2008 Metrolink Anniversary

This was an annual memorial for those who lost their lives in the big 2008 Metrolink train accident that happened in Chatworth. There was a nice memorial site built, with the names of some of the local residents who died on that train. It was striking to see how still very challenging it was for the survivors and those left behind.  I was also struck by how close the community of survivors was. 

 

This assignment of sorrow and rememberance was easier to photograph than other assignments like this mainly because everyone there were so open and accepting, and eager to share their memories of their loved ones.  But that is not always the case.

It is usually difficult to photograph moments when there is loss and sorrow.  Part of this has to do with my understanding that those moments are often very emotional and private.  Several times in the past I've been ridiculed by bystanders as being intrusive and insensitive.  But I suppose that is the nature of my job.  I try to rationalize that there is an important story to tell and I'm fostering an understanding between those in the photographs and those who are viewing them.  The tougher part for me to work with on these assignments is the sorrow and grief.  I don't know what it is like to lose someone close to me to an accident or disaster, but when I see the faces of those left behind and hear their cries, I feel it in my gut, a terrifying realization of how fragile life is and how it could have been my wife or children or relatives or friends in that disaster, their names on stones and crosses at this memorial.  I do not want to be the person here a survivor at this memorial, but the reality is, I could have been and still could be.

 

 

9/11

 

 

 

It is a great honor to be able to contribute to the stories commemorating the events of 9/11.  Ten years ago when I saw the first historical newspaper headlines, gut-wrenching photos and reportage of the terrorist attacks I wasn't a photographer then but felt a calling to somehow be a part in telling the stories of those affected by the attacks.  Ten years later, being able to hear some of the personal experiences of those who were there at the Twin Towers the moment the planes struck, it was sobering to see how their memories were still so very strong and real.  Listening to and photographing Dan White, a survivor who escaped Tower 2 before it collapsed brought back the feelings of sadness, terror and anger...and then national pride I and so many other Americans experienced 10 years ago.  What was clear about Dan's story was how no matter what challenge or danger stood in his way he had to get home.  His experience of surviving death since then has made clear to him what was truly important in his life, his family. 

 

Dedication to local heroes (firemen, police, and paramedics)by children at Flory Academy in Moorpark, Calif.  

It was also interesting to realize that in the ten years that have passed since 9/11 a whole generation of children who were born after the attacks have grown up without the understanding of what happened that terrible day. The thought crossed my mind, as I was photographing the children assembled to give thanks to the heroes, that they were like I an others of my generation when thanking veterans of WWII, we don't have a clue to what it was like to be a nation involved in such global struggle and pain.  Without the stories of those who experienced those times, and without the education to explain to the children the meanings behind the holidays they enjoy away from school, we will lose perspective.  So I was pleased when Flory Academy held this event of giving thanks to our local heroes and spending the day to educate the children on the events of 9/11.

Oxnard Farmer's Market

Sometimes the challenge of being sent out on a wild art assignment (assigned to find stand-alone pictures to add art to the newspaper) is not knowing what you will find, while still under the pressure that you must find something that is interesting and well photographed enough to publish.  I was lucky on this day and found a treasure trove of things to photograph at the Oxnard Farmer's Market.  My biggest challenge of the day was being able to speak Spanish to those visiting the market (since, the population in the heart of Oxnard is primarily Hispanic).  But with patience (mainly on the side of those I was trying to communicate with, I was able to learn enough information from them for my captions, and even made some friends.  I've since then enrolled in a Spanish class so I can make less of a fool of myself next time.

 

 

 

Surf Contest at Point Mugu 2011

I was lucky to be able to cover the Point Mugu Surf Contest at the Point Mugu Navy base in Port Hueneme.  It was an awsome contest of both amateurs and professionals.  This is the first time for me photographing surfing.  But I have to say, being a surfer myself, I really understood the timing of the movements and this helped me nail the shots I grabbed.