tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-235470562024-03-13T06:49:58.311-07:00Back FocusThe views and insights of an Ohio news photographer.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-23469505010569226632008-06-23T20:50:00.000-07:002008-06-23T21:02:40.766-07:00Gone But Not Forgotten<div align="left">As many of you are probably aware, at least the avid readers of this blog, I have been spending the last few days on special assignment for work in Iowa City, Iowa. In case you've been living under a rock, the Iowa River flooded two weeks ago, forcing many people out of thier homes and ruining several lives.<br /><br />Being out here has been eye-opening to say the least. The work out here isn't easy, and it's far from over. The resolve of the residents to help one another and get back to normalcy as fast as possible is one that should be heralded across the nation. Iowans are tough people.<br /><br />In the next couple of days, I will be out here working 13 hour days, attempting to bring some of the best coverage the area has seen. I will also have my digital camera with me, hoping to catch images that will help me remember this historic event, as well as help you see what these people are going through, and the general quality of life out here right now.<br /><br />I've posted a few pictures below, feel free to look at them. I'll be bringing more as the days move on.<br /><br />I may be gone from home, but the Iowa Floods of 2008 are not forgotten.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><a title="'" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2600979601/"><img style="WIDTH: 393px; HEIGHT: 247px" height="333" alt="'" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2600979601_5b2f59ec1f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="DSC_0191 by Back Focus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2606659354/"><img style="WIDTH: 393px; HEIGHT: 229px" height="489" alt="DSC_0191" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2606659354_97451ec1e8_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><br /><br /><a title="DSC_0160 by Back Focus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2599037439/"><img style="WIDTH: 394px; HEIGHT: 287px" height="333" alt="DSC_0160" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2599037439_1b40fe5197.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a title="DSC_0156 by Back Focus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2599866044/"><img style="WIDTH: 390px; HEIGHT: 227px" height="333" alt="DSC_0156" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2599866044_9c76b44330.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Clicking on any of the images above will bring up a better view of the picture. It will also allow you to check out several of my other images I've taken.</em></div>OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-68646530605259789142008-05-20T02:02:00.000-07:002008-05-20T02:27:59.951-07:00Sometimes we all get lucky....<a title="TrotwoodFire2 by Back Focus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/783465731/"><a title="TrotwoodFire2 by Back Focus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/783465731/"><img style="WIDTH: 354px; HEIGHT: 260px" height="375" alt="TrotwoodFire2" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1440/783465731_b4f008f42c.jpg" width="500" /></a></a><br /><br />I hear it all the time. Usually after I come back to the station with some "great" shots or some "amazing" video. It usually goes something like this...<br /><br />"You're the best!"<br /><br />"The shows look so much better when you're working."<br /><br />"I wish I had two of you."<br /><br />"You're really kicking a$$ out here."<br /><br />I appreciate the compliments, I really do. Sometimes I just think that people go overboard with them. At my last place of employment, compliments were few and far between. It also seemed the people that really deserved them didn't get any at all, but who am I to judge?<br /><br />After leaving that place and starting anew here, I've become used to hearing those statements above. That leaves me with three thoughts. Either that a) I'm really good at my job, b) People tend to overreact, or c) I'm one of the luckiest people on the face of the planet.<br /><br />I was watching the PBS Documentary <a href="http://www.pbs.org/thewar/">"The War"</a> after work tonight and a quote from one of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima stuck in my head. He was talking about how after the war was over, everyone back home regarded him as a hero. He said "I'm not a hero, and neither were the men fighting alongside me. We were just sent there to do a job, and we did what we were told."<br /><br />Now looking back today, some people might disagree with him, and they are not wrong for doing so. I believe that, much like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is self-admiration. Personally I think those that fought in the war are heroes, but I wouldn't be upset if they didn't look at themselves that way. Sometimes it's hard for someone to realize the impact they have on those around them.<br /><br />Do I think I'm the greatest photographer around, by all means no. I wouldn't even put myself in the top 5 at my station. Do others think that I am in the top 5, yes. Do the pictures of raging house fires that I gather have anything to do with my skill? Not in my mind.<br /><br />See to get those great pictures isn't a matter of skill, knowledge, or general "greatness" in photography. It all revolves around luck. Does the guy who chases down the purse snatcher credit his great foot speed or keen eyes to helping nab the bad guy? No, it comes down to four words, "Right place, Right Time."<br /><br />I've been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time several times, but no one ever seems to remember those.<br /><br />Here's to hoping I'm as lucky in other aspects of life as I have been with capturing those "great" pictures. So far, so good.