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Portrait Work
December 28, 2007Portraits are hard. It just isn't all that easy to really capture the essence of a person in a single shot.
You can't just show up to a place and not talk to them to get a sense of who they are and what kind of photo to take of them.
Even more upsetting is when the newspaper page designers don't get your shot... and destroy it for the sake of a "creative" page design without even talking to you about it.
Portrait shots are always intentional... everything in the frame of the shot was put there on purpose by the photographer. They are an expression.... and in my opinion... the only time we really get to truly be creative.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Ray Farabee stands in front of his Austin home eariler this summer. Farabee served the State of Texas as one of its most distinguished lawyers and legislators in a career that spanned five decades. He served as a State Senator from 1975 - 1988 and authored 245 Senate bills and 138 House bills that became law.
This was probably my fave. portrait of the entire year. Mainly because it wasn't really a set-up shot. But as Lynn Walker put it, it shows Ray Farabee exactly as anybody would have pictured him. Hands in his pockets... smiling like nothing in the world was wrong.
You can't really get better than that.
It wasn't an easy shot to get though, I was at his house in Austin alone, and that presents a problem because he wants to talk directly to me, and I'm trying to hold the camera away from my face so that it doesn't appear that he's looking right at me. This shot it was down around my waist and I only fired off 3 frames before his smile changed. Lucky Lucky.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Elvis tribute artist R.J. Quick performs at Scott's Drive-In on Jacksboro Highway on Thursday evenings.
It's the King... sitting in a brightly colored diner.... looking as if he's waiting for a greasy burger. I mean, come on folks. This is genius and I didn't even have to try hard.
The colors totally make this shot. But then again... so does Elvis. I basically laughed the entire time I was at this shoot.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Former Vernon District Attorney Jack Hightower sits in his office in Austin with a small portion of his extensive collection of political books and signed photographs on the wall behind him. Now retired, Hightower served in the Texas Senate from 1965-1974, the U. S. House of Representatives from 1975-1985 and was a Texas Supreme Court Justice from 1988-1996.
This was the other assignment from the Austin side trip during State Baseball. Jack Hightower was one of the classiest and nicest guys I've ever met. This man could have been the governor of Texas if he would have wanted it.
The assignment was pretty easy though, he had hundreds and hundreds of books he was donating to Baylor. All kinds of political books. That was going to have to be my background. It was simply a matter of moving things around in the office space and giving myself some room to work.
I didn't tell him how to sit in the chair or how to look. I wanted it to be however he wanted. The effect was somewhat regal in my opinion. I couldn't have asked it any better.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Christmas Break
Very rarely do I get any kind of extended break from work.... right now is one of those times.
Officially, I'm off until next Wednesday, but I'll write a few blogs and try to finish up my Best of 2007 series.
I hope everybody got what they wanted for Christmas.... I know that I did. Including a 500 gigabyte hard drive to store all of my photos on.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Movement and Energy
December 21, 2007A slow shutter speed can yield fantastic results when used in moderation and in the right situation. You still need a bit of luck... and good timing.
Enjoy....
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
The Henrietta Bearcats take the field against the Jacksboro Tigers Friday night in Jacksboro. Henrietta won 33-26 in overtime
We were working on a story about the blow-up run-on field-entry things. Something about how they've changed over the years and whatnot.
This isn't an earth shattering photograph. But it is a good example of a slow enough shutter speed to blur the action and fast enough make sure that I can keep the camera still. I'm good to about 1/10th of a second without too much shake.
The colors were particularly vibrant thanks to a twilight sky... and that makes this one of my fave. shots this year.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
University of Texas at Arlington Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members perform during a stepshow competition at Memorial Auditorium Saturday night.
I knew I was in for an interesting night when I was assigned to go to the step show. Not exactly my cup of tea.... but a chance to make some interesting photos none the less.
I wasn't planning on getting one of these kinds of shots that night... the light wasn't great but bright enough to stop the action if I wanted to. I think it was simply the thought of stopping the action of the big boy with his shirt off that made me play the blur card.
