Lauren M. Anderson

Flying high

2011-12-28T19:20:00.001-08:00

A view out my window as I fly from Cleveland to Chicago on Dec. 28, 2011.

Underwater

2011-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Prairie Ridge's Marisa Barton who swims for the Crystal Lake Central co op has been named the 2011 Northwest Herald Swimmer of the Year. Barton took third in the 50-yard freestyle at the Girls Swimming and Diving State Meet this year.

I got the assignment to shoot our swimmer of the year portrait and got to thinking. I would love to shoot something underwater. With not much time to plan I was able to obtain my boyfriend Tom Clayton's (www.tomclaytonfilm.com) GoPro for the shoot. On the day of the shoot I took several photos out of the water just in case but I really wanted to get something in the water. Here's the final product. And here's the photo out of the water as well.

Gametime at Halftime

2011-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Chicago Bulls mascot Benny lifts McHenry Township Junior Warriors Keaton Asbach above his head after a scrimmage against local and pro mascots on Sunday during halftime of the Bears game at Soldier Field. The scrimmage was part of the NFL's Play 60 campaign for an active generation.

McHenry Township Junior Warriors Hunter O'Brien (right) lifts teammate Louden Borchart up to the fans for high fives after the Warriors scored a touchdown against local and pro mascots on Sunday during a scrimmage at halftime of the Bears game. The scrimmage was part of the NFL's Play 60 campaign for an active generation.

Instead of rushing into the photo cave at Soldier Stadium last Sunday to begin editing my take from the first half of the Bears and Chiefs game I stayed out to shoot a scrimmage between kids and pro mascots. It was hilarious, a fire extinguisher was involved not to mention a lot of tomfoolery on the part of the mascots.

Hail Mary!

2011-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

Shooting the Bears game on Sunday can be summed up in one word: Boring. Not much happened. There was very little action on either side. The only touchdown came when Kansas City quarterback Tyler Palko throws a hail mary into the endzone and Chicago's Brian Urlacher bats the ball into the arms of Dexter McCluster.

Time for Prayer

2011-11-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije lifts his head up while praying with his teammates before their game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Nov. 13, 2011 at Soldier Field.

Snapped a quick picture of Idonije before the game last Saturday. I just like how calm he looks. You can see the rest of my pictures from the game here.

Yahoooooo! 100 images

2011-11-13T20:15:00.001-08:00

Prairie Ridge's Andrew Lanza (center) yells in celebration with his teammates after defeating Nazareth Academy 35-7 on Saturday during the IHSA Class 6A Quarterfinal game.

I thought I would mark my 100th post with a celebration photo. Yesterday, I covered the Class 6A Quarterfinal game between Prairie Ridge and Nazareth Academy. PR demolished Nazareth 35-7 but still celebrated their win.

By Candlelight

2011-10-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening the Powers-Walker House at Glacial Park in Ringwood glowed from candlelight during Enjoy the Twilight event hosted by the McHenry County Conservation District. Candlelight was used to light the home and show the public how household chores were done during evening hours in the 1850's.

Shooting the Action

2011-10-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

NFL Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears Richard Dent shares a moment with Virginia McCaskey, whose family owns the Bears, before halftime on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Last Sunday, I shot the Bears vs. Packers game at Soldier Field. I huge rivalry not only because it was 183rd meeting of these teams but because the Green Bay Packers are the reigning NFL Champions. So of course shooting the action is important but being aware of what's around me is even more important. Here's a photo of the action around me last Sunday.

Crowning a Queen

2011-09-19T08:01:00.001-07:00

Marian Central's Laura LeFevour holds her father Rick LeFevor's hand after she was announced as the homecoming queen for the Catholic high school on Friday. The announcement took place before the Hurricanes football game against Montini who they defeated 21-20.

Football is in full swing and fall is here in Chicago. While shooting the Marian Central Catholic High School football game on Friday I captured this moment of the newly crowned homecoming queen, Laura LeFevour and her father, Rick. It was such a subtle moment between family.

Mattie

2011-09-11T19:37:00.001-07:00

Seth Anderson holds his daughter Matilda on Thursday while talking on the phone with his office.

Got to be in Ohio this weekend for my brother Drew's wedding. I spent my time taking lots of pictures and spending time with my niece; Matilda. She's four months old and the cutest, not that I'm partial or anything.

September is here

2011-09-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Bilal Shakeel, 11, of Huntley gives the call to prayers at the Lake in the Hills Village Hall on Saturday during Ramadan. About 100 Muslims came to the village hall to break the fast, which begins with eating three dates. This year Ramadan fell between August 1 -30.

I had an amazing privilege to photograph Ramadan celebrations in August. The group was so welcoming that I even felt comfortable to eat with them all. There are times working at the paper that I feel the community is not very diverse; but that's simply not true. I look forward to more events and assignments such as this one.

Dog Days of Summer

2011-09-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Shot a little from the hip at a car show two weekends ago; here's a frame from that day.

Mini Vacation

2011-08-25T18:45:00.001-07:00

Big Red Lighthouse

Holland State Park

Nelis' Dutch Village

Windmill Garden Island

Man do I have the worst luck. My camera broke on the first day of Tom and I's mini vacation. I had to shoot on my iphone the rest of our trip. I doubled the amount of photos that were already on my phone. Our first night was just walking around downtown Holland, Michigan. The second day was a visit to the Nelis' Dutch Village then the Windmill Garden Island then the Holland State Park. The highlight was watching the sunset with my love.

Vacation!

2011-08-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Tom and I are on vacation! It's about time. I haven't been on a vacation in years, we're talking 2006. Yes, you read that correctly. It's been a struggle in recent years to plan a vacation with limited vacation days and with my family in Ohio and Tom's in Missouri. More pics to come but for now here's a street performer we ran across in downtown Holland.

Lighting up the Night

2011-08-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

It was Hollyn's idea. She wanted to use her flower umbrella to light me during a thunderstorm on Sunday. Here is the result of that picture. I decided to take a couple myself.

Here's another that I like. <3

Gorgeous Sky

2011-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

A view of an emminent storm that rolls over Chicago on Friday July 1, 2011.

I know this post of the storm is a little late but I shot it with my iPhone and finally got the chance to edit the image. I was on my way to a friends bachelorette party when the dark clouds moved in and swallowed the sky.

