Legacy In A Rhyme

Blake Quits

2011-10-25T22:38:00.007-05:00

Bad news hit the world of CR tonight. Our lead guitarist, who had been with the band since 2007 decided he no longer wanted to pursue a future in music. Evan, our bass player, took it the hardest. More news as this develops. Is this the end? I don't know. But we sure as hell have a lot to work out in the coming days.

Home Sweet Home

2011-08-05T17:42:00.001-05:00

Band Update

2011-08-02T00:21:00.007-05:00

It's been a hectic few months for us. We've moved into a new house, canceled a tour, ditched a drummer then found a new one, then ditched him and found yet ANOTHER one, and have done a lot of sitting around the house doing absolutely jack shit. I wish this post could be a whole bunch of a pictures from our tour and all the exotic lands we've been and adventures we've had, but the truth is despite all that going on we haven't really done much. Nothing visual, anyway. Shit has been depressing and bleak, but that's how the life of the musician goes.

Here's a little bit of what has gone on this summer. Not a real edit of the project or anything, just some shots the guys and I like. With things looking up there should be more posts soon, assuming everything goes the way we want it to.

Cheers!

Start of Something Good

2011-05-08T13:56:00.004-05:00

So with college over and my whole life ahead of me, I am left contemplating what I am going to do. Where will this path I've chosen take me. Well for right now, the path is keeping me in Kentucky to pursue music with my heavy metal band, Cryptic Reality. But, so as not to waste the last four years of my life, I've finally found a style and way of photographing that I was making my work lack in years past.

My plan is to autobiographically document this journey my bandmates are undertaking, so that years into the future we can look back on it and say we did everything we could to achieve our dream; even if it never happened. Three of us are going to be living together, and we will be doing tours, shows, practices, parties, everything. I hope to put this together in a photo book when it is all over (if it is ever over) but for right now I will periodically be posting on the blog, until I get enough of an edit to put it on my website. This is the first photo of the project, and many more will come.

"So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?"

-Hunter S. Thompson-

Because I love you all

2011-02-20T17:30:00.018-06:00

Holy neglected blog, Batman! It's been a long, long, long time since I've updated this, mostly because I just got so busy last semester that regularly updating was out of the question. So I'll make up for it by picture vomiting all over the Internet right now. This isn't nearly everything I shot last semester, nor is it even the best stuff. But I like all of these in some way and thought I would share them with you. There may have been a few I've missed, and if I stumble across them I will be sure to update again. Thanks for looking!

Washington Capitals vs. Nashville Predators

2010-10-17T16:06:00.007-05:00

It's finally hockey season! Not only does that mean I get to watch games, but I get to shoot them as well. By sheer luck my first shoot of the season was the Nashville Predators against my beloved Washington Capitals. It was extremely hard not to yell and cheer for them but regardless, I had a blast. I also tried not to only take pictures of Ovechkin and the other Caps players. These pictures are aren't my best, but overall I'm happy with the outcome. The six months worth of rust has been shaken and I look forward to the next game. Until then, enjoy!

...But I didn't say I totally didn't single him or HHBL out.

Suzanne Bowdy, 33, of Annandale, Va., takes pictures of players from the Washington Capitals during warm ups before a game at Bridgestone Arean in Nashville Tenn. Bowdy travled from the D.C. area to see the game and visit Nashville for the first time. "I love it here. The people here are super friendly and it is definitely a hockey town."

Anders Linback #39 of the Nashville Predators makes a save against Marcus Johansson #90 of the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Washington Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth #30 watches a puck shot by Nashville Predator forward J.P. Dumont (not pictured) go into the net during the first period of an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The Capitals would win the game in overtime 3-2.

Nashville Predators defenseman Kevin Klein #8 hip checks Washington Capitals forward Alexander Semin #28 against the boards during an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Ryan Suter #20 of the Nashville Predators battles for a puck against Brooks Laich #21 of the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators attempts to block a shot from Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich #21 during an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber #6 shoots on Washington Capitals goaltender Michal Neuvirth #30 during an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The Capitals would win the game in overtime 3-2.

