Zoo-Mass

Published on September 1, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

I’ve gotten pretty far behind in my updates, but at last glance on my calendar, apparently I’ve been working 18 straight days without a day off. That should count for something, eh?

So, better get back on the horse, as they say.

My epic stretch run of assignments started off a few weeks ago in Amherst, Mass., where I was dispatched to cover the media practices for the University of Massachusetts – Amherst football team for the Boston Herald.

With the start of the college football season looming at the end of the week, I figured posting a few relevant images would be appropriate.

8.17.2010 — AMHERST, Mass. — UMass linebacker Mike Mele puts a hit on quarterback Jesse Hunt during a post-practice competition at McGuirk Stadium on Aug. 17, 2010.


8.17.2010 — AMHERST, Mass. — UMass tailback John Griffin cuts into a hole during scrimmage at McGuirk Stadium on Aug. 17, 2010.


8.17.2010 — AMHERST, Mass. — UMass tailback John Griffin chats with offensive lineman Josh Samuda during a break in practice at McGuirk Stadium on Aug. 17, 2010.


8.17.2010 — AMHERST, Mass. — UMass linebacker Mike Mele gets into a fight with quarterback Jesse Hunt during a post-practice competition on Aug. 17, 2010. Hunt had grabbed Mele's facemask during a tackle.

The DREAMers

Published on August 12, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Last week I picked up an assignment to cover a teach-in rally at the Massachusetts State House in support of the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act — my very first assignment for The New York Times. The Times was working on a story on undocumented immigrant students and wanted to take a look at the broader DREAM Act movement from a national standpoint, and Boston happened to be the headquarters of one of the regional support organizations, the Student Immigrant Movement. None of my photos made it into the final cut of the story, but them’s the breaks of the newspaper biz, right? So, taking advantage of the beauty of self-publishing, here are few of my selects from the afternoon I spent with these self-described “Dreamers.”

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — DREAM University participant Pete Shungu engages the discussion at a teach-in rally at the Massachusetts State House on Aug. 3, 2010. Activists were rallying in favor of the DREAM Act, which would grant a path to citizenship for undocumented students upon completion of higher education or enlistment in the military.

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — High school student Modeline Badio, 18, and other DREAM University participants prepare their signs for their rally in support of the DREAM Act outside the Massachusetts State House on Aug. 3, 2010. The activists were targeting Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown in particular, who has expressed mixed opinions on the DREAM Act.

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — A lone protester made several passes along Beacon Street in his minivan to counter the DREAM University teach-in at the Massachusetts State House on Aug. 3, 2010. The activists largely ignored the protester.

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — Maria Peniche, 19, tells the audience at the DREAM University teach-in about her struggles and goals as an undocmented student at the foot of the Massachusetts State House on Aug. 3, 2010. Peniche, who calls herself a "DREAM Student," is currently enrolled at Pine Manor College.

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — A DREAM University participant waves the American flag during the DREAM University rally's "graduation" ceremony at the foot of the Massachusetts State House on Aug. 3, 2010.

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — Emelia Martinez-Brumbaugh, a Hampshire College student, accepts her "diploma" from the DREAM University teach-in "graduation" ceremony at the foot of the Massachusetts State House on Aug. 3, 2010.

8.3.2010 — BOSTON — Participants of the DREAM University teach-in toss their graduation caps in the air to wrap up their rally at the Massachusetts State House in favor of the DREAM Act on Aug. 3, 2010.

Still alive

Published on August 2, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

Sometimes, you can cover an entire baseball game, essentially, in one inning. Take Sunday’s game between the Red Sox and the Tigers, for example. Featuring a pitchers’ duel between the Red Sox’ Clay Bucholz and Detroit’s Justin Verlander, there wasn’t much action to be had as Bucholz cruised with a 3-0 lead into the ninth.

Enter Jonathan Papelbon.

