me, her smile makes everything better."

JM_Jubilee

The shadow of a balloon appears on the short next to Brills Lake as a hot air balloon rises off the lake after dipping down into the water on Sunday morning in east Jackson during the Hot Air Jubilee.

JASPER BASKETBALL 01

Members of the Jasper High School varsity basketball team warm up after half time at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium. The gym is vintage 1930's and was just restored this past year. This is the first game played in the gymnasium in more than 20 years.

101203_HospitalTour02_BW

Staff general surgeon Jim Shepich takes a phone call in one of six new operating rooms Friday afternoon at MidMichigan Med Center, 4005 Orchard Drive. The hospital will have 13 new operating rooms, seven of which will have renovations in the coming months. "It's a huge technological leap," he said. "It's better for the patients. They're privacy especially will be much higher than before."

McGuirk Arena

Newspapers and towels sit draped over seats throughout McGuirk Arena during the ceremonial opening Dec. 1 for Central Michigan men's basketball team's opening game in the Events Center.

101205_BlueLight02

Sophie Sherwood, 6, of Midland runs through the coat room as she plays freeze tag with her sibling and cousins after the ceremony for Project Blue Light on Sunday evening at Memorial Presbyterian Church. About 100 people attended the memorial service.

Wine Glass

A wine glass pictorial.

CMU wrestler Jarod Trice

Central Michigan head wrestling coach Tom Borrelli lectures heavyweight sophomore Jarod Trice after losing his final match at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship tournament in Omaha, Neb. Trice earned his first All-America honors with an eighth-place finish, though he suffered an ankle injury in his first-round match and was pinned in the last second of the bout. "I popped my ankle out in the first round and I didn't get the motion going that I needed in my last match or in the tournament," Trice said. "I have to come back next year. I have to start it up again and make it to the top of the podium."

NASCAR wedding (black and white)

Friends and family celebrate as Joe Anderson, 47, of Rives Junction shares the first kiss of marriage with his new wife Lorraine at their infield campsite at turn three during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CARFAX 400 on Sunday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. "I’ve never done anything like this before,” Joe Anderson said. “I have a wife now!”

Chittock Street

Jalaysha O'Rourke, 7, stand on the tips of her toes as she stretches to reach for every bead of water to hit her as her Aunt Orian Jordan, 16, sprays her with a garden hose on the sidewalk in the 900 block of Chittock Street on July 12. Jalaysha is one of 40 grandchildren that Jordan and her mother Wanda, who have lived on the street for three years, watch for her 12 brothers and sisters.

••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• •••

I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends. My mother has always been my biggest support throughout my life.I am forever grateful. I mean, without here there would be no me. Lol. She is an amazing woman, and I will never stop loving her.

My friends are right up there with my mother. Neil Blake, Sean Proctor and Libby March. Three of my best friends, three great photojournalists. All of you are an inspiration to me.

Neil, you keep me grounded when I need it, but you also give me the opportunity to soar. You believe in me always, and for that I am forever grateful. Your faith is inspiring in me, others and in God. I truly love that about you.

Sean, you have an eye for detail, and not only when you shoot. You helped me tirelessly in the fall semester as the assistant photo editor at CM Life. You are a true friend, and I can't wait to see you shooting daily again in 2011. You are a true friend. You are honest and I am a better person for having you in my life.

Libby, your heart is endless and pure. You bleed for your subjects and your friends and family. You truly care. For me, you have always been at my side when I need you most. I don't know who I would be without you in my life, but I can say my life wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling.

You make me smile, all of you. I am so blessed to have such great friends. Other amazing people in my life in 2010:

Kent Miller: You have always been a kick-ass professor who cares about his students. You've always shown an interest in me, my work and my life.

J. Scott Park: A true friend and a great photo editor. You gave me a great opportunity in Jackson at the Cit Pat, and you gave me one helluva run with some fantastic assignments.

Nick Dentamaro: Dude, you kicked my ass this summer, and we had some great office shenanigans. Hope some day we can work in the same newsroom again, because your daily work is inspiring and your attitude is amazing.

Katie Rausch: You shoot some amazing photos! Our hot air jubilee weekend was amazing. You are a great friend and I can't wait to see where you go in life. You are always welcome to stay at my place in Mount Pleasant if you ever want to visit. :)

Nathan Morgan and the Midland Boys: Freelancing at the Midland Daily News has been amazing so far. I can't wait to see what 2011 brings. My CPOY sports edit wouldn't be nearly as strong if it wasn't for you, Thomas Simonetti and Nick King. Love working with you guys. I believe an N64 party with drinks on me is in order.

Dave Weatherwax: For always being there if I need help. You have always been a great friend.

Erik Holladay: Dude, you get it. You get PJ, and you are on helluva friend. I had a fantastic time shooting and editing side by side during the Central/Western game. Thanks for being awesome.

Ryan Wood: Simply, you are the man. You always give me confidence in myself and my work. You are just, as I said before, the man.

