Settling In.

Four days after starting at the Chicago Tribune, I left for New York City to see my documentary on autism, World Within Our Own, be shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Then I flew to San Francisco for the Hearst National Journalism Awards photojournalism competition, so it was very difficult to settle in and find a rhythm in my internship.  Now I am back and am so happy to be shooting and in my groove again.

The first photo is of the Elisapana family, who immigrated to Chicago from Sudan.  I photographed them before I left on my epic adventures.  At the time I had been assigned a Sox v. Cubs game, a food truck feature, and the long weekend of track that I last blogged about.  Although those were all fun and exciting, I was extremely relieved to be handed a name and an Oak Park address with the instructions to make a few portraits and find the story.  I pulled up to their lovely home and knocked on the door.  Kenneth answered the door and greeted me like we had been close friends for years.  It was a wonderful sight.  I took the more classic portrait that the paper wanted; however, since I was about to go off the clock and did not have any other assignments, I asked to stick around with the family for a few more minutes.  Kenneth told me tragically beautiful stories of Sudan and his transition to America, while I photographed quiet, intimate moments with his family.  I cannot wait to go back when they have their  Sudanese community celebration.  Kenneth wants me to experience traditional Sudanese cuisine and meet the people his philanthropic work has been aiding.  Finding that connection with my subjects and having the time to absorb their knowledge and history reminded me why it is I do this job.  Its not for backstage access to shows, or seats within reach of Cub's players, or even for the pictures.  The people we meet make this job what it is.  

Judy Elisapana loves on her two-year-old daughter, Rachel.  Kenneth Elisapana came to the U.S. from Sudan with his wife, Judy, who is from Kenya.  They reach out to new Sudanese immigrants, trying to give them resources, help them find employment, and welcome them into the Sudanese community in Oak Park.

As many of you know, I have a deep passion for those with autism.  I am constantly drawn to stories about the issue and the families who are affected by it.  Perhaps it is because they often see and communicate through images much as I do or perhaps it is because when I am with them I can explore a whole new world through their eyes, whether that world is blissful or frightening.  

Anyway, yesterday I received an assignment to photograph children with autism using a computer program that helps teach them social skills.  When I received the assignment, I cannot express how excited I was to meet these children and be surrounded by that energy once more.  Photographing them felt like being at home again.  There was no thought or calculation, making images was just a natural flow.  I left that classroom the happiest I have been since I got to Chicago.  Hopefully I will get to see Jacob Ciupe again soon. 

Jacob Ciupe, a nine-year-old with high-functioning autism, plays a balloon game with his classmates at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center on Thursday, June 13, 2013.  The classroom uses a computer program that helps children with autism to learn social skills.

The Kelly High School girl's varsity soccer team is composed of almost all first-generation Mexican-Americans.  Many of the girls would sneak out of their homes at 4 am to practice with their team, because their parents wouldn't allow them to play.  The girls welcomed me with open arms, offered their jackets to cover my gear in the downpour, and invited me to their banquet on Tuesday (which I really hope I can make!).  Each of them was so inspirational, strong and confident.  When I was about to leave, their coach asked me to give them a few little parting words of wisdom about going to college and growing up.  As I thought of what to say, I realized that they should probably be the ones teaching me.  

I couldn't help but show a few photos of these beautiful girls doing what they love most.  Roll your mouse over the images for caption information. 

Jennifer Medina, left, and Marbella Rodriquez play in the rain behind their coach, Stan Mietus, during practice in front of the Kelly High School in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.  The Kelly High School girls varsity soccer team is almost entirely first-generation Hispanic Americans.  Many of the girls struggle to convince their parents to allow them to play soccer. 

The Kelly High School girls varsity soccer team gathered before practice across from the Chicago school on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. 

Head Coach Stan Mietus looks up at the stormy sky as the girls chant during practice in front of the Kelly High School in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.  They were counting the number of seconds after a thunder clap to see if there was going to be lightning since they did not want practice to end.  The Kelly High School girls varsity soccer team is almost entirely first-generation Hispanic Americans.  Many of the girls struggle to convince their parents to allow them to play soccer. 

Cynthia Lucio, a junior, holds an umbrella out over Edith Garcia and Ana Flores' heads during practice in front of the Kelly High School in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.  The Kelly High School girls varsity soccer team is almost entirely first-generation Hispanic Americans.  Many of the girls struggle to convince their parents to allow them to play soccer.

Edith Garcia, a sophomore, spikes Head Coach Stan Mietus' hair after a rainstorm during practice in front of the Kelly High School in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.  The Kelly High School girls varsity soccer team is almost entirely first-generation Hispanic Americans.  Many of the girls struggle to convince their parents to allow them to play soccer. 

