The Photo Club

Soccer at the Wally Camp Athletic Complex

2011-09-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

Score: 2-1, Cromwell.

Today was the second day of the 2011 Fall Sports season and I absolutely love shooting at the new Wally Camp Athletic Complex at Coginchaug High School. The school is set up in the foothills of Durham which provides a relaxing place to shoot as well as a nice background if you are shooting facing west. Now if I could just move the sun, it would be perfect!

Believe it or not...I was working for The Middletown Press when Wally Camp coached basketball for the Blue Devils.

Eleven minutes of shooting!

2011-09-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Shoreline Conference season opener at the new Wally Camp Athletic Complex.

Coginchaug defeated Cromwell 5-1.

Very nice start for Coginchaug girls on their new turf field.

Just Another Day at the Office

2011-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Monday evening I covered an American Legion Baseball game at Sage Park in Berlin. When I arrived, I asked the Berlin coach if I could shoot from inside the field. He said, "Sure, just watch out for the foul balls." I shot from an area alongside the home team dugout for a few innings and decided to talk to the home plate ump. I asked the ump if they're were designated media areas on the field and he replied "You can shoot from anywhere, just don't get hit." Just what I was hoping to here. I left the game around 8:30 p.m. when the score was 2-1 Middletown...deadline!

I received a lot of support from Post 75 fans last night. My favorite was from an older gentleman sitting on the top row in the home team bleachers. As I left the ballpark he said to me, "Just another day at the office." That about sums it up...just another day at the office!

So what is going on at Palmer Field?

A Living Stations of the Cross

2011-05-05T05:23:00.001-07:00

It was my first time photographing the "Living Stations of the Cross" portrayed by St. Pius Youth Peer Ministry and I was pleasantly surprised! Jesus was portrayed by Luke Scotton, a senior at Middletown High School. The Roman Guards were T.J. Wilson, Liam Shugrue, Joel Williams, and Kevin Scotton.

This event, in it's eighth year was absolutely magnificent! I can't believe I missed the last seven years.

So many of the faces were familiar...I met Luke on the soccer field when he was in the sixth or seventh grade and I have known Liam Shugrue's father Patrick for thirty years. T.J. Wilson, a junior at Xavier longboards with my son Andrew.

Good Friday 2012, be sure to mark it on your calendar!

GOT MUSIC ?

2011-04-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

This was one of my best assignments...you should have seen the looks! Priceless, definitely priceless!

Michael Arafeh, owner of Coffeehouse Recording Studio in the North End of Middletown received an upright piano from the Buttonwood Tree on Main Street. The only catch- he had to move it himself. Arafeh, in the cap on the far left enlisted help from Stan Lindh, of East Hampton, a poet who performs at the Buttonwood Tree, second from left, Christian Adamik, 19, of Meriden, an intern at Coffeehouse Recording Studio and aspiring music engineer, and Doug Schumann, of Midletown who is at the far right, an old school chum of Arafeh.

No Instant Replay...Is He Safe Or Out?

2011-04-11T00:27:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon, I covered the East Hampton-Westbrook game. I was wearing my new knee pads and it felt great! I was waiting for some action on the bases, so I had my 300mm lens set on manual focus on second base. Then it happened, a play at home, there was barely enough time to react, I quickly focused the lens and shot the play. All I knew was the runner was coming in head first and as usual, I didn't hear the call. I took a quick look at the picture and thought #26 was safe. I turned to the Westbrook coach and asked the play at home was called safe or out. The coach was a bit hesitant and jokingly said, "I'll let you know after the game." I told him I really needed to know and that this photo would probably be my main art. He said the ump called the runner out.

Benjamin "Benja" Fortin... was he safe or was he out?

He looks safe to me...what do you think? Leave your thoughts on this play.

The Picture That Got Away

2011-04-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

The picture that got away... it happens and when it does, I'm not happy. My husband, Bob and I were coming back from a Home Depot run when I saw what could have been a great picture. A Wesleyan student standing at the corner of Vine and Cross Street dressed in shorts and transporting a double bass (string instrument) on a skate board.

Why, oh why, must it happen to me?

Sheez!

The Show Must Go On...And It Has!

2011-03-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

As the play season begins to wind down I just wanted to say what a great year! I saw the Mercy-Xavier production of "South Pacific." Amazing job Mercy and Xavier! The Middletown High School production of "Grease" was spectacular... and did I mention Michael Cho who plays Kenickie drives a real car on stage, not once, not twice, but three times!. I photographed Portland High School's Annie Get Your Gun during their dress rehearsal, they had a few kinks to work out and a state basketball championship to win but I am pretty convinced the Highlanders pulled off two wins that weekend!

But today, I was in for a special treat. Cromwell Middle School Drama Club's production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was fantastic! They had it all, a very clever and colorful set, sound affects, a bed for the grandparents that doubled as the Bucket Shack.

And the The Middletown Press Stage Presence Award nominees are...drum roll please.

Mercy senior Andrea Claudio as Bloody Mary.

Middletown High's Kevin Hilversum as Danny Zuko, second from left, leader of the Burger Palace Boys.

Cromwell Middle School 8th grader Jared Darius as Willy Wonka.

Say goodnight Gracie...

CAST YOUR VOTE BY LEAVING A COMMENT!

Bullying...why do they do it?

2011-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've photographed Monique McClain twice for the articles we ran in the Press and both times, Monique has been quiet and respectful. Actually, very respectful! How many 13 year olds girls do you know will look you square in the eye, shake your hand, and say thank you without prompting from parents.

Monique is a beautiful girl, her face resembles a young Janet Jackson.

I met Monique at the Russell Library last night and she looked pretty tired. I suggested we go to the Young Adult section, it's usually pretty quiet there.

