[ EXPOSURE ]

Fall 'Tweener

2011-11-06T23:41:00.000-08:00

The top photo... Tweener? Maybe. Awkward shape? Probably.

Happy Halloween, Kids.

2011-10-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

Cheerleader in Training

2011-10-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Cece Dodd, 2, of Mt. Pleasant is held up by Mt. Pleasant High School cheerleaders,
including Kylie Boyd, left, during a mentoring program Sunday afternoon on the high school's
football field in Mt. Pleasant.

A Boy's First Love... continued.

2011-10-15T21:07:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how drastically a year can make someone grow and mature.
I become really attached to Sam last fall while photographing him & knew his story wasn't complete.
(I also know it won't ever be complete.)
I am so excited to be spending time with him & his family again.

(Above)
Sam Neyer, 13, of Shepherd laughs and uses his phone as he sits on top
of his cow's head after feeding his family's cattle animal crackers outside his home Sunday
afternoon in Shepherd. Neyer, a third generation farmer, works on his family's dairy farm and
intends to take his father's job after college. In addition to the hundreds of cattle on the farm,
Neyer and his family raise several in their backyard.

Suicide Awareness Balloon Release

2011-10-15T21:06:00.001-07:00

About fifteen students stand in a circle and release yellow balloons to
symbolize their experiences related to suicide as part of Suicide Prevention Week
Wednesday evening outside Charles V. Park Library.

Noises at Monster Truck

2011-10-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Alexis Stackling, 1, of Jackson reacts to the monster trucks Friday night
during their performance on the grand stand at the Jackson County Fair.

NASCAR Sunday (WIDE!)

2011-10-15T20:46:00.001-07:00

Slap me on the wrist and tell me to put away my wide angle.
(For the record, I promise I mixed up my lensing.)

As much as I made fun of NASCAR before this summer, I will admit it...
I like it. I like NASCAR.

"My Religion saved me."

2011-10-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

Montel Beavers, 15, of Summit Township is a devout Christian and attends the
Church of God in Jackson almost daily. His religious beliefs, he said, separates him from most
other teenagers. "(My religion) saved me and prevented me from doing things other teens are
doing now a days, like drinking," he said. Beavers said he was saved by God on a Wednesday
evening during service when he was 10 years old. "I felt like I needed to be saved
because I knew if God came back, I wouldn't go to Heaven," he said.

Neighbors | Sharon Arntson

2011-10-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Technically speaking, this portrait could be a lot better.
But I really appreciate it.

I learned this summer not to obsess over making a portrait that is completely literal –
Instead, capture personality. Life.

I left with several different portraits, but this one consistently stuck out to me.
This was the most genuine and warm. This defined Mrs. Arntson.

Great-Grandma Love.

2011-08-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Jessie Parker of Jackson laughs as she lifts her great-grandaughter
Isabella, 2, into the air while playing outside her home Thursday morning in Jackson.
"I love them," she said about Isabella and her great-grandson, Cameron, 3.
"They are a joy to have. They keep me going, energized, ready to go."

Queen for a Day

2011-08-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
2010 RoseQueen Casey McKay flexes her muscles and laughs with two
participants while 2011 Jackson County RoseQueen candidate Quinn Fischman, 18,
of Jackson gives Halle Arehart, 9, of Jackson a high-five for doing the splits
Wednesday afternoon between activities during the "Queen for a Day"
event at the Cascades Golf Course clubhouse.

Hot Air Jubilee

2011-08-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hot Town, Summer in the City

2011-08-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Alaijah Boyd, 5, center, reacts to a stream of water while standing in a blow-up pool
with cousins Dwayne Hood, 5, right, and Imonii Hood, 3, of Jackson as her
grandmother sprays the kids with a hose Wednesday afternoon outside their home in Jackson.
"We're enjoying the weather in the pool and keeping the kids together,"
grandmother Sarah Iveson said.

Vigil on Lake Columbia

2011-08-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
About 200 friends and family gathered along the shore of Lake Columbia
in Brooklyn Sunday night to remember 19-year-old Broc Fejes, who died Saturday
evening in a boating accident. Fejes loved the water, friends said, and
was supposed to leave for the Coast Guard in August.