Beginnings and Growth.

Greetings from Chicago! So, on my second day at the Chicago Tribune they sent me out of town to Charleston, Il. to shoot the Illinois state track and field finals.  When I was in high school, I was competing on a national level with my horses, so it was great to be surrounded once again by really competitive, focused and driven teenagers working endlessly towards a goal.  However, it was never about winning for me and it certainly wasn't for most of them.  The support and camaraderie amongst the competitors was wonderful to see.  At the end of nearly every race the winners would help the others up and encourage them rather than celebrating.

I had never shot track before, so it took a minute to figure out who was going to be doing what where and at what time.  The events were very spread out and occurring simultaneously, so that was a good way to force me to prioritize.  At first I tried to be everywhere and get everything, but when I slowed down and hunted for moments and specific people in our coverage area, it made the whole thing a lot more manageable and the photos a lot better.  The second day I tried to learn from the day before and utilize the advice I have been given lately about my compositional habits and use of moments.  So, here is my first attempt at track! I would love to shoot it again.  Critiques and thoughts are always welcome! 

PS--Some of the photos in the galleries actually are different.  The articles are there too!​

​2A Prelim Photo Gallery

3A Prelim Photo Gallery

State Finals Photo Gallery

Farewells

Today was my last day at the News & Observer.  I expected to walk into the newsroom, give my hugs and goodbyes, hand over my things and drive back to Chapel Hill, but what actually happened was far more befitting.  

Around 4:15 p.m., I pulled into the parking garage and immediately saw Travis running off to an assignment at the NC Legislative building downtown, just a few blocks from the office.  When I get upstairs, Scott tells me a bit about what Travis is going to shoot, but warned me that it was going to be rather unpredictable.  Luckily I had tossed my D700, a CF card, and a 24-70 in my car on my way out the door (you never know!), so he encouraged me run along after Travis and see what was going on.  Three hours later, 17 people associated with the NAACP had been arrested for civil disobedience and many demonstrators and observers had gathered to chant and sing. It was a rather exciting adventure and quite a learning experience--a final lesson to walk away with.  

​I cannot express enough gratitude towards the amazing staff and incredible editors at the N&O for all of their caring support through these last few, rather hectic months.  You all have taught me so much and given me so many opportunities and for that I am beyond grateful.  I hope to see a lot more of all of you when I get back from Chicago!

During an act of civil disobedience condemning the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, April 29, 2013, outside the N.C. Senate chamber, seventeen people including N.C. NAACP President Rev. William Barber were arrested. 

William Robinson, 34, of Greensboro chants outside the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C.  During an act of civil disobedience condemning the Republican legislature's agenda Monday, April 29, 2013, seventeen people, including N.C. NAACP President Rev. William Barber, were arrested. 

Leaders of the N.C. NAACP pray outside the golden doors of the N.C. House of Representatives Chambers.  

​

Holi Moli!

More than 2,500 students celebrate spring by throwing colors in the air at the annual Holi Moli event on Polk Place at UNC Chapel Hill's campus on April 5, 2013.  The mission of Holi Moli is to promote multiculturalism and diversity through the Hindu holiday of Holi.  The funds from the event, which is put on by many campus organizations, go towards organizations such as the Bhutanese Empowerment Fund, the Mahatma Gandhi Fellowship, and Student Government's Student Enrichment Fund.  

Last year, I had 5 minutes, wearing a fancy dress, to shoot this amazing event...from the outside.  I was not ​prepared and I chickened out of getting in the fray in preference of gear protection.  This year, I found out about it last minute as I was stuck in traffic driving back from Raleigh and decided that I wasn't going to make it in time.  As I was unloading my car, my camera was staring up at me longingly as if to say, "Mom, you haven't shot for yourself in a while and you'd be crazy not to go."  So, I threw on an old shirt, Saran Wrapped and gaff taped my camera to oblivion, and sprinted out the door.  I had missed the very epic beginning, but I managed to get these frames below.  I learned a few things though:

1. Don't Saran Wrap and gaff tape so much that you can't change your exposure.​

2. If you are clean looking, people will attack you with massive amounts of dye no matter how large your camera.

3. The middle of the action is where the photos are every single time (even if you are testing your insurance policy). 

4. Never waste time questioning whether or not you should shoot.  Shoot for the sheer joy of it. ​

​Sometimes its hard for me to remember why I do this.  I shoot for publications.  I shoot for clients.  I shoot for classes.  I shoot for long term projects.  But why do I shoot? Because I adore it with all of my heart.  Getting into a visual situation with no real agenda reminded me of that.  

​I decided to get creative with the natural light and shot this portrait a bit hot, letting the background blow out completely.  Just an experiment.