Papelbon blew the lead in the ninth, allowing the Tigers to tie the game at 3-3. But, as luck would have it, a timely error in the bottom part of the inning led to a walk-off win for the Sox. Nice celebration pictures to cap an otherwise uneventful (action-wise) game!

8.1.2010 — BOSTON — Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis pounces on pinch runner Darnell McDonald after McDonald scored the game-winning run in the ninth inning on a Tigers error on Aug. 1, 2010.

8.1.2010 — BOSTON — Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis congratulates shortstop Marco Scutaro after Scutaro's bunt resulted in a game-ending error from Tigers pitcher Robbie Weinhardt in the ninth inning to put the Sox on top, 4-3, on Aug. 1, 2010.


8.1.2010 — BOSTON — Tigers pitcher Robbie Weingardt throws the ball away in the ninth while trying to field a bunt from Marco Scutaro on Aug. 1, 2010. The error allowed pinch runner Darnell McDonald to score the go-ahead run, putting the Sox on top 4-3.


8.1.2010 — BOSTON — Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelbon shrugs his shoulders after giving up a 2-run double to Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, tying the game, on Aug. 1, 2010.

8.1.2010 — BOSTON — Tigers left fielder Ryan Raburn can't make the play on Eric Patterson's RBI bloop hit into left field in the second inning on Aug. 1, 2010.


8.1.2010 — BOSTON — Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Bucholz pitches to the Tigers in the first inning on Aug. 1, 2010.

Hot Streak

Published on July 20, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

So since I last covered the Boston Breakers, these ladies have been on quite a tear, winning three straight games in July, culminating with Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Washington Freedom.

This was a pretty fun game, with the Breakers outplaying the Freedom for the most part, getting it done with a strong possession game, solid passing and excellent movement off the ball — just the kind of technical soccer I like to see! And definitely a far cry from the long-ball fest I covered at the Revolution a few weeks ago.

Here’s a few from the Breakers’ convincing win Sunday:

7.18.2010 — BOSTON — Boston Breakers striker Lauren Cheney gets a push from Washington's Cat Whitehill in Boston's 2-1 win on July 18, 2010.

7.18.2010 — BOSTON — Boston Breakers defender Ifeoma Dieke wins a header against Washington's Kristi Eveland in Boston's 2-1 win on July 18, 2010.

7.18.2010 — BOSTON — Boston Breakers midfielder Lindsay Tarpley congratulates midfielder Jordan Angeli on her game-winning goal against Washington in their 2-1 win on July 18, 2010. Angeli scored off Tarpley's deflected header attempt.

7.18.2010 — BOSTON — Boston Breakers midfielder Jordan Angeli, facing, is mobbed by teammates after her game-winning goal against Washington in their 2-1 win as Washington midfielder Brittany Bock walks past on July 18, 2010.

Basho

Published on July 20, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

I had another “Diners Dining” assignment for the Boston Herald last week at a new restaurant across the street from Fenway Park. “Hip” is only the beginning when describing the decor of Basho Japanese Brasserie — What the heck is a “Brasserie” anyway? The interior made for some interesting pictures, and of course, the food looked delicious. Can’t ask for a better combination than that!

Here’s a few from the assignment.

7.11.2010 — BOSTON — Sushi chefs prepare some sushi rolls in front of an elaborately lit backdrop at Basho Japanese Brasserie on Boylston Street on July 11, 2010.


7.11.2010 — BOSTON — Freshly prepared sushi rolls wait to be served at Basho Japanese Brasserie on Boylston Street on July 11, 2010.

7.11.2010 — BOSTON — Cook Mike Carletti prepares a meal at a robata grill, the first of its kind in Boston, at Basho Japanese Brasserie on Boylston Street on July 11, 2010. The grill uses traditional Japanese high-density charcoal in a specially ventilated room to keep patrons from grill fumes.

Rockets’ Red Glare

Published on July 5, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

Happy Birthday, America!