Alexander Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals celebrates with Alexander Semin #28 and John Carlson #74 after Semin scored a power-play goal in the 3rd period of an NHL game on October 16, 2010 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The Capitals, who started the 3rd down 2-0 would rally and win in overtime 3-2.

"Features" Week 6

2010-10-17T15:57:00.003-05:00

Last weekend my roommates and I went on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which lets you travel through the gorgeous Kentucky country to visit six of its most famous distilleries. The weekend was amazing, and it was hard to go back to reality after those few days avoiding it. Of course, I kind of forgot to take real pictures throughout the trip for Practicum, so I just turned in 3 pictures from the weekend. It probably won't go over very well with the professor, but everyone needs to get away for a little bit.

Portrait Shootout

2010-10-10T16:16:00.003-05:00

However, we had a 40 minutes to get a portrait of someone during class and I feel in that time I made a much better portrait than any of the previous ones I had done that week. Maybe it was the pressure of needing to get a picture, maybe I put more effort into it without realizing, or maybe shooting portraits all week actually made me better. Either way, it's a step forward and I'm wanting to keep up with it so it wont be as big a weakness as it is right now.

Blake Lambert, 21, of Davies County, Ky., spends the afternoon outside with his Farmhouse fraternity brothers. Lambert is an Agricultural Education major at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky.

Portraits

2010-10-10T16:08:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, I really don't like portraits. Overall I just don't enjoy it and I feel it's by biggest weakness as a photographer. Of course, that just means that I have to keep doing them and get better at them. That didn't happen this week.

Bowling Green resident David Wood works as a caretaker at the Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Ky. "It doesn't bother me," he said when asked about constantly being in a graveyard. "It's a job that somebody has to do."

"I try to make things easier for people during a rough time." Abe Shelton owns Borders Monument Co. in Glasgow, Ky., which carves headstones for the recently deceased. "I think it helps people deal with their loss."

Kelley Sisk works as a florist at Hobdy's Florist in Scottsville, Ky. "There's just something about people's reaction to flowers, no matter what the occasion is."

Features Week 5

2010-10-10T16:05:00.001-05:00

Sophomore Marquarious Moore flops in mud with his Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers after winning a mud volleyball tournament in Bowling Green, Ky. The tournament featured fraternities and sororities from Western Kentucky University.

Barbara Conley, 49, of Bowling Green, Ky. cleans the counter of Theresa's restaurant in Bowling Green while there is some down time after the breakfast rush. The 21-year-old restaurant is a favorite in the city and has its busiest times in the early mornings and afternoons.

BG Transit employee Frank Lee, 38, of Bowling Green, Ky., tops off a transit bus at the end of one of his shifts.

Features Week 4

2010-10-10T16:01:00.001-05:00

7-year-old Josiah Markin of Bowling Green, Ky., busts open a piñata during the cities annual International Festival. The festival brings together food, music, crafts, and other types of culture from all over the world.

Bob Jenkins, 76, of Scottsville, Ky., gives his wife, Judy, pointers before bowls a frame at Southern Lanes in Bowling Green. The couple bowl in a senior league twice a week, and try to practice together at least once a week. "It's challenging, but we do it for the social reasons mostly."

Alejandro Lopez and his wife Melanie dance to a salsa band playing at the annual International Festival in Bowling Green, Ky. "We've come every year since it started," Melanie Lopez said.

Deadline Football

2010-10-10T15:56:00.004-05:00

I've been super behind on posts. That's what happens when weeks blend together as all of them are non-stop with work and such. This is from my deadline assignment. We had to shoot a football game and have the pictures captioned, dropped, and turned in at a certain time.

James Quick of Trinity High School runs the ball during a game against Bowling Green High School on September 24, 2010 in Bowling Green, Ky.

Bowling Green Purples running back Jackson Sowell returns a punt from Trinity High School. The Purples would ultimately fall on their home turf to a score of 14-12.

