Life Through Glass

Autumn

2011-09-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Emotion on display and good light.

2011-09-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a busy year but I still plan on shooting a lot personally. I went to the PAW PAW festival with a bunch of friends and so far this year is going well, though extremely busy. But here's a few Images I've made this weekend that I really enjoy.

My friend trying to mimic as many emotions that would fit into the frame.

The Jugglers...they always on the green. Can't help taking their photo when the light is this good.

1950's Portrait Fun

2011-09-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

When everyone got back to school and I was helping my friends move in I asked my friend Jordan (published in my last post) If she wanted to do a 50's photo shoot. Here's what I got. Enjoy!

Portraits of Personality

2011-09-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

Brought my new light stand to a party and took a few portraits. It was a lot of fun and these were my best results. This is a great way to start off the year and I'm looking forward to shooting for myself this year and starting to work more on personal projects.
Enjoy!

Three Days at Bible School

2011-07-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

I recently spent three days photographing Vocation Bible School here in Athens for my aunt. I felt a bit rusty, not having picked up my camera very much this summer, but by the third day of shooting I hit my groove. These little kids were hilarious to be around, and to my surprise, it was a lot of fun to shoot.
Sorry for the long edit, but I had three days worth of shots to go through.

Time with Nature in Spring

2011-05-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Spent a day at Old Man's Cave with two friends and we actually made it all the way through the trail!!! Most of the time we can't make it all the way through because we take so many pictures, so that was exciting. But here are some of the frames I did take. Enjoy!

Just a few I've enjoyed taking.

2011-05-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've updated my blog so I thought I'd start out with some fun shots that I just thoroughly enjoyed taking. These aren't the greatest photographs, but the time I spent making them was definitely memorable. Hope you enjoy! Much more to come once more of my photographs run in the POST.

Bare on the Bricks

2011-03-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

This was my second year shooting this event. Having said that, the experience form last year helped me a great deal in getting better shots this time around. I knew I had to get to the end of Court Street (which I had to run in front of all the runners to get there) to get the whole picture, and what makes this event so much fun to shoot.

People strip down to the bare essentials and the clothes they take off go to those in the community who really need them.

Here's what I got:

Protesting Senate Bill 5

2011-03-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Last Friday students and faculty came together and protested around campus chanting: "No ifs, no buts, no education cuts," and "It's bullshit, get off it, this school is run by profit!" voicing their frustration against Senate Bill 5. It was nice to see people who were actually standing up for something they disagreed with, and felt the need to go beyond just being displeased, and actually take action. Here's what I saw:

Nature Revisited

2011-02-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

I've been In photo story this quarter so I haven't been posting recent work much. But a few days ago I got the opportunity to go camping and I'm glad I took the chance because it was a nice break.
I know I'm going to school for photojournalism, but I think my desire to shoot definitely comes from nature. I enjoy being out in the woods and in the quiet. So naturally, my photos reflect this love for the solitude and balance that nature displays.
Hope you enjoy these landscapes as much as I enjoyed taking them:

Never thought my first post back would be Basketball!

2011-01-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Our fist game was against Miami, and it was an awesome game all the way to the end. I actually enjoyed shooting this a lot, and the fact that the game went into overtime multiple times made it even more excited. Hope you enjoy some sports shots:

Night Wandering

2010-11-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo I made at five o'clock in the morning after watching Harry Potter. EnjoyQ!

Student ROTC Veterans Vigil

2010-11-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

It's finally winding down

2010-11-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

The end of Fall Quarter is finally approaching and since my classes are becoming less stressful so I've had some free time to go out and make some pictures for myself. Since all the color will be gone once I get back from Winter break, I thought I'd take some pictures of autumn before I go. Enjoy!

Enjoying photography for photography's sake.

2010-11-07T23:12:00.000-08:00

These are images that I took while at the Ranch. I was there for a few hours twice a week for three weeks, and eventually I'd start to have fun and shoot for myself for awhile - these are some images I found while just enjoying photography solely for the pleasure of taking pictures. Enjoy!

Smoke Rise Ranch

2010-11-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

This was my photo-story this year. I chose Smoke Rise because I think that there's a part of my personality that appeals to what I found there. I'm constantly connected to everything - the internet, my phone, my email, my job. . .going out to Smoke Rise gave me a chance to enjoy what I miss most in the rush of daily life: Quiet. A chance to slow down and think. I believe a part of me love solitude and simplicity so much that I envy the Ranchers at Smoke Rise, because they, at least while they are working, get to escape the rush of an increasingly present technological world that is slowly taking away our privacy, time, and solitude. I enjoyed my time at the Ranch a lot, and I met a few characters while I was there and I hope to go back before I leave for break. This is a huge post, but I shot there for three weeks. Enjoy!