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-45414480518026721062008-05-07T13:22:00.001-07:002008-05-07T13:29:04.896-07:00Shelter From The Storm<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2472469075_560ab9d0e5_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2231/2472469075_560ab9d0e5_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />While out cruising for a story I came across these old Silos just east of downtown. They are really out of place if you can see what else is around them. Obviously they have been vacant for some time, and the graffiti artist have taken over.<br /><br />This shot reminds me of some kind of last guard tower to the east. It looks like it's the one place you could go to seek shelter from whatever might be coming in the future.<br /><br /><strong><em><br />"In a little hilltop village, they gambled for my clothes<br />I bargained for salvation an' she give me a lethal dose.<br />I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn.<br />"Come in," she said,<br />"I'll give you shelter from the storm."</strong><br />-Bob Dylan, "Shelter From The Storm"</em>OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-80265981209321145742008-05-02T17:26:00.000-07:002008-05-02T17:39:32.013-07:00Fly on the wall<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2459829223_81f055eb0c_b.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2459829223_81f055eb0c_b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2459829223_81f055eb0c_b.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Ever hear someone say they are just a "fly on the window of life?" I guess it's a way to say that you're just one small person, and that you can't change everything, even though you might really want to.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've felt that way sometimes. I'm guess most of the readers of this blog have. Whether it's a personal event that makes you feel unimportant, work, financial stress, we all have these moments.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>I have a different outlook on life than post people, or at least, I like to think I do. I have, at least since a certain event in my life, lived my live like I have a chip on my shoulder. I feel as though I have to prove my worthiness to those around me.</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>This may seem a little dramatic. I'll put it like this. I work my hardest at almost everything I do. Whether or not there is a reward directly given to me. I was brought up the son of a factory worker, grandson of a farmer, and I guess that hard work just runs in the family. I treat people with the respect that I would want from them. I laugh and joke with people the same way I would want them to laugh and joke with me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Anyways, I guess I've gotten a bit off topic. You're probably wondering where the fly picture came from. I was testing out my new Nikon D40 digital SLR camera I recently purchased. I found this fly while outside enjoying the sun on the wall of my patio. I'm guessing he or she was doing the same. I was impressed with the detail in the picture, and the overall quality, so I figured I would share it with you.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Afterall, even if you are just a fly on the window of life, you should still take the time to admire your surroundings.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div>OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-56179183333190626172008-02-27T17:21:00.000-08:002008-02-27T17:22:42.806-08:00The City Of New OrleansI know it’s been awhile since I started this whole blog thing. At first it seemed like it would be a good way to share my experiences of work, but also a way for me took look back at some of the more exciting times of the job.<br /><br />I wish I could say I only hurt myself by not writing here, but apparently by some emails and comments I’ve received, I’ve let some of my biggest “fans” down. For those of you who were frequent visitors to this page I apologize.<br /><br />Now let’s get on to a wrap up of some of my recent activities shall we? And let’s hope these exciting tales continue.<br /><br />As stated in my previous entry, I did get the opportunity to travel down the interstate to the wonderful state of Louisiana, and more importantly, the historical city of New Orleans.<br /><br /><a title="I-10Bridge by BackFocus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2195711411/"><img height="180" alt="I-10Bridge" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/2195711411_0fa9e066fd_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Coming in on highway 10 you can really see the damage left by hurricane Katrina. It’s actually kind of hard to miss. Buildings which have been abandoned are a frequent site, as well as the remnants of people’s lives that remain, even though the people don’t.<br /><br /><a title="FrenchQuarter02 by BackFocus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2196481038/"><img height="180" alt="FrenchQuarter02" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2196481038_3fa11c5b98_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Downtown New Orleans is a different story. There you can find all sorts of life. From the French quarter to the Mississippi River, there is plenty to do and see. I was amazed at some of the pure beauty the city held onto. This was, after all, my first visit to New Orleans.<br /><br /><a title="FieldLevel05 by BackFocus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2196492100/"><img height="180" alt="FieldLevel05" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/2196492100_779f7b87e1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />I was there to cover the BCS National Championship game, and although the game didn’t go the way I would have liked, the experience I most certainly wouldn’t have traded for the world. The food, the hospitality, the sights and sounds I would recommend to anyone.<br /><br />No matter what kind of vacation or escape you are looking for, most likely New Orleans has something for you.<br /><br /><a title="RandomOSUFan by BackFocus, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2195702207/"><img height="180" alt="RandomOSUFan" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2195702207_8384f27765_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br />If you’re Ohio State Buckeye fan looking for a championship…..that is something New Orleans doesn’t have.