Trinity High School wide receiver Jackson Noe celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Bowling Green High School to give them a lead in the second quarter. Trinity would win the friday night fight 14-12.

Features Week 3

2010-09-26T16:51:00.003-05:00

Karen Horton of Scottsville, Ky. pets her dog, Levi, prior to the annual wiener dog race at the Kentucky Downs in Franklin.

Willie Taggart, head coach of the Western Kentucky University football team, leads a group of students through campus to the football stadium prior to WKU's home opener. Taggart spoke to hundreds of tailgating students to get them excited for the game against Indiana University.

Sports Week

2010-09-26T16:47:00.002-05:00

Ravenwood libero Micaela Bailey (#10) makes a pass during a game against the Greenwood Gators in Bowling Green, Ky. Ravenwood would defeat Greenwood and win the Greenwood Invitational tournament.

Western Kentucky Middle Fielder Christen Sims rushes down the field during a game against South Missouri State. WKU won the game 1-0.

Players of the Western Kentucky soccer team celebrate after Mallory Outerbridge (#16) scored the lone goal of a game against Southeast Missouri State on September 17, 2010 in Bowling Green, Ky.

Features Week 2

2010-09-26T16:41:00.003-05:00

25-year-old Russell Gonzales kicks around a hacky sack with his friends as they wait for the midnight release of the highly anticipated video game Halo: Reach.

Fred Dent practices batting with his son, Ryan at Kereiakes Park in Bowling Green, Ky. "He and his [twin] sister have games every week, so we are usually here every weekend," he says. Dent had a chance to play professionally before a torn rotator cuff ended his career. "I'm just trying to pass on what I know to my kids."

One Weeks Work

2010-09-07T19:07:00.006-05:00

My first assignment for Practicum was one weeks work. We had 4 categories (Feature, News, Portrait pertaining to news, and Sports action) to shoot in precisely a week. I had more fun this week than I have had in a long time and am so happy to be shooting again. Here's to kicking off what is hopefully going to be one of the best years of my life!

Bahome Ishakembe, 16, practices stopping shots from Ooreh Reh (right) and Melvin Flores, 12, at Preston S. Miller Park in Bowling Green, Ky. The boys are a few of many that come to the park everyday to play pick up soccer and goof around after school.

Bowling Green, Ky. resident Keith Keown, 42, eats a free lunch at the Salvation Army's soup kitchen. "I'm here Monday through Friday for going on five years now," he says. Keown worked construction for over twenty years before suffering an injury that forced him out of work.

Sedin Agic is an Imam at the Islamic Center of Bowling Green in Ky. "I love what I do and we have a great relationship with the community around us," Agic says. "It speaks to the nature of the people here, that we can have so many cultures here at once."

Franklin-Simpson Wildcats quarter back Max Bennett (#9) tackles Bowling Green Purples defensive back Jack Miller (#23) after Miller picked up a fumble during a Franklin-Simpson possession. The Purples shut out the Wildcats 35-0, continuing their undefeated streak to three games.

Features Week #1

2010-09-07T18:56:00.005-05:00

One of my photo classes this semester is Practicum, where we study by shooting as much as we can in a semester. Learn by doing. For the next 15 weeks I will have 3 feature photos due along with whatever my assignment is for that week. The posts will be coming often to make up for the lack of updating over the past year. Here are my features for the first week.

Melissa Sorrell plays with her nieces, Ella Rose and Molly Kenney, 6 and 3 at the Russlle Sims Aquatic Center in Bowling Green, Ky. Sorrell, of Nashville, Tenn. tried to come up once a week to visit her nieces, who live in Owensboro, Ky.

Bowling Green, Ky. resident Kevin Lashley, 31, nears the finish line of a 5k sponsored by the Bowling Green Noon Lions Club. The run, titled Run for Sight, benefited sight conservation in Bowling Green and has been an annual event for 21 years.