Here’s a few photos from my spot shooting fireworks as part of the Herald’s Fourth of July coverage. I camped out on the Longfellow Bridge to get the fireworks exploding above the Charles River, hoping to get some cool shots of the boats on the water with the sky lit up.

One major observation, though — A lot of people come to see this! I’m glad I set up shop shortly before 7 p.m., otherwise I wouldn’t have had a decent spot when the show started at 10:30 p.m. The waiting, well, that’s a whole other matter entirely.

7.4.2010 — BOSTON — Spectators take in the fireworks from the Longfellow Bridge during the 2010 Fourth of July celebration.

7.4.2010 — BOSTON— Fireworks explode above the Charles River during the city's 2010 Fourth of July celebrations.


7.4.2010 — BOSTON — A pair of daring spectators take in the fireworks from the Longfellow Bridge during the 2010 Fourth of July celebration.


7.4.2010 — BOSTON — Fireworks explode above the Charles River during the city's 2010 Fourth of July celebrations.


7.4.2010 — BOSTON — Spectators take in the fireworks from the Longfellow Bridge during the 2010 Fourth of July celebration.

World Cup, This Is Not

Published on June 28, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Maybe I’ve been spoiled by all the World Cup coverage, but it’s staggering to see the difference between the levels of play in the MLS — the top flight of American soccer — and the premier international tournament.

Last night, I was dispatched down to Foxboro to cover the return of the MLS season after their so-called “World Cup” break, photographing the matchup between the Chicago Fire and the New England Revolution. It was just relentless long ball after long ball into the box with little discipline or creativity on the part of the players. Very frustrating to watch as someone who’s been playing this game his whole life.

Here are some photos from the game, which the Fire won, 1-0.

6.27.2010 — FOXBORO, Mass. — Revolution defender Emmanuel Osei misses on his bicycle kick clear ahead of Chicago midfielder Baggio Husidic on June 27, 2010.


6.27.2010 — FOXBORO, Mass. — Chicago Fire striker Brian McBride jumps over a sliding Emmanuel Osei in the first half against the Revolution on June 27, 2010.


6.27.2010 — FOXBORO, Mass. — Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph gets tangled up with Chicago defender Logan Pause in a 1-0 loss to the Fire on June 27, 2010.


6.27.2010 — FOXBORO, Mass. — Revolution striker Kenny Mansally wins an air ball against Chicago midfielder Marco Pappa in a 1-0 loss to the fire on June 27, 2010.


6.27.2010 — FOXBORO, Mass. — Revolution midfielder Marko Perovic shows his furstration after a missed opportunity in a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire on June 27, 2010.

8 Alarms

Published on June 27, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

A little after noon Saturday, I got a call from the Herald to check out what was, at the time, a four-alarm fire in downtown Marlboro. Within a few minutes, the fire got much worse, hitting six alarms by the time I got there. Sure enough, I could see smoke billowing across the entire downtown area, coming from an apartment building with a diner and hair salon on the first floor.

I’ve never photographed anything higher than five alarms, and that includes some pretty serious fires back in Tampa. I was pretty surprised when it hit eight alarms by the time I made my first frame on the scene. It didn’t look a whole lot worse than anything else I’d ever seen, but my guess it was due to the density of the buildings in the downtown area.

According to Marlboro Fire Chief Rick Plummer, the fire started on the second floor of this old, wood-framed building and spread very quickly. So quickly, in fact, that this thing ended up imploding about an hour after I arrived. Here’s a sequence of photos of that, as well as some shots of the firefighters from multiple towns working the scene.

6.26.2010 — MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Firefighters from multiple agencies, including Northborough, left, and Hudson, center, assist their Marlborough colleagues with an 8-alarm fire at 173 Main St. in Marlborough on June 26, 2010. The fire started from unknown causes on the second floor of the old, wood-framed building and spread quickly, Marlborough Fire Chief Rick Plummer said. The building experienced multiple collapses, beginning with the roof and eventually imploded, but no injuries were reported and all firefighters were accounted for, Plummer said.