Again... not tooooo much so that you can't tell what's going on, but just enough to make for a cool effect.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Nathan Ascano, color guard instructor at Windthorst High School, performs with the Blue Knights colorguard, from Denver, Tuesday night at the Rumble in the Falls Drum Corps International exhibition.
There isn't much of it... but the flag is blurred ever so slightly... really making Nathan stand out in my opinion. Not everyday that you are assigned a color guard photo. I wasn't going to complain... except that I had to stay focused on the local kid in the show.
The guard does a lot more than just spin a flag at this high level of competition... they perform. I wanted to capture that kind of raw emotion... and did just that. You can just imagine the roar by looking at the photo, and THAT is effective photography.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 9:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Kind of a bad day
December 20, 2007I meant to blog photos yesterday, but my mind was totally preoccupied the entire day.
It just seemed like bad things happened all over the place, not to me directly but to people I am very close to and care a great deal about.
A terminally ill family member of a good friend of mine is nearing the end of his journey.
Another friend is facing an extremely difficult and troublesome time in his new marriage.
And then late last night, I get a phone call from my dad letting me know that my uncle's brother was killed in a car wreck yesterday. A kid driving too fast on a country road crossed the center line, nearly hitting his truck head on. The kid didn't make it either. Seemingly so senseless and confusing.
There is a chance that I'll have to make two memorial services before 2007 is over. Likely two in 11 days. If not before Jan 1st, shortly after for sure. Just thinking about all of this has put me in a bit of a glum mood. Everything is going fairly well for myself lately, I don't really have any complaints to speak of.
But knowing that my good friends and family are hurting deeply... and I am helpless to do anything more than praying and listening... wears on me down to my very soul.
Be thankful for Christmas... but even more thankful that you have somebody to spend it with.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Nice enough to golf
Here we are in late December... and it's basically golfing weather.
Welcome to Texas.
Because of this... here are a few of my fave. golf shots of the year. Enjoy. There will be three more later on. I do love golf photos.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Chandra Alexander, from Haslet, eyes one of her drives during the final round of the Texas-Oklahoma Junior Golf Girl's Open Championship Thursday afternoon at the Wichita Falls Country Club. Alexander finished in second place with a 220 total, two strokes behind Maury Shock.
Golf photos aren't really all that hard, you just have to know the player you're following... how they swing and follow through... and then where to stand to get your shot.
Chandra has played in the TO for a couple of years now, and she's always been in contention. I remember that she has a great level follow through and holds it for a second on her drives. Just long enough for a great photo.
Combine the face that the background only enhances the shot because of the darkness behind her and everything rolls together in harmony on this one.
It's not the most action-packed shot... but that's not always the point.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Benjamin Thorseth, from Richmond, watches his second shot from the rough on the par-4 15th hole during the second round of the Texas-Oklahoma Junior Golf Boys Open Championship Wednesday afternoon at River Creek Golf Course. Thorseth shot a 69 and is in the lead with a 137 through two rounds.
Benjamin is another kid who has been at the TO for a few years, and somebody that I have frequently photographed during the tournament. This was one of my fave. holes on the course, and when his drive found trouble, I knew that I had a chance to get a really attractive shot with the vines hanging on the large brick wall next to him.
The lighting couldn't have been better, and the fact that his swing took his club into the greenery only made the shot even better. Of course, he put his ball on the green most likely and putted for birdie (I mean... he shot a freaking 69). This was another example of looking around and finding the story of the shot to go with the photo... it wouldn't have had the same impact had I have not put the vines in the photo.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Key Young, from Coppell, is surrounded by flying grass after a short iron shot during the second round of the Texas-Oklahoma Junior Golf Boys Open Championship Wednesday afternoon at River Creek Golf Course. Young shot a 71 for a two-day total of 140.
Other than the obvious connection between green and black in the photo... (which was composed intentionally because of that) this is a good example of shooting a bit loose.
Shooting a bit downhill provided me with the chance to eliminate the trees and sky in this shot if i used the large 400mm lens instead of the closer 70-200mm.
I didn't expect the huge clod of mud to fly... and consequently, he left this approach shot short of the green from about 100-yards. Sounds like a shot that I would make.