A Ride on a Train

2010-11-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

These are a few images from a train ride I took through Logan for Dawn 2 Dusk. Oddly enough, I found a car with a whole car full of senior citizens on a "Mystery Trip" from Cincinnati, Ohio. They had no idea where they were going, but seemed to be enjoying themselves along the way, and I had fun relaxing on the train with them, and sharing their enthusiasm - it was definitely contagious. Enjoy!

When you go to a new place, you can't help but take some snapshots!

2010-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

These are just the photos I took while in D.C. I just wanted to have fun and these are my shots documenting D.C. for myself. Hope you enjoy looking at D.C. through my eyes.
Enjoy!

The Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear

2010-11-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

So I went to D.C. for the first time ever last weekend - and it figures the first time i go there's a couple hundred thousand people crowding the streets. Every where I looked there were costumes and funny signs, people handing out fliers and police. D.C. is beautiful, and like everyone else who sees it for the first time, it hits you how beautiful the capital really is.
I was in D.C. during Stephen Colbert and John Stewart's Rally on Halloween. I managed to get into the crowd, making my way as close as I could to the stage, but eventually I made my way out of the crowd with a friend of mine and photographed the crazy rally-goers wandering around the National Mall. Hope you enjoy this montage of crazy/funny costumes and signs, because I had fun finding them.

A Day at a Bakery

2010-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

I spent a day at a bakery hanging out for a post/class assignment. A new Bakery opened up on Court Street where Cold Stone use to be. "Fluff" as it's called, is a colorful place with a wonderful couple who run the bakery and they make what looks like (I haven't had time to go back and have a pastry yet, but I plan to) some very delicious baked goods. It was a fun assignment and I plan on going back to be a patron instead of a photographer next time I'm around.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

2010-10-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

So, besides the noon light, this was a really fun event to shoot and it was a pretty interesting concept. Men pick out a pair of heels and walk a mile in them, to realize that, 1...it's not comfortable, 2.it hurts your feet, and 3.it's hard to walk, and 4. women don't complain about it.
I heard a lot of complaining and saw a lot of blisters, but I was impressed. I thought about joining in, but running in heels with photo-equipment probably wouldn't have been the best idea. But besides being completely hysterical, this event also has a purpose. "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" is an international organization whose goal is to stop "Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence."
(www.walkamileinhershoes.org)
It was a fun event that has a powerful purpose. Hope you enjoy the photos.

How they collected enough heels in the sizes needed to fit all the contestants, I'll never know.

This guy did some serious walking.

OU vs. OSU

2010-10-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

SO I went to the big game with a 300mm and learned that I'm not that great at following action. I shot hundreds of photos and came back with very little action worthy of publication. But, I did do what I do best, and that's finding quiet neat compositions and a few feature photos. So here's what I got from the game (besides the sunburn).

There were so many photographers, it was crazy. You had to run for a spot. But it was also neat to see all the different levels of photographers there and how they decided to shoot and and what they shot it with, all-in-all it was a fun day.

My first venture into the world of wedding photography.

2010-10-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

These are some of my favorites from a wedding I photographed this summer with my Uncle. I'm going to school for photojournalism, so I went about photographing the wedding as if it was an event for the paper or class - watching and being ready (and moving A LOT). The one thing I didn't enjoy as much were the group photos because I had to pose people and make sure they were in a position that looked good, I'm much better at reacting than I am at directing.
By the end of the reception, I was tired, but it was a lot of fun and I got a few great images from it, so all-in-all it wasn't a bad experience.

And the Photostory Begins

2010-10-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

I went out to Smoke Rise ranch today. I've wanted to do a story on this place since I came to OU Freshmen year. Today I went out and talked to some of the workers and I've already planned another day to shoot, so I'm hoping it will go well. I took very few pictures today, instead I just talked and tried to let people get use to me being there. Here's one I liked though (with some crazy toning just for fun):

I'm hoping the story turns out well and I learn a few things along the way. Stay tuned for updates and more images.

Something a Little Light-Hearted.