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-43065703264017191932008-01-02T20:32:00.000-08:002008-01-02T20:44:11.943-08:00The Heart Of Dixie<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2161233392/" title="DrivingDownTennessee by BackFocus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2349/2161233392_28f67aaf0d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="DrivingDownTennessee" /></a><br /><br />Started out our trip to the "Big Easy", also known as the City Of New Orleans. We left around 10am today (see picture above) and headed down to our stop, which is in the little town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.<br /><br />But first, before we get to Tuscaloosa, we must first stop by some other sites. The drive from Dayton to Nashville was pretty boring, lots of Kentucky rolling hills and bluegrass, and even some snow to help start our journey. It wasn't until I finally saw the skyline of Nashville that I truly became excited about our driving.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/2161232850/" title="NashvilleSkyline by BackFocus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2161232850_92e6e8accc_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="NashvilleSkyline" /></a> When you first arrive in Nashville via Highway 65 South, the city sort of pops out at you. It's not as drastic of a change as say Pittsburgh, but it's still a sight to see.<br /><br />After Nashville came Athens, Decatur, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama seems like a pleasant place. I can start to see some of the southern hospitality coming out as we were driving through. Every gas station we stopped at, and even when we had some Alabama BBQ Ribs and Wings for dinner, the people were really nice and understanding.<br /><br />We drove by the University of Alabama, but it was unfortunately too dark to take any pictures. The place were we had dinner was really nice and had several pieces of Alabama athletic history. Even learned about some people who had roots here in the city and school that I didn't know about.<br /><br />Well I should be heading to bed. We have a lot to do tomorrow, as we will finally be heading to the big easy. More to come, so stay tuned.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-16181076322349119792007-06-11T17:16:00.000-07:002007-06-11T17:34:49.138-07:00West Side Wildfires<p align="center"><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/541480224/"><img style="WIDTH: 283px; HEIGHT: 192px" height="180" alt="ReisingerAvenueFire2" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/541480224_4a032f2f8c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><br /><br />Ok, so they are not really wildfires. Or at least what <i>most</i> people would refer to as a wildfire.<br /><br />I've coined another definition of the word "wildfire". I use it to describe the vast amount of unexplained fires we have overnight here in the always beautiful metropolis of Dayton.<br /><br />It seems that during the hotter days you are guaranteed at least one a night, somtimes up to three. They always seem to be vacant houses, but you can never be to sure what you will find inside. Sometimes there will be a homeless man, other times there will be some stray cats, and sometimes a body. You never know.<br /><br /><p align="center"><img height="180" alt="ReisingerAvenueFire" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/541480218_8bda36745d_m.jpg" width="240" /></p><br />Also what is always a mystery is what kind of fire it will be. Will it be a warehouse, a vacant house somewhere in a dirty neighborhood? Or will it be the random car that somehow parked itself next to the railroad tracks and spontaneously combusted?<br /><br />On slower nights I drive by to look at these fires. It's part of the job. Sometimes it can provide something exciting to look at on a boring night. These fires are like Crackerjack boxes, you never know what you'll find inside.<br /><br />After all, isn't the prize what we buy Crackerjacks for in the first place?OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-40968272176298208862007-06-11T00:44:00.000-07:002007-06-12T16:48:00.175-07:00One Too Many Entries, One Final Result<div>So, I haven't been writing that much. Not to worry, just been a little busy with things around the apartment and such.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/543053456/"><img height="180" alt="award2" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1177/543053456_e269a7dc98_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><div><br />After six years I finally get some recognition, albeit a second place one. The 2007 Ohio AP Broadcast Awards luncheon was yesterday, and today I was surprised to find an award on my desk. After several entries into the contest I'd all but given up on the idea of winning an award.<br /><br />Winning an award doesn't make me feel better than anyone else. I can understand the other winners and why, it's just some icing on the cake. It's nice to hear "Good Job!" every once in awhile, and that's something that is sometimes forgotten in this business. I'm happy. Still thinking about my place in the world and where I want to go next, but I'm glad I've made it this far.<br /><br />As one dear friend in the business once said, "You're only as good as your last story." If the story I won an award for was my last story I ever did on this earth, I would be happy.<br /><br /><br />It's good to see other people in the business agree. </div>OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1175938946302840592007-04-07T02:24:00.000-07:002007-04-07T02:45:47.110-07:00I may be broken, but I'm still aliveIt's been awhile since I've written in here. I was bored at work and remembered that I once had this thing going to keep me busy, and to keep track of myself. I looked at my last post which was dated during the summer of '06. That's a long while ago, and a lot has changed. So let's get started.<br /><br />I've learned women are crazy. Well, actually I didn't learn that, and not all of them are this way. Just the ones I come into contact with it seems. Maybe that or I fall for the crazy ones. Who knows. Now on to some real photographer issues.