But the mud falling around him helps make the shot that much better. You don't need the golf ball in the frame, the mud along with the pose of the golfer makes the shot stand out on it's own. Not to mention the nearly neon green.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Water Day
December 17, 2007Here are a couple of shots related to water and or getting wet.
Basically, I didn't know where else to group them. But they were good enough to make my Best Of list.
Enjoy...
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Gates Richardson, dressed as Spiderman, yells at his crew Louis Wilson, Madison Holmes (back left) and Lindy Larson (front left) as their boat takes on water Tuesday morning near the finish line during the Boat Float 2007, a joint venture between 6th graders from Ben Milam Elementary, 8th graders from Barwise Jr. High and Zundy Jr. High, and Physics students from Hirschi High School.
I have photographed the Boat Float for the last couple of years... and it never gets old. Kids being kids and having a blast. Obviously, one of the best shots is when a boat tips over and the kids react to hitting the water.
This one was different though. Basically, a bunch of class clowns in superhero costume just cracking up the entire way. The entire crowd was laughing, I was laughing and the kids were having fun. It didn't matter if they fell in the water or not, this was a great shot and still makes me laugh whenever I see it.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Col. Jeffrey Kendall, 80th Flying Training Wing Commander at Sheppard AFB, reacts after being doused with a fire hose by his children Thursday afternoon after his final flight in a T-38C.
Anytime I am at the AFB on one of these kinds of assignments, I always look for a unique angle to the photo. That is because there are usually all three television stations (3, 6, 7) and several other newspaper photographers covering the event.
This isn't exactly one of those different shots. I knew they planned on using the hose, so it was just a matter of being in the right spot for a good reaction. And then you have to get lucky at that.
Turns out... luck was on my side. I happened to get the perfect moment where the water didn't hide his face and you could see his reaction.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Burkburnett coach Bill Dalke reacts after getting a cooler full of water dumped on him as his Bulldogs knocked off the Canyon Eagles 35-28 in their bi-district playoff game Friday night in Amarillo.
These are the shots that you simply have to be aware of your surroundings and what is going on. As the time was winding down in the Burk game, I happened to look over and see a few players gathered around the water cooler....
That only meant one thing. Coach was getting a bath.
I kept my distance, but made sure that I had a clear view of Coach Dalke. Their first playoff win in .like 17 years, I didn't want to miss this one. He had no idea it was coming either. Great moment.
It was pretty cold that night too, but I don't think Dalke minded a bit.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Nothing worse than being sick.
Sorry I haven't kept up my end of the bargain for posting blogs over the weekend.
I had the rather unpleasant surprise of making a long drive to Sweetwater for the Munday playoff game Saturday. The game was awesome... spending most of the day either in the car, or on the sidelines freezing wasn't.
Combine that with the stomach bug I now have... and it makes for an unpleasant weekend to say the least.
I'm not sure if it was the Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner or the Whataburger for lunch on Sat, but by the time I got home late Saturday night, my insides were staging a coup.
Sleep wasn't really working for me, the stomach pain was too much to handle. I'm not even sure what time it was, but I eventually did loose my lunch. Which, by the way, is my least favorite thing in the entire world.
Sunday wasn't much better, except I wasn't throwing up anymore.... just completely dehydrated and no food of any sort in my system at all. Could have been worse though, I mean, I didn't have to stomach the Cowboys game... so that was good.
Today... I'm not 100%... I don't think I'm even 75%, but I've finally started eating (gingerly) again and putting down some Gatorade.
If only I could get rid of this persistent headache now.... I'll have some more photos up in a bit.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Energy of a Child (2)
December 13, 2007I didn't want to overwhelm you all with 4 photos in one blog, so I split up the cute kids from 2007 section
Here are the other two...
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Mikah Slatter, 8, tries to coax her show goat "Peanut Butter" to the other side of the pen at the Wichita County Junior Livestock Show at the J.S. Bridwell Ag. Arena.
Let me preface this with a simple disclaimer... like my friend Zach Duncan, I am a city boy. Born and raised on the mean asphalt streets of Fort Worth suburb... Benbrook. (The Brook as we call it). So the last couple of years, my trip to the Wichita County Junior Livestock Show has been an adventure all its own.