2010-09-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

These past couple days have been pretty crazy for me. I've went and witnessed a village devastated by mother nature, then the next day I was off to OSU and a stadium that reminded me more of the Colosseum (those photos will be put up later). So today I just went out to Strouds Run with my roommate and enjoyed getting away from Campus and being around nature for a little while. It's a very serene place and it's definitely a good change of pace to my busy days here. Made a few photos while I was there and met a very interesting couple. Enjoy:

the Aftermath of Mother Nature

2010-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last night there were tornado warnings throughout Athens County. After the "warnings" were over, my uncle and I went to The Plains to document the damage. All my life I've never had to deal with an actual tornado nor have I experienced the aftermath of its power.
It's always been warnings, or it was small and far away and it does little to no damage. But when I got there I saw exactly what Mother Nature can do. Trailers were flipped and flattened. Trees were torn from the ground and debris was scattered everywhere. It was dark and the night was filled with the color of sirens and nothing else. People were wondering around, looking at what was left of their homes - now a wasteland of wood, metal and scattered possessions left behind in the wake of a short, but unexpectedly violent storm. It was dark and there was very little light, but this is what we found:

Someone walked past us with a lantern, walking towards the town, going to lend a hand to help.

what's left of McDonald road.

Firefighters ascending the hill to the Athens Highschool.

The force of the storm left the bleachers of the Athens High School upside-down. Just before the storm hit, the soccer team was suppose to play their rivals from Alexander High School. But the sudden storm ripped through, forcing everyone to evacuate. The press box and goals were blown away. The flag poles were bent.

After seeing everything we could, we decided to leave. It was odd though, how something so destructive just wiped through, violent and relentless, and then like that, the skies were clear and the stars shined above - indifferent to all the people who had just lost everything. As I got back to Athens I noticed girls with heels walking down Court Street, and houses filled with people and music. Life goes on, I suppose. But for me the scene was a little hard to swallow. I couldn't believe they could party after what just happened, but they didn't know.

Ink & Light

2010-09-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

So this is my first assignment I turned in for the year. I decided to push myself and use a flash for, what would have been, a safe portrait. But bringing in the light helped add some drama and make the images pop more than they would have otherwise. I'm happy with what I got and I met another really cool person in Athens as well, so it's been a good way to start the year back at OU.

And so another year begins

2010-09-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

I think this is going to be a good photo year for me. I've started out on the ball and shooting right away, so we'll see how this goes. Here are some of the photos from events I've shot this past week. My goal this year is to post more frequently, and with better work because I need to progress and keep pushing myself. I hope you follow along with me on this new beginning and, as always, Enjoy!

Met some really friendly people at an International Potluck! Sadly I couldn't stay and talk with everyone as much as I would have liked.

Chasing good light for a stand alone photo - always an adventure.

And sometimes people can really surprise you - which is what makes this job so exciting. I wouldn't say I see eye to eye with this street-preacher's views, but I also learned it's too easy to judge someone on first appearances. And often times we do it so quickly. After stopping and talking to this man and his wife - as they were preaching to passerby's on campus - I learned that even if you don't agree with someone's views it doesn't make them a bad person. I think that can apply to everyone - a lesson I'm constantly relearning.

Last Day of Summer

2010-09-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today's my last day home and it's also the Caramel Festival in my hometown so I went out and tried to catch something in the last light of the day. I saw the Pageant and went back home for my telephoto lens, but by the time I got back up town the light was gone and I missed a few great photo opportunities. But here's what I got. Now I'm OU bound.

Night Photoshoot.

2010-08-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

So Last night I was out wandering around with some friends who wanted to take some pictures. We wanted to do some portraits but found that it was too dark at that point, so I took these night scenes with my friends - it was spontaneous, and it turned a boring day into an interesting time with some old friends. Here's some of the photos. Enjoy!

On a Clear Night

2010-08-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

This whole summer all I've wanted is a clear night to try and get a good picture of the stars. These photos are curved a lot to get out the contrast and color, but I'm really pleased with what I got. Enjoy.

Lake Erie

2010-08-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have never been to lake Erie till last weekend, but it turned out to be a pretty fun trip. These are some of the images I took, Enjoy!

Safari Madness

2010-08-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I went to a Safari with my Parents to take some photographs. I Figured it would be animals behind cages, and small ones at that but when we got there I was pleasantly surprised to find that the animals were quite big. The animals would come right up to the car and stick their heads right in the window, knowing you had food to feed them. The buffalo were huge and they woudln't take no for an answer, when they stuck their head in your window, you better give them a carrot or they aren't leaving. But needless to say, feeding a buffalo that's right by your face is pretty awesome, and a great experience. Here's some of the shots I took, hope you enjoy them just as much as I enjoyed making them:

Rain

2010-07-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

From the archive

2010-07-15T01:51:00.000-07:00

Sparring

2010-07-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Time in the Woods

2010-06-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

This post is a collection of photos I've taken while hiking in the woods. It seems this summer (for now) I've just been taking photos for myself, and I've been enjoying it a lot but I hope to start a project soon. Enjoy!