Luiz and Abi Martinez, 17 and 12, play with their sister across from La Luz Del Mundo church. They boys, along with their parents, cook and sell food everyday across the street from the church in order to raise money for it.

Smooth Garage

2010-06-22T15:36:00.005-05:00

Amidst the countless concrete corporate parks that populate Fairfax, a few of my friends found a secret place where they take their longboards to kill time at 1 in the morning.

Strasburg's National Debut

2010-06-09T14:02:00.004-05:00

Steven Strasburg (#37) throws strike out number 14 to end his major league debut with the Washington Nationals. Strasburg, 21, was drafted first overall by the Nationals in the 2009 MLB Draft, a year to the day of his first start.

Fans celebrate as Stephen Strasburg (#37) walks off the field at the end of the 7th inning in a game between the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Penguins. Strasburg, 21, broke a Nationals record of 14 strikeouts in a single game, and tied a record for seven consecutive strike outs. Nationals Park sold out to over 41,000 fans with standing room only tickets available early in the morning.

Bowling Green Storm Cleanup

2010-05-31T16:44:00.002-05:00

Here's an assignment I shot for the Herald at the tail end of the semester about the BG Public Works cleaning up after the massive storms that flooded Kentucky and Tennessee.

Knoxville Ice Bears vs. Huntsville Havoc

2010-03-28T18:51:00.007-05:00

Big surprise: another post from a hockey game. I'm hoping to get some baseball on here soon if I can find a game that fits in to my schedule, so some variety should be coming soon. I spent the night in Knoxville, Tenn., to shoot an SPHL game. Super minor league. I think I almost had more fun at this game then any others I have gone to or shoot. Almost. I also feel I shot a lot better than last time. Let me know what you think and what I need to do better.

Another Hockey Post: UK vs. EKU

2010-03-12T15:38:00.010-06:00

A few weeks ago I took a trip up to Lexington to shoot the last UK hockey game of the season. I had a pretty tough time between the first game getting canceled, busting my ass walking across the rink, having to dodge pucks and sticks because of a lack of safety glass, and just an overall dingy setting to shoot in. I had a blast, but I didn't shoot nearly as well as I would have hoped. Criticism and tips are always appreciated.

Predators vs. Redwings (2 months late)

2010-02-14T21:31:00.004-06:00

Fall from my house

2009-11-07T16:48:00.002-06:00

This is just a picture of the season changing in the lot next to my house. Autumn in Kentucky is the most gorgeous thing ever.

Rodeo

2009-11-07T16:31:00.005-06:00

WKU vs Xavier

2009-09-30T01:03:00.006-05:00

Nashville Predators Vs Columbus Blue Jackets

2009-09-20T21:02:00.009-05:00

I was able to shoot the 2nd Pre-Season home game of the Nashville Predators, thanks to their team photographer John Russell. I've been really looking into professional hockey photography and wanted to get to experience it for myself. Here is not only my first NHL shoot, but my first ice hockey shoot. Comments and criticism are needed.

What the Puck?

2009-05-06T04:41:00.004-05:00

I'm still behind a week and have a story to post. Hopefully I will have time to do that before the end of this week, but probably not. Here are a two new pictures for you.

Fuzzy Feelings

2009-04-15T03:43:00.003-05:00

Rugby

2009-03-28T16:02:00.002-05:00

First times shooting Rugby. Let me know what you think.

Steam Team

2009-03-26T23:24:00.010-05:00

Just Laxn'

2009-03-21T17:07:00.001-05:00

Grab a G and Hold On!

2009-03-21T17:03:00.005-05:00

ACP Singles

2009-03-21T16:59:00.008-05:00

ACP

2009-03-08T12:49:00.003-05:00

This week I am in Whitesburg, Kentucky, way up in the mountains to participate in the Appalachian Cultural Project. The workshop was started in 2003 as a way to end stereotypes of the area and show the rich culture of the mountains. The workshop started this morning and we have to find a story for the week, but as for right now we just had to shoot a religious service. I am very excited to dive into the community here in Whitesburg, and am even more excited with the people I am going to meet. I will be updating when I have time.