I never wanted a pig... or goat, horse, cow, llama, chicken, turkey or rabbit growing up.
So these kids get all kinds of extra kudos for raising these things and showing them off... knowing that they may get auctioned off and butchered. That takes guts.
This year... primary goal number one for me was to find a kid kinda struggling with their animal. It may sound kind of cruel, but would make for a great great photo.
I found my photo in the goat section... this little darling girl just could not convince her goat to move from the spot he was standing in. I thought that perhaps my presence in the large pen would sway him to move away from me... but that was not the case.
I quickly got my shots... got the girls name... and made it out of there before I burst out laughing. It was just too cute for words.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Jahreme Austin concentrates as he balances a paper butterfly on his finger during a science class at MSU. More than 130 from Fannin, Huey and Burgess toured the campus of Midwestern State Wednesday morning.
This was one of those shots that just kind of happened out of shear luck. It was a kid tour at MSU day, and there were about 6 groups I could have chosen to follow around. I tried to get several groups, and just happened to luck out with this group doing something that was really a good photo op.
I used the telephoto lens so I wouldn't disturb this kid's concentration on the paper butterfly, but really wanted to capture the expression in his eyes as he was doing it.
Had he have opened a big broad smile, I'd have tried to zoom out a bit and get those pearly whites, but there was no smile... just pure concentration. He had no idea I was taking pictures of him, which allowed me several more seconds to get it just right by moving slightly left or right.
When I showed him the shot on the back of my camera.... that's when his big smile made an appearance and it was worth the wait.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Energy of a Child
December 12, 2007Here are a few of my fave. photos from the last year that show the perfect emotion of a child.
There is no other subject out there that is as easy and difficult to photograph as a child.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Tashira Harrold, Jade Gildon and Mona Harris (left to right) attempt a three-person skip at Kate Haynes Elementary Thursday afternoon. Jump rope, a playground staple for more than a century, is getting some new respect as local school kids participate in the Jump for Heart campaign and more advanced jumpers are doing stunt demonstrations for school programs.
These kids were getting ready for Jump for Heart, a program that I remember from back in my days on the elementary school grounds.
The hardest thing about this assignment was the kids all wanted to pay attention to me and show off for me. Despite my constant warnings that "If you are looking at me, I can't use it in the newspaper."
I hate it when the subject of a photo is staring into your lens. I'm really not that big a fan of it during a portrait session either. I all just depends on the subject.
Well, not wanting these jumping kids to look staged, I tried to walk around a lot and ignore the kids pleading with me to "take their picture." These girls could have cared less if I was there or not, and that is what made me stick around for a few minutes longer to get the shot.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Jade Girard (center) laughs as she and the rest of her Wichita Falls Girl Scout Troop 217 play a Japanese version of "Rock, Paper, Scissors". The Girl Scouts are nearing their 95th anniversary and are making sure that their programs are relevant to girls today.
The purest form of joy is the laughter of a child. Nothing makes me smile faster than hearing a kid laugh out loud.
This was from a Girl Scout meeting one day back in January, when the organization was nearing their 95th anniversary. I was waiting for a good fun moment to capture to show the girls having fun, which was better than the blank stares I was getting for most of the meeting.
Finally, when they started playing their game, I heard a few giggles... that turned into laughter pretty quickly. I tried to make myself invisible (hard to do for somebody 6'1" and about 240) so the girls would just keep playing their game and not pay attention to me.
It worked out well, and this was the main picture from that assignment.
I'll have two more to come tomorrow regarding children.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
More than the people
December 11, 2007Sorry for taking Monday off of the blogging. I needed a mental break.
Here are a few shots that show that there is usually more to look at than just the person when you're shooting.
Enjoy.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Sons of the American Revolution members Richard Arnold (Dallas), William Walker (McKinney) and Howard Roach (Plano)(l-r) sit at the back of the United States District Court with the United States flag beside them before the start of a naturalization ceremony for 17 new citizens from seven different countries.
This was one of those shots that came by just paying attention to what was going on around you.