<br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/446717629_440e686393_m.jpg"></a><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/446717629_440e686393_m.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/446717629_440e686393_m.jpg"></a><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/446717629_440e686393_m.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Last time you may have checked in I was probably in perfect health, or at least was an able photographer.</p><p>Well that changed on the night of February 13th, in the early morning hours. Someone at the station wanted a piece shot from the view of the reporter travelling on the snow covered and dangerous roads. So, I was the guy who sat in the passenger seat and shot the road through the windshield as we travel into the white death.</p><p>I should have known it was going to be a bad night when the first corner we took the reporter nearly took us into a telephone pole. But, I figured it was probably just a fluke, considering it was the first one, and on we went. </p><p>After we got done shooting, on our way back to the station, the reporter loses control of our news car and decides to plow it nearly head-on into a guard rail. I knew we were going to hit, and that he lost control, so I attempted to brace myself by grabbing on the the handlebar that is on the ceiling. Bad Idea.</p><p><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/236/446717633_df7cddedfc_m.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/236/446717633_df7cddedfc_m.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>What you are looking at is a x-ray of my arm. That joint in the lower right corner is my elbow, and well, you can see what happened. My upper arm, also known as the humerous bone, snapped in half from the impact. The reporter, naturally, was fine and didn't have a scrape on him.</p><p>This wouldn't have been so bad, but what you can't see is there are two other fractures, and I was required to have surgery to fix the break two days later.</p><p>I was actually quite lucky. A major nerve was sitting right between the broken bones, and had it moved ever so slightly there was a good chance it would have been severed. Nerves can be put back together, but there was a chance that I would permanately lose use of my wrist and fingers. That would really have put a damper on my shooting career, considering this is my shooting arm we are looking at.</p><p>Even after the accident my Orthopaedist was relieved I still had movement in my hand. I count my blessings everyday, but my road to recovery is a long one. I am currently working as an assignment desk person til I can lift a camera again. I guess I should be happy I'm alive, but it's not where I want to be. The people eat me up inside sometimes.</p><p>Especially those that like to let the reporter drive.</p>OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1151596631164640092006-06-29T08:52:00.000-07:002006-06-29T08:57:11.176-07:00Wacky WednesdayToday was a pretty easy day for me. I was enjoying my sleep when the roomie called and said a bunch of people from work were going to Walnut Hills. Walnut Hills is basically the place where the workers hang out. He asked if I wanted to go, but I decided against it. I was still really exhausted from the week before, and wanted to get as much sleep as possible.<br /><br />I went back to bed and woke up around noon. I had some Captain Crunch for breakfast, and then watched some entertaining television. After finding out the TV was nothing special, I fired up the Xbox and played some Manhunt. After about an hour I made my way to the kitchen to prepare my lunch for work. I made a pretty standard lunch consisting of peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a microwaveable bowl of Campbell’s chili.<br /><br />I took a shower, and then ventured off on the 20 minute drive to work. Started off by headed downtown to shoot a historical district. I guess some guy was beaten almost to death downtown. Then I went to uncover the mystery of an overgrown cemetery with one of the anchors as my reporter.<br /><br />After that package I didn’t leave the building on a shoot for the rest of the night. I had to shoot some lightning video, which was really cool. Then I edited two more packs and another story before my relief came in and I was allowed to go home.<br /><br /><a href="http://img.engadget.com/common/images/3060000000057053.JPG?0.8211484360923973"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://img.engadget.com/common/images/3060000000057053.JPG?0.8211484360923973" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://img.engadget.com/common/images/3060000000057053.JPG?0.8211484360923973"></a>I came home, ate some dinner, then fell asleep playing MLB 2K6 on Xbox. I made it all the way through the game, but apparently fell asleep with the lead in the top of the ninth and two outs.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1151508562378292992006-06-28T08:28:00.000-07:002006-06-28T08:29:22.396-07:00Terrific TuesdayToday was a pretty busy day for me. I set the alarm for seven after getting home around three thirty a.m. after playing FIFA World Cup with the guys from my old job. My old Job, which sounds weird to me, but it is true. I am no longer employed there. After five and a half years I decided to hang up my viewfinder, including the electrical tape holding it on the camera, for one an hour south in a much bigger market.<br /><br />The hardest thing for me to get used to is the pace of the new job. I love it to death, but I am often forced to spend six hours of my eight hour shift on the road, finding the news that the people want to see. Or at least, that my bosses want the people to see. I am not complaining. I don’t mind spending my time on the road. It’s a good chance for me to get to know my way around my new habitat. It’s just tough for me to get used to.<br /><br />Now back to today. I woke up at seven a.m. to say my goodbye to my mother, who was leaving for work. I immediately set the snooze button, and headed off to dream land for what seemed like an eternity. I woke up promptly at eleven in the morning and began to start the packing process. After all, it was one of the reasons I was back in town. After cramming all the food that mom had left out for me to take back, I shoved my large bookcase into the back seat of the Grand Prix. I grabbed my pillow and headed back on the road around one o’clock in the afternoon.