Dry Ice

2009-03-02T00:29:00.010-06:00

For the rest of my posts for my picture stories class I am not going to write what the stories are about. Instead, I am going to let you determine the subject matter. The goal is: if you can tell what it is about just by looking at the pictures then I have succeeded as a photographer; if you cannot then I have to try much harder next week. Here is the first story.

AFA

2009-02-23T01:28:00.007-06:00

Early Saturday morning I got to play war photographer. A group of guys who meet in the middle of nowhere in Bowling Green and play airsoft. And not with plastic, pump action guns from Wal-Mart. Hundred to thousand dollar equipment, with real war game tactics, radio chatter, ranks, the whole nine yards. I didn't know what to expect when I stepped on the battlefield, but I hope within the next few weeks I can go back and get some more interesting shots.

One Weeks Work

2009-02-14T17:52:00.009-06:00

Six Degrees

2009-02-05T14:49:00.009-06:00

Here is our first real assignment for PJ. We had to take six portraits that were all connected in some way. Whether it was through something large like a church or a group, or they just all knew all the other people. I went with the latter.

First Day of Picture Stories

2009-02-01T18:04:00.002-06:00

So this week was the first week of classes and with the was the first day of Picture Stories. I am really looking forward to this class for a number of reasons. First, I am excited to be shooting almost nothing but picture stories the entire semester, and I am also looking forward to the copious amount of shooting I am going to be doing every week. That being said, I am extremely nervous about all of that. This class is going to kick my ass in every possible way, but I am hoping all the beatings I will take will make me a better photographer.

That being said, the first day of class we were sent out to find a feature about the weather. We got hit pretty bad with snow and ice, but not nearly as bad as the rest of Kentucky. This just slowed the town down for a day or so, as opposed to being a month without power like some places will be. This is what I came back with.

Inauguration of Barack Obama

2009-01-23T12:41:00.006-06:00

As you all know, this past Tuesday the United States swore in its 44th President, Barack Obama. While this was a most historic event for several reasons, the obvious one is that he is our first African-American President. I am lucky enough to live close enough to the city so I didn't have to travel from far and wide to get to the inauguration. Many of my close friends stayed at my house for a few days leading up to the inauguration, and in total we had about 20-25 WKU Photojournalists come down for the event. It was absolutely incredible. Here are a few selects from the day.

All Access

2008-12-20T23:25:00.002-06:00

First thing I shot this break was a small little house show my friend's brothers band was playing. They are called All Access, and actually weren't too bad. It makes me happy when kids from the rich suburbs hold house shows where people get in fights and throw each other threw walls, (this was no exception). They also did the Wall of Death. This here's nothing great, just fun stuff.

Paris

2008-11-13T21:46:00.002-06:00

Fashion

2008-11-11T11:42:00.003-06:00

Our latest assignment in Lighting was Fashion. I can't say I was looking forward to this assignment because I am not the most fashion smart person and I really haven't delved too deep into fashion photography. But I enjoyed this shoot. Lorna, my model, was phenomenal to work with and I had a lot of fun shooting this. I also realized that I do know a bit about how to put lights together, even though I always feel like I don't know what I am doing.

What are some tips you could give me?

Rodeo

2008-11-02T21:31:00.003-06:00

Not that I need anymore, but here are some more horse pictures. I went to a high school rodeo with Alex, Ryan and Riaz earlier today. Them bulls is scary.

A Night Of Firsts

2008-11-02T20:27:00.002-06:00

First time shooting football. First time shooting with glass greater than 200mm. First time shooting on a Nikon. I shot football on Friday night to get some experience with it. This is what I came out with, but I did learn a bunch of stuff and want to keep shooting this sport. Though I couldn't follow the action or focus worth a damn, I had a ton of fun. Any tips or criticisms would be greatly appreciated.

