Get Inspired: Denver Post Photographer Wins Pulitzer

I am proud to announce that one of my colleagues, Denver Post Photographer Craig Walker, won the 2010 Feature Photography Pulitzer for "Ian Fisher: American Soldier." In May of 2007, Ian Fisher was a high school graduate looking for a new direction in life. He chose the military, where he could put his fighting instincts to work in defense of his country. Craig and reporters Kevin Simpson, Michael Riley and Bruce Finley tracked Fisher from high school graduation through basic training, assignment to Colorado’s Fort Carson and a year-long deployment in Iraq. The narratives and photos reveal how Fisher also had to win a battle with himself before he could defend his nation. Meanwhile, videos in the comprehensive online multimedia project of Fisher’s friends, relatives and military colleagues discuss his decision to join the Army and how his military career path has impacted them.

The Pulitzer couldn't have gone to a more deserving, hardworking photojournalist. Craig's accomplishments with his lens has spanned the years from chronicling the last 6 months of a one young woman's battle with cancer to risking his own life while shooting in Afghanistan. He has always been one of the most supportive photography staff members here at the Post encouraging me to continue with my own photography studies and even fighting for my ability to be able to shoot here at the Denver Post.

During his speech, I chuckled when I learned that Craig's favorite photo from his series on Ian Fisher was Ian's most disliked photo. Sounds familiar, huh, considering the fact that as a photographer, often my favorite shots are the ones the clients could care less about. It was very poignant to hear Craig talk about living through the emotional ups and downs along with Ian who gave unprecedented access to he and his family throughout his journey of becoming an American soldier. The Fishers were in attendance today when the Denver Post staff saluted them and Craig with a champagne toast and a party complete with a live band later that evening. Publisher Dean Singleton and Editor Greg Moore spoke about Craig's win as validation of all the sacrifices The Denver Post has overcome in the past year to stay alive in the aftermath of the closing of the Rocky Mountain News, including surviving layoffs, and cuts in salaries and benefits.

Get the Job Done: Photographing the Council on Foundations annual conference in Denver

Today I received my service agreement contract to be the official event photographer at The Council on Foundations Annual Conference being held in Denver, April 25-27! Even though I was contacted about this last week, I didn't want to announce it on my blog until I knew if I had been awarded the contract.

When I spoke with the organization's public relation's director, I asked her how did she find me. I was pleased when she said Picture Your World Photography appeared on her Google search for a "Denver event photographer." It's good to know that all that time I've spent learning about SEO and how its techniques can benefit my studio has paid off. "Plus, I thought the name 'Sheba' had a good, earthy sound to it, too!" For that, I guess I can thank my father, since he got to name me! :)

The Council on Foundations is a membership organization serving national and international grantmakers, family foundations and corporate giving programs. This year's annual conference will feature keynote addresses by Former Vice President Al Gore who served with the Bill Clinton administration 1993-2001 and Admiral Mullen, the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the principal military advisor to the president, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council. Because of such high profile speakers, I will have to endure going through tons of security. All of the speakers seem very interesting and I can't wait to be apart of this event. Other speakers include Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor and assistant to the president for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs in the Obama administration; Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone; Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National & Community Service; Chip Heath, co-author of “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard;" and Douglas Shulman, the 47th Commissioner of Internal Revenue.

Shooting event photography gives me the chance to flex my developing photojournalist muscles. Not only do you have to be a master of your equipment, but you have to be a master at interpreting decisive moments and showcasing them in storytelling photography. My three years spent as the official photographer for the National Brotherhood of Skiers has definitely honed my skills for coverage of the council's conference. However, a major difference in this event is that I will have to quickly turn over high res images at the end of each day of coverage so the council can use them as updates on their website. That means I've got to get as much as I can right in camera from the start instead of relying on time consuming fixes in post. I think I will also take advantage of some batch process editing tools and plugins as well in Lightroom and Photoshop. All told, I can expect about 25 hours worth of work from the three-day event, including shooting conference attendees, key note speakers, other VIPS, receptions, and workshop sessions. Wish me luck on this wonderful opportunity!

Get the Goods: Domke PhoTOGS Vest

Thanks to my nice income tax refund, I was able to purchase some long coveted items from my ever-growing Photography Wish List. The first one was the Domke PhoTOGS vest.

Sure, I suffered some buyer's remorse at the checkout counter when I purchased a vest for just under $100 at the Denver Pro Photo store about two months ago. But that jacket has got to be one of the best investments I've made in my journey to become a professional photographer. I knew it was something I had to get because one of my favorite photogs at The Denver Post loved his for its convenience and flexibility. Instead of carrying a bag, this photojournalist used the 18 pockets in his vest to hold is equipment, including numerous lens, batteries, and CF cards. I have come to love my vest as well! If you get one, I would suggest assigning pockets where the same items go into the same space EVERY TIME the vest is worn (the same way some do in their camera bags to make sure nothing is missing). I spent a devil of a time fumbling around trying to remember where I put things during my first photo event where I wore it.

I'm terrible about making sure I take plenty of business cards with me on assignments. But the removable press pass holder was the perfect spot for me to have those cards out in the open to hand out to potential new clients. With my company name plastered in bold letters on the card and the solid black vest with accessory rings and cotton mesh screaming "professional!" I think the whole set-up was the easiest way to market my business besides word of mouth.

The waist adjustment tabs and the heavy-duty double-pull zipper and adjustable closure gave me more room to adjust the vest to my womanly curves. At first I was worried that the padded shoulders would make me look like a rejected linebacker, but it was extremely comfortable. The well placed pockets (even ones on the back of the vest) were large enough for me to hold a 70-200 mm and a 16-35 mm on my body for quick and easy change-outs without dealing with a bag. Pens, batteries, CF cards and personal essentials such as my driver's license were all easily within reach. I can't wait to put the hand warmer pockets to the test during a Colorado winter day.