Monique perked up as she entered the stacks of books. Within a few minutes, she chose a book and sat down at a table and began to read. As I viewed Monique through my lens, I studied her body language and noticed she wasn't pretending to read, she was actually reading. After shooting several frames, I asked her mother to join Monique at the table and photographed mother and daughter engaged in conversation as if they were at home. I can't help to feel bad for Alycia who works third shift. For me, working second shift takes a toll on me as well as my family. I can't even imagine what it's like for Alycia.

I often get caught up chatting with my subjects, but I had to get back to The Press for deadline, so I quickly organized my gear and said goodbye. But for a split second, I had a chance to watch Monique interact with her mother and grandmother. She asked her Mom if it was alright to take the book home and then turned to her grandmother and asked if she could borrow her library card. I was impressed...Monique doesn't take anything for granted.

I have spent most of my life working with kids. As a teen, I worked as a playground instructor at Vets Park and Spencer School, in my early twenties I ran the athletic program at the Polish Falcons, for thirteen years starting in my mid twenties to well into my thirties, I worked with the after school photography program at Mercy High School and for the last eleven years, I have been involved in Scouting, first as a den leader, a Cubmaster, and now as the Eagle Advisor for our Troop. I worked as a program director for the Middletown Cub Scout Day Camp and through the years, I've witnessed all sorts of interaction between kids and their parents. Some moments I would rather forget, some I will cherish.

I enjoy kids and I believe Monique is genuine, I only wish I could do more for her.

Monique, I wish you much success and a happy life!

Mercy falls in championship game

2011-03-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

Mercy senior forward Amber Bepko drives to the hoop as Career Magnet senior Nicole Bentley defends in the CIAC Class LL championship game at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. The Tigers defeated the Panthers 39-37 Saturday afternoon.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY BY JIM BRANSFIELD.

How does your school gym rate?

2011-02-24T02:24:00.000-08:00

In the next few weeks, I will be busy shooting basketball tournaments and hopefully a few state championship games, but winter season is winding down and I am ready to replace the hardwood floor and florescent lights with some grass between my toes and some ambiet light commonly known as the sun! Yes, even me, born in February, a Pisces through and through, and self proclaimed cold-climateer. I kind of made that one up, like Mouseketeer, but I don't think you'll find my word in Ole' Webster.

So, here's what I'm thinking, there is a very short time between seasons and the infamous All-Area photo sessions, but I would like to have a wee bit of fun!

I am going to be rating the high school gyms in the next couple of weeks . . . just for fun! I do want to be invited back next year!

We photojournalists have our own reasons why a gym may be considered a gem, a diamond in the rough or a lump of fool's gold. Do understand, these reasons may be considered ridiculous to most, but not to a sports photog.

The following schools are in the Press coverage area and will be rated ...Coginchaug, Cromwell, Hale-Ray, H-K, Portland, Mercy, Middletown, Portland, Vinal and Xavier! If you notice, I listed them in alphabetical order so I am not excused of playing favorites.

Keep checking in to see how your school gym rates!

In the meantime, grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and enjoy the sports videos on middletownpress.com I hope to keep them coming during Spring 2011 season!

2011-01-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

Photo No. One - Lyman Orchards

Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow. – Imogen Cunningham

XAVIER VS. HAMDEN

2010-10-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day of shooting soccer...plenty of action, beautiful weather and best of all, timing is everything. Ambient light was right where it needed to be.

Xavier Falcons vs. Hamden

The score, 1-0.

HAMDEN 1 - XAVIER, 0.

WHICH WOULD YOU USE AS "LEAD ART" ON THE SPORTS PAGE?

Colorado 360 : Day Three

2010-08-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Today was designated a "shooting day" since Bob had an all day business meeting in Fort Collins. We decided to set the GPS to Main Street Boulder Colorado. The ultimate goal would be to find a few unique places along the way.

We were a little confused when the directions told us to take a left onto a dirt road to Boulder, but since we are definitely the adventurous type, we decided why not. We traveled this steep windy road for miles and boy oh boy did we hit the jackpot when we found this tiny town called Gold Hill.

The view at the top of the dirt road in this tiny town.

Colorado 360 : Day Two

2010-08-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

Colorado 360 : Day Two

After an impromptu stop at Devil's Backbone, we explored Rocky Mountain National Park.

God created a magnificent place, the mountains and wildlife are absolutely spectacular.

~ Devil's Backbone, Loveland Colorado ~
~ Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado ~

I photographed this Clark's Nutcracker with a 17mm-35mm lens just inches away.
and the same goes for the chipmunks.

Colorado 360 : Day One

2010-08-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Why Colorado 360? I suppose the only way you could possibly understand is if you have been to Colorado. But, this much I know, it doesn't matter where you turn, there is an image to be made. Colorado is amazing, picturesque and the culture is very different from back east. It's just simply a wonderful place!

Street magician in Old Fort Collins

Arik teaches how to use a singing bowl at Kathmandii, a Tibetan shop on Lincoln Street in Fort Collins.

A train travels down the middle of Main Street.

Bikes line the streets of Old Fort Collins.

Glenn Curtis to the rescue!

2010-08-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

My work buddy, Hillary Federico and I met with Andrew Hudon at the Outpatient Center at Middlesex Hospital on Saybrook Road in Middletown on the final day of his ride from Colorado to North Haven. Hudon, formerly of Middletown averaged 132 miles a day for seventeen days and is the founder of Resilience Ride 2010, a group of cyclists riding to honor the resilience of cancer survivors.

Here is the best part...when I arrived at the Outpatient Center, photographer Glenn Curtis had a white backdrop set up in the lobby which included a complete set of photographic lighting. As I walked up behind him, in a matter of seconds he had offered me the use of his traveling studio. I was ecstatic!

I worked for Glenn and his wife Marie at Curtis Studio in Durham from 1986 to 1988 just before I came to the Middletown Press. I was about 26, just a kid. At Curtis Studio, I began as a darkroom tech and eventually moved into the studio. I learned a lot from them and I look forward to meeting up with Marie on the athletic fields at Mercy High School where she is the school's contracted photographer.