Jesus statue aftermath

2010-06-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

There was a lot of links about the Jesus statue that was struck by Lightning. I couldn't believe it happened till everyone started posting pictures of it, so when I was around that area I decided to check out the statue and see what it looked like after the fire was put out...this was what I found:

Pictures of a small town.

2010-06-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures I've taken over the course of a week or so....I used to live in Winchester, I went through elementary there, and then moved. I've recently moved back so this is my attempt to explore the town again and see how much it's changed....or how much I've changed being away. Enjoy.

Lightning on the Horizon

2010-06-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

For the past few days the weather has been quite terrible for most people, but for me it means it's time to get the camera out. I've always wanted to get a good shot of lightning, and I think I've come pretty close to meeting my own expectations, but if these storms keep up I might be able to top myself. Here are the pictures I've taken before and during two major storms we've had in the last two days. Enjoy!

Moving - a few images before leaving my old home behind for something new.

2010-06-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

These are a few images I made at the place I had called home for the last five years. The start of my summer was moving, but I'm happy to make the change. These are a few Images that, for me, give a feel of what I enjoyed about that house. I'm going to miss the open space, the quiet and the woods that were so close, and being away from everything. I'm glad to move and be back in town, but there are many reasons to miss the country and I think it has a lot to do with the way I am and what I enjoy.

Goodbye Athens

2010-06-08T00:34:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Athens,
With your shoes hanging high on the telephone lines,

Goodbye SIG,
Where, for a year -through rain, sun and snow- I've walked to you with my camera,
only to be sent out again.

Goodbye bike path. My best and last days were spent riding.

And Goodbye Washington Hall - your halls have been nothing but a surprise, never knowing what I'd find or who I'd run into.

Until we meet again, Athens, Goodbye.

Time Away

2010-05-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend was one of the best times this quarter - I got to get away from OU, have some fun with friends, and take some personal pictures. Enjoy.

Night Wanderings

2010-05-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've spent many nights without much sleep this quarter, and often I would give up trying to fall asleep and go take a walk, or I've just been out late. These are some of my photos taken while walking at night. Enjoy.

Remembering photography can be a fun process (I think I forgot)

2010-05-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's near the end of the quarter and most students are burnt out on school, I think. It's hit the point where I think we all want a break, no matter what your major is - we all just want some time to just relax for a moment. I found this and reminded myself that I can take photos just for me, and it was nice to take a photo that wasn't for a class or publication. It's a leaf, and some people will say, "well that's dumb?" but I don't care. I like it.

Ohio University Fests

2010-05-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

High Fest - after the fall:

Palmer Place Fest:

Palmer Fest: A fight for the Street

It started with Alcohol.

And then more people came....and drank.

People caught with open containers in the street were forced to pour them out for bring on public property.

Cops used horses to periodically clear the streets, attempting to keep the crowds from taking over the road, but the persistent patrols by the police only angered the partygoers, and they began to throw bottles at officers, chanting "USA! USA!" Then the fragile line between party and riot snapped. A body of students become a mob, and officers became the target - forcing them to no longer be the law-enforcing bodies that they were - but human beings angered by flying bottles and intoxicated people who've lost all sense of reason.

While the horse patrols momentarily stopped, partygoers dragged out a couch which they began to burn - and this was the end of the Fest, and the beginning of what turned out to be a Riot.

Firefighters came in and extinguished the fire, as cops put on their riot gear, using knight sticks and mace to take back the road, and take back control. The night ended in an empty street and college kids in cuffs. All of this because of alcohol.

Dance - movement from the soul

2010-05-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hats of the Kentucky Derby

2010-05-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Derby: two views.

2010-05-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Derby was an experience I'll probably never forget - and an event I plan on covering Again. It was a day filled with nice hats, sharp clothes, muddy drunks - with elite upperclass up above and everyone else down below. A day of decor, order and manners, mixed with unruly masses just wanting to have fun while waiting to see if their bets come through.
While those above placed their large wagers on favored horses - many decided to entertain themselves in other ways. Between mud wrestling, drinking bought and smuggled booze, and a gauntlet-like run across port-a-potties where the person who makes it across - dodging beer bottles, lawn chairs, and attacking people - get the applause of the crowd, it was an interesting day.
While people in the stands talk and watch the horses prepare, people in the middle of the track come for the social interaction with everyone else and the hopes of winning on a horse is just an added bonus of a day of partying. But one thing both groups have in common - they all gather for the race - even with the Rain. This is my account of the Kentucky Derby:

Ladies pose for a picture in the tunnel before entering the Derby

The National Guard watching over the crowds as they enter the track

Those high above watch down as everyone places bets, watching the horses being shown, waiting for the races that start later in the evening

The National Guard watches over the crowds as they place their bets on the horses they think will place.

