Manny Harris karate kick’s Kalin Lucas in game

Last week Michigan and Michigan State faced off in part1 of their annual two game interstate skirmish and it was a doozy. Aside from catching your’s truly in the highlight above (white shirt on baseline), see Manny Fresh’s pretty quality face kick of Kalin Lucas. Take that little bro! (yes yes little bro then exacted revenge by draining a game winner…)

POY 2009 - My Favorites of the Year

Lots of media sources are compiling their Best of 2009 and even Best of the Decade galleries as we fast approach 2010. I thought I’d join in the fun by putting together my own favorite photos i’ve taken this year. Its a good exercise for any photographer to do, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your work in the past year and how you may learn to improve from them.

So, follow the jump link to see my Photos of the Year from 2009. They’re not necessarily the “best” images in terms of execution or action pictured, but were certainly what I thought were cool or funny or interesting. The pictures are presented chronologically through 2009.

Enjoy and Happy New Year!

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A Sibling Rivalry Reignited

This past Saturday saw Michigan State claim a second consecutive victory over the Michigan Wolverines, an achievement last seen during the Johnson Administration. Little Brother tripped up Blue. Gotta love the in-state rivalries.

Forcier gave everything he had in the downpour

Forcier gave everything he had in the downpour

I shot the game this time not for the AP, but a sports magazine. So, since my shots won’t be published for quite a while, I thought i’d share some of my favs. They’re a lot less of on-field action and more of the atmosphere surrounding this wet, wild game. Enjoy!

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Tilting/skew horizon photos, love or hate?

Jason Geil/The Cincinnati Post

Jason Geil/The Cincinnati Post

Hey photogs,

Here’s an oft-discussed and old topic that I’ve recently thought about and I’m hoping to see your takes on the subject…

http://www.reuters.com/article/RCOMUS_NWS/idUSRTXDGA7

Basically, i think you’ve all encountered, or even shot photos where the horizon was purposely tilted for dramatic compositional effect. Personally, i’ve never like it. I think its a huge cliché and way over-used by wedding photographers, etc (i’m biased against that stuff as some of you know). But, I do occasionally see photojournalists employ the technique, whether on-purpose or accidental, and i’ve come to realize their occasional appropriateness, nay brilliance, when employed correctly.

So, what do you guys think?

- Do you share the belief that news photos should always convey scenes in the most ‘natural’ angles and views?

- Is it ethical to tilt? Can it be both appropriate and when can it be inappropriate? (I just find myself artistically challenged so that’s probably why i’ve shunned the technique…)

- Is it just a stupid fad?

Here’s two photog’s views, first FOR, and the other AGAINST (above image from him):
http://www.aperculture.com/aperculture-blog/2008/9/30/when-in-doubt-tilt.html

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/photos/2006/12/tilt-frame-ugg.asp

Finally, a quick fun (but deep?) question to chew on: What type of photojournalist are you?
See the 3 types here: http://blog.kevinmoloney.com/?p=196

MacBook Pro (unibody) take apart

First, sorry for the lack of updates. Work has been consistently taking up all my time and my free time tends not to include blogging.. ;-(

Recently, i’ve had problem with one of my macbooks, (late 2008 unibody model) and diagnosed it with a bad optical disc drive… can’t tell you how many of these suckers i’ve killed in all my years.

So, since it was still under warranty, and i’m a professional, i had the replacement drive sent to me and thus replaced it. Since its the first time i’ve opened up this particular laptop, i thought i’d post a few shots.

The MPB with back case cover removed to show logic board

The MPB with back case cover removed to show logic board

Nothing too exceptional with these unibody MBPs, compared to the older models of yore, although i do admit it’s a lot easier to service from the number of screws (only 8!) you have to remove. The unibody design is definitely light-years ahead of any other computer maker, and it shows inside, kinda like looking at the well-tuned, well thought-out engine compartment of a fine German sports coupe…

One particularly interesting “technology” included in these new Apple laptops are what they call “submersion sensors”. Basically, they’re little round stickers placed inside the machine that turn red-herring pink if they come in contact with too much moisture. It allows AppleCare to say your laptop suffered water damage and thus your warranty is void. Bummer. Luckily, looks like my laptop’s sensors are still bright virgin white… even though the machine has definitely lived through some thunderstorms this summer in Comerica Park.


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