I think I have said this before and I will definitely say it again, photographers are always very quick to help eachother out and I just wanted to say thank.

Thanks Glenn!

Video of the birds

2010-07-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Day 12...he's b a c k ! ! !

2010-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

D a y T w e l v e

I woke up this morning and peeked out the window to take a look at the empty nest, only it wasn't empty. One of the baby birds was back. Who you might ask is back?

Old Man Jeeves.

How long will he stay...

Day 11 . . . a true Mama's boy !

2010-07-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

D a y E l e v e n

My husband Bob was the first to check the nest this morning and just as I had predicted,

Ricky was the next to leave the nest and his hiding in the bush.

Jeeves is clearly the Mama's boy, absolutely the baby, the last one!

He continues to sport the fuzzy down spike hairdo on his crown.

Why we call him Jeeves!

Man Jeeves makes his move!

Will I ever get used to the empty nest in my rear window?

Good bye Rachel, Regan, Ricky and Jeeves, I wish you a happy and healthy life.

T H E E N D .

Day Ten . . . absolutely amazing!

2010-07-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

D a y T e n

It's Saturday, July 17th and what you are about to see will astonish you...guaranteed!

The three youngsters know their Mom is close by...

Ricky, Regan and Jeeves hear their Mom...

When it's time to eat, it's every bird for themselves...

Momma Robin feeds her young!

As you can see, the chicks are really out growing their nest . . .

And then I could not believe my eyes, Regan, ventures out of the nest . . .

And takes flight ... sorta!

And then there were two...

I think Ricky, the little guy on the right is next, he has that mature look about him.

But then again, never fool with Mother Nature.

This is what the chicks do when they hear a warning chirp from their Mom.

Good luck Regan!

Day 9 . . . The Best Picture Day Ever!

2010-07-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

D a y N i n e

A magnificent day... the babies were very active today and my new strategy worked. The three amigos are very active and hungry. They are getting so big, almost too big for their nest. I am worried about Mother Robin, she looks so tired and I wonder if she will bounce back.

Enjoy the pictures!

And let the games begin...

2010-07-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

D a y E i g h t

Their quarters are getting very cramped and I suspect we are less than a week away. I am definitely at war with these chicks! As long as I play by their rules, they will put on a show and their rules do not include a big lens in their faces anymore. As soon as I point the camera, I get nothing but bills.

It's showtime baby... and this is all I can get!

Click on the photo and see an enlarged image.

An exhausted Mother Robin. . .

I apologize for the poor quality image of the mom, but even with a 300 mm f2.8, she keeps her distance.

And after walking by the window and seeing a lot of movement. I gave it one more try.

And then I realized, although the mother Robin was not in sight, she could be heard, the baby birds were taking their cue from their Mom and then it was "Back to snug as a bug."

Mother Nature at it's absolute best!

Day Seven

2010-07-14T10:39:00.001-07:00

D a y S e v e n

Day seven has definitely been the most difficult day to photograph the chicks. I slipped off a small step ladder and landed in a pile of weeds. The chicks are now on to me. When I walk by the window without a camera in hand, they are bright eyed and bushy tailed, but by the time I grab the camera and head outdoors, they are snug as bugs. They are definitely acting like toddlers.

I managed to trick them and grab this shot. They are teasing me big time!!!

According to Yahoo Answers

QUESTION: When do baby Robins leave the nest? ANSWER: Baby robins spend a few days on the ground learning to fly. Once they can fly and are weaned from being parent fed, they fly away and find their own territory.

QUESTION: Baby Robins- how long until they can leave the nest? ANSWER: Robins usually leave the nest at about 2 weeks of age and will try to fly and become independent.

What will I do when they fledge? Watching them grow has completely occupied my time.

Six Days Old

2010-07-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

D a y S i x

Nap time...the chicks usually react to the sound of the camera shutter, but not today. Definitely sleeping soundly. They are changing in front of our eyes. Oh, by the way, we gave them names. Ricky, Regan and Jeeves. Poor Jeeves, he is the little guy always in the back of the nest, well the back from my shooting angle.

A little later that day. . .

And back to sleep . . .

Seriously. . . back to sleep!

Baby Robins...5 days old!

2010-07-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

D a y F i v e

I woke up about around 3:30 a.m. and decided to check on the youngsters. I wasn't sure if birds slept at night since you can hear them chirp throughout the night. I grabbed a flashlight could not believe it, sure enough they were tucked in tight and sleeping like babies. They looked so cute! This morning, as I focused my lens, I could not believe my eyes, their mom flew in to feed them. For a short second, I was so excited because she usually avoids the nest if she knows someone is around. Unfortunately, my camera battery died and by the time I switched batteries, she was gone.

I really want a shot of the mom. She works hard all day long and has lost weight. Her entire life seems to be surrounded around taking care of her three little ones and although she appears exhausted, her parenting skills are incredible. She works day and night collecting bugs and worms. She watches every move she makes as to not draw attention to herself or her babies.

The chicks are growing feathers at record rate and are changing day to day.

I believe there is no more creative medium than photography to recreate the living world of our time...Photography gladly accepts the challenge because it is at home in its element: namely, realism—real life—the now. - Berenice Abbott

Baby Robins...4 Days Old!

2010-07-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

D a y F o u r
Three baby Robins, four days old and maturing at lightening speed. Eyes are now open.

"To photograph truthfully and effectively is to see beneath the surfaces and record the qualities of nature and humanity which live or are latent in all things." - Ansel Adams

Baby Birds!

2010-07-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

D a y T w o

I photographed these two day old chicks Friday morning. More images will follow.

Photography to the amateur is recreation, to the professional it is work, and hard work too, no matter how pleasurable it may be.
- Edward Weston

2010-07-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

On my way back from an assignment Thursday evening, I noticed two lads on Dekoven Drive. I was very curious, so I pulled over to ask them what they were up to. They had backpacks and sleeping bags and looked a little tired. They explained to me that they had been hitchhiking their way back to Warwick, Rhode Island after spending a week living off the land and attending a Rainbow Coalition gathering in Pennsylvania. Since my Dad was born and raised in Warwick, I felt a need to help these guys out.

