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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.
Photos: Vigil Held for 8-Year-Old Marathon Victim.
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: From left, Conor Gillis, 4, his sister Emily Gillis, 7, of Dorchester, and their cousin Benjamin McCormick, 8, of Milton hold candles during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A woman reacts during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Locals hold up their candles in a moment of silence during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Locals gather in a moment of silence during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A mother embraces her three children during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: The sun sets as locals await a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: A candle is lit during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
April 16, 2013 – Boston, Massachusetts, United States: Jake Quigley, 7, of Dorchester, Massachusetts has his candle lit during a candlelight vigil at Garvey Park for Martin Richard, 8, who was killed yesterday in a bomb explosion at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Billie Weiss)
Last night, I covered a community candlelight vigil for Martin Richard, an 8-year-old from Dorchester, Massachusetts who was one of three people killed in Monday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon.
There’s not much to say here. It’s an incredibly tragic occurrence. This was a beautiful coming together of community, and I’m glad I was there to get these images.
Photos: Boston’s Mayor Menino visits Fenway Park.
“Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, arrives at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 to take a tour of the stadium before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”
“Larry Lucchino, Boston Red Sox President & CEO, points out new ballpark features to Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 during the Mayor’s stadium walkthrough before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”
“Larry Lucchino, Boston Red Sox President & CEO, and Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, sample new menu items at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 during the Mayor’s stadium walkthrough before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”
“Larry Lucchino, Boston Red Sox President & CEO, escorts Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, at Fenway Park Friday, April 5, 2013 during the Mayor’s stadium walkthrough before the 2013 Boston Red Sox home opener.”
Before the Boston Red Sox home opener every season, Boston’s Mayor, Tom Menino, visits Fenway Park and takes a look at the new additions and upgrades to the ballpark.
This morning, he came for his annual visit, and checked out the park’s revamped Champions Club and Royal Rooters Club. He also took a taste test of the park’s new menu items.
This was particularly timely, as several days ago, Mayor Menino announced his decision not to seek another term in office. It was his last walk through Fenway, if you will.
Photo: Snowy Fenway on Pitchers and Catchers day.
“Fenway Park is shown covered in snow Monday, February 11, 2013 after Winter Storm Nemo dumped over twenty inches of snow onto the city of Boston, Massachusetts.”
Happy Pitchers and Catchers day! Here’s where we stand right now at snowy Fenway Park.
Is it Opening Day yet?
Men’s Basketball Photos: UNC vs. BC.
“North Carolina Tar Heels forward James McAdoo boxes out Boston College Eagles forward Eddie Odio during the second half of a men’s basketball game at Conte Forum at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Tuesday, January 29, 2013. North Carolina defeated Boston College 82-70.”
“Boston College Eagles forward Ryan Anderson shoots a free throw during the second half of a men’s basketball game at Conte Forum at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Tuesday, January 29, 2013. North Carolina defeated Boston College 82-70.”
“North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson makes a rebound during the second half of a men’s basketball game at Conte Forum at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Tuesday, January 29, 2013. North Carolina defeated Boston College 82-70.”
“Fans in the student section hold up signs during the second half of a men’s basketball game between the Boston College Eagles and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Conte Forum at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Tuesday, January 29, 2013. North Carolina defeated Boston College 82-70.”
“Fans in the student section react during the second half of a men’s basketball game between the Boston College Eagles and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Conte Forum at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Tuesday, January 29, 2013. North Carolina defeated Boston College 82-70.”
I had the opportunity to shoot some basketball this week over at Boston College. The North Carolina Tar Heels were in town, so despite the score, it was an exciting game to shoot.
Here are a few grabs from the game. I haven’t shot basketball in a long time, so it was nice to get back into it.
Enjoy!
Photos: Red Sox’ Nava and Miller Visit Boston School.
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Andrew Miller (left) and outfielder Daniel Nava (right) answer questions during a visit to the Mather School in Dorchester, Massachusetts Friday, January 25, 2013. The Mather School, founded in 1639, is the oldest public elementary school in the United States.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Andrew Miller and mascot Wally the Green Monster answer questions during a visit to the Mather School in Dorchester, Massachusetts Friday, January 25, 2013. The Mather School, founded in 1639, is the oldest public elementary school in the United States.”