<br /><br />It was a pretty easy drive. I got back to the apartment in Huber Heights around 2:30, and unpacked the smaller items first. While I removed the bookcase from the backseat, I somehow managed to scrape the padded interior of my rear passenger side door. The damage is not too major, but any damage is enough to upset me. I carried the bookcase upstairs to my room, and began assembling my hat collection so I could have more shelf space in my closet.<br /><br />After unpacking, I sat around and watched WWE Raw with the roomie. Degeneration X has made a return, and I actually enjoyed watching wrestling for the first time in awhile. We played some FIFA World Cup, where he beat me 2-0, and then I took a shower and called my other friend for directions to a rendezvous point for the Reds game.<br /><br />After a car ride down to the Queen City of Cincinnati, the game began. Inter-league play between the Kansas City Royals and the Reds. After a long battle, and some terrible pitching, the Reds ended up with a 9-8 loss. There was some crazy Milwaukee fan in the row above us who was in Cincinnati for vacation, and had no interest in either of the two teams except to watch a baseball game. On a positive note, I did get to witness Reds Centerfielder Ken Griffey Jr. hit career home run 550. It was quite a sight, and I’m glad he has reached that milestone while in a Reds uniform.<br /><br />After getting back into Dayton I went to a Super Wal-Mart to do some shopping. I needed the essentials that my roomie doesn’t eat, such as butter, milk, peanut butter, jelly, and Captain Crunch. I also picked up a couple pairs of socks and boxers, because a man has to treat himself every once in awhile.<br /><br /> Well that’s about it. It’s now 1:14am on Wednesday morning, and I’m quite tired of staring at this laptop screen.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1146461988168327352006-04-30T22:19:00.000-07:002006-04-30T22:40:53.436-07:00It's Been AwhileFigured I'd take the title from a Staind song to sum up this post. I appologize to my readers, if there's any out there, for taking so long to post again. It's been over a month. I've gotten so busy with work that I've just simply not had the time. I come home and I'm exhausted, and the last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer and talk about my day. It's also been getting nicer outside, which is contributing to my delinquency with this blog.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/138039433/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/49/138039433_0d24703f10_m.jpg" alt="dougshooting" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />I had the opportunity on April 3rd to attend my 2nd consecutive Cincinnati Reds opening day with the station. It was a blast, besides the outcome.<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/138039393/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/48/138039393_d1dd574c65_m.jpg" alt="commissionerseligmedia" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />The commissioner Bud Selig was there, and it was a great time, although busy. Those who know me know I love the Reds, and everything about Cincinnati baseball. It's one of those days I'll never forget.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backfocus/138041164/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/46/138041164_284502184b_m.jpg" alt="playoffs2006pressrow" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />From there a couple weeks later I took a trip up to Cleveland for the first Cavaliers playoff game in about 7 years. It was a good time, and my first NBA game. I like watching the pros in person. I'm not much for it on tv, but they have a way of amazing me when I'm there. They just shoot the ball so well and have a quick tempo game. It's just amazing to see King James in person also. We went into the locker room and did one on ones with some of the best the association has to offer. Another trip I'll never forget.<br /><br />Well sorry for posting all of this all at once. I'll try to get back here as much as possible. With the primary election right around the corner, I have no idea how long it'll be, but I'll be back as soon as possible.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1143086607756515722006-03-22T19:49:00.000-08:002006-03-23T16:09:49.610-08:00After A Brief HiatusAfter a brief hiatus I have returned. I don't know if I'm much wiser than when I left, but at least I can say I'm back. Things with work just caught up to me, and I didn't have time to get batteries for the camera, so my adventures went un-blogged.<br /><br />It's a shame really. I do enjoy doing this. I don't know if anyone out there is reading, but at least it's something I can look at and see what I was doing and thinking on a particular day. It may not get as many reads as other Photog Blogs out there, <a href="http://www.lenslinger.com">Viewfinder BLUES</a> being one, but I can't say I'm doing it for the reads. If you read it, I'm proud. If not, no biggie.<br /><br />So let's start off talking about my adventure today. I had a 10:30am with the Mayor following him around as he helped <a href="http://www.mowaa.org">Meals On Wheels</a> deliver food to those who can't cook it for themselves. We went to a residency inn for the elderly. It was good publicity for him, and it was nice to see the look on the peoples faces. I think they were expecting their regular "joe" to arrive with the food, only to see the Mayor with meal-in-hand on their front stoop. We were the only media to cover it, and I think that it's a good thing.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/subwayforlunch.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/subwayforlunch.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After that had about an hour to kill so my reporter and I sat down to a nice subway lunch. It's not too often one actually gets to sit down like a normal person and grab a bite to eat, so we took advantage of the situation. It was enjoyable. I found myself staring at the walls of subway reading the maps of the tunnels on the wall. At one point my colleague caught me staring and asked what was wrong. Sometimes I get this look on my face like I'm deep in thought. I was to be honest. I was dreaming of NYC. How I'd like to visit there sometime. Perhaps that will be a vacation I shall take someday.