They Got Skills

2011-07-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Flames' Carson Croy, 10, jumps on home plate after participating in the roadrunner skill during the CABA U-9 skills competition on Tuesday.

Summer = Baseball. We are at that time of two baseball tournaments in McHenry County. CABA and MCYSA/USSA bring teams from near and far to compete. Yesterday was the skills competition for the U-9 teams of CABA. The teams competed in a HR derby, Roadrunner, Golden arm and Around the horn. Not only do we have baseball tourneys the McHenry County Fair is next week. It's going to be busy and I could really use a vacation right not, too bad it will have to wait til the last week of August.

A Day In Joliet

2011-06-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Justice Alan Greiman dozes off during the public comment portion of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review board meeting on Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Joliet. Mercy Health System and Centegra Health System were at the meeting presenting their proposals for a new hospital in McHenry County. Greiman voted 'yes' on both proposals; ultimately both hospitals were rejected 8-1.

I spent all day in Joliet on Tuesday covering the Illinois Health Facilites and Services Review board meeting where two of McHenry County's hospitals were proposing to build a new facility. Both were ultimately rejected, but have the opportunity to present again to the board at a later date. The day was definitely was long, I left Chicago at 7 a.m. and didn't return til 7 p.m. Covering the meeting was pretty straight forward and I tried to work the scene as much as I could. Here's one that I captured during my 12 hour shift.

There's No Crying in Baseball

2011-06-21T12:21:00.001-07:00

Chicago White Sox's coach Ozzie Guillen kicks the dirt around home plate to contest a call by umpire James Hoye during the sixth inning of the first game of the Crosstown Cup against the Cubs at U.S. Cellular Field on Monday. Guillen was consequently thrown out of the game. The Cub defeated the White Sox 6-3.

There is no crying in baseball but there is a lot of yelling. Chicago Sox head coach Ozzie Guillen proved that on Monday night during the first game of the Crosstown Cup series against the Cubs at U.S. Cellular Field. Guillen charged out from the dugout and began yelling, pointing and then proceeded to kick the dirt. The best part of the whole scene was when he kicked the catchers mask. These game are way to much fun to be called work.

Payton's Playground

2011-05-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Connie Payton, widow of Chicago Bear's Hall of Famer Walter Payton, throws her arms in the air after testing out a slide on the new playground area at Gilberts Elementary School in Gilberts on Thursday. Payton was the featured speaker at the school's ribbon cutting ceremony where she spoke to the students about the importance of living an active lifestyle. The school has phase one built of the 1,000-square-foot playground.

I got to my assignment early today and realized I forgot my cards. I checked in every pocket, nothing. I was in a scramble driving mad to find a store that sells CF cards. Thank goodness for Walgreens. They had a 2GB that I promptly bought and was able to get to my assignment on time. This photo of Connie Payton was taken after the dedication ceremony. The weather was less than ideal but she still went outside to see the playground and even took a ride down the slide.

Running with the Bulls

2011-05-16T19:46:00.001-07:00

Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah (left) and Carlos Boozer react after a basket during the second game of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on May 5, 2011. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 86-73.

This so far has been an awesome ride. I don't want it to end. I've really been enjoying the chance to shoot these athletes. I'm still learning my way around the United Center and how everything works. Most of the photographers have been around for a while and been shooting the Bulls so long that they know so much more than me. In any case, Go Bulls!

Outfield Follies

2011-04-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

For me baseball is one of the harder sports to shoot. But lately I've been struck with some luck. I've also been trying to give the outfield some love by using a 300mm with extender.

Awesome Access

2011-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

The best part about living in the city is the sports. I also got the best seat in the house last week: court-side in arms length of Scottie Pippen. Now that the Bulls are in the playoffs, I'm looking forward to shooting more games.
While at the game I wondered around the United Center and that's where most of the photos on this blog post are from.

And The Winner Is

2011-04-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

McHenry County College Board candidate Linda Liddell finds a quite corner of Georgio's to take a phone call on Tuesday. Liddell was elected on Tuesday with 20% of the votes and beat out six other candidates to join the board.

I have mixed feelings about election night. I love the free pizza. I do not love the late hours. I love the moments I can get.
On election night I was assigned to follow MCC Board candidate Linda Liddell which went well. I would have liked to stay longer but had to get to another location. Story and photo about the MCC Board race can be seen at www.nwherald.com. My next location was a local bar in Cary where four incumbents were to be fixated on results. Not the case when I arrived. I have a feeling that this would have been even better pictures than Liddell but only one decided to come out for the results.

The General

2011-04-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Ullrich of McHenry. On Tuesday, Ullrich will turn 100 years old. She was a teacher at Edgebrook Elementary School and also became principal. The teachers at Edgebrook nicknamed Ullrich 'The General' because she held everyone to a high standard.

Dorothy was so adorable. This woman has seen it all from the horse and buggy to the computer. Dorothy also has a masters in education which is awesome considering her age.

Spring Is Here!

2011-04-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

I love my job. I even love it when I'm sitting in the rain for 3 hours. I got the great honor of covering the Cubs opening day at Wrigley! Despite the rain and 40 degree weather I had a blast. I've looking forward to covering more Chicago teams. I hear it's in the works.

St. Baldricks

2011-03-26T06:41:00.001-07:00

Michael Pryzybylski, 11, of Grayslake closes his eyes as Jodi Thomas (left), owner of Fringe Salon and Spa, wipes away excess hair after getting his head shaved during McHenry's Community Shave event on Thursday. The event was to raise money for the St. Baldricks Foundation.

Pryzybylski raised $350 for the foundation.

"I wanted to help kids with cancer," the 11-year-old said. " With all the warm weather outside I don't think I will need any of this hair."

It's been a long time since I've posted and for that I'm sorry. But I'm back now and here's one from the St. Baldrick's event in McHenry, Il. I just loved the way this child was so calm while getting his head shaved for the foundation.

My Oasis

2011-02-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

I've never posted a self portrait and I don't really take many photos of myself but I thought just this once I could make an exception. It has been wonderful being able to transmit remotely. Yesterday I shot a basketball game in Grayslake and afterwards drove to the Oasis on 94 to send my images. While waiting for the files to drop into our server I snapped this image with my iPhone. I felt a bit inspired after seeing other photojournalists use their phones to make pictures.

In Full Swing

2011-02-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

Huntley's Bryce Only loses control of the ball around Jacob defenders Alex Glover (left) Nick Hofman and Matt Ehrhardt in the third quarter on Tuesday.