The reporting intern and I spent the majority of our Fourth of July weekend on Lake Columbia. Unfortunately, instead of celebrating, we were covering devastating breaking news. A 19-year-old drowned while boating with his friends the afternoon of Saturday, July 2. Two males and two females were passengers on the boat when they said it went airborne, landed and tipped. The recovery effort lasted through Saturday evening and started again early that Sunday. The victim's brave sister gathered his friends and family for a vigil that night, shown above. Alanna and I were warned there would be tragedies to cover this summer, but covering this story hit both of us hard.

Alpacas- "Honk If You Pronk"

2011-08-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

While flipping through a magazine nine years ago, Jan O’Neill came across a picture that inspired her future retirement plan.
It wasn’t a home in Florida, nor a photo of someone traveling an exotic land. It was a photo of a unusual, furry animal with a long neck and legs: an alpaca.
Now in retirement, O’Neill and her husband, Richard, raise about 43 alpacas on their Clare Limerick Alpaca Ranch at 5681 Rives Junction Road.
The journey started in 2002 when the couple bought four pregnant females. “We were fortunate in what we bought,” O’Neill said.
Image, one of the newborn babies, or crias, won a national level blue ribbon during the O’Neills’ first show season. The couple continue to show about four times a year, Richard said.
“When you go to a show, you meet up with all your friends,” Jan said. “Alpaca owners are the friendliest, nicest, helpful people.”
Along with friends and showing, Richard and Jan said watching the crias play is the best part of owning alpacas.
“When we first got them, we used to take lawn chairs out by the fence, bring lemonade and sit and watch,” Jan said.
Still, hard work is involved on a daily basis to take care of the South American species, Jan said.
“It’s made us closer in having to work together to take care of them,” Richard said.
The past nine years have been a fun adventure in getting know the alpacas and how to take care of them, Richard said.
“We used to say, ‘Become enchanted with the alpaca lifestyle,’” Jan laughed. “It connects you with nature. You can’t beat that.”

(I loved working on this package because --
1. I have always had a slight obsession with alpacas. Most likely because they're so awkward looking.
2. I was at the ranch immediately after the cria in the fifth photo was born.. The O'Neills named the little boy Ashton after me!
3. I was able to use funny alpaca terms like "pronk" on a regular basis.)

Porch Sittin'

2011-08-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
From left, Erica Denard, 11, Reydontae Worthey, 14, Domojhea Young, 9,
Jalik Bonabart, 10, and Demarquan Smith, 10, sit on the porch between
playing with several other children July 16 outside their Jackson home.
About 15 family members gathered outside while the Jackson Fire Department
worked to extinguish a structure fire down the street.

126th Army Band

2011-07-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
SFC Devin Hahn of the 126th Army Band practices his trombone behind the Cascades Falls
Park band shell before the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard concert
Friday in Jackson. He has been playing since he was 13, he said.

SPC Luke Panning, left, of the 126th Army Band dances with Barb Briggson of
Weidman to "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller during the 126th Army Band of the Michigan
National Guard concert Friday night at the Cascades Falls Park band shell in Jackson.

SPC Brooke Briggson of Kalamazoo takes a nap against the back of the
Cascades Falls Park band shell before the 126th Army Band of the Michigan
National Guard concert Friday in Jackson.

SPC Steven Michanowicz of the 126th Army Band dances to "In the Mood"
by Glenn Miller during the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard
concert Friday night at the Cascades Falls Park band shell in Jackson.

SGT William Karsten of the 126th Army Band plays the tuba in front of the audience
during the 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard concert
Friday night at the Cascades Falls Park band shell in Jackson.

Candlelight Vigil

2011-07-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Friends gather to remember Kyle Ames during a candlelight vigil Wednesday
night in Hanover Township. Ames died in an automobile accident Monday
morning at the intersection of Folks and Thorne Roads.

It was difficult to shoot this and be able to relate to what Kyle's friends were going through. My own town lost an incredible, hilarious guy last year on July 2 in a motorcycle accident. I grew up with Roger Mrozovich, and it's still hard to believe what happened. Keeping Kyle Ames' family and friends in my prayers.

Lyle Dotson | A Soldier's Sacrifice

2011-06-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Lyle Dotson of Jackson left high school to serve in the Army
during World War II. He is now devout member of the Pentecostal
Church of God with his wife, Etta.

