Sunset Over Gulf

One of the cool points in a photographer’s world is that on some occasions that you are going to see some really great things to take pictures of. And as an added bonus you get to use the time lapse feature in post production. Like the picture my friend Jeremy Campbell, of WTVT in Tampa, got while walking the beach one day. Locking the camera down, getting the color balance straight, then hitting the record button, and let Mother Nature do her thing. Trust me she can be a handful so when she has something nice to shoot you better take advantage of it.

The end of another day captured for all to see on the evening news. Man I bet that’s a gorgeous shot to have.

Running With I-TEAM

With the first of four “Sweeps” months out of the way, I couldn’t help but think of how exhausting it was. That what happens when you are called into service for the I-Team. Yeah I know, majority of the stations across the country have one, I like keep tabs with the group over in Music City. The ones who spend countless hours thumbing through an endless number of documents looking for any “i’s” and “t’s” that haven’t been dotted or crossed. Searching for all kinds of impropriates that would send up a red flag in the day to day operations from all kinds of entities.

That’s the role of an Investigative Reporter. For me, it’s a new challenge in the ongoing quest for providing quality television news. I’ve chased spot news, got every kind of ribbon cutting imaginable, and put together tons of photo essays. So when the opportunity came to help make informative stories that require more than a few hours to shot appeasing to the viewer, I welcome it. Little Nat sound, more beauty shots, and an extra camera on some occasions does wonders. Sometimes you have to think outside of the box to get things accomplished.
A lot of energy goes into one of these pieces but the payoff is worth it when everything comes together. Helps when you have great reporter on your side also. Now back to work, the next “Sweeps” month will be here before you know it.

Pope of the Promo

You ever wonder where those station marketing image spots that appear on the airwaves during your regular scheduled program come from? They are usually the brain child from the crack staff of your company's marketing/promo department. That's where my buddy Chris Blades comes into play. Known to many as The Pope, no it was NOT self proclaimed by him, he's the one who grabs a pen & pad, sketch out an idea, then makes it happen with a few shoots and some news file from the archives of the Asylum. He's pulled off some magic in a matter of minutes after some big stories turned to help sell some of the hard workers at the Big Raggedy. Think about it, it he can put yours truly in one of his epic spots then he must have some great powers, DYK?

Fueling The Hype Machine

As we draw closer to the "Biggest Game Ever", version 2.0 I might add, it’s time for the obligatory meet and greet of the players from both LSU & BAMA to play nice in front of the media. No need for unwarranted bulletin board material this close to game day. Wonder what questions were asked and how many of them were recycled from the last time. Just have to watch what the small army from the Big Raggedy sends back since I couldn’t make for any of the festivities. There’s always next time even though that maybe four years from now.

New Year's Resolution

With 2011 officially in the rear view and no plans to put the brakes on in 2012, I like many all over have a New Year's Resolution. Nothing fancy, nothing outragous, just the same one I've had for some time now. What is it you ask?

Just be a better person.

Simple. Happy New Year. Make 2012 yours, DYK?

Hello MMXII

While putting the final touches of some good television at the asylum I start to think…

2011. My how the time flies. Even more reason to enjoy and reflect on moments that helped molded the past year. Some memories you want to forget about it. While others you relish. Those you hold on to. Those you will have a special place in your heart. Events where you kept eyes in the back of your head while walking backwards. Or the time you got to hang out with your favorite roller derby team for the whole season. Then there was the instance where you had to deal with all kinds of weather events. There was the return to an old haunt to go with the debut of another. You got to sit and listen to one incredibly strong young lady. But sadly had to say farewell to a couple of icons that left the business. Plus the day when you had a certain, “Holy crap did this just happen?”, moment. I’ll blog more about that one later. But the most important thing, I got to spend it with some from very good people inside and away from the walls of the asylum.

There was a lot that happened that made 2011 into 2011. So let’s sit back & enjoy some pictures, Happy New Year everyone.

Home For The Holidays

It’s no secret that I have a lot of admiration for the men and women of the Armed Forces. My grandpa served. My aunt served with her two daughter following suit. Those brave souls who were willing to make the sacrifice of being away from their loved ones and those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Now after a nine year trek, the war in Iraq is coming to an end and our brave men & women are making their way home. Just in time for the holidays.

So it’s nothing for me to go and capture the emotion of loved ones with an insatiable anxiety to hold their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers, & sisters in their arms once again. To the men & women who have served and those who are serving abroad, thank you for what you do. You have not only earned my respect but the respect of people living in the greatest country in the world.

Those of you have returned enjoy the return home and the love from your family and friends. Those of you still on active duty, my prayers for your safety and a speedy return are with you. God Bless you all and God Bless the United States of America.