Basketball is in full swing now. Thank goodness. I've seen some pretty awful games and I'm ready to shoot playoffs. Well, it's still about a month away but the match-ups are better the deeper into the season we go. Last night was one of those games.

NFC Championship Game: I was so there!!

2011-01-28T09:35:00.000-08:00

Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher waits with teammates in the tunnel before entering the field for the start of the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 23, 2011.

This will be the closest I probably get to covering the Super Bowl. I was one of three photographers covering the NFC Championship game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. A storied rivalry. Being an Ohio native I wasn't too concerned with who won. I made this picture while getting stuck behind the Bears.

Year of the Photo: 2010

2011-01-03T13:29:00.001-08:00

It's been a great year. Here are a few of my favorites from 2010. This past year I really felt like I came into my own as a photographer. I'm looking forward to continuing my exploration of Chicago and McHenry County and possibly narrowing my focus more.

The Clayton's Thanksgiving

2010-12-08T14:08:00.001-08:00

I had the great pleasure of being invited to Cape Girardeau for Thanksgiving with the Claytons. I did my best to help in the kitchen and Tom got the honor of cutting the turkey!

A Visit from the Buckeye State

2010-12-08T14:00:00.001-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted. sorry. My parents came into town last month in celebration of my 28th birthday. It had been several months since I've seen them and it was a treat to have them in Chicago. When they do visit they always like to do the touristy things such as going to the Skydeck, riding the CTA and eating deep-dish pizza. Here's one of my dad.

Evanston Wedding

2010-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of shooting with Justin Runquist 3 weeks ago. The wedding took place in Evanston at the Kennilworth Club; a beautiful backdrop for nuptials. Here's a shot from the Lawrence O Larson Park.

2010-10-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Huntley's Alyssa Witt takes off from the starting block as she begins to compete in the 200 Individual Medley on Wednesday in Carpentersville.

I was so excited when I got the opportunity to shoot swimming yesterday because we rarely get assignments for that sport. Gorgeous light and great access.

FIGHT!!!!!

2010-10-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Marengo's Sergio Orozco (12) and Hampshire's Ben Franzen (right) fight on the soccer field during the second half of their game on Monday. Both players were given red cards for the incident. Hampshire defeated Marengo 7-2.

So glad I had the chance to stay for the entire boys soccer game the other day. If I'd left I wouldn't have gotten this. Lately I've had to leave assignments early just to make it another assignment scheduled for the exact same time. People are so unpredictable and that's one reason I love my job. I get to observe human behavior and I find it fascinating. It frustrates me when I'm having to rush.

Colorful Dancing

2010-09-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of shooting a wedding with Kate Dougherty this past weekend. I really enjoy shooting with her because it's relaxed and fun. This particular photo was from the dance floor. Special shout out to Steve, the DJ, who provided these lights.

The Wild West is Back!

2010-09-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

A scene from Donley's Wild West Town in Union on Friday as PBS films an episode for the documentary series Pioneers of Television. The episode, which includes extras from the Mchenry County area, will focus on how westerns were filmed in the 1950's. The episode is due to air this fall and will be available on DVD.

I headed out to Donley's Wild West Town yesterday in Union where PBS was filming an episode for their Pioneers of Television series. The episode is about how western's were filmed in the 1950's. I know I did a lot more watching than shooting. The film crew was four strong; one director and the other three to do everything else. Most of the extras were from the area, I believe the farthest came from the Quad-Cities.

I have only been to Donley's once before and only saw the outside of the park. It was pretty neat to watch everything yesterday and I'm looking forward to seeing the episode.

Homecoming Love or Not

2010-09-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

McHenry's homecoming court, including couples (left-right) Pat Murphy, Lisa Shabosky, Scott Dabrowski and Nichole Gallagher and Katie Gottstein and Conor Infelise stand on McCracken Field before the homecoming pep rally begins on Friday.

With the beginning of school and football you know homecoming is sure to follow. We cover homecoming activities for all of our area schools. Last week I was headed to McHenry for their outdoor pep rally. I captured this moment of the couples of homecoming court. The first two are dating and the king and queen (the third couple) are most definitely not.

Oasis in the City

2010-09-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

I was going through photos I had shot in the past couple of months and found this one from a recent adventure to the Osaka Garden at Jackson Park in the city. It's a small Japanesse garden but really quiet and beautiful. My suggestion and what I did was packed a lunch and ate while sitting my the water.

Water Break

2010-09-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

School has begun and so has football. Here's one from an elementary school team taking a water break

Jenny & Nate

2010-09-07T08:49:00.001-07:00

O wow it has been a long time since I've posted. I've been busy and haven't felt like anything was good enough to post.

Last week my best friend Jenny came to visit me with her fiancee Nate and I spent a day taking their engagement pictures. Their colors for the wedding are yellow and green so I took them near Calumet for part of the shoot. Their shoot was challenging for me because Nate is about two feet taller than Jenny. I could be exaggerating but there is definitely a huge height difference.

The happy couple is getting married on May 21, 2011.

Fair Love

2010-08-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

I spent several days of the past week at the McHenry County Fair in Woodstock Il. One of my assignments in that week was to photograph the annual talent show. Since I'd shot the show in years' past I wanted to come away with something a little more unique than a standard stage shot. I flitted around the stage not really satisfied with any pictures I was making until a couple walked right in front of me and I made this. I've been at the Northwest Herald for 2 years now and assignments have been recycling back to me. Most of the time I like that but other times it makes me work twice as hard to come away with a great picture.

No Monkey Business

2010-07-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Nick Capone, 14 of Lake in the Hills carries a large monkey up the jungle gym at Towne Park in Algonquin on Saturday. Capone won the prize while playing a game at the 50th annual Founders' Day carnival.

I'm really tired of shooting the same old carnival photos, you know the ones where some cute kid is laughing while riding one of those ridiculous carnival rides. I was super excited to find this moment. Nick was hanging out with three other teens at the carnival and they just happened to walk by me with that huge monkey. Immediately I picked up my camera and followed.

Two Ohioans Take Over Chicago

2010-07-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Samantha Morgan makes her Zoolander face at the Green Mill jazz club in Chicago on July 15, 2010.