Leah Sefton: You know how to make me smile. :)

Sara Winkler, Paige Calamari, and other members of BAPAD: Each of you have helped me to open my eyes behind the lens, think about what I am shooting and who I want to be as a photojournalist. Plus, it's nice to see everyone's work. :) Sara, late night Lil' Chef was always good. Paige, you are one of the best pong partners ever. :P

Jeffrey Smith: You are my roommate, and I am happy to say I've seen you grown through your assignments this semester at CM Life. Kick some ass in 2011.

Joe Tobianski: Dude. You came in and taught me a lot about life. You have an endless drive that pushes you with a great attitude about life. Keep it up. You will go far. I feel like a proud father seeing you graduate with a portfolio that landed you the Flint Journal. You are doing well there. Hit it hard! Show them what CMU PJ's are all about.

Eric Dresden: Simply amazing. You are a great friend and the best managing editor I've had the chance to work with in my time at CM Life. You are someone who gets it. Thanks for communicating constantly, for understanding photojournalism and just being a stand-up guy! Seriously, I owe you another margarita next time you are in Mount Pleasant.

Aaron McMann and Lonnie Allen: You guys make working sports incredibly easy, but more so fun. Doesn't seem like we've missed a beat, primarily because Aaron is always on top of it. (Insert Lonnie joke here). Lonnie, you make work incredible. Couldn't do it without either of you. (Insert another Lonnie joke here).

Jackie Smith: Without the support of the Editor in Chief, it would be impossible to have the photo play we've been fortunate to have this fall. On behalf of the entire photo staff, I want to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to produce the weekly In Focus photo page and Friday Feature photo column.

Brian Manzullo: You made this year a fun one. Miss you, but I know you are tearing it up the Arizona Republic. Also, just as a reference, we need to do this again sometime.

CM Life photo staff: You have all made some phenomenal images this semester. I am so proud I can call myself your editor. You make my job pretty easy when you shoot the pants off of every assignments. Your 2011 work will be wonderful, I am sure.

As for 2011, I have high hopes for the year. More shooting, a great spring semester as photo editor. Let's keep the good times rocking, as they say. I love you all. Can't wait to kick it up a notch in 2011!

FEATURE: Snowstorm Diptych

Snowstorm Diptych

Rhode Island resident David Zuller, 27, shovels his driveway twice within 10 hours Monday morning, first at 1:30 a.m. and then again at 11:30 a.m. The National Weather Service reported 12 inches of snowfall in Providence. Zuller moved back to his hometown in October, and this is his first snowstorm in his new home. "It just all came down at once," he said. "And then it all came down again. Just a ridiculous amount of snow. I don't miss this part of winter."

Here are the two photos larger for an easier view:

Winter_Snow_night

Winter_Snow_Morning

Thursday, December 23, 2010

FRIENDS: Sarah Schuch

Sarah Schuch fan competition

My roommate Sarah and I had a fan building competition at the beginning of the summer. I won, so I had to document it. And I'll tell you, we needed the fans.

SPORTS: CMU v. MIAMI (OH) football

CMU vs. Miami (OH)

Central Michigan senior defensive back Vince Agnew tackles Miami senior wide receiver Armand Robinson just before halftime Saturday afternoon at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Robinson recorded nine catches for 102 yards. Robinson had the second most yards total behind Miami redshirt sophomore Andy Cruse, who recorded eight catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 71-yard catch.

PICTORIAL: Rain water, wine glass

Water

Wine Glass

Here a couple of pictorial images I made the last couple of days while in Rhode Island visiting family.

FEATURE: Children chalking

Chalk flood

Mallorie Hollenbeck, 5, of Midland lays seemingly lifeless as she tries not to move while she takes her turn of getting her body sketched in an outline onto the cement on Saturday during Community Canvas' Chalkflood, a celebration of Midland’s artistic, musical, theatrical, and scientific diversity. "It's so much fun. Chalking is great. Making circles, coloring them in and getting colorful all over the ground," she said. "I don't mind getting my hands covered because it's worth it." (Jake May/Midland Daily News)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

SPORTS: Jasper basketball features

JASPER BASKETBALL 01

Members of the Jasper High School varsity basketball team warm up after half time at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium. The gym is vintage 1930's and was just restored this past year. This is the first game played in the gymnasium in more than 20 years.

JASPER BASKETBALL 02

Caption to come (Info is at Mount Pleasant apartment. I am currently in Rhode Island.)

