MPPA

Indianapolis Star Senior Photographer Matt Detrich gives a presentation of his work in the 2008 Beijing Olympics during the Michigan Press Photographers Association awards dinner.


Excited to have finally placed higher than "Honorable Mention," in the 2009 pictures of the year contest, Katy and I take a photograph of ourselves in our amazing pool-side room at the Quality Inn.






Cory Morse of the Muskegon Chronicle, on right, poses with Steve Jessmore beside the Barry Edmonds Award mirror after signing the trophy.



This year's Michigan Press Photographer's Association seminar was a much needed weekend of inspiration and perspective. Steve Jessmore, a Senior Editor for Photo at The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, and once my teacher at Central Michigan, was a judge and gave great insight into storytelling through these tough times. Fellow GR Press photographer Katy Batdorff and I had a great time making pictures of ourselves in mirrors as well. To view this year's MPPA results, visit
http://mppa.org/poy/?c=2009-Pictures-of-the-Year

Skating on Reeds Lake

I was doing some blue sky/warm weather hunting the other day and happily stumbled on these 13 year-olds screeching and flailing on Reeds Lake. It made me think about when we used to live on Silver Lake in Rockford. I had a white pair of figure skates with the lovely fuzzy yellow ball on top. What was that for anyway? (Grand Rapids Press Photo)

The Living Room, Late at night

Struggling to stay up for the Olympics.

Self Portrait

Winter Blues

I shot these while hiking to an assignment, it was nice to see the sun again today.
(Grand Rapids Press Photos)

Showing Some Love

Norrine Bowes gets a hug from Anneke Lehmann, 13, after donating to Guiding Light Mission Friday at the intersection of Monroe Center and Monroe Avenue. Lehmann was working with HELP! Campaign to support the mission, handing out Hershey Kisses, Valentines Cookies and free hugs to anyone passing by.
(Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Happy Valentines Day

"I love you," Hank Martin told his wife Charleen while visiting her room at Clark Retirement Home, "I love you to," she said. Hank, 90, and Charleen, 89, have been married 69 years, and both live at the retirement home where Hank visits Charleen every day because she can no longer walk. When Charleen's wedding band had to be cut off because of her arthritis, Hank bought her a new one as a surprise for their anniversary. (Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Torched Roof

I got to go inside the burnt remains of a Dentist Office after a fire the other day. Gazing upwards, this was the charred roof.
(Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Journals For Haiti

These journals are made from concrete sacks by Haitian women through a ministry that is trying to help Haitians apply their talents to make a living. To order one, go to http://www.haitianartisans.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=56
(Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Little Swimmers

The highlight of my day was shooting these little blondies with their mom in the downtown YMCA pool. As much as it can give me anxiety, I love being asked to find enterprise. I love when that enterprise makes me smile. (Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Factory

My photo editor asked me to take a picture of an abandoned factory the other day. I had a fun time exploring, but ended up revisiting this site, which I have photographed before just for fun :)
(Grand Rapids Press Photo)

Sunday Morning at Beth's

Church, omelettes, frozen lake hike. Chocolate, down blankets, LOST marathon. Comfort. Friends.