My brother Drew and his fiancee Sam have been here in Chicago for a couple of days now and we've had a blast walking around the city and doing touristy things. On Wednesday we went down to the Adler Planetarium to watch the weekly fireworks that are shoot off at Navy Pier. Then we headed to the Green Mill because they wanted to hear good jazz. We found a booth and sat drinking beers and swaying to the music. It was a fantastic night.
The two Ohioians are staying til Sunday morning we've just had a blast so far.

Pigeon Chase

2010-07-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

A young boy chases pigeons on the Chicago Riverside Plaza on July 12, 2010.

My brother Drew and his fiance Sam have come to visit me here in Chicago. They came by Megabus, which was extremely late, so to pass my time I sat on the riverside plaza. The pigeons came after me while drinking Jamba Juice and this little boy swooped in and shooed them away.

Natural Skyy

2010-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

Elston at Grand and Halsted.

The billboard says it all. I snapped this on my way to the River North Galleries for the IPPA iBOP exhibit yesterday.

Rocket's Red Glare

2010-07-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Fireworks light up the night sky over Emricson Park in Woodstock on July 4, 2010. In addition to the Independence Day festivities in Woodstock, fireworks were on display in Huntley, Spring Grove, Wonder Lake and Barrington.

I got the task of shooting fireworks on the fourth and was excited about the assignment except for my deadline. Fireworks were scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. and I had a deadline of 10 p.m. The other obstacle was the rain. I got only a few frames before I had to head for my car where I shot a couple more as I drove to a local Starbucks to transmit my photos. I wish I could have seen the entire show but duty called.

Neighborhood Watch

2010-06-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I recently moved to Chicago from the suburbs. I've been having a wonderful time walking around my neighborhood with my best friend, who also happens to be my roommate.

Our favorite part about Avondale is this old lady who lives across the street. She is always outside sitting on her porch. Sometimes with her husband (I think), sometimes by herself, sometimes with her dog.

At first I thought she was routine with this but I've come to see over the past couple of months that she's out at all hours. I get up in the morning for a run: she's there. I come home for work: she's there. I leave to go out for the evening: she's there.

I would really like to get to know her but she hasn't yet returned my smiles.

So here is the first of what I hope will be a series on the lady across the street.

Softball Player of the Year

2010-06-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Marengo's Danielle Simons has been named the Northwest Herald's softball Player of the Year. Simons had a 1.15 ERA and led Marengo to a 35-5 record. As a pitcher she was 23-4 with 170.67 IP, 196 strikeouts, and 28 earned runs. She also batted .400 with 40 RBIs and 34 runs scored. This fall, Simons will be attending University of Wisconsin Platteville.

I've been shooting a lot of sportraits lately for our athletes of the year stories. I had help from Amanda Schwengel movng lights around. Danielle was such a good sport; she did what ever we asked.

Wedding Season

2010-06-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

I've had the great pleasure of shooting a couple weddings this month. Here's one from this past weekend.

Hiking in Chicago

2010-06-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

I'm making a resolution in June to make more pictures of my friends and family. So I'm starting with my best friend Tom.
I had just gotten done with my morning run on Wednesday and was looking forward to catching up on some Hulu on my day off when Tom called. He wanted me to meet him at a park near Montrose and California Avenues. He said he had something to show me. Of course I'm confused; I have no clue what he wants to show me. I oblige and meet him at the specified location.
Tom loves the outdoors and he had found a path along the river at the park that is completely wooded. It was like being outside the city.

Too Many Grads

2010-06-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

Cary-Grove's Courtney Konopasek the 2010 graduation ceremony to begin on May 29. There were over 400 seniors that graduated on Saturday.

I got really lucky last year only having to shoot two graduations. This year I wasn't so lucky. I shot 7 graduation ceremonies this year. That's right; 7! Having that many was a daunting task. I tried and make every graduation a little different, to come away with an awesome picture but I didn't. Here's one that I did like. I shot it through a window of a high school gym.

Tough Loss

2010-06-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Cary-Grove varsity baseball team suffered a tough loss on Saturday when they were defeated 5-4 by the Huntley Red Raiders in the IHSA class 4A Larkin sectional final in Elgin. The Trojan's Chris Waylock kneels as he takes a moment to himself while his team is comforted by the coaching staff.

Saturday was supposed to be a fairly easy day. I had a graduation at 10:30 a.m. in Hoffman Estates and then a parade in Harvard at 12:30 and then nothing. I wanted to stay at the graduation as long as possible but I got a text message from my editor saying the baseball game (at 10 a.m.) that we got a stringer for was postponed til 3 and I needed to shoot that. So I hightailed it out of graduation.
I drove over 80 miles yesterday. The worse part was the parade didn't start til 1 p.m. and while enroute to the baseball game I called the reporter to confirm the time. Well wouldn't you know the game started at 1 p.m.
I hustled to get from Harvard to Elgin (where the game was held) but I knew I would be cutting it close. I was in Crystal Lake when I had gotten in touch with the reporter and the game was in the 4th inning. 'Oh geez!' I thought.
I get to the field and begin shooting a little only to find out it was potentially the last out of the game!!!!
Needless to say, I'm a rockstar and was able to make celebration and dejection photos.
Whew!!!

Parade Fun

2010-06-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Jace Hartinger (right) of Woodstock sits next to his Teddy Bear named Teddy on the curb downtown Harvard during the Milk Days parade on June 5, 2010.

I'm not a fan of shooting parades. I arrive at the Harvard Milk Days parade a half an hour early and pretty much stood in the same spot for about 20 mins before spotting a guy wearing a cow hat. I thought to myself 'That is going to be my picture." (I really wasn't in a shooting mood.) I shot that picture and then began walking around. That's when I came upon a little boy and his teddy bear and this became the picture.

Amazing Race

2010-06-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

Marcos Toledo yells to his teammate as he crosses the finish line during the 'Tour de France' relay race at a park near Hampshire Elementary School on May 28, 2010. Hampshire Elementary School conducted its annual fitness day at the park with a theme of 'The Amazing Race.' Each child visited 18 stations representing countries and at each site were asked to perform an activity.

When I was in middle school the students participated in relay races but at Hampshire Elementary School they went a bit further. The activity that looked the most fun was "The Tour de France." The kids were in teams and they were racing around a track on scooters. It was hilarious to watch and I could have stayed there all day but didn't.

