San Francisco - Yosemite - Sonoma

It was that time of year again when we went to explore a new area over my wife's birthday. We decided on San Francisco, then over to Yosemite, and then on to wine country. I really debated what cameras / gear to bring with me before I left and after some hesitation I decided once again just to bring along my little Fuji X100s. It was a good decision. Sure I missed some things but the convenience of being able to travel light, and take it everywhere I went made up for the missed opportunities.



San Francisco is a great city. It's easy to see why people love the place... other than being cold in the summer and really expensive. There is so much to do and so many neighborhoods and areas to explore. We set out to avoid some of the tourist traps but ended up checking some out, at least for an hour or so.






After San Francisco we headed out on the four hour drive to Yosemite National Park. We stayed in the small town of Oakhurst near the south entrance of the park. Yosemite is an amazing place, pictures can't really show the size of the place. I felt very small compared to the huge slabs of granite and giant sequoia trees. It is definitely on my list of places to return to.











Finally we headed out to wine country and decided on Sonoma over Napa after talking to local people. We drank some good wine, explored some wineries, and spent too much cash.

Arizona

I escaped the cold and never ending winter here in Indiana for a few days to visit my parents in Arizona. Despite the short trip we were able to get a few hikes in and drive the entire Apache Trail. It was my first time taking only my small Fuji x100s camera and leaving my main Canon gear at home which ended up being a good decision as I'm really enjoying slowing down and shooting with the camera. Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the trip west.

Head Shaving Party

My wife's co-worker Jill was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Jill decided she wanted to hold a head shaving party where she and her husband would both shave their heads together while friends gathered around in support. Jill wanted to make the event fun and said while she couldn't control the cancer she could control when she lost her hair. It was an honor to photograph her party for her.

Butler Basketball

I've been shooting a lot of Butler basketball this season for the Indy Star. Here is sample of images from the past few games at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Fuji X100s: First impression

I was finally able to get my hands on the Fuji X100s camera. Having only seen the reviews on the camera I knew I wanted one. For a long while now I have wanted a camera I can bring with me everywhere, something small and unobtrusive, yet packed full of high quality features. A camera that I can use to record my own life and not just the lives of others while I'm working. This, for me, is that camera. I have had it less than 24 hours and has taken a bit of getting used to. Having used Canon DLSR's for my professional life, I can pick one up and am set right out of the gate. This is different. It forces me to slow down a bit and think about things more. The color quality and lens quality seem really great. The focus isn't exactly the fastest thing but I'm sure I'll get used to it. It's never going to replace my workhorse Canon cameras but it sure is fun, and will be a great travel camera. Below are some of my first images with the camera. Toy Camera filter...probably won't be using this much but fun to play around with.

USA Swimming

Ryan Lochte competes in the 200 individual medley finals (and wins of course). 

The 2013 Phillips National Championship & World Championship swimming trials were held at the IU Natatorium in Indianapolis last week and I spent a day and a half covering it. First for the New York Times, and later in the week for the Indianapolis Star. Having never covered a big swimming event, I was amazed at the access given to photographers had and how few photographers were there to cover it. At big events with high profile athletes you are often fairly restricted to where you can go, but with this swimming event, you could roam where ever you wanted and the staff and volunteers on hand couldn't have been more helpful. I'm looking forward to it coming back to Indianapolis.


Katie Ledecky reacts after finishing the fastest in the world this year and fourth fastest all time in the 1500 Meter Freestyle.


North Baltimore Aquatic Club's Bob Bowman, coach for swimmer Michael Phelps, watches swimmers warm up.


Samuel Smiddy competes in the 200 Individual Medley.


Katie Ledecky waves to spectators after finishing the fastest in the world this year and fourth fastest all time in the 1500 Meter Freestyle


A spectator watches swimmers warm up during the 2013 National Championship & World Championship Trials.

John + Emily

A selection of images from my first wedding this summer. It was a great day with Emily and John after they put together a wedding in only a few weeks.