As Vandercook Lake High School’s Class of 1943 prepared to graduate, Lyle Dotson decided to leave school without a diploma to serve his country in World War II.
“I went home that day and talked to my mother and father and asked, ‘Would you guys co-sign for me to go into the Army?’ ” Dotson said.
When his father asked why, he responded: “To get the war over with.”
Dotson, now an 84-year-old Jackson resident, said that within a month, he was in a train station in Detroit with 48 other soldiers.
Dotson’s unit was stationed in France when he received news the war was over. He spent the remainder of his three years overseas working in the cleanup detail.
“I enjoyed going in. I saw a lot of the country,” Dotson said.
Sixty-two years after Dotson left high school, he was offered a diploma from Vandercook Lake High School. There were 65 graduates, Dotson said, and he was the 66th.
At the graduation ceremony, several female students from Spring Arbor University spelled out his name on white T-shirts.
“I got a standing ovation, and I felt real proud,” Dotson said. “But I had to leave the stadium and go around back because I cried. I felt like the king of the rock.”

HIgh School Baseball Player of the Year

2011-06-29T16:34:00.001-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Nick Borrego of East Jackson is the high school baseball
player of the year. He will continue is career at Jackson Community College in the fall.

Freestyle.

2011-06-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Lindsay Rasmussen, 13, above, and Alexander Dunning, 13, both of Jackson,
swim the 400 freestyle for the Jackson County Aquatic Club during the Rose City Swim
Invitational Sunday morning at the Ella Sharp Park pool in Jackson.

Emma Grace, 11, top center, starts laughing with her teammates from
the Jackson County Aquatic Club Sunday afternoon while relaxing
under the team tent during the Rose City Swim Invitational at
the Ella Sharp Park pool in Jackson.

Megan Mehalco, 12, of Jackson volunteers to keep time during
the Rose City Swim Invitational at the Ella Sharp Park pool in Jackson.

Gummi Bear Explosions at Science Camp

2011-06-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Chase Blakemore, 11, right, and Sam Dobbon, 13, of Jackson wait
to capture a reaction during a chemistry demonstration at the Cougar Science Camp
held at Spring Arbor University Thursday morning.

Aaron King, 7, of Jackson, left, and Brennan McGraw, 8, of Spring Arbor
react as a methanol milk jug flies across the room during a chemistry demonstration
at the Cougar Science Camp held at Spring Arbor University Thursday morning.

Ethan Lamkin, 6, of Jackson, right, laughs with Eli Pardee, 5, of Concord
while measuring their lung capacity during the Cougar Science Camp
at Spring Arbor University Thursday morning.

Michigan International Speedway | SUNDAY

2011-06-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Michigan International Speedway | SATURDAY

2011-06-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Michigan International Speedway | FRIDAY

2011-06-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

NASCAR Circles!

2011-06-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

A driver traditionally burns out after winning a race in front of thousands of screaming fans.
What is often overlooked, however, is the circle or “doughnut” the driver leaves imprinted on the track after his celebration.
Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn encompasses thousands of circles. Some are visible, like the track. Others are more subtle, such as the beads of gatorade that pour over the winners.
“There are lots of circles here,” Mike Motil of Kasey Kahne’s pit crew said as he hovered over tires Friday morning in the garage.
Like most races, “NASCAR circles” are not always perfectly shaped.
Lawn chairs previously wrapped in a circle around a campfire will eventually shift as people move around. The top of aluminum cans might get crushed.
As fans and drivers leave Michigan International Speedway this weekend, many of the infield circles will disappear as they exit the track, but the most prominent and outstanding circle — the speedway — will remain next time they roll into Brooklyn.

---Oh man. Kinda cheesy, right? Alright, really cheesy copyblock. But honestly, how do you talk about circles?!

The day I got hit in the head by a baseball

2011-06-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Pitcher Cullen Ratliff of Petersburg-Summerfield, center, is embraced
by his team while celebrating winning the Division 4 regional
final game over Concord in Concord.

Kyle Martin of Concord runs home during the Division 4 regional semifinal
game against Petersburg-Summerfield in Concord.