WKU Gets Locked Down

2008-10-22T18:43:00.006-05:00

Today Western got locked down due to reported shootings on South Campus and outside PFT. It turned out to be a few fist fights with no shootings or weapon related activity. But the campus went nuts. Cops and S.W.A.T. were all over the place and everyone was stuck in their class rooms or in their dorms. Five people were arrested and a few people were detained. Didn't really get anything good, but here it is anyway.

Lighting Midterm Photo Story

2008-10-21T02:36:00.004-05:00

For our midterm for lighting we had to shoot a photo story on family. The family I found is a great example of the families everyone forgets about, or puts out of their mind. A five generation family living in one house in a poor part of town. Almost all the parents are on some sort of drug, ranging from painkillers to something needle related (haven't found out exactly what that is yet, though). Three children are also being raised (ages 2, 6, and 8), and their mother pawns them off on her mother or great-grandmother, which whom they spend most of their time. The children just recently started going school.
This is pretty much the bulk of the story, but I'm sure I find out more. I learn more and more about them every day. I plan to continue this as long as they let me.

This is the story, which we are only allowed to use 5 pictures for, one of which is a lit portrait. I decided to focus on Karen, the grandmother of the children. Eventually I will widen the focus to the entire family.

Labbie Love

2008-10-01T12:05:00.003-05:00

This week I am working at The Mountain Workshops. MWS has been going on for 33 years, and students gather with professionals from the business and document a small town in Kentucky or Tennessee. This year is Mayfield, Ky. The weeks has just started and already it's been one hell of a learning experience. Unfortunately, I don't get to shoot this year, but it is great to hang around with some of the best in the business, and learn what it takes to be a better photographer.

Kentucky Downs Racing

2008-09-14T22:31:00.004-05:00

This was also on Saturday, it was a pretty eventful day.

until next time.

WKU Volleyball

2008-09-14T22:06:00.002-05:00

WKU had their first home volleyball game of the season. I went to shoot it to try and get better and here is what I have.

WKUPJ Take Two

2008-09-03T00:26:00.003-05:00

From here it looks like the picture went flat. Hmm. Well I'm finally back in Bowling Green and am starting to shoot again. This is from a rodeo just outside of Glasgow, Ky. My caption info is in my car a few blocks away, but basically these sixteen year old kids self-pierced a nipple in a dirty shed. I could not be happier to be back in this state. I may post some other pictures from the rodeo later.

Music

2008-07-15T23:50:00.003-05:00

I was originally going to use this as a photo blog, but I've decided to also turn it into a semi-music themed blog as well. Or at least until the school year starts and I get to shooting on a regular basis again. Just like the photos, I'll post any thoughts or goings on, be it about my own boring life or Shizuku. For right now, 10 songs I've been listening to almost two or three times a day as of late. I would recommend checking any of them out.

"Beyond the Realms of Death" by Judas Priest
"The Clouding" by Iced Earth
"Legacy In A Rhyme" by Pyramaze
"What Lies Beyond" by Pyramaze
"Blackend" by Metallica
"Washington is Next!" by Megadeth
"Quutamo" by Apocalyptica
"Far Beyond Metal" by Strapping Young Lad
-"Fighting the Darkness" by Primal Fear
-"End of the Line" by Devildriver

Nothing too out of the ordinary. Though I am trying to give a spin to albums I either haven't listened to much of or albums I used to listen to a lot of but haven't lately. If only there were more hours in the day...

4th of July

2008-07-06T12:14:00.007-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the 4th at my house. Just me with my family messing around. It's been the first time I've picked up my camera since May. Nothing too great or worth writing home about, I just felt like updating.

Rolling Thunder XXI

2008-05-27T00:42:00.000-05:00

Finally decided to start posting in hopes of shooting more and more.

These are from Memorial Day in DC and one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the country. Starts at the Pentagon and goes into the city. The ride starts at noon, but the parking lot I was in wasn't completely empty until about 2:45. There was a lot of standing around for the bikers, and a lot of sunburn for me.

This?Or This?

How would you have shot something like this?