Vendors sell Mint Juleps and Cigars to the crowds as they make a day of the derby.

Everywhere you look, there are well dressed men in suits and women wearing elaborate hats.

Even a man enjoying the day decides to sport a hat with the ladies as well.

And finally when the races were over - everyone left - leaving the traces of the day behind.

Left behind, passed out in the trash covered field, was a man too drunk to leave. The cops woke him up, struggling to get him off his feet, as the fought back - as they worked to get everyone out of the area as the day came to a close.

And this picture describes that day - it was a mess, my equipment and clothes were covered in mud, but managing not to get hit by too many beer bottles and lawn chairs, all-in-all, the derby was one eventful day.

Arch Fest

2010-04-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Water

2010-04-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Today I went out with some friends and just relaxed and took some pics by the lake. It was nice to get out and away and just have a quiet moment with some friends. These are some of the photos I took while out.

The Quiet Moments of Spring

2010-04-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

The one thing I enjoy about spring is that it brings out the life in people again. With winter a cold sets in and we become lifeless and dormant - staying in our rooms, bundling up and trying hard to move very little. It's a time of inactivity - and just like the leaves that disappear, some part of ourselves goes away as well. But spring is back and again people are out, the sun is shining and the days are beautiful - which means I get to take the photos I enjoy the most. Here are just a few from the last few days:

Walking the Line

2010-04-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Let the Pillows Fly!!

2010-04-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

It was a little before noon and people started walking down the street with pillows of all colors, shapes and sizes. They were all waiting. Pedestrians walked and stared, wondering what was going on until the whistle blew - it was 12:05 and the Court Street Pillow fight had begun. People ran into the street as the lights were red - flailing their pillows in a chaotic frenzy, only to rush back into the sidewalks as the lights turned again. It was just another day in Athens, Ohio.

One Day without Shoes

2010-04-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

AStudents at OU wanted to start a group to support Toms shoes - an organization started to raise money for kids all around the world who don't have the luxury of wearing nice brand name shoes on their feet. To raise awareness and help start the OU group - students took part in an event called "A Day Without Shoes." The group paraded down Court Street, bare feet to bricks, shouting out at pedestrians to take off their shoes for their cause, and many did.

As we were walking, we passed this man who, oblivious to what was going on, was tying his dress shoes that had come undone as he was walking. This to me drove home the message - we don't realize the small things that make life so much better for us until we go without, but many people never will.

Spring is Here

2010-04-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Back to Doing what We do Best

2010-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

One last post before spring break

2010-03-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Court Street Photo Story

2010-03-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

A day out by myself

2010-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Mennonites sing outside College Green

2010-02-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Light - it finally showed up.

2010-02-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

Polar Bear Plunge: Bikini weather? I think not.

2010-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Another dusting

2010-02-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

48 Hour shootout: Film Noir (in color)

2010-01-31T20:09:00.000-08:00

A small moment

A grimace for the classic lighting.

Two Portraits

Dawn to Dusk Outtakes

2010-01-23T00:49:00.000-08:00

Portraits

2010-01-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

First Street Heat

2010-01-16T23:13:00.000-08:00

Winter in Athens

2010-01-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Glad to be Back on the Streets

2010-01-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

A Day in the Woods

2009-12-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

A visit to the Arch, St. Louis

2009-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

Quiet Pictures

2009-12-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

These are pictures I take while out with my camera. These pictures aren't "moments" but quiet scenes that are pleasing to see - these are my collection of those quiet scenes I couldn't walk away from.

Photographers and their Cameras

2009-12-07T12:39:00.001-08:00

_DSC9364, originally uploaded by dstnlennert.

_DSC9743, originally uploaded by dstnlennert.

_DSC8808, originally uploaded by dstnlennert.

_DSC9542, originally uploaded by dstnlennert.

_DSC9427, originally uploaded by dstnlennert.

_DSC0142, originally uploaded by dstnlennert.

This is a portrait session with my friends and their cameras.