Jack Ropp of Concord makes a diving catch and throws to first from the ground
Saturday afternoon during the Division 4 regional final game against Petersburg-Summerfield
at Concord High School in Concord.

Spanish Dancing, Kids & Curiosity

2011-06-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Ella Tupper, 5, center, looks up and smiles while Flamenco dancing
with classmates Thursday morning at the North Star Montessori Preschool in Jackson.
The students dressed up in Spanish clothing and performed a dance recital for parents.

From right, Valen Koszegi, 4, Elijah Maitland, 3, and Eagan Lewis, 4, react
as their instructor's skirt flies while performing a Flamenco dance
Thursday morning at the North Star Montessori Preschool in Jackson.

Division 3 District Baseball Champs

2011-06-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Pitcher Colton Brannick jumps on catcher Ben Lefere, both of Lumen Christi,
after the final pitch to claim the Division 3 District Baseball
Championship title over Michigan Center Saturday afternoon
at Vandercook Lake High School in Jackson.

Ha-Ha-Ha-Hair

2011-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Eva Halliwell fixes Shawn McKinney's hair before work Thursday afternoon while their son
Don'Trese McKinney, 3, watches on the porch of their Jackson home.
"We are enjoying the cool breeze," Halliwell said.

Memorial Day Parade

2011-06-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

[FROM TOP]
CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Staff Sergeant Daniel Barron of Jackson laughs while looking up at the flag
of the United States Marine Corps Monday morning before the
Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.

Dean Dumbauld of Jackson represents the American Legion Post 29
Ritual Team Monday morning in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.
Dumbauld is also a World War II veteran.

Sergio Bravo of Wisconsin represents the Marine Corps in the color guard
Monday morning in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.

Joe Lorenz, 16, of Grass Lake marches with the Lumen Christi High School
marching band Monday morning in the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Jackson.
"It's nice to honor the veterans who have served our country," he said.

Neighbors | Walter & Lucille Wrozek

2011-06-02T13:43:00.001-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Walter and Lucille Wrozek smile as they talk about their wedding 58 years ago
at their home in Jackson. The Wrozeks spend the majority of their time volunteering.
"It draws us closer together," Walter said.

Walter Wrozek dedicated his early years to serving his country in the U.S. Navy. Now in retirement, he serves his community alongside his childhood friend and wife, Lucille.
The Jackson couple have spent the majority of the past 30 years volunteering in the community where they were born and raised. Lucille’s late mother volunteered for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and hoped the Wrozeks would take her place.
“My mom said, ‘I am ripening these two children up so they will volunteer after I am gone,’” Lucille said.
One thing led to another, Walter said, and the Wrozeks began to serve at several places, including area care homes and churches.
“We need a calendar to keep track of everything,” he said. “We are very active in this community.”
The time spent dedicated to community service has drawn the couple closer together, Walter said.
“We don’t take anything unless we can volunteer together,” Walter said.
He noted that during their working years, they “had to be separated.”
The Wrozeks believe volunteering has kept them in good health. Walter said while they intend to lighten their schedule, they will continue to volunteer.
“The good Lord has been good to us,” Lucille said. “We are so thankful we’re healthy and able to give ourselves to someone else.”

Baseball

2011-06-02T13:42:00.001-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Zachary Boone of Columbia Central bats during the first game of a doubleheader against
Hillsdale Friday in Brooklyn. Hillsdale won the first game 6-2.

Youth Build

2011-06-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
De'Angelo Baker, 18, right, laughs with Drake Pfeifer, 19, both of Jackson,
between tasks while working on a house Thursday afternoon in Jackson for the Youth Build
Program. "It's a great experience," Baker said. "It's an opportunity to open a lot of doors with
construction and GED programs."

Diamond Classic

2011-06-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

[FROM TOP]
CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Sienna Surber, center right, and Lelah Weber, both of Jackson, celebrate in the dugout after
winning the championship game 3-1 against Columbia Central in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot
Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.

Trisha Binschus of Jackson cries and laughs as she hugs teammate Lelah Weber after after
winning the championship game 3-1 against Columbia Central in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot
Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn. "I just don't want to be done," Binschus said.
"I love these girls so much. We're like family."

Second basemen Ashley Chesney of Jackson retrieves a hit and looks to throw to first base
during the championship game against Columbia Central in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot
Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn. Jackson won 3-1.