I should have been heading back to the office for deadline, but could not resist. I know what you're thinking at this point, but I offered them a lift towards the shore. They were so appreciative and said they had run into a few nice people along the way.

I was thinking that someday my son Andrew may be in the same position and hopefully there will be someone there to help him out. Tim, the fellow on the right asked if my son was an Eagle Scout, I guess he saw the bumper sticker. When I told him yes, he said that he too was an Eagle Scout. Ben sat up front and we had a nice chat about their adventure. I played a little music and they enjoyed the air conditioning. They asked if I could drop them off near an exit because they had already received a ticket in New York for hitchhiking and were looking forward to returning home.

Guys, I hope you made it home safe!

Where there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permit us ro see. - Dorthea Lange

Update: I heard from Tim. They spent Saturday night in Old Saybrook, received three more rides and arrived in Warwick at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. What an adventure...

Maplewood Kids!

2010-07-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, my work buddy Lauren Flaum decided to shadow me while out on assignment.

The Middletown Fire Department opened a few hydrants around town. It was an extemely hot day, I think it was something like 101 degrees and this type of weather can bring out the worst. I know I get super cranky when it's humid.

But not these kids! They were having a blast enjoying the spray of cool water. There was no pushing, no shoving and no arguing. Their mothers and grandmothers would come out one at a time to check on them. It was a hot summer day and they were having the time of their life!

As I was about to leave, two of the kids asked if I could take their picture together. They threw their arms around eachother and before I could push the shutter, four more kids ran into the picture.

Maplewood kids, beautiful faces...don't you agree?

If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine

Thimble Islands...a voyage back in time!

2010-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

My husband Bob woke up July 5th and said I want to take a cruise today. I thought he was joking. He was completely serious. He said the crusie is only an hour long and it will only take just a half an hour to get there. Sounds great, lets go!

But hold on... I grew up in Connectcut and never heard of Thimble Islands which are located off the coast of Branford. Me, Ms. Nutmegger, how could that be?

Now, I am an expert. So listen up, this is Catherine Avalone, your cruise director aboard the Sea Mist, a 44' Carman Boat of Chesapeake Design . Sit back and enjoy these beautiful 25 inhabited islands discovered by Adrian Block in 1614 who also discovered Block Island. The "Thimbles" have been described as a "piece of the Maine coast that drifted into Long Island Sound and came to rest at Stony Creek. Approximately 85 homes built mostly during the Victorian era and as you can see in my photo, the islands are famous for it's pink granite. Believe it or not, in 1665 Captain Kidd even hid his treasure here.

Stony Creek, Connecticut, take Exit 56 off of I-95.

In July and August, tours depart hourly every day from 10:15 to 4:15 p.m. Adults $10.00, seniors $9.00 and children $5.00... cash only. The vessel has large windows, bench seating and an upper deck. There is a bar which sells soda for a $1.00 (wow, now that's unheard of), wine and other beverages. Definitely bring your camera, I didn't, but thank goodness Andrew did!

The Volsunga IV, a 40' vessel with one covered deck offers tours from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. Price is the same as the Sea Mist.

I took to photography like a duck to water. I never wanted to do anything else. Excitement about the subject is the voltage which pushes me over the mountain of drudgery necessary to produce the final photograph. - Berenice Abbott

Lucky 13!

2010-06-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I photographed lucky number thirteen! The 13th graduation that is and thank goodness for Keenan Humble to mix things up a bit. Keenan, a member of the graduating class at Nathan Hale Ray High School pulled a stunt that most school administrators would discourage and consider mischevious.

Let me tell you just what happened. After receiving his diploma, Keenan fell flat on his face and as he stood back on his feet he ripped off his gown. He was wearing a girls' bikini top and what looked like a skirt, the type a cheerleader might wear.

When I saw him go down, it was pretty obvious there was more to come. The fall was just a little too poetic!

I managed to grab a few shots and of course everything was for the most part a blur. I was so focused on getting the shot, I don't even remember hearing the crowds' reaction.

As I studied the pictures more closely, I noticed a few of the administrators on stage were even sporting smiles.

I think Keenan put a lot of thought into what he was going to do and it will certainly be one of my more memorable graduations I had to photograph in a long time!

This is Keenan within minutes after receiving his diploma. Who would be the wiser.

Good luck Keenan, you made my day!

Priceless!

2010-06-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

My seventeen year old son, Andrew photograped B.O.M.B fest a few weekends ago for the Middletown Press. He is not on the payroll, but he does receive service hours. His photographs appeared in the Weekend Edition and I'll admit, I was impressed.

With the invention of digital imagery, there are more photographers than ever and everyone thinks their pictures are as good as any professional. NOT.

Whether you're a portrait, commercial, or a fine art

photographer, there is so much more than just making a pretty picture. Photojournalism is definitely not for everybody, but I have come to realize that it is for my son. He gets it, he really gets it. He tells a story and studies a person's body language like a pro.

When I was Andrew's age, I wanted to work for Sports Illustrated. I loved sports and lived for softball. In high school, I spent a lot of time shooting and had a tiny darkroom in our basement. If you stretched your arms out, you could touch the walls. Ahh, the smell of chemicals and a fresh box of photographic paper.

Andrew dreams of shooting for National Georgraphic. He has had a subscription for years and has been critiqued by two NG photographers.

He spends countless hours at a computer editing images. He hates when I stand over his shoulder but is very open to my criticism. I feel like he is reading my mind when he is cropping. It's kind of wierd really. He gets so excited when we talk shop and I really like when he shadows me at work. The conversation in the car between assignments is the best and since I work long hours at the Press, it is a great time to catch up.

Who knows, maybe someday he will work for National Geographic!