DNC Coverage: Praying for a Miracle

Photos I took of Cynthia Parish appeared in print and on denverpost.com today!

DNC Coverage: WARNING DISTURBING IMAGE

After I finished writing my daily for the DNC coverage yesterday, I left the office and wandered around downtown Denver to see what I might come across. I happened upon this very intense protest against abortion and couldn't resist a chance to capture such raw human emotions and confrontation.

While several police officers flanked the perimeter of this scene, keeping a close eye on things, a large group of people crowded around this disturbing display of photos of allegedly aborted fetuses. I say "allegedly" because I've covered numerous abortion protests where I later discovered that the photos they were showcasing were not actually of human fetuses. I do not know about the legitimacy of these images; I only know that the response they drew from passersby was real.

To capture this shot, I used my 16-35 wide angle lens and placed myself directly between the protesters and crowd. While the poster itself is indeed very disturbing, I find my eyes moving around the image and focusing on each of the faces. Notice how the man in the right portion of the frame is lost in thought, biting his fingers. The woman with her hand on her hips is clearly arguing with the protester who is trying to argue her point of view. The other young protester isn't speaking, but his gaze is directly pointed at the woman confronting the protesters and their display. The young man in the yellow t-shirt directly across from me is caught in the middle, just like I am, but his gaze is on the woman as well.

One could argue that the image is too busy...that there is too much going on in the image for a viewer to be able to focus on. I say this is a pretty good example of photojournalism, capturing a moment filled with life and humanity. What do you think?

Breaking News: Covering the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention is converging on Denver this coming week, and I've just been given my press creditentials to cover the event as both a print and photojournalist! The features and entertainment editors at the Denver Post said I have been given free range to keep my camera on me and shoot whenever possible in addition to my normal written assignments. We are so short staffed that everyone is pulling together doing double and even triple duty to cover this historic event.

I feel proud to know that my bosses at the newspaper support and encourage my freelance photography. They have seen me grow in my new craft over the last year and they know it's not some passing fancy, but a legitimate skillset that can make me a more well-rounded journalist. Look for shots I will be taking throughout the week here my blog!



If you are in the Denver area or will be traveling here to catch some of the action, use these photography tips from Illuminate Workshops executive director Efrain Cruz.

"The opportunity to make important, historical photographs is less than 48 hours away. If photojournalism is your forte or if you just want to go out and see what you can see, here are some tips for you to take great photos and stay out of trouble.

1) keep your ID (and photography business card) with you
2) be mindful of your camera gear and pocket-contents
3) travel light (a tripod may not be advisable)
4) be mindful of your surroundings
5) keep someone's phone number handy.

If the crowds and hoopla isn't your cup-of-tea, then perhaps heading into nature may suit you better. There are plenty of beautiful scenes in nature this month. Wildflowers are in full bloom, streams are flowing and the elk look majestic.

1) Make sure your batteries are charged
2) memory cards are ready to fill
3) bring suitable clothing for changing weather and temperature
4) for great photos, "get close", while maintaining a safe distance from wildlife. Read park literature for more information.

There's plenty to do this month. Whatever you chose to do, be prepared, be safe and bring your camera."

Get the Job Done: PUBLISHED!

I've known about this since Monday, and it was nearly killing me to keep it a secret until today....three of my photos were PUBLISHED with one of my Denver Post articles, and one was selected as lead photo of the Room Section Front Cover!

Friday, before I went on vacation in celebration of my first year of photography, I had to interview luxury kitchen designer Bill Ohs in his mountain cabin retreat in Boulder County. My editor told me if I took some good portraits of Bill, they might be selected to run with my article in today's issue. I took my trusty wide angle 16-35 mm with me since I also wanted to get some shots of the interior design of Bill's cabin. Three of my shots, including the one above, were chosen.

I asked why this wide angle shot of Bill relaxing in his living room was chosen over more traditional head and portrait shots. It was explained that since the "My House" series of articles profile a subject based on how they chose to live in their home, the above shot was the best "journalistic" display of how Bill interacts with his personal space. I have to admit, it took a while for that explanation to sink in. I was just trying to get Bill and his living room to all fit inside the same frame. ;)

Being slow on the draw is proof of why it's going to take many more years of experience before I can be an affective, storytelling photojournalist. Until then, I'll just stick with the simple concepts that I can follow.....hey, I was PUBLISHED!

In My Library

A fabulous photography coffee table book landed on my desk last week, (thank you, to whomever left it for me!) and I haven't been able to put it down since. "America at Home: A Close-up Look at How We Live," (Against All Odds Productions, $40) is an amazing feat of photojournalism that captures the images of the collective dream we all share: the longing for a place called home.

Authors Rick Smolan and Jennifer Erwitt are the creative minds behind some of the industry's most provocative photography books, including "The Day in the Life" series and AMERICA 24/7. Their newest work tries to define what "home" means to Americans featured in more than 250 photos. From an 84-square-foot cottage on wheels to a crowded Harlem street in the Puerto Rican part of town, each peak inside these residents' lives showcase the rituals, social interactions and treasured moments of our most sacred space.

I enjoyed the colorful examples of pictures that tell stories viewers can relate to. The shot of the church service in New Orleans reminds me of my childhood when I struggled to stay awake during long sermons. Bermese mountain dog puppies nibling on their owners toes brings a smile to my face because my dogs love to do the same thing. The photos are filled with life and emotion, and it's the type of photography I strive for everyday. A cool interactive feature allows readers to personalize their copy of the book by transforming a favorite digital image into a glossy book cover at My America At Home.