Pave Your Lane

2010-05-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

Katie Visco, 24, of Glen Ellyn takes questions from the Lady Lions, a girls running group, during her visit to the Algonquin Lakes Elementary School on May 25, 2010. Visco completed a run across America and is currently speaking to youngsters about following their passions. The runner was the founder of founder of PaveYourLane.com.

I love running and those who know me can attest to this. Well Katie Visco really loves running. She loves it so much she decided to run across America in 2009. It took her nine months to go from Boston to San Diego in nine months. Visco did this run to inspire people to follow their passions. She is now writing a book and doing a speaking tours which is where I caught up with her. The runner was speaking to a group of runners from Algonquin Lakes Elementary School.
Boy, Katie has a lot of energy and it was infectious.
For more information about Katie Visco visit paveyourlane.com

Dog Fight

2010-05-28T18:03:00.001-07:00

I was in Hebron today shooting video of a mother who lost her son in 2004 in Iraq for our Memorial Day coverage. (photo and video to come; check back)
While I was there I was greeted by these two dogs who looked like twins. They playfully fought while I was interviewing and shooting b-roll. Unfortunately I didn't get their names.

Reaching New Heights

2010-05-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Huntley's Evan Ofenloch attempts a vault during the during the IHSA Boys Sectionals Championship Meet in Huntley on May 21, 2010.

McHenry's Corey Szamlewski throws his arms in the air after completing a vault of 15 feet during the IHSA Boys Sectional Championship Meet at Huntley on May 21, 2010. The vault was Szamlewski's personal best earning him first place and a trip to the State Track and Field Championships.

I got the privilege of watching a pole vaulter reach his personal best last Thursday at the IHSA Boys Sectional Championship Track and Field Meet. The meet was delayed over an hour because of lightning and thunder in the area so everything was behind schedule. With our new deadlines I knew I couldn't stay to watch most of the running events and decided to focus on the field events.

Great Face

2010-05-20T20:38:00.001-07:00

Cary-Grove's Allison Budreck heads the ball in the first half of the IHSA Class 3A Jacobs Regional semifinal against Jacobs High School on May 18, 2010. Cary-Grove defeated Jacobs 2-1.

I love faces.

Polo

2010-05-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

Members of the Schaumburg High School varsity polo team check out photos of the Barrington girls polo team just before they take the water for their sectional quarterfinal match against Fremd on May 12, 2010.

McHenry's Kyle Braun holds the ball out of reach from his Barrington opponents during the regional sectional on May 12, 2010. McHenry went on to win 13-5.

Was excited to get the assignment of water polo. The advice I got from my editor was to make sure I got the horses in the frame. My editor likes to make really bad jokes and this was one of them.
Honestly I didn't even know we had a water polo team in the area but we do and they are good.
The McHenry water polo team beat Barrington in the sectional quarter final and then went on to the finals on Saturday.

I Got A 50

2010-05-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Huntley's Emily Kahl (left) and Haley Loprieno walk off the track together after completing the 3200 meter race at the Fox Valley Conference Girls Track and Field Meet at Crystal Lake Central High School on May 6, 2010.

I'm a little excited about my 50mm lens. I practically shot an entire track meet on that lens. I'm positive that I'll be posting more examples in the coming months but for now here's one from my take.

44 Can Hit

2010-05-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Prairie Ridge's Lexi Wachman (44) celebrates with her teammates at home plate after her home run in the second inning against Huntley on May 5, 2010. Prairie Ridge went on to win 9-0.

I haven't shot a lot of softball this season and the games I have shot have been nothing but bunts. This game was really no exception until Lexi Wachman smashed a ball into left field over the fence.

All That Dance

2010-04-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Victoria Warren, Artistic Director and Instrutor, incorporates World Dance Day into her classes at All That Dance in Crystal Lake by teaching her students about the history of dance.
"If I'm teaching a lyrical class I'll talk about how ballet and jazz came together and birthed lyrical," Warren said. World Dance Day is celebrated April 29 and was established to increase awareness of dance to the general public. Kim Volkmann, 14, of Cary has been dancing since the age 12 and found a passion for point.
"I definitely want to go on to a professional career hopefully some day," Volkmann said.
The 14-year-olds dream job is to be a choreographer for a dance company.
"What I like about dancing is it's very individualistic as far as meaning to people in how they move and expressing themselves without having to use words," Warren said.
All That Dance is located at 1055 Nimco Drive, Crystal Lake, and offer a variety of classes. For more information call 815.356.8035.

Last year on World Dance Day I covered a ballet class and well basically just because we needed art for the paper.
This year I was thinking ahead. You always have to be thinking ahead in the newspaper business.
I had an idea to produce a video featuring different dancers. I had this great grandiose vision for it. I procrastinated and called a dance studio a week and a half ago to set something up. All That Dance studio was fantastic. They totally got what I wanted to do and were speedy in helping me get in touch with the right people.
Here's a shout out to the wonderful people at All That Dance.

IPPA: STL 2010

2010-04-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sandy Bressner (left-right) Amanda Schwengel, and Travis Haughton, photographers with the Northwest Herald, ride the elevator to the third floor of the Drury Inn in St. Louis during IPPA weekend.

I spent this past weekend in St. Louis for the 2010 IPPA convention. Amazing! That sums up the weekend.
I got to meet some fantastic photographers across Illinois. Although there was lack of sleep it was definitely worth every second.
My highlight of the weekend was taking Liz O. Baylen and Rick Loomis, both of the Los Angeles Times to the airport in torrential downpour. Rain, hail and flooding didn't stop Amanda (the driver) and I from getting them to their destination.

Hunting Features

2010-04-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

Jake McGann, 2, of Lake the Hills plays near the waters edge at Veterans Acres Park in Crystal Lake with his mother and brother on April 16, 2010.

I've been doing a lot of feature hunting lately. I can't stand to be cooped up in an office for very long. I've been lucky to have found something every time and this photo is one of my favorites from a day of hunting. Enjoy!

Second Place

2010-04-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Round Lake's Terrell Davis reacts to knocking down the bar as he attempted 6'2" in the high jump at the Al Bohrer Invitational at Cary-Grove High School on April 10, 2010. Davis finished second.

I covered my first track meet of the season. I only had an hour to shoot before having to leave for another assignment. I focused on the field events; high jump and long jump. Terrell Davis from Round Lake is not in the Herald's coverage area but I liked his spirit.

