Reflections: Graduate School at Boston University – M.S. in Journalism.

“An invitation to the 140th Commencement at Boston University is displayed Friday, May 17, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts.”

After living in Baltimore my entire life, I moved to Boston last March with two goals: to work for the Red Sox and to go to graduate school. Today, I graduated from Boston University with a Master of Science in Journalism, and it feels pretty darn good. I think I’m done with school for a long, long time. 

What a year to be a photojournalist in Boston. It’s been a crazy, roller coaster ten month ride, and from what I gather in conversations with professors within the College of Communication, one unlike any other. 

Just thinking about the stories we covered makes my head spin. In the Fall, we were thrown right into the middle of a presidential election, and within days of our first class we’re shooting Obama campaign events, documenting rallies, and covering election night from inside the Mitt Romney headquarters. In the Winter, we’re knee deep in snow, out covering winter storm Nemo. In the Spring, we’re shooting and reporting in the middle of an attack on the Boston Marathon. Between it all, we’re telling the smaller stories: The kite flying fisherman, the one man band, the piano maker, the early morning runners in Boston Common, and the Head of the Charles race to name a few.

In November, our graduate photojournalism class of five students became a class of four, as we lost one of our peers and friends, Chris Weigl. I wish he were here for this day. 

It’s hard to make sense of all of that, and I still don’t know if it’s all sunk in yet. What I do know, though, is that given all that’s happened, we’re more prepared to do journalism the right way than anyone else out there. We can cover any kind of story under any circumstances. I’m optimistic about where journalism is now and where it’s going. 

Personally, I had a great year, although it was ridiculously busy and, at times, stressful. Trying to balance the work of a full-time student with a job that requires long, odd hours was tough, and I found it difficult to devote equal energy and effort to both school and work. I won’t miss running back and forth between Fenway Park and the COM building through that disgusting Beacon Street parking lot two or three times a day.  

What will last, though, are the friends made and the connections solidified. I come out of this program with a new set of skills related to multimedia journalism, but more importantly, with a new network of friends and colleagues. In our world, nothing is more important. 

As for my plans from here on, I’m going to continue shooting for the Sox, and continue freelancing on the pro tennis tour and around Boston. We’ll see what life brings.

A huge thank you to the family, friends, professors, and mentors who helped me through this year! I’m a lucky guy. Congratulations to the Class of 2013. 

Photo and Video: Taylor Townsend Teaches Tennis at New Haven Open Free Lesson Day.

Click the four-arrow icon on the bottom right to watch this video in full screen!

“Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a volley drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

“Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a volley drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

“Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend talks to kids Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

“Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend addresses local public school students Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event. Also pictured is Dannel Malloy, Governor of Connecticut (right, blue necktie).”

“Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a tennis drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

Earlier this week, I went down to New Haven, Connecticut to shoot promotional photos and video at a free tennis lesson event leading up to the New Haven Open professional women’s tennis tournament which I’m shooting this coming August.

Held on site at the Yale University Tennis Center, the 12th annual free tennis lesson day featured an appearance by the young, up-and-coming women’s tennis player, Taylor Townsend. Also in attendance were both Connecticut Governor, Dannel P. Malloy, and John DeStefano Jr., Mayor of New Haven.

Despite working both still photo and video simultaneously, the shoot went well, and Taylor was a fantastic subject to work with.

Lately, it seems my video work has fallen more on the side of promotional and advertising rather than straight journalism, and this video is a continuation of that trend. It’s interesting to see how the approach differs so greatly knowing that you’re shooting for marketing material instead of with a journalistic eye. I have to say, I enjoy both formats.

I’m looking forward to an exciting couple weeks in New Haven in August!

Boston Red Sox Photos: Sunday, May 12, 2013 vs. Toronto Blue Jays.

“Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell, outfielder Jonny Gomes, first baseman Mike Napoli, and third baseman Will Middlebrooks, line up in front of the dugout during the National Anthem before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jose De La Torre makes his Major League debut during the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco fields a ground ball at first base during the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A mother holds her son as he sleeps before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 on Mother’s Day at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A couple kisses each other on the stairs inside Gate B during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays on Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A young fan in the bleacher seats drinks lemonade as her mother watches during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays on Mother’s Day at Fenway Park Sunday, May 12, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Pink-laced baseballs are shown in honor of Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew bats with a pink bat in honor of Mother’s Day during the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox infielder Pedro Ciriaco takes practice swings during the the ninth inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

Here are some images of mine from the Mother’s Day festivities this afternoon at Fenway Park for the final game of a series between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Not a good baseball day for the Sox, but Mother’s Day always makes for a good picture day. This is a little mix of action, fan features, and pink bats and balls.

We also produced a Mother’s Day video piece with footage and photos we shot around the Park, which you can see by clicking here.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Video: A Boston Red Sox Mother’s Day.

Click the four-arrow icon on the bottom right to watch this video in full screen!

This piece is a collaboration of efforts from the Boston Red Sox photography department. We were charged with the task of making a multimedia promotional piece for the team’s social media to be posted and sent out on Mother’s Day.

As a photo staff, this was our first official venture into multimedia, and we all think it came out really well. As usual, I welcome your thoughts, questions, criticisms, suggestions, and comments!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

Video & Editing: Michael Ivins & Billie Weiss
Photos: Michael Ivins
Video/Photo Assistance: Michael Cummo
Graphic Design: Marissa McClain

Boston Red Sox Photos: Thursday, May 9, 2013 vs. Minnesota Twins.

“Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury leaps as he attempts to catch a deep fly ball during the fifth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 10, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino slides after stealing second base during the third inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia applies a tag on Minnesota shortstop Pedro Florimon as he steals second base during the second inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox reliever Koji Uehara high fives teammates after retiring the side in order during the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino climbs the right field wall as he attempts to catch a home run by Minnesota right fielder Oswaldo Arcia during the fourth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Fenway Park.”

Back at it at the Park last night, this time from first base pit to shoot game action between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. There were a few strange plays sprinkled throughout the game, which I posted here, but otherwise, not a whole lot was out of the ordinary during this game. 

It was good to get back into the groove of shooting action, though. Now, if we could just get some warmer weather!

Video: Boston Remembers at Marathon Bombing Memorial

I ventured down to Copley Square in Boston for the first time since covering the Marathon bombings the day they happened. I wasn’t sure what I’d find, but I knew there was a memorial there and that lots of people have been visiting it.

I’m still not sure what to think of it all. It’s a beautiful memorial, but I was struck by how normal life around it seemed. It’s a bit eerie knowing that so many people are going about their daily lives on Boylston Street, a place that was in absolute chaos just a few weeks ago.

I’m thankful to everyone in this video for their willingness to talk to me, and to Jim for his harmonica playing. They’re all great people who had unique stories to share from Marathon Monday.

As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, criticisms, and compliments!

Thanks for watching.

Boston Red Sox Photos: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 vs. Oakland Athletics.

“Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester delivers during the sixth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Oakland Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie tosses a glove to catcher Derek Norris during a game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Oakland Athletics second baseman Andy Parrino throws to first base during a game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks sets during the fifth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew applies a tag to Oakland Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson during the seventh inning Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

“A full moon is shown over Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, April 24, 2013 during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics.”

Yesterday, we had a 4 PM start time for the final game of the Boston Red Sox series against the Oakland Athletics.

Beautiful light and shadows and an early end to the game – a win win situation for all the photographers in the house! Here are a few images from the day. I tried to take advantage of the golden light and dark shadows that were creeping across the field by shooting from up high for most of the game.