These guys, dressed in their Revolutionary War duds were hanging out in the back of the Federal Courtroom in Wichita Falls before the start of the naturalization ceremony. I simply walked across the front of the room to line them up with the flag. I could have zoomed in to just capture these three men, but the shot really worked better with the flag in it.
It was one of those Eureka moments when I put the camera up and saw the framing worked just perfectly. A lot of people don't like the "dead space" above their heads... but I think that is what makes it such an interesting shot to look at.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
A few rays of sunlight fall on Brianna Bell and her brother Ceanu Flores, 3, as they sit on a rock overlooking the Falls Monday afternoon.
Again... it is the negative space in this shot that really makes it appeal to me. The entire top layer of the falls was in shadow except for a little sliver of sunlight that came and lit the two people up on the rock.
I didn't have my tripod with me or I would have tried to slow the shutter far enough down to get a bit of blur in the water, but either way, the effect of the shot made the point. These people were very small compared to the waterfall behind them.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Couples practice the tango under the dome in the ballroom at the Kemp Center for the Arts during a dancing class hosted by former competitive dancer H.-P. Schuele and his wife Kristin.
This is one of my top five shots from the entire year. I have loved this shot from the moment I thought about trying to capture it.
This is at the Kemp Center during a dance class... and I had to play patiently to wait until two couples flanked H.P. in the middle to nail the symmetry of the shot.
I was literally with my ear to the ground to get the extreme angle of looking up at the top of the rotunda in the ballroom. Just another prime example of why I don't wear a suit and tie to work. I was on my knees and nearly flat to the ground. That's not easy to do in slacks.
Hopefully, you'll see this photo in the paper when we do the Best Of photo pages at the beginning of January.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sunsets
December 9, 2007Everybody loves a good sunset photo.
You have about 20-30 minutes every day to get a sunset shot provided the cloud conditions.
Here are three of my faves of the year.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Several Midwestern State soccer players are silhouetted against the setting sun on Orange Beach, Alabama.
This was from my recent trip to Orange Beach, Alabama with the MSU soccer team. The beach was only about 200 yards from my condo door and it was one of the prettiest sunsets I'd see all year long.
There was no question that this was going to be a fave. of mine. I was hanging out down there with a handful of the team and we were just kinda goofing off and taking a couple of group pictures. All the while, I was ready to get a journalism shot for the paper. An outtake from the group shots or just something pretty.
It was a fun trip and I would love to go back down there on vacation one of these days.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
The twilight sky shines behind the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly Conservatory at the River Bend Nature Center.
For the most part... sunsets with nothing in the sky aren't that pretty compared to partly cloudy ones. The trick is to get something in the foreground that takes advantage of the darkening twilight sky.
A mirrored building works well (like in downtown Dallas)... or in this case, a building that you can see through.
The new butterfly conservatory works well for that exact thing. This was shot before Halloween during their costume party as the sun had fallen well beyond the horizon line, but there was still enough light to make a good photo. It helps that the building was lit up from the inside, and that just kinda adds to the beauty of the shot.
I should probably make a big print of this one and donate it to River Bend.... I'll have to get on that one.
Jason Palmer/Photographer
Distant thunderstorm clouds paint a colorful sunset behind the slides at Castaway Cove Waterpark Monday evening. Storms moved through the area in late afternoon cooling temperatures to the mid-70s in the evening hours.
This was from July 23, 2007 on an evening of thunderstorms in the area. I could see the sunset starting to fill the sky with color and happened to be near Castaway Cove. I knew this would make a good subject for a sunset shot (I've done the same thing a few years earlier). It was just a matter of waiting for the right colors in the sky.
This is also the type of shot that never quite looks as good on the newspaper as it does on the computer screen. Even though we've won awards for our color reproduction in the print editions, there is nothing like the brilliant color of an LCD screen.
I had nearly forgotten about this shot. I'm not sure how many I have turned in to the newspaper this year (That'll be something for another blog) but this one nearly slipped through the cracks. I'm glad I found it though.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Old Glory
December 8, 2007It is no surprise that our nation's flag makes a convenient element to add to a photograph to stir up feelings.