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/vwmiddleschoolceremony.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/vwmiddleschoolceremony.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Then it was off to a Middle School that was awarded one of the ten best schools in the state. The kids actually seemed to care at the little pep rally that was held. I figured I'd see kids sleeping, bored, or just talking amongst themselves, but they actually seemed to give a darn. I can't say I would have done the same back in my middle school days. I guess that's what made these kids so special. That's why they were being rewarded. Either that, or they just really wanted out of class. I'm going with the former rather than latter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1142406639777498822006-03-14T22:56:00.000-08:002006-03-14T23:10:39.790-08:00Monday, March 13thThis post is a little late. I've been caught up with some things at work which prevented me posting it sooner. I appologize for the delay.<br /><br />Monday was a pretty busy day. You could say it was a not a typical monday, but in my line of work I don't believe anything day is typical.<br /><br />Started off like a normal day. Assignments are laid out on my desk, and then we get to work. My f<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/us30fatalsemi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/us30fatalsemi.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>irst was a 12:00 luncheon for a local service club. Around 11:10 the assignment editor told my reporter and I that we should head to a tractor trailer accident on U.S. 30. It was rather windy, and we both just figured the trailer rolled over because of the wind.<br /><br />Apprently the wind picked up the back of the empty trailer and lifted it off the highway, so when the driver went to correct sent her off the side of the road. Unfortunately police say she didn't have her seat belt fastened, and was ejected from the cab.<br /><br />When we got there they already had the white sheet up and were asking us not to take photos until the body was removed. Not a big deal. The media outlets just set up shop on the side of the road and chatted until the scene was clear.<br /><br />Apprently the deputy handling the scene thought we were disappointed at thier request not to shoot til things were clear. He couldn't be more wrong. What amazes me is how he thinks the press just wants the bad pictures, the bloody images. I'm sure there are people out there who want to see this, however having worked in the field for some time you kind of get tired of it. I don't know, maybe I'm just a guy who has a heart.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/slushieincidentcircled.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/slushieincidentcircled.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>On the way back decided to stop for a slushie at a local dairy stand. It was a nice day for March, with temps in the mid-60s. Lucky for me the person who prepared it didn't attach the lid properly, and without my notice my first attempt to take a drink the car resulted in failure. the lid popped off and spilled most of the ice down the front of my station windbreaker. The circles - thats the damage. As you can tell this is already becoming one of the worst days of the week, and the week is just starting.<br /><br />My next assignment is at 2:00pm. It's an interview with the Sheriff. Everything was going smoothly until I went to hit record and my tape wasn't rolling. I ejected the carriage, and tried to remove the dvc-pro doomsday device with no avail. So luckily we had another crew just upstairs in the courthouse who came down to shoot the interview. I had to take the camera to the engineers who solved the problem so quickly I felt silly.<br /><br />I guess you'll have days like this, I just hope I don't get too many of them in a week.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1142192599768019912006-03-12T11:15:00.000-08:002006-03-12T11:43:19.776-08:00Friday, Saturday, And The Death of a WeekendI was going to post on friday night, but had to work a double shift shooting some High School Boys Tournament basketball. I can't complain. It was actually a good game. I didn't think the final would be so lopsided, and actually thought the opposite team would win. Guess that's a surprise for all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/fieldhousecrowsnest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/fieldhousecrowsnest.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>When you go and shoot a game at the particular arena I was at, you don't have much room. So they decided for the top-side shooter they would build a crows nest, which is basicly an area that is attached to the wall at the very top of the nose-bleed section. The one I was at apparently didn't like the wall idea, and decided to suspend it from the ceiling using 4 metal rods and four corner supports. So I was suspended about 8 feet above the very highest row in a box made out of plywood. I felt quite safe, to say the least.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/presidentialparadewave.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/presidentialparadewave.jpg" alt="" border="0"></a>On Saturday our city's annual Irish Day Parade kicked off at 11:30am. I'm usually not one to go to parades, but our staff was very limited, and I felt like I could at least go and get some neat shots, or just wave to people. I ended up handing out candy to the town's youth, then after we ran out of gum about 3/4 through the route, just did my presidential wave impression to the crowd. I even got the weather guy snap off a picture for the blog.<br /><br />Didn't really do much after the parade. I am currently trying to rest up for the upcoming work week, but I know that I'll still feel tired and worn out no matter how much rest I get.