Heather Schwyn of Columbia Central bats during the championship game against
Jackson in the 20th Annual Citizen Patriot Diamond Classic Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn.
Columbia Central lost 3-1.

WINE TASTING!

2011-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Melissa Weaver, left, and Joan Edwards laugh with Tony Ciccone of Ciccone Vineyard and
Winery while tasting the local wineries of Michigan Saturday afternoon during the Great Lakes
Wine Fest at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.
"We're here for the wine and the sun," Joan said.

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Anna Dietrich of Morenci pours a glass of wine from Burgdorf Winery while owner Deb Burgdorf
of Haslett, left, speaks to a customer Saturday afternoon during the Great Lakes Wine Fest at
the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The Fest featured various local wineries,
breweries and vendors.

Regional Track Meet - Shot Put

2011-06-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
Tonia Pratt of Michigan Center throws a shot put 38' 4.5'' during her second attempt at the
Division Three Regional Track Meet Friday evening in Olivet.
Pratt won the event with a throw of 41' 6''.

First Day Feature Hunt

2011-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

CITIZEN PATRIOT • ASHLEY MILLER
From left, stepbrothers Joel Garner, 13, and Ryan Stull, 14, react as they guess the color of
oncoming cars from the roof of their Jackson home early Monday evening.
"We asked our mom if we could clean the gutters," Garner said. "We are just hanging out."
Although they are too busy during the school year, Garner and Stull
often sit on the roof during the summer.

HOOPS!

2011-02-16T22:59:00.000-08:00

Hero for the Day!

2010-12-15T21:24:00.000-08:00

I appreciate my experience at Camp Quality more and more every day.
I miss these kids, and I pray for their strength and wellness.

Love & Devotion Part II

2010-12-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

The Grand Jeté

2010-11-09T21:15:00.000-08:00

Behind the Catwalk

2010-11-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

OUCH.

2010-11-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

Love & Devotion

2010-11-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

DJ Jones, 21, is a single father of one son, but is raising and supporting two children.

His son's mother, Shaniqua, lives with him with her new daughter, Aniyah. Since she doesn't know who the father is,

DJ has taken the role. Although Shaniqua and DJ are no longer together,

she stays in the apartment so DJ can take care of the children, according to DJ.

“I wasn’t ready to be a father,” DJ said. “But once Trey was born, my life completely changed.

I wouldn’t be who I am today without him.”

Fighting Back

2010-11-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

Mount Pleasant resident Tommy Chamberlain, 23, turned to Faith Fighting, 1319 S. Mission St.,

in Mount Pleasant after he ran into trouble with his life.

"I was drinking and partying too much," he said. "So I came here."

Alma Fire

2010-10-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

(Above) April Carll turns to the crowd while witnessing a historic building in downtown Alma burn on Tuesday morning.

Fire fighters arrived on the scene around 2:30 a.m. and worked throughout the afternoon.

"Stuff like this doesn't happen in Alma," Carll said.

2010-10-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I spent some time with a family celebrating their parent's 60th wedding anniversary

at St. Joseph's in Detroit. We only had an hour for photographs, so with about thirty family members,

we were rushing to get all the portraits done. I barely had time to breathe, let alone try to look

for the natural moments I truly wanted. I turned around once when they were changing family members

and was able to capture this. I wish I had more time... the old cathedral was absolutely beautiful.

A Boy's First Love

2010-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Sam Neyer is already confident in his career choice at age 12. In fact, the family farming business

harnessed Sam’s interest when he was only a toddler. "I want to be a farmer when I grow up," Sam said.

"I want to take my dad's job and expand the farm like he did."

Neyer Dairy Farms Inc. is now a third generation farm with all three locations active in work. The Neyers own

roughly 1,200 cattle and milk 400 and 600 respectively on each farm. Sam's main job is to feed the baby cattle and

clean each stall. Although he spends every day at the farm during the summer, as a 7th grader at Sacred Heart Academy in Mount Pleasant,

he is only able to work on weekends.

Although his maturity and life is different from many other 12 year olds, Sam is still a normal kid.

He plays video games, watches television and occasionally fights with his brother. What makes him different,

however, is that he already started his career and found his first love.