Can't get enough of those peacocks

2010-04-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

The peacocks are back with their owners. So here's the story. The owners recently moved to a new home in Crystal Lake and often have allowed their birds to roam free. But it's springtime and those male peacocks are looking for some female companionship. The birds traveled over a mile.
Ray Rivard and Patty Duffy didn't even realize they were gone until they opened up the paper and saw the Northwest Herald article.

Peacocks Loose in Crystal Lake

2010-04-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is spot news I like. I got a text message from my editor this morning saying there was a peacock in the backyard of a Crystal Lake resident. After shooting my first assignment I headed to the address. Talk about perfect timing when I got there a service officer was trying to corner the bird. After getting a few shoots with a 300 I decided to change to the 16-35 and go help. So there I am with a cop and other neighbor trying corral this bird into the service door of a garage. Fortunately it didn't take long. When animal control arrived I followed them in to the garage and with five minutes the peacock was in hand.
Two male peacocks were captured within the last two days. It is still unclear where the peacocks came from but they will now be taken to a private farm in Marengo and eventually put up for adoption.
Best part is...I got to keep a feather.

Elusive Sandhill Cranes

2010-03-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

For a couple of weeks now I've been trying to get pictures of the Sandhill cranes which are supposed to migrate our way. I've been to several marshes and bogs, keeping my eyes peeled. I'm going to definitely keep searching but here's a photo of a Tree Swallow. There were a handful flitting around Hickory Grove Conservation Area/Lyons Grove.

Descendent of Charlemagne

2010-03-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Bob Hurrie of Huntley has traced his family's ancestry back to Charlemagne, a medieval king born in the year 742. Hurrie has been working on tracing his roots for about two years and his advice to others is "talk to your relatives today." The Huntley resident and his wife, Peg, are also descedents of the Knights of Garter and were both issued certificates, which hangs in their home.

I love leaving an shoot with a great feeling.
I had the task of making a picture of Bob during an interview. I personally like to spend time with a subject without a reporter but most of the time I don't get my way. Luckily for me Bob sat down for his interview in the most beautiful light. I used the light and also framed the grandfather clock in the background.
Not only did I come away with an image I was happy with but I met a really nice and interesting person. I had a great time talking with Bob about his family ancestry.

Eyes Wide Open

2010-03-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Students at McHenry County College walk past the Eyes Wide Open exhibit on display at the college on March 18, 2010. The traveling exhibit features a pair of boots honoring each U.S. military casualty who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. The two-day event was sponsored by the college's Student Peace Action Network.

At a business assignment two weeks ago I found myself wandering the halls of McHenry County College (where the assignment was held). I'm not a fan of these assignments so I was glad when I came across the Eyes Wide Open exhibit.
The exhibit came to the college for only two days. The pairs of boots represent the human cost of the Iraq War, honoring each U.S. military casualty.
For more information check out their Web site.

Details

2010-03-24T16:32:00.001-07:00

I was at an assignment about vegetable gardening. This made me chuckle.

Meeting Shot

2010-03-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Mike Majercik (left), McHenry Township Fire Protection Assistant Chief, and Terry Cowley, village of Wonder Lake President listen to McHenry County Leadership Forum hosted by Congresswoman Melissa Bean at McHenry County College Tuesday. The forum allowed Bean to provide an update from Washington and officials were able to voice concerns and comments about their communities.

A couple weeks ago, (yes, I kinda fell behind on my blogging) I got to attend an officials forum with Illinois Rep. Melissa Bean. She had invited mayors, fire chiefs, police and other officials to talk with her about what's going on in McHenry County and in turn she gave some insight into what's going on in Washington.
Not much was happening during the hour forum although Bean did hold up a piece of paper with a graph (I did shoot that). But I decided to use the art on the walls to make my photo. Here's the result.

Fire

2010-03-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Smokes fills the air as Woodstock Lieutenant Nick Weir walks the perimeter of a hay fire that broke out at 13710 Charles Rd. in Woodstock on March 6, 2010. Crews were dispatched 1:09 p.m. to about 60 to 100 bales of hay on fire. A large plume of smoke could be seen from Route 14 as fire personnel took 2 1/2 hours to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Saturday was packed with 3 assignments and I planned on getting them shot and going home. Thinking I could plan was a mistake I know you can't plan when it comes to journalism. The second I got back to the office a copy editor stopped me in the hallways saying there's a hay fire in Woodstock. The scanners had been blaring for 30 min she said. I grabbed a 300 and ran out the door with the address in my hand. I don't know what it is with spot news but I shake. I'm not sure if it's the adrenaline or something else but my right leg shakes as I'm driving toward a scene.
I could see the smoke for miles.When I got to the scene the fire was pretty much out and the firefighters allowed me to get pretty close. 60-100 bales had caught on fire and the cause was still under investigation.

Johnsburg All Star

2010-03-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Johnsburg Junior Melissa Dixon is 2010 Northwest Herald basketball player of the year. Dixon averages 19.1 points per game with 619 points scored this year and 1,345 points in her high school career.

At the end of each season whether football, soccer or basketball there is a player that is selected as the player of the year. This girls basketball season Melissa Dixon from Johnsburg was selected. A story is written about the player and a photo to coincide. I had shot Melissa before and remembered that she is shy girl, this in mind I knew it could be difficult to get the image that I wanted. Amanda Schwengel, a fellow photographer, came with me to assist. She was a huge help when it came to moving the strobes. Every time I shoot a portrait with lights I'm running around so much that I sweat; profusely. Not so much this time because of Amanda (so thanks).

Shooting Ponies Again

2010-03-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

Anna Watson, 10, of Marengo with her horse Belle at Cross Winds Farm Equestrian Center on March 3, 2010. Belle is also expecting her first foal in May.

I keep telling this story but it's my favorite so... a girl scout troop came into the office on a tour of the newsroom. I of course was trying to impress those kids and was showing them the photos from the Destination Safe Haven pony farm.
me: "Today I got to shoot ponies."
girl scout: "You killed a pony!"

Here's 2 photos from Cross Winds Equestrian Center. I really do like photographing animals.

It Just Keeps Falling

2010-02-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

Kristen Koske of Lake in the Hills pulls her son Austin Koske, 3, up the hill at Indian Prairie Park on Monday (Feb. 22, 2010) as they spend part of the day sledding.

