52 Weeks, 2014
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Similar to last week, this wasn't the shot I was originally going for. Plan A didn't pan out, but the composition of this side street caught my eye as I was walking back to my car.
It was three years ago that we lost Lori Bourn...an amazing woman, mother, wife, and friend. Sarah and I were lucky enough to have Lori do the flowers for our wedding in 2010. These flowers - Sarah's bridal bouquet - sit next to our wedding album as a reminder of the unique beauty that Lori brought to our wedding day and to the lives of everyone around her.
On the edges of a renewed downtown Worcester sits the old Worcester Voke building. After years of constant demolition and construction, it remains one of the last real eyesores in the downtown area.
Don't get me wrong...I love Super Bowl Sunday more than most people. But the countdown to baseball season starts in a few hours.
You didn't think I'd go the entire year without a picture of this girl, did you?
Not much action on the 3rd hole at Wachusett Country Club these days.
Almost time.
For the second year, Worcester's BRACE (Bullying Remediation and Court Education) Project put on an incredible Bullying Prevention & Education Conference. My wife is one of the event's organizers and DCU's charitable foundation (DCU for Kids) is the presenting sponsor so this day is always doubly important for me. I consider myself very lucky to work for a company that puts such an emphasis on making a difference in its communities. I'm even luckier to be able to document some of these events. In this shot, Judge Carol Erskine speaks about the Worcester Juvenile Court's involvement in the BRACE Project and introduces representatives from Central MA schools who have successfully introduced anti-bullying initiatives.
Friday night traffic over 290 in Worcester.
You can keep your Southie and Worcester parades. Today, West Boylston made a bid for the world's shortest parade. The route took the parade from Finder's Pub to Keeper's Pub next door.
This week completely got by me. I'm not sure if it's a good or a bad thing that I spent more time reading about Massachusetts housing mandates and case studies than I did researching who should win the NCAA tournament (I blame/thank my dad for teaching me to be so civic/politically-minded). In the end, I got my brackets in, and - as expected - they're suffering. It's still my favorite four day stretch in sports Let's all agree to do better next week.
A few times over the last couple of months, I've had the opportunity to work with Chi Omega to shoot their sorority chapter installations at WPI and Quinnipiac. They are easily one of my favorite organizations to work with on the photography side. Here, a silhouetted National President Letitia Fulkerson speaks to Chi Omega's newest members from WPI and reminds them of the Chi Omega Symphony, which begins with: "To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed; to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances; to be in the best sense, democratic rather than 'exclusive,' and lovable rather than 'popular.'"
Opening Day at Fenway is always one of my favorite days of the year. This year didn't disappoint. Between the Boston Marathon bombing survivors and families delivering the World Series rings; the '04, '07, and '13 banners being dropped over the Green Monster; and the Boston Fire Department coming on to lower the flag to half mast, this was definitely a special day for Boston.
Thursday night moon.
These shoes left at a memorial on Boylston St. speak volumes. Run for those who lost their lives and those who were injured. Run for our first responders - both uniformed and civilian - whose quick, selfless actions saved lives. Run for the local, state, and federal law enforcement and government officials who worked around the clock that week. Run for the doctors and nurses who proved - both that day and in the months after - why Boston's hospitals are some of the best in the world. Run for Boston.
For over a century, Massachusetts has had a special relationship with the Boston Marathon. Even for a state brimming with sports history and tradition, it's an event, a day, and a race unlike any other. The best way I've found to describe running the Boston Marathon is as a 26.2 mile standing ovation. For one day, every runner gets to feel like an elite athlete and every spectator gets to feel like they're supporting something amazing. Congratulations to everyone who took on and completed this challenge.
One of my favorite buildings to shoot in Worcester: Union Station.
West Boylston's Old Stone Church
On Saturday, I served as Jay Caton's trusty second shooter for a wedding out in western MA. My favorite part of shooting weddings was always the unscripted, impromptu moments, reactions, and expressions. Any photographer can line people up and snap a few family shots, but I've always found that a photojournalistic approach tells the story much better. Right after their ceremony, Rob & Avra asked if they could have a few minutes by themselves before we started their family shots. This shot of them, alone in conversation for the first and probably last time that day, was too good to pass up.
Night sky behind Fenway Park.
Worcester Plaza, the city's tallest and one of its most amazing buildings.
A tough 2-0 loss today for St. Peter-Marian in the D1 District Finals. Unfortunately, I had the game time wrong and missed seeing Pat Gallagher on the mound. Nevertheless, here he is making a play at third late in the game. Good season, guys!
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Worcester Technical High School graduation ceremony at the DCU Center. The commencement speaker was none other than President Barack Obama. That he is one of the greatest and most dynamic public speakers of our time is unquestionable. I'm thankful (and incredibly lucky) to have had the chance to see and hear him live. Congratulations Worcester Tech Class of 2014! An incredible and memorable day for you, your school, and the city of Worcester. Wow.