Welcome to the World, Baby!

2010-10-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

I spent two weeks with the Neyer family developing the story in the post above. Although my final edit did not

focus on Jerry, I spent a lot of my time with him. One Tuesday afternoon, I received the phone call I had been hoping for.

"I have a birth coming," he said. "The water broke. It should be within the half hour."

My boyfriend had my truck, so I grabbed his keys and prayed he had enough gas to get me to the farm.

(He did. Barely. I ended up getting stranded afterwards, but that's beside the point.)

I ran to the back of the Neyer Dairy Farm Inc. and found the barn and the pregnant mother.

Jerry came around in his truck and prepared all the equipment. He made sure she was ready and induced labor.

Jerry comforted the mom as he pulled the chains attached to the calf.

She gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

I left the farm that day with a new appreciation for something. I'm not exactly sure I can describe it.

It was the first birth I have ever witnessed, after all. It was just as I expected in many ways- messy and painful looking.

But the love the new mother and Jerry had for the calf was beautiful.

Tiny Cheerleader

2010-09-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Shaniya Simcox, 3, cheers along with Alma High School's cheerleading squad,

including her aunt, on Saturday, Sept. 17 during the school's varsity football game.

Night at the Speedway

2010-09-11T16:47:00.001-07:00

I spent the evening last Friday job shadowing Nick King of the Midland Daily News.

He was working on a photo story about a third generation race car driver.

I learned an important lesson from Nick about building rapport with subjects.

It inspired me to begin my own projects in JRN 422 and capture the stories of others.

(I also took the opportunity while at the Mount Pleasant Speedway to explore the pits. I loved it.)

Engine Swap

2010-09-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I were driving back to the apartment one evening before school started.

He pointed to the parking lot in front of the towers and said, "Look, that's freaking sweet."

This poor kid (Ohio sophomore Andrew Coutts) was swapping engines after his original motor blew.

Luckily, he said cars were second nature to him.

Thank you to Matt for catching the scene and pulling over so I could shoot it.

Hello, Fall Sports!

2010-09-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

Lots of sports so far this semester. I am more than happy about that.

Old 27 Tour

2010-09-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

Matthew had a freelance assignment a few weeks ago in the charming little town of St. Louis, Mich.

Hundreds of classic (& beautiful) cars rolled into town for the annual Old 27 Tour.

There were interesting people everywhere, including the couple above who were singing to "Leroy Brown."

I could have spent all day there.

Camp Quality: Day Five

2010-07-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

What an incredible, indescribable experience.

All the people at Camp Quality touched my life beyond what I could have imagined.

It was so hard to leave at the end of the week.

Camp Quality: Day Four

2010-07-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

Camp Quality: Day Three

2010-07-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

[Well, everything I shot yesterday afternoon and evening completely corrupted

on my card. I couldn't recover much, but I did manage to salvage this one.]

This is Justin.

I hate to choose favorites, but I have really grown attached to him this week.

He is extremely shy and soft spoken; however, when he smiles, his entire face lights up.

Yesterday, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I have a surprise for you...

but I'll only give it to you if you sit by me at dinner."

He made me a beaded necklace with my name on it. It was one of the sweetest

& most thoughtful gifts I've ever been given.

It absolutely kills me to think about all he has gone through. He is so gentle and fragile.

I wish I could give him his childhood back,

and I wish I could protect him from cancer.

Camp Quality: Day Two

2010-07-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

The kids had a blast this afternoon during "Marshmallow Madness."

Who knew that throwing wet marshmallows at each other could be so much fun?

Welcome to Camp Quality =]

2010-07-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

Camp Quality is a weeklong camp for children who have experienced or who have cancer.

I am glad to be shooting it, considering all my mother is currently going through.

The kids are all inspiring and wonderful, and they really deserve this opportunity to be carefree for a few days.

Putt Putt with Becky

2010-07-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Becky is Farmington's little piece of sunshine. I took her putt-putting at the old, run-down

course at the edge of town today. Of course she chose a pink putter and ball,

and she used it to score TWO hole in ones.

"This is the happiest day of my entire life," she said.

Bits & Pieces

2010-06-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Get it? BITS and pieces? Haha. Maybe horse people will think it's funny.