Check out his website: http://www.wix.com/AndrewAvalone/Andrew-Avalone-Images

2010-06-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Let's talk Eye Spy! On Aug. 8, I will be celebrating the one-year anniversary of Eye Spy and I absolutely love it! Every Saturday, we publish a new photo from around the area. The photo runs in black and white at the top of Page 2. Eye Spy is interactive; let me explain.

Readers try to guess where the picture was taken and call in. On Monday, one of the first things I do when I come in to the office is check to see who has called and how many people have guessed right. The first reader who guesses right gets his or her name published in the next "Eye Spy."

It has become quite popular with the "print-edition readers." I run into people all over that express their "love" for Eye Spy!

The picture above ran in the Saturday, June 19 edition of The Press. There were 14 people who guessed, and all were correct. I won't give away the winner, though; that you will have to read in next Saturday's print edition.

Eye Spy Gallery

Care to play? Submit your guesses.

Hot...hot...hot

2010-05-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today was rediculously hot...98 degrees or something. The Liberty Bank in Portland was reporting 101.

I absolutely hate the heat and humidity, so I did not looki forward to covering the Shorline Track & Field Championships at all!

When I arrived at East Hampton High School, I was greeted by East Hampton Athletic Director Sean Russell. Sean and I go back a few years and he is always extremely helpful.

He was quick to point out that he had red and black water coolers filled with ice water throughout the campus and I should feel free to fill my water bottle as often as I needed to.

That was good to know since I have a habit of dehydrating hard and fast. Unfortunately, it's a side effect to a medication I take to control my high blood pressure. A year ago or two, I was covering the Deep River Muster and found myself in ambulance heading to Shorline Middlesex. Three bags of saline later, I went back to the Press for deadline. Don't let me kid you though, I felt sick, really sick. My blood pressure dropped to 60/30.

I warned my wordsmith side kick, Jake Grossman, our upbeat, rugby playing intern from Keene State about my health issues and he said he keep an eye out for me.

I began the assignment shooting a few running events and eventually made my way over to the girls shot put. After standing in the hot sun for some time, I felt faint. I decided to check in with the athletic trainer on site. She was awesome! She gave me a bag of ice for my neck, took my pulse and filled my water bottle several times and kept tabs on me while taking care of a few overheated athletes.

About twenty minutes later, Jake came by and was happy to see that I was o.k. We hung around for a bit and then he insisted on carrrying my gear back to the Jeep.

I am grateful to the athletic trainer from Valley Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine and Jake! With a little rest, I should be good as new.

got cool?

2010-05-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today, in my quest to find a Kool Kidz, I met Jawon, an articulate fellow at Keigwin Middle School. When I spoke to Principal Tracey Koff back in February she promised me a real Kool Kid and cool I got!

I look forward to interviewing the area's cool kids. It's refreshing and I love what I call "bench time." During the interview, we usually sit on a bench in the school office or foyer.

Today, we had a conference room all to ourselves, well sort of, we had two guests. I got a big kick out of Jawon... he eased back into his chair at the head of the table and for a minute, I could picture Jawon in the Oval Office, meeting with his White House cabinet. In the picture at left, you will notice he is holding a pair of glasses. Don't be fooled folks, Jawon likes to think that these lens free glasses give him a sort of Clark Kent look. I don't think he ever actually put them on. Ahh, to be young again!

I wish I could tell you more about the interview, but you'll have to wait until the Memorial Day edition of the Middletown Press to read about Jawon.

An Amazing Day!

2010-04-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 23rd was an awesome day...an amazing day as my teenaged son would say! This past week, I have managed to switch my shift from second to first and it has not been easy. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I wake constantly and therefore most mornings I feel more tired than I did before I went to sleep. I am grouchy and irritable, but I am really trying to get to bed earlier.

Most of my work buddies at the Press are just like me, night owls! I am not sure if they are grouchy and irritable in the morning like me. Office conversations will often include "Last night... I went to sleep at 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 a.m." Since we live by deadline, it takes hours to calm down. It's crazy I tell ya, crazy!

Last night, I had another Sleep Study at Middlesex Hospital. Wires, wires everywhere. This will be my third time and I the plan was to sleep part of the night with a CPAP, which I tried and it lasted all of one about one minute.

Oh yah, about my amazing day... I met Ann Sisti, a first grade teacher at Edna C. Stevens School in Cromwell. Ann is the Cromwell Teacher of the Year and boy did I get a kick out of her class! Before I had arrived, the students were divided into groups and assigned to make an Earth Day poster. They were in the middle of presenting their posters when I arrived and I got the biggest kick out of watching these little people talk about recycling and water conservation. At the end of each presentation, Ann would ask the rest of the class to vote using a Ricter Scale, one being the lowest, four the highest. Everyone got a four, but at the end of the final presentation, and using their fingers to vote, the students tried to give the final group a million on the Sisti Ricter Scale. Ahh, to be a first grader again...this is an absolutely cool class, way to go Edna C. Stevens!

Junior Ring Ceremony at Xavier

2010-04-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night, my husband and I attended the Junior Ring Ceremony at Xavier. Our son Andrew and 143 of his classmates were decked out in their blue blazers, definitely dressed to impress. Following a beautiful mass, each name was called and the boys walked across the stage to receive their ring from Bishop Michael Cote. At the start of the ceremony, they were instructed to pose for a picture with the Bishop.

The only problem, Ted Milardo, from Images Photography of Glastonbury, the school photographer was really only prepared to shoot candids that night. It takes a lot of planning and coordination to shoot 144 pictures consecutively and usually a photographer would bring an assistant to shoot every other. There is a certain amount of time you need between shots for your flash to recycle.

At about half way through the alphabet, Ted's flash ran out of battery power. I saw my son, who happened to be sitting in the front row, make a mad dash to Ted's camera bag to retrieve more batteries. Andrew is a pretty capable shooter and knows the routine.