<br /><br />I think it comes with the job. I know a lot of other photogs that seem like their life is a complete rush. I used to get enjoyment from the rush, and even though I get tired, it does keep me busy. I like the <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=spontaneity">spontaneity</a> of the job.<br /><br />However when I was <a href="http://backfocus.blogspot.com/2006/03/terrific-tuesday.html">talking about</a> driving to Mansfield a earlier this week, I realized something I really hadn't thought of. So allow me to wax philosophic right now, and explain some ideas.<br /><br />I was running late getting out of the game, and had to rush back an 1 hour 20 min. drive to get the video on the air, and that was with only about a 10 minute margin of error. I realized all the times I had been in the situation before. How I'm usually the one the people can count on in these situations. And all the times I've spent rushing to get to a deadline and wishing time would speed up or slow down I was basicly wasting my life.<br /><br />I'll never get those 40 minutes of that car ride back where all I did was stare at the tailights in front of me. The time I spent rushing is time I'll never get back. However it's my job, and I can't just mess around when deadlines and assignments are like clockwork.<br /><br />I'm sure many other photogs have felt the same way. It's just the way it is, so enjoy life when working, because you'll never get those hours back.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1141958738957252182006-03-09T18:32:00.000-08:002006-03-09T19:02:17.960-08:00Horses And Some Personal Hygiene<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/morningcoffee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/morningcoffee.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today started off like any other Thursday - me fighting myself to get out of bed on only 2.5 hours of sleep. Since I had band practice the night before, it makes it a lot harder to get into the swing of things the next day.<br /><br />After arriving at work I noticed the coffee mug I had taken from the break room cabinet had some writing on it.<br /><br />"I'm appreciated."<br /><br />This made me smile, so I took a picture of it. If you've read the previous post about yesterday you'd know why. It's just a silly little thing about praise, then I draw this mug. Irony?!?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/kimmissionarydudeclose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/kimmissionarydudeclose.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It was time for my first assignment of the day. Time to head to a small Ohio farm town and talk with a husband and wife who just returned from a five-year term as missonaries in Brazil. The husband is an aircraft mechanic and he helps a local flying agency by fixing their planes. The agency then in turn uses those planes to deliver medical supplies to the vast reaching villages throughout Brazil. An interesting story indeed. And the video turned out to me more available than I initially thought it would be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/doughorsetalkto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/doughorsetalkto.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>While driving around this small town after our story my reporter noticed a statue of a horse outside a gas station. Quite the interesting little thing. I decided I would try and talk to him, however the horse was speechless. I guess he didn't have much to say.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/DougManicure.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/DougManicure.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After work I decided to repay my "Super Bowl Debt" to my reporter and go get the manicure I promised if the Seattle Seahawks didn't win the game. Felt kind of outnumbered as I was not only the only guy there, but apparently the only guy they've had come in for a manicure in a long time. My nails do seem much more comfortable now, and it's quite relaxing. Wasn't too expensive either, since it was covered by our monthly allowance.<br /><br />My reporter wants me to get a pedicure next, we'll have to see what time and the future holds.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1141871503904045442006-03-08T18:28:00.000-08:002006-03-08T18:44:48.540-08:00Engineers, Spoons, & Happy Daz<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/engineeringtools.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/engineeringtools.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now That I've got your attention with the title of this post, let's get started. I didn't have my digital camera with me today, so I had to use some "stock" internet images. I'll try to carry it with me tomorrow.<br /><br />I bet you're wondering what it is exactly that those three things have in common, and why I spelled days with a "z".<br /><br />Started off my day with an Engineering Seminar to help celebrate <a href="http://www.eweek.org/"> National Engineers' Week</a> a little late I guess. High School and College kids from the area were brought in to learn more about the different types of engineering they could do. From Civil, Mechanical, Auto, and more these kids were having fun. Each "Workstation" had a different hands on activity for them to take part in. Whether it be building an electric race car, to construction of a mini-bridge and testing it's weight limitations. It was good to see kids having a good time with something so "Technical". Hopefully there were a few junior engineers in my presence this morning.<br /><br />After the morning assignment, went back to the shop to edit some basic VOs and VO/SOTs. For those of you that don't know, Vo=Voice Over. That is when you are watching the news and the Anchor reads over a piece of video, whether it be a car accident or church service. A SOT=Sound On Tape. That is business jargon for an interview. So when you see video with the anchor reading then a talking head appears on screen and you hear that person, you are watching a VO/SOT. Both VOs and SOTs can exist without the other, you don't need a SOT to have a VO, or vice versa. However to have a VO/SOT you need both.I don't know why I spent all this time explaining these things, but hopefully you have learned something from this. Consider it your insider tip for the day.