We just can't get any relief from the snow. The snow was melting and then Sunday night/Monday morning we got dumped on some more. I found this feature after a morning assignment. It didn't take me that long, which is good, because I can get frustrated driving around looking.

From the Roller Rink to the Ice Rink

2010-02-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

Neuqua Valley's Jordan Swiderski (left) skates away from the Prairie Ridge varsity team's celebration after scoring a goal in the second period during the Red Division Blackhawk Cup game at Crystal Ice House on February 21, 2010.

Prairie Ridge's Alexander Taulien passes the puck off as he is being chased down by Neuqua Valley's Matt kostopoulous in the first period of the Varisty Red Division Blackhawk Cup at the Crystal Ice House on February 21, 2010. The Wolves defeated the Wildcats 6-3 and advance to the second round facing the winner of St. Viator and St. Charles North at The Edge in Bensenville on March 13.

Julie Grosse of Lake in the Hills helps her daughter Lilly Grosse, 4, off the rink at X-treme Wheels Roller Skating and Roller Sports Center on February 21, 2010. Sunday was the four-year-olds first time roller skating and although she had fallen a few time said she was having a great time.

The roller rink offers a Family Day on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 - 5 p.m. For more information on pricing and schedule visit www.skatextremewheels.com.

Sunday I shot the family skate at X-treme Wheels in Crystal Lake and then had to rush to the Crystal Ice House for the Blackhawk Cup Tournament featuring Prairie Ridge.

It's Only February

2010-02-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

I'm just about to bundle up and walk to a local bar for a drink with friends and thought I would share some of my snow pictures. Two are skiing pictures while the other is a just a snow feature. Luckily, I haven't shot too many features. I will say, I have yet to make a picture of a kid with a snowman; I have time, it's only February.

Metal Works

2010-02-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Fire Arts Center foundry instructors Vincent Hawkins (center) and Michael Bennett (right) walk a student through the process of casting a sculpture in bronze at the Cornelia Arts Center in Chicago.

A couple weeks ago I was invited to watch a bronze-casting demonstration at the Cornelia Arts Center in Chicago. The process is very captivating.
My boyfriend, Tom, has been doing some metal work himself, making knives. It was nice to see where he spends all his time.

Election Night = Pizza

2010-02-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

Pizza from Keith Nygren's campaign party at the Elks Lodge in Woodstock on February 2, 2010. Nygren is running for McHenry County Sheriff.

The newspaper industry has a great tradition on election night and that is ordering pizza. This election was a primary and figured the tradition of pizza on election night would be easy to eliminate. It was definitely a pick me up.
The only primary party I covered last night was that of McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren.
Nygren was running against a former deputy whom he had fired.
It was held at the Elks Lodge in Woodstock and crowded doesn't even begin to describe the mass of people who attended. Besides the copious amount of alcohol consumed there was pizza. I only took pictures of six pizzas but they had atleast 20 pizzas. The Nygren campaign went all out on the variety of pizza, yes, there was the traditional cheese and pepperoni but also chicken barbecue. Yuck!
Nygren won with 68% of the votes and moves to face Democrat Mike Mahon and Green Party candidate Gus Philpott in the Nov. 2 General Election.

Wrasslin'

2010-01-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

Harvard's Brad Lovell lifts up Hampshire's Cody Kleiger, gaining control in their match during the Big Northern Conference Meet at Richmond-Burton High School on January 28, 2010.

I forgot the batteries to my lights the other night when I shot a wrestling match hence the black & white. Silly me.

Tang

2010-01-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

When I volunteered myself to watch a friend's cat I thought it was going to be a piece of cake. All I need to do is remember to replenish Tang's water and food bowls. Well I soon came to realize he requires a lot more attention.
Tang: Meow meow meoooooooooooow meow meow mmmmmeeeeeeeeeeoooooooooowwwwwwww!
translation: Hey who are you? Where's Josh(owner)? Wait nevermind I don't care just pet me!

Simple Portrait

2010-01-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

Mary is a cooperative and business education teacher at Huntley High School, where she recently received an Air Force Distinguished Educator Award. She and only 24 other teaching professionals across the nation were honored. The group will be touring two Air Force bases near San Antonio, Texas during the first week of February for a first-hand look at the different military careers the branch offers.

I am doing a 2 weeks of city living just to see if I can handle the commute. I want to live in the city and I really want it to work out. I was definitely challenged yesterday when I drove 100 miles during my shift. I spent about 4 hours in my car!
I didn't have much time to shoot Mary so moved her near the window light. It's not fantastic but the light from the window adds a nice element.

Missed By A Nose

2010-01-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sophia Kilzer looks back into the dressing room before entering the fashion show during the McHenry County Bridal Showcase at Dole Mansion on January 17, 2010.

Shot a bridal fashion show yesterday. I loved the way the light hit Sophia's face; I just wish I would have gotten her nose in the frame.

Color Black & White

2010-01-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Found the second photo while shooting at Creative Artistry studio in Crystal Lake. I think it looks better in color.

Peas in a Pod

2010-01-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

Yvonne Cressman washes John L. McGue's hair after cutting it at his home on January 8, 2010.
Cressman is a volunteer with the Senior Companion Program and has been spending time with McGue for the past three years.

The other day I met John McGue who is 100 years old and his friend Yvonne Cressman. The two were paired up through the Senior Companion Program three years ago. One of their favorite activities to do together is plant tomatos. On the day that I met them, Cressman was giving McGue a hair cut. Those two did a lot of laughing but this photo is a much quieter moment and thought it showed their relationship more.

Lights On

2010-01-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

Marengo's Kent Ganvic (right) reaches out in an attempt to knock the ball away from Harvard's Zach Fiegel during the second quarter on January 10, 2010.

I've always been tentative about using lights. I've said it was because I like to use available light but really I'm just scared. Well, I'm working on it and basketball games have been a great way for me to practice setting lights up and getting them to work properly. The lights don't allow me to shoot a ton but I can usually get a handful of good images.

The Winter Thunder

2010-01-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sophia Hulsey races in the 120 Stock finals during The Winter Thunder Challenge at Golf Farm in Wauconda on January 3, 2010.
The Winter Thunder Challenge Gallery

The Winter Thunder Challenge is back. I got to test out my new boots in the cold Illinois weather this weekend. Glad to report my feet survived; my batteries did not. I was only able to shoot about an hour before they kaput.