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Andrew Miller (left), Daniel Nava (center), and mascot Wally the Green Monster answer questions during a visit to the Mather School in Dorchester, Massachusetts Friday, January 25, 2013. The Mather School, founded in 1639, is the oldest public elementary school in the United States.”
“A third grader’s notebook displays questions prepared for an appearance by Boston Red Sox pitcher Andrew Miller and outfielder Daniel Nava at the Mather School in Dorchester, Massachusetts Friday, January 25, 2013. The Mather School, founded in 1639, is the oldest public elementary school in the United States.”
“Boston Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava gives fielding advice to Treasure Blackwell, 6, at the Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury, MA Friday, January 25, 2013. Nava, along with Red Sox pitcher Andrew Bailey and mascot Wally the Green Monster, visited the center to run baseball clinics, answer questions, and pose for photographs.”
Friday made for a busy but thoroughly enjoyable day traveling around Boston with Boston Red Sox pitcher Andrew Miller and outfielder Daniel Nava.
The first four of these photos are from our visit to the Mather School in Dorchester, where Miller and Nava met with several third grade classes. The final one is from the Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury, where the two players put on a pitching and hitting clinic for the kids there.
A fun way to finish up the end of last week!
Photos: Red Sox Host PA Announcer Auditions.
“An applicant reads a script during an audition in Fenway Park’s control room for the next Public Address Announcer of the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, January 23, 2013.”
“Applicants gather in the Media Dining Center at Fenway Park as they await their audition to fill an opening for the next Public Address Announcer of the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, January 23, 2013.”
“Applicants read scripts during an audition in Fenway Park’s control room for the next Public Address Announcer of the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, January 23, 2013.”
“A public address recorder button is shown in Fenway Park’s control room during an audition to fill an opening for the next Public Address Announcer of the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, January 23, 2013.”
The Boston Red Sox hosted several auditions this past week to begin the search for the next Public Address Announcer of Fenway Park.
The newly chosen announcer will replace Carl Beane, previously the voice of Fenway Park since 2003, who died last year.
Photos: Hanrahan, Red Sox Rookies Visit Hospitals.
“Boston Red Sox closer Joel Hanrahan visits a patient in the Jimmy Fund clinic at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, January 9, 2012. This was Hanrahan’s first hospital visit as a member of the Boston Red Sox.”
“Boston Red Sox closer Joel Hanrahan visited patients in the Jimmy Fund clinic at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, January 9, 2013. This was Hanrahan’s first hospital visit as a member of the Boston Red Sox.”
“Boston Red Sox rookies Bryce Bentz and Xander Bogaerts visit a patient in the Jimmy Fund clinic at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, January 9, 2013. The group of top Red Sox prospects spent time in Boston this winter to get accustomed to the city and meet with Red Sox personnel.”
“Boston Red Sox rookies visit a patient at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, January 9, 2013. The group of top Red Sox prospects spent time in Boston this winter to get accustomed to the city and meet with Red Sox personnel.”
“Boston Red Sox rookies visit a patient at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, January 9, 2013. The group of top Red Sox prospects spent time in Boston this winter to get accustomed to the city and meet with Red Sox personnel.”
Here are a few photos from several Boston Red Sox visits to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund Clinic in Boston yesterday. The first visit was by newly acquired Red Sox closer, Joel Hanrahan, and the second was by a group of top Red Sox rookie prospects, including Xander Bogaerts of Aruba and Alex Hassan of nearby Milton, Massachusetts.
Photos: New Red Sox closer Hanrahan arrives at Fenway Park.
“Pitcher Joel Hanrahan takes a ballpark tour as he visits Fenway Park for the first time as a member of the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, January 8, 2013. The closer was recently acquired by the Red Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates.”