I haven't been able to shoot much lately, and I really need to change that.

CMU Graduation

2010-05-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

-Dr. Suess

Huge congratulations to my boyfriend, Matthew, for graduating.

So disappointed to see him leave, but so excited to see where he's headed.

THREADS!

2010-04-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

"A girl should be two things: classy & fabulous."

-Coco Chanel

[CM Life]

"Don't Count 'Em Out"

2010-04-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

"The CMU baseball team empties the dugout as senior James Teas slides into home plate

to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday at Theunissen Stadium.

Junior Matt Faiman hit an RBI double to score the run. CMU trailed 8-4 going into the ninth inning."

[CM Life]

Pinned to Submission

2010-02-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

CMU v. Ball State Basketball

2010-01-19T18:39:00.001-08:00

Ball State University forward Terrence Watson attempts to block

a shot during their 38-53 loss Jan. 13 against Central Michigan University.

Finding the Strength to Overcome

2009-12-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few images from a photo story I have been

working on this semester. Dan & Jennifer Digmann are, by far, two of

the most inspirational people I have ever met. Combined, the couple

has faced multiple sclerosis for over twenty years.

[Above] "Push me out the window," Dan Digmann said while encouraging his wife to stretch and push out her impaired legs on Nov. 24, 2009 in their Mount Pleasant bedroom. Jennifer no long has the ability to walk due to her secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis.

[Below] Jennifer Digmann embraces her husband, Dan, after he lifts her out of her wheelchair to transfer her to their bed before stretching and exercising her legs on Nov. 24, 2009.

A Girl & Her Horse

2009-11-16T09:07:00.001-08:00

CMU Women's Soccer vs. Western

2009-11-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

CMU defeated Western Michigan University on November 1,

sending the team to the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference tournament.

[Property of CM Life]

"Running for Refuge"

2009-10-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

"Senior Riak Mabil was born in Sudan, but was displaced to Kenya and eventually

came to the United States as a refugee in 2000. He considers the role of his teammate,

also from Southern Sudan, an influence in his decision to

run Cross Country and Track at Central Michigan."

This is not exactly the portrait I had envisioned. Although there are things I wish I would have done differently,

I have grown to appreciate the simplicity of it solely because of Riak's intricate life story.

I'd highly suggest taking the time to read Aaron McMann's article.

[Property of CM Life]

"Sweet Symphony"

2009-09-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Senior quarterback Dan LeFevour helps Drum Major David Bechard lead the fight song

after Saturday's 48-21 win against Akron at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

[Property of CM Life]

CMU Soccer v. University of Detroit Mercy

2009-09-22T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to shoot soccer last Friday. Considering I played for most of my life,

it was no surprise that I loved every second. For the first time, I had an overwhelming urge

to drop my camera. I would have done anything to have been on the field with

a pair of cleats and maybe even an old pair of goalie gloves.

[Property of CM Life]

Boardwalk

2009-08-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt in my mind that Clam Pass Beach Park in Naples,

Florida is one of the most beautiful places in the country. In the morning, my father

would disappear down the beach for hours; however, this was the first time

we visited in the evening. Unfortunately, we missed the actual sunset.

Tubing on Hess Lake

2009-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend marked my first tubing experience. These two, Mandy and Meghan, went out on Hess Lake first.

We initially thought they were trying to be funny with the ridiculous expressions they were making.

It turned out they were all legitimate faces. I believe Meghan is shown yelling to slow down for the next round.

The best part? ...During their ride, we were going maybe 10 mph.

Columbus Zoo

2009-07-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

"Unless we work together to change attitudes at all levels-

from world leaders to the consumers of illegal bushmeat- there will be no viable populations

of great apes in the wild within 50 years."

-Jane Goodall, 1998

Franklin Park Conservatory

2009-07-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

While in Columbus this past week, my family brought me to the Franklin Park Conservatory.

Work was on display by artist Dale Chihuly, an artist who could inspire anyone to appreciate art.

Wedding

2009-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

I helped shoot my first wedding on the Fourth of July. Cristina and James, the newlyweds,

had a beautiful ceremony and reception in Dearborn. The blue sky barely peeked out,

but according to the bride, it was "better for pictures anyways because the sun wouldn't be in everyone's eyes."