"The Lauren Show"

2010-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Angela Scully with the Great Lake Naval Academy is greeted by members of Division 034 after a stop at the Walgreens on December 25, 2009 in McHenry. The McHenry Masonic Lodge hosted about 50 recruits from the naval academy. The recruits got the chance to call home, see a movie at Mchenry Downtown Theatre and walk to the local store for snacks and disposable cameras.

Claire (left) and Olivia Jakubicek have helped the Cary-Grove Trojans remain undefeated by averaging double-digit scoring.

Christina Koleno, 4, of Harvard lays her head on her father Ken Koleno's lap during the Christmas Eve service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard on Thursday. Christina also attend the service with her mother Dora Koleno and older sister Delany, 6.

Woodstock firefighters work to clear the damage caused by a fire they broke out Sunday evening in a unit on the third floor of the Mapletree Apartment complex in the 1900 block of Sheila Street.

It's a joke around the photo department that when you are shooting every assignment it's your show.
The week of Christmas I was the only photographer working, which kept me very very busy. Thus a reason for not posting. So here are a few from that crazy week known as 'The Lauren Show'.

Lauren x3

2009-12-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

Crystal Lake South's Lauren Chrystal jumps over Grayslake North's Lauren Erickson for a shot in the fourth quarter on December 18, 2009. The Gators defeated the Knights 45-32.

Today was my first day back after taking a week of vacation in Ohio.

Three Laurens got into my cutline today, including my name. That's never happened before and probably won't happen again.

Seeing Double

2009-12-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Worked a 12-hour day yesterday and doing the same today. mmmm the life of a newspaper photographer.
I'm not sure if it was the lack of sleep or maybe Santa Clause is just that fast but... one minute I'm shooting him getting pictures with children in Richmond's Memorial Hall and the next minute I walk outside and he's crossing the street.
I'd like to believe he's just fast.

Good-bye to the Mitten Kid

2009-12-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

It was a sad day at the Northwest Herald on Tuesday. We had to say good-bye our intern Nick Dentamaro. All good though. Nick left our paper because he got a full-time job at the Jackson Citizen Patriot in Michigan. Yay for Nick. He was a great photographer and friend. We will miss him.

The photo's one that I took when we shoot the Chicago Bears game in September. Great time; except when Nick lost all of his edited images because of a faulty laptop and we had to re-transmit from the Pony in Roscoe Village.

Pony Sanctuary

2009-12-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Finkelman, vice president of Destination Safe Haven, spends time with George, a 20-year-old Warmblood who is partially blind, on December 2, 2009 in Marengo. This holiday season D.S.H. is initiating an “Adopt a Pony” program for residents and families to help sponsor costs for the everyday things that keep these animals going. George is one of the animals up for sponsorship.

Deb Novak (left) and Jennifer Finkelman hold Racer (left) and Rocket two kid goats at Destination Safe Haven. The goats were born to their mother Yoda but as a surprise to those who took in the goat.

Awesome assignment yesterday. I got to spend time at a pony sanctuary. Destination Safe Haven in Marengo rescues horses who are either mistreated and neglected or unwanted. It's a sanctuary because most of the animals are older with medical issues and will live out there days on the farm.

I never grew up with animals unless you count a hamster and some fish and it's always an excitement for me when I get to shoot and hang out on a farm.
The animals at D.S.H. are up for sponsorship this holiday season under their Adopt-A-Pony program. The money goes toward the care and upkeep of the animals.
Here's Amber Krosel's article.

Takin' it to the hoop

2009-11-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

Basketball season has begun. I have a couple of high schools that I love to shoot at either because they have decent light or because they have a balcony. Woodstock High School has a balcony which I took full advantage of during the game. Balcony's are great for getting away from pesky cheerleaders who think they own the baseline. Here are a few from that game...enjoy!

ACE!

2009-11-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

Cary-Grove junior outside hitter Kelly Lamberti is the Northwest Herald Girls Volleyball Player of the Year. Lamberti finished the season with 402 kills and 96 aces, both school records, and played a pivotal role on the IHSA Class 4A state championship team.

Last week I got to shoot the volleyball player of the year: Kelly Lamberti.
Here's an outtake from the shoot.

Weddings

2009-11-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to break into wedding photography and thanks to a couple of photog friends I've been second shooting for the past month. Here is a photo that I shot from one of those weddings. You can view more on my Website.

State!

2009-11-19T16:31:00.001-08:00

Harvard's Mikhal Stricker (1) reacts after the Hornets loose to Carlinville during the IHSA Class 2A third place match at Illinois State University's Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill on November 14, 2009. Carlinville defeated the Hornets 17-25, 25-19, and 25-20. Harvard leaves state volleyball with a fourth place finish.

Cary Grove's team cheers as they become one point away from winning the second set against Lyons Twp. and the IHSA Class 4A Championship game at Illinois State University's Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill on November 14, 2009. Cary-Grove defeated the Lions 25-23 and 25-17.

I hadn't shot a whole lot of volleyball this season and was excited when I was given the chance to shoot our teams at state. I've been known to have a bit of a curse when it comes to shooting playoffs. No team can win with me behind the camera. At first this started out as a joke and I thought maybe not this year but one by one our volleyball teams started losing. The last team to play Friday night was Cary-Grove and I crossed my fingers. Whatever I did worked because Cary-Grove took home the Class 4A Championship and made the trip worth it!
Here are two photos from that weekend. The emotion of that weekend was definitely up and down.

Reunited

2009-11-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Clarence "Corky" Iversen, of Crystal Lake holds up his recently returned 1962 class ring on October 28, 2009. In1965, the ring was lost and 44 years later turned up in a Skippy peanut butter jar in Savanna, Ill. Iversen was contacted by a man via Facebook who found the ring in a cave.

This was a great story. Corky to this day does not know who took his class ring over 40 years ago nor how it ended up in a cave in Savanna, Ill. He gave the ring to his girlfriend (who later became his wife) who wore the ring around her neck. During gym class one day she took off the necklace and set it down in what she though was a secure location. When she went back to retrieve the ring it was gone. 44 years later Corky finds a man in Savanna, Ill. via Facebook that is claiming to have found a Crystal Lake High School class of 1962 ring with the initials C.I.
engraved on it. The man had been using a metal detector in the Mississippi Palisades State Park caves when he can across a Skippy peanut butter jar containing several items, including the ring.
The day after Corky was reunited with his class ring.