Be it on the 4th of July, Veterans Day or the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Here are a few more of my fave. flag shots from this past year.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Fireworks explode in the night sky above the United States flag flying at Memorial Stadium Thursday night. The fireworks were part of a pep rally at Rider High School for Friday nights' annual football game against their crosstown rivals, Old High.
This shot was luck... pure and simple. It wasn't from the 4th of July although I wish it was.
I was leaving the parking lot at the Rider-WF JV and Freshman games when these fireworks started popping in the distance. They were from the Rider pep rally.
It just so happened that I was parked in alignment with the flag and the fireworks in the distance. Perfectly. But I didn't have my tripod handy (as is usual with the fireworks photographs) so I had to make do with what was there... the top of my car.
I literally put my cameras on the roof of my car to stabilize them and just hoped that I was lucky enough to get a good shot out of it.... and as luck would have it, I did.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Two members of the Rider JROTC hold the top of a large American flag before the start of the Rider Raiders football game against the Sherman Bearcats Friday, Sept. 28, 2007 at Memorial Stadium.
I have always liked this photo, but I can't really explain why. I don't normally shoot during the national anthem at the high school football games. But from where I was standing, this shot just looked good to me and I couldn't resist firing a few frames to capture the moment.
I only took about 3 shots, then went back to quietly standing there while the band played.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Doug Kunkle picks up an American flag in the Tanglewood neighborhood, one of hundreds of American flags set out by the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls Thursday afternoon to mark Flag Day.
This shot was a personal fave. of mine for the entire year. The assignment was to capture the volunteers picking up flags from Flag Day. It was one of those publisher specials... when the publisher asks us to cover something that is of interest to him like the Rotary Club or United Way bruncheons.
As the sun was setting, I knew this was the type of shot I really wanted to get. Mainly because I felt like the flag was more important than the people who were picking them up. That was what I tried to show here.
There wasn't much wind that day, but a slight flutter opened the flag just enough to catch the sunlight just perfectly.
Always nice when a concept in my head actually pans out.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Dec. 7th
December 7, 2007I thought this day would be the best one to show these photos from the past year that show the best in our military and remembrance.
Every one of these assignments was humbling to say the least.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Membesr of the Sheppard Air Force Base Honor Guard lift the flag off a casket during a mock military retiree funeral service inside a gym on base. Members from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard based at Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C., were at Sheppard to train honor guard teams from several bases in Texas.
This was one of those assignments that gave me chills the entire time I was there. Often, the media is not invited to a full military funeral during a news situation. Those are private times that are reserved for the family and friends only. And I have no problem with that.
This was a special training session that the media was invited to. And trust me... that gym was so quiet you could have heard a mouse squeak. I barely spoke a word while I was in there shooting this full military funeral practice.
I was fairly uncomfortable being that close as they folded the flag over the empty casket... but often, this job isn't for those who get uncomfortable easily. In the end, it was a very rewarding assignment and one that I won't soon forget.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Former Navy Second Gunner's Mate Frank Whall, from Norfolk, Mass., walks under a canopy of flags raised by students at Sheppard AFB Elementary as they welcome survivors of the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima Friday afternoon. The 62nd annual reunion of veterans continues Saturday.
This photo I could see happening from a mile away. As soon as I heard that the school children were going to have flags to make a walkway, I scrambled around to find a chair to stand on.
I kinda felt bad for about one second... moving a planter and hovering over the kids, who wouldn't stop paying attention to me. But I held my ground just in case the television crews or other photographers got in my way.
As soon as the bus full of Iwo Jima survivors pulled up, the kids completely forgot I was even there, which was fine with me. I'm not even sure the WWII veterans noticed me up there, but they had plenty to say when I went to shake their hands later.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Rows of US flags wave lazily in the breeze near the intersection of Hwy. 25 and Hwy. 281 in Windthorst, home of Marine Sgt. Gary Johnston who died on January 23 in Iraq.
This shot was from the toughest assignment I think I've ever had.
Lara Richards and I were invited to the home of Nubbins and Angela Johnston in Windthorst where a bunch of their son's Marine buddies were gathering just before Memorial Day. Their son Gary, whom I had photographed before playing football in Windthorst, was killed while serving our country.