NATURE: Jasper, Indiana

For Thanksgiving, I took the time to visit my good friend Neil Blake, who was interning at the Jasper Herald in Indiana. The trip was great. Before shooting a basketball game, Neil and I went feature hunting. Well, we found some serenity in a little slice of nature. Here are a few photos from that. Also, the last is a photo of Neil. :)

Jasper Nature 01

Jasper Nature 02

Jasper Nature 03

Neil Blake 02

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

FEATURE: Nativity Scenes

101205_Nativity_02

Katie Grzegorczyk, center, holds her daughters Madison, 2, and Abigail, 1, in her arms while her husband Paul, son Luke and daughter Emma all look upon the Thailand version of a nativity scene, as part of the 15th annual Midland Nativity Exhibit on Sunday evening at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where more than 500 nativity scenes from around the world are set up for a walking tour. "I think this reminds people, and especially our children, what the Christmas season is all about," said Paul Grzegorczyk. "There's not Santa anywhere. And it shows that everywhere around the world recognizes the birth of Jesus Christ in its own way." His daughter Madison added: "Thank you to baby Jesus." (Jake May/Midland Daily News)

Monday, December 6, 2010

NEWS: In the operating room

101203_HospitalTour02_BW

Staff general surgeon Jim Shepich takes a phone call in one of six new operating rooms Friday afternoon at MidMichigan Med Center, 4005 Orchard Drive. The hospital will have 13 new operating rooms, seven of which will have renovations in the coming months. "It's a huge technological leap," he said. "It's better for the patients. They're privacy especially will be much higher than before." (Jake May/Midland Daily News)

NEWS: Project Blue Light

101205_BlueLight01_BW

Mary Fisher of Midland closes her eyes as she prays onstage by herself while the White Pine Celtic Arts Council Pipes and Drums play "Amazing Grace" Sunday evening at Memorial Presbyterian Church during Project Blue Light, a ceremony that honors all police, deputies, firefighters and paramedics who died in the line of duty or while employed, their survivors and those who still work to keep the public safe. Fisher said she began to cry when the music played as she remembered her son, Clare County Deputy Kevin M. Sherwood who was killed in a traffic crash while responding to a call of a wrong way driver on U.S. 127 on Oct. 9, 2003. "I still cry when I think of him and his death," she said to the crowd of about 100 people. "This past year, my mother past, but I was able to get past that. I still can't get past his death. We are expected to bury our parents but not our children. It's just tough." (Jake May/Midland Daily News)

101205_BlueLight03_BW

Sgt. Matthew Berchert holds his hand over his heart alongside other members of the Midland Police Department commemorate and honor all police, deputies, firefighters and paramedics who died in the line of duty Sunday evening at Memorial Presbyterian Church during Project Blue Light. About 100 people attended the ceremony. "It's just — I can't put it into words. The fact that the community truly appreciates what we do as police officers, and that they recognize those of us who have given the ultimate sacrifice," Berchert said. "It's a true respect."(Jake May/Midland Daily News)

101205_BlueLight02

Sophie Sherwood, 6, of Midland runs through the coat room as she plays freeze tag with her sibling and cousins after the ceremony for Project Blue Light on Sunday evening at Memorial Presbyterian Church. About 100 people attended the memorial service. (Jake May/Midland Daily News)

Saturday, September 4, 2010

FEATURE: Butterfly release

100904_ButterflyStandalone02

Lucas Kraenzlein, 9, of Midland waves his net through the air as he wades through chest-high Goldenrod Saturday morning at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland. Kraenzlein found and captured two Monarch butterflies and one Monarch caterpillar within the first hour of a drop-in Monarch tagging program. "I like to play with bugs and insects, so coming out here to see all the new species I haven't found is exciting. I like to explore and find new things I've never seen before. It's what I live for."

100904_ButterflyStandalone01

100904_ButterflyStandalone03

100904_ButterflyStandalone04

Thursday, September 2, 2010

FEATURE: Heigh Ho!

Heigh Ho

Spencer Berkypile, 3, of Jackson dances from side to side as her marches forward, his fists pumping through the air, as he imitates the seven dwarves of the Disney classic Snow White on Saturday afternoon outside of the Cascade Falls in Sparks Foundation County Park. "Heigh ho! Heigh ho!" he screamed as if the other dwarves were marching along with him. "Sleepy is my favorite one. He's funny."

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

SOCCER: Bullock Creek vs. Chesaning

100901_BullockCreekvsChesaning10

Bullock Creek defender Zach Frederick heads the ball in the rain during the game against Chesaning Wednesday night at Bullock Creek High School. Chesaning only had four total shots, two on goal in the 6-0 shutout victory by Bullock Creek.

100901_BullockCreekvsChesaning09

Bullock Creek midfielder Spencer Delzer, left, celebrates with teammates Matt Ehler, Jaic Drendall and Max Bourne after scoring the first goal of the 6-0 shutout Wednesday evening against Chesaning at Bullock Creek High School. Delzer scored three of the four goals in the first half to lead the team in scoring in the 6-0 victory over Chesaning. "Goal after goal, it just boosted our whole team's confidence," he said. "It got easier and easier to play as we built upon each goal. To score, it feels so good, but I want to share the effort with all of the other players. We have good chemistry and we picked up our game today."

100901_BullockCreekvsChesaning01

Bullock Creek junior Zach Frederick takes a shot on goal as the Chesaning goalkeeper, right, grimaces while saving the ball Wednesday night at Bullock Creek High School. Bullock Creek won 6-0 with 14 total shots, 11 of which were on goal.