I decided Ted needed my help, it's what photogs do, most are always willing to help eachother out. So, I headed out to the Jeep to grab my camera equipment and ran back as fast as I could. Completely out of breath, I walked down the side isle and I could see Ted for the most part had things under control. He flagged me over and whispered, " I cover this every year and only shoot candids, I don't think we talked about this." I knew he still needed candids and could not photograph students receiving rings and candids at the same time, so told him, "I got your back!"

Ted and I go way back and is a nice guy! His twin sons, Chris and Dan are the same age as my son and attended Xavier freshmen year. His wife, Lizz is a Mercy grad and some years ago, I helped them out with a prom or two.

Ted, I am so glad I had my camera following the ceremony. If it weren't for the "situation" I would not have had the opportunity to shoot these images of my son and his classmates having fun in St. Joseph's Hall. So here's to you Ted...thank you!

Getting a ltitle wet

2010-04-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Remember a few weeks ago when the mercury tipped in at 90 degrees, not your typical April weather, right? I had the ultimate warm weather assignment and looked forward to photographing students at Korn School in Durham. A couple of third grade classes have been raising trout with help from two wonderful Durham fishermen. The retired gents from Trout Unlimited are regulars in the Trout in the Classroom program which teaches kids the process of raising trout. Since I am a member of a "catch and release fly fishing family" I was pretty excited!

I could not believe the amount of kids who brought their Flip cameras and other portable video devices to document the event. I took a quick break from shooting to catch these third graders in action. Parents, rest assured, they were all very careful.

I realized the best angle would have been from across the stream, but I really didn't have time to hike around, so my only option was to wade across to the other side.

And then it happened...the chain reaction! Right about now, I bet you're thinking the kids began to take off their shoes ... wrong! This group took one look at me barefoot making a sorry attemptt to walk on a bed of sharp and pointy rocks when all of a sudden about a dozen kids insisted I put my shoes back on. I think they thought I was crazy. Well, I was not about to take on an agry group of third graders and although my feet were wet I managed to get my socks and shoes back on.

One mom actually offered her canvas sneakers to me. Her older daughter Sara and my son Andrew are good friends, but I felt kind of funny sending her home in wet sneakers. And then, it was like a brick hit me. Since my LL Bean suede loafer style shoes were about a half size to big, maybe if they got wet they just might shrink. So, I rolled up my pants, sort of, and crossed the stream this time with my socks and shoes on.

Unfortunately, this drew even more attention but I knew the better image would be better from the other side. I realized about half way across, that if I fell, my camera would also take a dive, but I have been asking the Press for a new camera and this might just work to my advantage either way. Fall, get a new camera, or make it across, get a better image.

Although the water was pretty cold, it was actually refreshing. I got to the other side, found a fairly comfortable position, although the bank was kind of steep and since I was wet, I was getting pretty dirty, I had a grand old time just shooting away!

Quote of the day. “If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it.” – Jay Maisel

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2010-04-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought you should know, I am writing this post while listening to Israel Kamakawiwo 'Ole 'IZ' version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

A couple of weeks ago, I walked in to St. Joseph's Hall, the cafeteria at Xavier to photograph Haiti Awareness Night. A slide show depicting graphic images of Haiti was set for a continuous run. The lights in the room were dim and the images were very powerful. I watched them over and over, probably a dozen times while eating a bowl of chicken broth and rice.

On January 2oth, Connecticut schools, public and private, banded together to help the children of Haiti.

From Governor Rell's web site:

“Thousands of Haitian children are suffering because of the devastating earthquake. Some have lost one or both parents. Many have had their homes and schools destroyed and face an uncertain and terrifying future. Schoolchildren in Connecticut have an opportunity to make a difference by supporting efforts that will help rebuild schools and restore hope for the Haitian children. If we can provide some measure of comfort during this terrifying time in their young lives, we should,” Governor Rell said. “They desperately need our help more than ever,” Governor Rell said. “Through their tears and cries, they have to know that there is hope, that the world cares.”

Keigwin Middle School Hearts for Haiti and Xavier Haiti Awareness Night are wonderful examples of children helping children. Connecticut children had already raised well over $50,000 for Haiti.

Do you read the comments people leave on MiddletownPress.com? Why are people so venomous... is it so painful to act civil, so difficult to band together?

I think before you are going to leave a nasty comment, turn on Ole IZ and listen to his version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Seriously....

Check out Ole IZ : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ltAGuuru7Q

Quote for the day - "Everybody has that thing where they need to look one way but they come out looking another way and that's what people observe. You see someone on the street and essentially what you notice about them is the flaw." - Diane Arbus

f0t0klub fever!

2010-03-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Meet the kids in f0t0klub! Andrew Avalone, Pearse Pinch and Shayna MacDonald (from left to right) are the original three members of the group and they have been together since the beginning. Tom Rogalsky, Leah Hetzel, and Andrea Szegedy-Maszak are new this year. Taylor Bartolotta and Mike Prince graduated Middletown H.S. and Connor Lucey graduated Xavier. All three are now in college, Florida, UCONN and UVM respectively and post their images regularly.

We meet every weekend, one week for a photo session and the next for an image critique.

I started f0t0klub for a few reasons. First and foremost, I love working with kids and after doing the math, I realize this is my 30th year of volunteering. So, it's no secret that I love to give my time from everything from coaching soccer to scouting. Although, I can't say enough about working with teens who share my passion for photography. It's very rewarding creatively and they keep me young or atleast young at heart.

Don't get me wrong, I love the scouts and I have a special place in my heart for scouting. Photography on the other hand, is something I have been doing for a very long time and I can't seem to get enough of it.

Back in the '80's and '90's, I taught photography at Mercy High School in an after school program. I loved every minute of it and I still keep in touch with some of the girls on facebook. Actually, many are married with children of their own. When I started at Mercy, I was 26 and single. Eventually, I married and had a son. Andrew, now 17, who is a member of f0t0klub. He came to class with me often and the girls would take turns walking him through the halls to keep him busy.