Windthorst has always been one of those magical little towns that I love being around and talking with the people and just feeling a part of the community. I photographed the towns last football state title, and their softball state title in 2004. Most of the high school kids there know me and their parents always wave when I'm at the games.
So to say that I felt like part of the community would be fairly accurate.
Lara and I sat in their living room surrounded by a bunch of Marines and family members and listened as they all told stories, both happy and sad, about their son and friend. I still get a bit misty-eyed thinking about it. I can't even begin to imagine the feelings going through them.
There were a lot of photos I took for this assignment, it was the big feature on the Sunday before Memorial Day.... but this one was my fave. It is simple, elegant and above all, thought provoking.
This was one of those shots that I wanted to mean something..... and I took about 45 minutes trying to get this one shot right because of how much it meant.
Some things are just too important to not take the time to do it right.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Fauna
December 6, 2007So yesterday was plants... of course today had to be animals.
It makes sense right...
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
A white heron cruises near the surface of Lake Arrowhead Wednesday afternoon as it looks for a spot to land and fish in the grass covered by water near the edge of the lake. Cooler weather and lake-filling rains have attracted more people and wildlife to the lake this summer.
This was from Sept. 12, 2007. It was one of those random assignments again. The paper needed some glam shots of Lake Arrowhead since the water was up high and things were going well.
I knew that the water birds would be in abundance out there... so I grabbed the 400mm f2.8 lens and the teleconverter because I knew these birds would be skittish and not let me that close to them to photograph.
One good thing about herons is they tend to fly in one direction for a long time... making it fairly easy for me to track them across the lake with the camera. That's exactly what happened here. I crept closer and closer... getting several shots along the way before I spooked him and he took off.
This shot didn't even make the newspaper. Sad isn't it.... it's a freaking great shot. I look at it and just think of some kind of horse enters a bar joke.
This was at the Whispers of Hope Horse Farm on May 1, 2007. We were doing a short story about the farm auctioning off several horses to raise money. These were two of the horses up for sale and I just waited patiently for both of them to come towards me in their stalls.
At first... they just stared at me. Not what I wanted at all, but after a few minutes, they relaxed a bit and started goofing around. Kinda like kids... and dogs. Eventually, they don't really care that you are there.
I wish adults were this easy to photograph.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Dusty, one of Sandra Wortham's alpacas, eats a bite of grass at her land on Turkey Ranch Road. She has more than 20 of the soft fleece coated animals.
This is one of my top five shots of the year. It cracks me up every time I see it.
It's an alpaca... and I'm pretty sure it looked at me and smiled. Not 100% certain or anything... but I swear it's trying for a spot on America's Next Top Model or something.
This was one of those Lara Richards assignments that you never know if it'll be a gold mine or a lump of coal. Turns out... this was pretty funny.
And yeah... it's fleece is as soft as it looks.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Flora
December 5, 2007As any good rain follower knows...
April showers bring May flowers.
Here are some of my fave. plant photos from 2007.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
The tall grain silos at Texoma Ag. Products in Burkburnett rise in the distance above a wheat field ready for harvest Tuesday. The recent rains have left the fields too wet for harvesters to navigate through and the moisture content in the grains too high to process.
This shot, from May 29, 2007, shows a wheat field ready for harvest. The bosses had one of those random assignment days where they needed a shot that showed a wheat field not being harvested because it was too wet.
I was like: "Huh?"
So, it was my job to find a field and somehow tell that story. This shot doesn't quite tell the entire story, but that is why there is a caption to read. Everybody knows that time of year is harvesting season, but a field of pretty wheat doesn't really say a whole lot.
I used a flash on this shot so I could get the exposure right on the grain elevators in the distance and light the wheat in the foreground. It kinda makes a spooky effect.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
A honey bee hovers near a pink peach blossom on a tree near Seymour Highway Wednesday afternoon in Wichita Falls.
I was on my way back from an assignment on March 14, 2007, when I drove by a peach tree that was blossoming. I couldn't resist stopping and getting a shot for my mom. She's a big fan of my flower photos (as is my sister).
Plus, I never miss a chance to take a shot of something like this in case I need a quick gift for the girlfriend.
