Irina

I had the pleasure of spending the day with Irina Bird, a 12-year old sixth grade student who was born without an arm and both thighs. Irina's school, Cummings Elementaty, has come behind her to raise the money for a new arm. To view the audio slideshow:
http://www.mlive.com/multimedia/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/slideshow_classmates_help_rais.html

Chris and I took a long walk through our neighborhood the other day and I brought my camera along. These walls are in a basketball court near our church, City Hope Ministries.

Exploring South Division

Stained Glass

From left, Matt Kolenda and Chuck Luepnitz of Echo Etching press plates of stained glass into place in the prayer room at Saint Mary's new Hauenstein Center. The room was designed as a place to for families who may be facing the loss of a loved one at the hospital.

Sammy in the Studio.

The Junior A Owls

I had the oppurtunity to make an audio slideshow of the Junior A Owls, a Grand Rapids Hockey group that is yet to win a game this season. These were a few of my favorite stills, the slideshow will be up soon!

Happy Birthday Abe

Rascal Flatts Is My Hero

I shot the Rascal Flatts concert last week and they were great (yes I enjoy country music, is that okay with you?). The reason I ended up flooded with calls from People Magazine, the NY Post and Entertainment Tonight was not because of how great the Rascal Flatts were, however, but because of Jessica Simpson, who headlined for them. Every serious paparazzi group wanted my photos of Jessica who has (gasp!) gained a few pounds. Because I signed a contract with her record label stating that I would not publish her photos anywhere but in the Grand Rapids Press, I did not make sleezy money on the poor girl. This is also the reason I am not able to post anything of her either.

Sara and Dylynn

I was sent to this mother's apartment with about two minutes to make a "sober portrait," last week. The story is about Sara Schmuck, who quit using drugs cold-turkey when she found out she was pregnant with Dylynn, her now 1-year old daughter. The broader story examines Spectrum Health's decision to cutt funding from their MOMS program, a support system that helps people like Sara Schmuck stay sober.

Texture

Barn Fire.