Standalone

I've been on the hunt for standalones for the past few days around Jasper. So when I saw these high schoolers skating in a parking lot on the way back from baseball I knew I should stop. I tried to talk myself out of it, but my photo instinct got the better of me and I hung out with them for awhile. I think my first words were, "Hey guys, I'm with the Herald, mind if I shoot some photos, we're looking for features." They were cool to hang with and even let me try out the "rip-stick..." think skateboarding and rollerblading combined.

The photo I posted on my 365 blog is super loose, and poorly composed, but I like the snapshot quality of it over some of these. I worry that after looking at thousands of perfectly composed/tightly cropped images, my eye just aches for something different.

Earth Day

A few frames from a tree planting at a local university. I love early morning light. Why does my body hate me when I tell it to get up? I think my photography would improve at least 50 percent if I got up earlier.

Jasper

I'm in my second week in Dubois County and I am loving it. The countryside is beautiful and the people are friendly. When I crossed Iowa while driving back from Colorado a few years ago I loved driving through the rolling hills and farms scattered among the cornfields. Dubois is similar, but there are more trees and wild places if you know where to look. I'm a true Midwestern son. I don't think I've lived in a place that I haven't liked, but I think the Midwest will always be home. Anyway, the internship at The Herald is phenomenal. I'm still trying to find a pace and routine that works, but I'm sure that will come in time. Here a few sports photos from last week.

The other blog

I may have given a shout about this before, but I wanted to make sure anyone that follows this blog also knows about my ongoing 365 project. I'm taking a photo everyday (or trying to) and posting it to my 365 blog (www.blake365.blogspot.com). I am generally a little looser in my edits for the 365 posts, so while there are some pretty photos, there are a lot of "what was he thinking" photos and photos from daily assignments mixed in. The rule is simple: one photo per day.

This blog here is a little different as I usually try to post a series of images or have something to say about a particular image. I don't write on the 365 blog, so if I want to write something up, it'll end up here as well. There is some crossover between the two blogs, but I usually keep the 365 one more current. Thanks for looking!

The Last Assignment

My last assignment for Midland was a tea party at a local pottery studio. Croquet seemed like a proper game for such an event. The office was quiet as I turned it in and it felt strange leaving my key on Ryan's desk. I learned a lot during my stint at the paper, and I can't say enough Nathan, Ryan and John. Best of luck to you all and I'll see you around.

Brother Sister Date

My last full day in Michigan I took Lauren up to Center Lake for a surprise horseback riding adventure. My friends Sue and Carissa graciously took time out of their day to lead saddle our horses and lead us on a trail ride. The weather was perfect, and after a fantastic ride around the camp property we went down to the lake to get our feet wet. I used to lifeguard on the dock, and it was surreal being there again. Thanks again Sue and Carissa for the ride! And Lauren, well, you're pretty cool too. I can't wait to see you in July!