Photography was more complicated then, ahh, the smell of chemicals, the rolls and rolls of film , processing, printing, there were so many steps to take before you saw results. I really miss the Polaroid transfers and the exhibits at the end of every school year. We covered every available inch of bulletin board with images, mounted and matted for presentation. Matt cutting on the floors of Mercy, those were the days!

Well, fast forward a few decades and enter the world of computers and digital photography. A DSLR allows you to correct exposure, composition and lighting within seconds after pressing the shutter. And best of all, you can delete images immediately. Megapixel, image stabalization, who cares... it's instant gratification! You can buy a pack of paper from just about at any drugstore, supermarket or of fice supply store and print beautiful images at home.

f0t0klub has come a long way in just the past few months. We are now on facebook. Last year, I was responsible for sending out most of the notifications.

Today, we have 22 members and a fan page. We have an established group of models and Pearse, our administrator of the site is now responsible for sending individual invitations to models before each photo session. Yah, we've come a long way and I am loving it! Pearse sent out a list of rules, well actually, he said he hated to use the word rules, so he referred to them as guidelines. I like that!

Our favorite place to photograph is abandoned buildings, definitely an urban look! Leah would much prefer a park or the woods. The train bridge is another popular spot. We took two trips, one to Hartford and the other to New Haven. Our next venture is a train ride to New York City.

Last year, we set a few goals for f0t0klub, none of which have been accomplished to date. An exhibit is on the top of our list and we have tried to secure gallery space at MAC650 Gallery. Secondly, we would like to create a book of images and last, but not least, give back to the community. One idea was to photograph mothers and their children in the WIC program at no cost.

The photographers post their images on facebook and critique online by posting a comment. Eventually, they make prints for their portfolio which will create a smooth transition into the exhibit process. The weekend following a photo session is spent critiquing images. Shayna's Dad, Dan came to a critique session last year and was so impressed with the dynamics of the group. He commented on how well everyone gets along and how they manage to critique and not offend each other. I am still impressed! There is no question about it, this is all about photography... no question about it! I also get a kick out of watching them improve, there is nothing like it!

So how do you join? Only current members can nominate you for a position in f0t0klub based on your current portfolio, then there is a vote! Also, I am constantly looking for new talent when I visit the high schools in the county.

Tom Rogalsky photographs Jake Gawlak and Martha Henzy. Pearse Pinch works the light reflector.

Alfred Stieglitz : Wherever there is light, one can photograph.

After a consultation with the members of f0t0klub, I will start a weekly gallery of images produced by these fine young shooters. You will become witness to young creative talent at its best!

Proud to be a Mercy Girl

2010-03-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight was amazing! I had the pleasure of photographing the CIAC Class LL State Championship at Mohegan Sun. I love all my teams in Middlesex County and whether the kids know it or not, I really enjoy shooting their games, all of them. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am recovering from back surgery and missed most of the fall and winter season. Believe me, I missed you guys!

In the last few years, I will do anything to shoot a lacrosse or soccer game. In the 1980's, I lived for basketball. The game was a little different back then and then there was Mike Grenier, a Coginchaug guard who had more fast breaks than anyone around at the time and I love shooting fast breaks! Vin Baker was playing then too! Call me crazy, but I liked Mike! I believe Mike is a father of two, and runs Uncle Bob's Gardens on Route 66 in Middlefield.

March 19, 2010, mark it on your calendar people, I wanted to shoot basketball! My alma mater, Mercy High School made it all the way to the State Championship!

I arrived at 8:05 p.m. quickly checked the scoreboard, Mercy was down, but not for long. I grabbed a seat, a perfect spot on the floor directly under the hoop. You can't beat those courtside seats...although I am getting a little too old to sit on the floor. And if you must know, I am a member of Mercy's Class of 1977. Seventy-seven, seventy-seven, 77 will be heaven! Those were the days! Thirty-three years and counting girls!

Heaven indeed! Mercy, has been classified in the local sports world as the underdog in this matchup against powerhouse Norwich Free Academy. This is one for the history books girls and Maura, Danielle, Mallory, Alyssa, Amy-Lynn, Amber, Hunter, Kristen, Monica, Sadie, Maria, Sheena, Cassie and Meghan, carry your heads high, ya done good!

I had to leave just before the end of the third period and maybe if I stayed, maybe that one extra Mercy girl cheering them on would have helped.

But this is the best part for me! Wednesday afternoon, the CIAC held a basketball state championship luncheon at the Mohegan Sun. All eight teams were there. Class S - Portland vs. St. Paul of Bristol, Class M - Brookfield vs. Kolbe, Class L - Wethersfield vs. Hillhouse and Class LL Mercy vs. Norwich. Good luck Portland Highlanders!!!!

This was quite the affair! I was sitting at one of the designated tables for the media and heard a conversation between Paul Nichols, Press sports reporter and Bristol Press sports writer, Paul Angilly. I over heard Angilly say it was too bad that CIAC couldn't put on a spread like this for the boys. No question about it, it was top shelf...we had salad, chicken, roasted potatoes, carrots, and chocolate cake. Members of the CIAC were there, Tribe Elders from the Mohegan Reservation and guest speaker, Kara Lawson, a guard for the CT Sun . Each team selected one player to talk about their team. Senior, Mallory Perry spoke for Mercy, she was the perfect choice, her Mom Tanya is a former Mercy Hoopster, Class of 1978! Yah Tanya I know '78, '78, '78 is G R E A T! ugg...

Sorry, but when I heard the boys I got defensive. It is about time! Back in '83, Amy Stanisiewski, a Mercy senior scored 1,000 points and was heading to play Division 1 basketball at URI and it may have been on a sports scholarship. I shot a picture of Amy for Mercy and it ran in the Press, in the social news section. Amy was very social, but she scored ONE THOUSAND points! Definitely worthy of the sports section.