6.26.2010 — MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Marlborough, Northborough and Hudson firefighters tend to the building at 173 Main St. in Marlborough as it implodes from damage due to an 8-alarm fire on June 26, 2010.

6.26.2010 — MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Marlborough firefighters tend to the building at 173 Main St. in Marlborough after it imploded from damage due to an 8-alarm fire on June 26, 2010.

6.26.2010 — MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Hudson firefighters assist their Marlborough colleagues with an 8-alarm fire at 173 Main St. in Marlborough on June 26, 2010.

6.26.2010 — MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Northborough firefighters, top, assist their Marlborough colleagues, below, with an 8-alarm fire at 173 Main St. in Marlborough on June 26, 2010.

6.26.2010 — MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Hudson firefighters assist their Marlborough colleagues with an 8-alarm fire at 173 Main St. in Marlborough on June 26, 2010.

Mulch on Fire

Published on June 24, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

My apologies to anyone who had to drive south on I-95 coming back from New Hampshire Sunday afternoon. In case you were wondering what caused that backup, it was a huge burning pile of mulch in Peabody, just north of the I-95, Rt. 128 interchange. There were threats of to a tanker, and there had already been one explosion, so the State Police closed down Exit 45 due to the proximity of the mulch yard to the interstate.

Nothing particularly exciting from me on this one — The best images came much earlier before they cut down access, but such is the reality when you’re hustling to Peabody from Boston.

6.20.2010 — PEABODY, Mass. — A mulch fire at the J.D. Raymond Co. in Peabody sent smoke onto I-95, shutting down exit 45 southbound on June 20, 2010.


6.20.2010 — PEABODY, Mass. — A mulch fire at the J.D. Raymond Co. in Peabody sent smoke onto I-95, shutting down exit 45 southbound and backing up traffic a considerable distance on June 20, 2010.


6.20.2010 — PEABODY, Mass. — A large pile of mulch burns at the J.D. Raymond Co. in Peabody on June 20, 2010. The smoke from the fire shut down exit 45 on I-95 southbound. Firefighters were initially worried about an oil tank on site and fire's proximity to I-95, which was 20 yards away from the its edge.


6.20.2010 — PEABODY, Mass. — A large pile of mulch burns at the J.D. Raymond Co. in Peabody on June 20, 2010. The smoke from the fire shut down exit 45 on I-95 southbound. Firefighters were initially worried about an oil tank on site and fire's proximity to I-95, which was 20 yards away from the its edge.

Softball State Champs

Published on June 22, 2010 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Continuing with my high school sports marathon day from Saturday, here’s a selection of photos from the MIAA Division 2 Softball championship between Hudson and Stoneham. It wasn’t exactly a close game, but what put Hudson ahead was their defense, which always makes for good photos.

There was also some interesting backstories on this team, too, from the starting pitcher celebrating her birthday and the catcher hitting her first career home run.

6.19.2010 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Hudson catcher Micehelle Serrantino tags out Stoneham first baseman Gia Ruczkowski at home in the second inning of the MIAA Division 2 state final on June 19, 2010.


6.19.2010 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Hudson catcher Michelle Serrantino is congratulated by coach Steven Martin after hitting a 2-run home run, the first of her career, against Stoneham in the third inning of the MIAA Division 2 state final on June 19, 2010.


6.19.2010 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Hudson center fielder Jasmin Volpe can't get to a bloop single from Stoneham in the MIAA Division 2 state final on June 19, 2010.


6.19.2010 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Hudson second baseman Sarah Caragian breaks up the double play attempt on Stoneham second baseman Colleen O'Quinn in the MIAA Division 2 state final on June 19, 2010.


6.19.2010 — WORCESTER, Mass. — Hudson starting pitcher Jurnee Serating-Ware, facing, is mobbed by teammates after closing out her win against Stoneham in the MIAA Division 2 state final on June 19, 2010.