Recent 1st Place Awards


Was thrilled finding out that I received 1st Place in CWRU and Tri-C’s Martin Luther King Jr Essay Reflection Competition with my image of “A Child’s Joy.”
This shot was taken at the RNC this past summer and is one of my all time favorite images.

The background:

“Throughout scientific and technological genius, we’ve made of this world a neighborhood… And now, through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood. The time has come when we must all learn to live together as brothers, or all perish together as fools.”

I took this photo during the RNC this past summer on Public Square. The chaotic scene included hundreds of police officers monitoring the area, with the Black Lives Matters group facing the opposing side. It featured heated debates between the Hillary and Trump supporters; as well as anti gun and open carry groups arguing. I was impressed to see the diversity of the people and for the most part, the conversations were respectfully held.

What really stood out to me was little Samuel running through the chaos; having the time of his life playing in the fountain. I had to thank his mother, Kenya Samuels, for raising such a joyous little boy. A boy who in such a contemptuous place, remained smiling and laughing. He remained the bright spot and gave me hope for a more understanding and positive future.

For more RNC images, http://a3n.45a.mywebsitetransfer.com/cleveland-rnc-16/

The Milky Way over Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Standing 1,000 feet above the deepest lake in the United States with 40 mph winds ripping through at midnight was one of the most thrilling photographic experiences of my life. With snow still on the ground in late May, it was about 20* when we snapped these photos at the frozen rim. We patiently waited for the Milky Way to rise over Wizard Island while attempting to keep our focus as we navigated our way through the ice and darkness. My body was violently shaking from the cold, but this place filled me with a child like joy as it is sometimes hard to comprehend the beauty of what I am seeing. Watching stars rise over a 1,996 foot deep lake was one of those moments that will be forever engrained into my mind.

 

I was finally notified by Backpacker Magazine that this Crater Lake image took 1st place in their NATIONAL photo contest! I am beyond excited! The prize is a DXO digital camera along with being published with a bio in next years magazine.Thank you to the friends and family that helped me out in the voting. I truly appreciate everyone.


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