So, don't ask me the score, it doesn't really matter any more.

GO TIGERS!

THANKS FOR A GREAT GAME...AND FOR THOSE WHO MUST KNOW, FINAL SCORE 50-47!

I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it. ~Author Unknown

It's All About Body Language!

2010-03-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Thursday afternoon, on my quest for a warm weather standalone, I found Pat and Jill Flynn! I saw this cute couple at Town Beach in Old Saybrook and asked if they were celebrating their anniversary. Jill said, " We are celebrating a warm day!"

I decided to run the Flynn pic in today's paper because they were actually celebrating the not so typical March weather.

Check out the Press today to see which image I chose. Body language is an important part of communication and I it's my job to tell a story with pictures. I love Jill's feet and check out Pat, he is one happy dude smoking his $2.00 stogie. Aww shucks...did I just give it away?

Another quote, this one from Ansel Adams.

"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

You Be The Photo Editor!

2010-03-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Boy, what gorgeous weather we're having! Managing Editor, Lauren Flaum, suggested a "standalone" pic would work nicely for the front page. These images run with a cutline (caption) only. So we had a quick pow wow and the winner is Old Saybrook. Ahh, the beaches, the boats, gotta love OS.

When time is not the issue, backroads are the only way to travel. I absolutely love Route 154 and I can hardly wait for Higgies and the Pilot House to open . I guess I take after my Dad, Danny Cienava when it comes to the open road. He drove my maternal grandfather crazy! Dad always drove the side streets, anything to avoid those annoying traffic lights. My grandfather, Ed Specyalski used to say, "Ahh, you're just like you father...just wasting gas!"

Unfortunately today, time was of the essence, it was 4:00 p.m. and I had a scout meeting at 6:30 in Middletown. So, I set my cruise control to 65 mph, popped in my Classics 4 CD, opened the window and I was off. The one thing I miss this time of the year is my Grand Cherokee, it had a sun roof.

I decided to hit the beaches. Whoa jackpot...Town Beach in Old Saybrook. A woman sitting on a bench that was literally buried in an incredible sand drift. She was talking on her cell phone and pretty much ignored me. A dream come true for a photojournalist. Hint, just pretend you never see us and we are good to go. I had the 300mm 2.8 on and I photographed her from about 50 feet away, two different angles.

After 30 or 40 exposures, I knew I had something and it was time to get her name and more importantly ask who she was talking with. So I politely interrupted to find out her name was Nancy Albert and that she was having a "long sister talk" with her sister Alice. At that point, she said something about two hours. She was very pleasant and since I have two sisters, I completely understand the long sister talks. In fact, it was only a few days ago I had a one hour conversation with my baby sister Tina.

I arrived back at the Press at about 8:30, fired up the MAC and edited the 40 exposures down to two, but one is all I need. Which image would you pick? Photo A- at the top or Photo B-at the bottom.

Today's quote is from Dorethea Lange.

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still."

Winter Wonderland

2010-03-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

A little while ago, I approached my editor, Viktoria Sundqvist, about starting a photo blog. I can remember the day like it was yesterday. Old man winter mustered enough energy to create a winter wonderland in Middlesex County and I couldn't wait to get out in the middle of it! The snow was coming down hard and accumulating fast, but I live, I ride, I am Jeep. Seriously, there is nothing like four-wheel drive in a snow storm...it truly is incredible!

I knew my husband Bob, who really looks out for my best interest would suggest I wear my "duck" boots to work. These boots are stiff, uncomfortable and since I really do feel like I walk like a duck when I am wearing them, I decided to leave the boots at home.

After spending much of the season indoors recovering from back surgery, I was tired of composing pictures in my mind, but going back to work after three months off is tough. Viktoria suggested I take advantage of the fresh fallen snow and grab a few pics for the 2011 Middletown Press calendar. So it would be just me, the old Nikon and the open road. Although I love photographing people and this is what I do day after day, I haven't spent a day shooting landscapes in years, decades really.

My photo expedition began on Route 2 in Portland... and what a find. A red pickup truck parked along a white fence on the edge of Hale Hill Christmas Tree Farm. My first image of the day was screaming December, December, December. When I stepped out of the Jeep, I stepped right in a puddle, my left shoe and sock soaking wet, a little uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as those boots, not a big deal.

Just down the road a bit on Route 17, I noticed several pieces of antique farm equipment. I pulled over and hiked up a short but steep embankment only to find pockets of snow almost knee deep. I am not exaggerating, at 4'11", well, 4'10.5" it was knee deep! You know, those duck boots are stiff, but after walking in them for a little while, they're not so bad.

Speaking of ducks, I can't believe what I am seeing. A flock of geese in a corn field, there must have been over one hundred of them and the snow was coming down in buckets, big buckets. I quietly removed my wide angle lens and began to attach the monopod to a 300mm 2.8. I managed to pull off a few shots when all of a sudden, they waddled off in the other direction. I remember shouting, "Hey guys, wait a minute, I am only shooting images not bullets." I think the story is actually more interesting than the image, so unless you really want to see, I am not going to post it.

Next stop, where else but the foothills of Middlefield, Lyman Orchards. You really can't go wrong at the apple orchards. Well, most of the time!

By this point, I realized that Bob was right and since we were meeting for dinner, I didn't hesitate to ask him to grab my boots and a pair of socks.

Working with a group of wordsmiths all day can be difficult for a shooter. Writing appears effortless and is intimidating to say the least, and with that said, I look forward to sharing my stories with you.

A quote by one of my favorite photographers , Margaret Bourke-White. "Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand."

Digital photography at MxCC

2010-03-09T18:07:00.001-08:00

Brett Doering teaches a class in digital photography at Middlesex Community College in Middletown on Tuesday afternoon.

All about photography

2010-03-09T11:42:00.001-08:00

Middletown Press Photo Editor Catherine Avalone will blog here about photography, her photo club and her day-to-day experiences in Middlesex County.