<br /><br />After doing some editing, I had to grab a reporter and head on over to a local nursing home. One of it's patients had his 94th birthday today. It didn't seem special to me at first, until I realized his special talent.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/spoons.2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/spoons.2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Spoons!<br /><br />This guy was a had been playing the spoons for ages. He had even gained the popular nickname Mr. Spoons around the city.<br /><br />All the nursing home staff had to do was turn on the Dementia Unit's Radio to big band and off he was. I had never seen a person play the spoons in person, and it was quite amazing to see.<br /><br />Our interview with him didn't turn out too hot. He was hard to understand and only gave out one word answers that sometimes didn't even make any sense. But at the end, as we were going to leave, he shook our hands and said two words: "Thank You".<br /><br />In this line of work it's not too often you get praised with those two words, or often praised at all. It seemed like we made his day by being there and just helping him celebrate his birthday, and we probably did. Hopefully it was one he will never forget.<br /><br />After that assignment my reporter and I stopped by a local burger joint called "Happy Daz" to grab some Three O'Clock lunch. It's a great place to stop and grab some grub, so if you're ever in my part of the country, I recommend it.<br /><br />I nearly forgot to mention. I had something else happen to me at the nursing home that usually doesn't happen.<br /><br />I was shooting a wide shot of the table with the cake on it and and old lady flicked me the bird. Luckily my reaction time was quick, and we weren't live.<br /><br />Maybe it was just her way of saying "Thank You!"OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1141793492821358132006-03-07T20:40:00.000-08:002006-03-07T20:51:32.833-08:00Terrific Tuesday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/Viewfinder.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/Viewfinder.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Today was like any other day. Started off at the same time, ended about the same time. It's amazing how it feels like the work week should be halfway over, when in reality tomorrow is only hump day.<br /><br />Started off by going to a police training session at the police department. They used a laser gun and really big video screen to play scenarios for the officers to run through. It was really dark so they could easily see the screen, and even though my Gain was on Full and Iris completely open, the video still turned out dark. I would gotten some good photos had this not been the case. We boosted the video back at the station, and all is well.<br /><br />Next was a 2:30 Awards Press Conference. (The Picture Above). Eight local winners of the Jefferson Awards were announced. It's an award for outstanding volunteer effort to enhance the community. I was pleased with the list. Most of these people put in a lot of time and effort to help better our area, and it's great that they are recognized<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/OntarioHSGym.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/OntarioHSGym.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Next it was time to put in some extra hours. It's Girl's High School Basketball tournament time, and with game being played at nuetral sites, that means some travel is involved. For the most part it's not too bad, but one of the few girls teams we had left was playing tonight in Ontario, Ohio...just outside of Mansfield.<br /><br />That's what was thought to be a two hour drive for us. No one on nightside was available to shoot it, since most of them have to be back by the beginning of the newscast for prep work. Working days I realized this would be my chance to help out the sports department, and get away for a little bit. So I volunteered. I had just planned on making it back for the 11, not the 10, but somehow after getting lost on the way there I managed to get my highlites and get out, just making it back at 10:01. Put a few plays down on tape, wrote up a quick shot sheet, and Presto! They made the 10 and 11. Sometimes it's worth the extra effort I think to show people you do care. Maybe sports can scratch my back sometime in the near future, who knows.<br /><br />On a sad note the local team lost 38-36 on two foul shots late in the game. Congrats to them on a fine season and tournament run. I have a feeling they'll be back there again this time next year.<br /><br />Well that's all for now. Until Next Time, So Long!OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23547056.post-1141691442602275982006-03-06T16:29:00.000-08:002006-03-08T16:51:07.033-08:00Monday, Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/1600/TwoCameras.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6474/2420/200/TwoCameras.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Today was a busy day. We started off with a visit from a state school official to Lima. After that It was back to the usual. Talked to some health officials about childhood obesity and diabetes. Same ole, same ole, kids need to eat better.<br /><br />That's kind of a reoccuring trend with today's youth. But I think the problem reaches farther than that. I think that the problem is also with adults.<br /><br />We now live a completely different lifestyle than we did 30 years ago. Now there is less physical activity now compared to then. I might be speaking for myself, but I my physical activity level is not where I would like it to be. I get too caught up in work and other things. It's my fault completely, I'm not trying to pass blame.<br /><br />Today there was also a bomb threat at a nearby school. Luckily it was near the end of the school day so most the kids just went home. Still no word on whether or not they found anything. Oh well, Tune In Tonight at 10.OhioPhotoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01623519170572830266noreply@blogger.com0