Two week water break

"Luley Hagi squirts water into her mouth on a break away from the action during the Miracles on Ice hockey camp in Magness Arena on the University of Denver campus in Denver on July 28, 2008. Luley is one of 32 students from the Bridge Project participating in the week long camp for underprivileged kids put on by the Howard Family Foundation."

I know, I know it has been an unusually long time, for me, from my last post. I've been shooting lots of things the past two weeks including baseball, hockey, two weddings and an outstanding opportunity to do an assignment for a MAJOR publication that you definitely know and probably read.  I'm keeping everything a secret until I know when the images are going to go public but I'll be sure to let you know when that happens.

It's that time of the year again and I'm talking about the Miracles on Ice hockey camp. I was fortunate enough to spend a week with some amazing and deserving kids last year at the camp and my schedule has allowed me to do the same again this week. I even through a pair of skates on and yuck it up with the kids out on the ice while shooting pictures at the same time. Last year I was pleased with the photo story that I put together from the event. This year I'm adding one more piece to the puzzle, audio, and doing a multimedia piece. It's definitely forward thinking considering where the photojournalism industry is going.

I'll try and post some more stuff this week and maybe something from the wedding (read: third wedding weekend in a row) on Saturday.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com

Fish out of water captured on tape

"Arizona State's Lauren Hayes sprints for the ball at the beginning of the second quarter during an NCAA water polo match against UC Irvine at the Anteater Aquatic Center in Irvine, Calif. on March 8, 2008."

Don't ask me why I'm up this late just browsing Sports Shooter for the wealth of knowledge that it contains but I am, it's just one of those nights. It's kind of ridiculous how much time I spend on the site but being a self taught photographer it's essential to my growth as a photographer. Back in March I attended the Sports Shooter Academy with my buddies Mike and Brandon. It was a great experience for all three of us as we were able to shoot multiple events in a day in deadline type situations. My week was really topped off when I had the opportunity to be one of five students who were able to shoot a collegiate water polo match UNDERWATER. Trust me when I tell you that it's an insane experience and one that I loved. Trying to breathe, hold your breath, tread water, sink to the bottom, focus, compose and shoot pictures all while trying your best not to drown is an experience like nothing else. I consider myself a competent swimmer but when you add a professional camera, lens and water housing to the equation it's a whole different ball game.

Ok, ok I've drug this out long enough so I'll just get to the good part for you. LA Times super videographer Myung Chung and Sports Illustrated super assistant Jordan Murph have put together a video from our amazing experience up on Sports Shooter for your viewing pleasure. Right now it seems really cool but I'm sure in 10 years Mike, Brandon and myself will be drinking at the bar laughing at how ridiculous we look trying to make underwater pictures but for now I think its pretty awesome. Special thanks to our instructor and one of my favorite photographers in the world Donald Miralle for showing us the ropes and Jesse Bowman from Aquatech Water Imaging for providing us with underwater housings to use during the event. 

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF BRANDON AND I SHOOTING WATER POLO....UNDERWATER!

The call I've been waiting for

I'm happy to announce that I will be the fall photo intern at the Colorado Springs Gazette starting in September. Mark Reis, the DOP, called on Sunday evening to deliver the good news but I just haven't remembered to post anything until now. The internship will run through the end of the year and since it's in the fall I should have the chance to shoot lots of sports from the high school level all the way up to the guys who get paid on Sundays. I'm really excited to be apart of such a wonderful "photo" paper and the opportunity to work alongside a talented staff.

I have to be up again early to shoot the Colorado Sparkler softball tournament so I'm going to turn in. Hopefully I will have something worthy to post from America's birthday on Firday or Saturday.

-JCE

www.jcedmonds.com