The bee was an added bonus. I wasn't planning on getting him in the shot, but once he showed up, he stayed in the same cluster of flowers for a while.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News A purple and white flower blooms alongside Seymour Highway Wednesday afternoon.
This little guy was from the same day as the peach blossoms. The side of the road was covered with them, but they were very very small.
I love the depth of field in this shot, the entire thing is just kinda dreamy-looking. I'm sure I looked like an idiot crouched over this flower on the side of the road... but it's not the first time people have looked at me funny.
That's just part of the job.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Best Photos of 2007
December 4, 2007Well folks... it's finally here.
My blog series from last December was fairly popular so it would seem. And a few folks have been asking when I was going to start the 2007 edition of my best of series.
So... here is is. We'll start off with a spot of nature.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Two bolts of lightning strike behind McNeil Junior High and the Sunrise Optimist Clinic Softball fields Tuesday evening as a cold front brought a line of storms that set off severe thunderstorm warnings in Clay, Archer and Wichita counties around 9:30 p.m.
One of my fave. things to shoot when a storm rolls in is the lightning. It's quick, easy and effective when the storm cooperates with my idea.
Obviously, the storm worked with me this time. I was at home on July 10, 2007, and watching the storms rolling around town. I live off of Southwest Parkway so I have a nice view of the horizon.
So when the lightning put on a show between storm cells, I was ready to pounce. I went to Memorial Stadium and was planning on a shot over McNiel Jr. High. I had the tripod ready and guessed at the correct exposure based on experience.
This was honestly the first frame I shot in my attempt for a lightning strike. This is one of those "One and Done" kind of deals. I shot a few more thinking maybe I'd get something better before the rain started up again... but I didn't. It was this one and that was about all it was worth.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
Dark storm clouds blacken the sky over Wichita Falls Monday afternoon as a series of storms associated with a dry line across Texoma rumbled through the region with heavy rain and lightning.
This shot, from May 21, 2007, is a standard downtown shot. It was another one of those rainy days when the bosses want some sort of "rain art" for the next day's paper just in case the masses weren't aware that it rained the day before.
Honestly... they are a beat down to come up with some kind of new shot every time it rains.
I just happened to notice the dynamic lighting between the clouds and the rain and went to my trusty spot for a downtown vista.
The entire shot is basically a black and white... not much color to speak of other than the slight purple hue to the sky. But I've always liked this one.
Jason Palmer/Times Record News
A rainbow appears over the steeple at Fain Presbyterian on Speedway after a heavy thunderstorm brought torrential rains through Wichita Falls Friday evening.
This photo was taken on June 1, 2007. It was another one of those quick rain-maker thunderstorms that blossomed over town. As soon as it happend, it was over and the sun came out behind the storm, producing one of the best rainbows I've seen in a while. I was over by Old High looking for street flooding as the sun came out and I knew that I needed to find a landmark to put in the frame quickly.
I drove up Harrison as quick as I could because I know that the only thing that vanishes faster than a rainbow is my paycheck. I parked on the side of Speedway and ran through puddles in the grass to get into position for this shot. Ideally... a bolt of lightning in the frame would have been amazing, but I'll take what I can get.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Back to the grindstone.
December 3, 2007An inadvertent problem with going to the beach... eventually you have to come back home.
Another problem... I didn't get the "Best of 2007" blogs rolling along. That'll change this afternoon and then I'll have a better handle of things.
For now... it's lunchtime before going into work. I've decided that being on the beach with a bunch of college soccer players made me realize that it is REALLY time to start working out hardcore.
So.... it's a grilled chicken salad for Jason for lunch. MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Back at the airport....
December 1, 2007Well, we're sitting in the Pensacola Airport waiting to board a flight.
We're headed to A-town Atlanta for a lovely two hour layover before catching a flight back to DFW. The team is kinda quiet today, that's understandable.
There are 100s of teams around the country, and MSU finished 3rd in the nation. What stinks is... only one team gets to end the season on a happy note once you're in the playoffs.
We should be getting back to MSU about the same time as tipoff for the girls basketball game. I'm kinda hoping that maybe there'll be a few people there to welcome us home.
Posted by Jason Palmer at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
