In A Moment: August 2010

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Buzzing by the south branch

August 12, 2010: with Alderman James Balcer

I made a portrait of Chicago 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer along the South Branch of the Chicago River in Bridgeport last week for the Chicago News Cooperative.

The story was on a boat ride the alderman took with reporter Mitch Dumke looking at wildlife and talking about how the area has changed. Because of a little mix up we missed the boat ride so a portrait was my next best option.

Tt was a pretty quick shoot and I enjoy shooting nature and wildlife so I hung out to shoot some bugs and flowers in Origins Park.

-A dragonfly buzzes by the Origin Park.
-Flowers along the river
-Alderman James Balcer looks over the park area along the south branch of the Chicago River.

-john

Back on the field

August 14, 2010: Richmond-Burton football practice

Football is one of my favorite sports to shoot, I finished last season with the Richmond-Burton vs. Johnsburg playoff game so it was only fitting that my first football assignment of the year is in Richmond.

The practice started at 7am so it was not too hot but, the mosquitoes were out in full force. With a little bug spray assist from the team I was good to go. Most practice shots are pretty basic; guys running, throwing and standing around so I am always looking for something fun or different.

Here are three I liked from the practice.

-Richmond-Burton H.S. head football coach Patrick Elder is surrounded by his team as he takes a passing challenge at the end of practice.
-Wide receiver C.J. Daniel makes a catch during practice.
-Lineman Zachary Boettjer waters some corn during a break.

-john

Neck shots, chukkers and divots

August 15, 2010: something new

I have covered a lot of different sports over the years and it is always refreshing to cover something new. Last weekend I shot my first polo match for the Courier-News, the Sherman Cup polo match at Dahlwood Farm in Elgin. It took me most of the game to figure out the rules and what was going on but it made some fun photos.

Four players from each team play on a 300 x 160 yard field so long glass is a must. Kind of like soccer and hockey but with horses, on a bigger field and much faster. They play 6 seven and a half minute chukkers and take a half time break after the third chukker.

If you want to learn more about the sport of polo click HERE.

Here are three from the event.

-Anthony Garcia with a neck shot in the first half.
-Alan Martinez and Nicolai Galindo reach for a high ball.
-Spectators help stomp divots after the game.

-john

Monday, August 9, 2010

Summer dresses

Sunday, August 8, 2010; A few moments with Guin and Amira

Wow time really flies, the last 6 months have been really busy and I will try to do some catching up in the next few weeks. I am still freelancing in the Chicago area and have been doing a lot of editorial work for the Chicago News Cooperative.

My granddaughters came over to visit in their matching summer dresses on Sunday, here are a three photos from our small portrait session.

-john