“Pitcher Joel Hanrahan takes a ballpark tour as he visits Fenway Park for the first time as a member of the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, January 8, 2013. The closer was recently acquired by the Red Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates. “
“Pitcher Joel Hanrahan gives a press conference at Fenway Park for the first time as a member of the Boston Red Sox Tuesday, January 8, 2013. The closer was recently acquired by the Red Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates. “
Former Pittsburgh Pirates closer, Joel Hanrahan, arrived at Fenway Park today to take a tour of the stadium and address the Boston media for the first time as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
Above are some Red Sox images from the appearance.
Photos: Boston Red Sox sign Shane Victorino.
“Two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winning outfielder Shane Victorino poses for a photograph at Fenway Park Thursday, December 13, 2012 after a press conference announcing his signing of a three-year contract.”
“Two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winning outfielder Shane Victorino addresses the media in a press conference at Fenway Park Thursday, December 13, 2012 to announce his signing of a three-year contract.”
Here are a few images from Shane Victorino’s first appearance at Fenway Park as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
Is it baseball season yet?
Photos: Red Sox recognize Veteran’s Day.
“Members of the Boston Red Sox front office serve dinner at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans of Boston Friday, November 9, 2012. Wally the Green Monster and the World Series Trophies were present at the dinner as well.”
“Members of the Boston Red Sox front office serve dinner at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans of Boston Friday, November 9, 2012. Wally the Green Monster and the World Series Trophies were present at the dinner as well.”
“Homeless military Veterans line up at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans of Boston Friday, November 9, 2012. Wally the Green Monster and the World Series Trophies were present at the dinner.”
“A United States Marine Corps Honorable Discharge certificate is shown during a brunch at Fenway Park celebrating the birthday of the Marines Saturday, November 10, 2012. After brunch, complimentary tours of Fenway Park were provided to Marines and their families, and a 30% discount at the Team Store on Yawkey Way was available to attendees. “
“Marines stop on top of the Green Monster during a tour of Fenway Park Saturday, November 10, 2012. Attendees were treated to tours of the ballpark after a military brunch hosted by the Boston Red Sox celebrating the birthday of the Marines.”
“Marines attend a military brunch celebrating the birthday of the Marines Saturday, November 10,2012. After the brunch, attendees were given complimentary tours of Fenway Park.”
I shot several events over the weekend as the Boston Red Sox recognized Veteran’s Day. The first was a visit to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans of Boston, where we volunteered by serving dinner and displaying the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies.The second was a military brunch at Fenway Park recognizing the birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
These were both great events, and I was honored to be a part of them. It’s nice to see how baseball can bring people from other walks of life, such as the military, together.
Photos: Fenway Park hosts Trick-or-Treat night.
“Kiara Munguia of Revere, Massachusetts walks in front of the Green Monster dressed as a princess for Trick-or-Treat night at Fenway Park Wednesday, October 31, 2012. Families and kids had the opportunity to go ‘trick-or-treating’ around the warning track, decorate pumpkins, and enjoy magicians, face painting, and balloon artists.”
“Kids dressed in costume watch a magic trick during Trick-or-Treat night at Fenway Park Wednesday, October 31, 2012.”
“Kids dressed in costume line up along the Green Monster during Trick-or-Treat night at Fenway Park Wednesday, October 31, 2012.”
“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks signs an autograph for Michelle Taukus of Norton, Massachusetts and daughter, Laney, during Trick-or-Treat night at Fenway Park Wednesday, October 31, 2012.”
A bit late, but people still seem to be in the Halloween spirit, so here are a some photos from Trick-or-Treat night at Fenway Park.
There are also full galleries online, here on CBSBoston.com and here on NESN.com (New England Sports Network).
Happy Halloween!
Photos: Ramblin’ Dan The One Man Band.
Oct. 27, 2012 – Dan Friedman, who refers to himself as “Ramblin’ Dan The One Man Band,” plays music on his “Peace Wave Generator” in the Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. He has been a street performer for over 25 years, and
uses his music to express his desire for world peace. He has played in thirty countries throughout the world. Photo by Billie Weiss.
Oct. 27, 2012 – A girl watches Dan Friedman, known as “Ramblin’ Dan The One Man Band,” as he plays music on his “Peace Wave Generator” in the Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. “I’ve done this all over the world. People are the same everywhere, though. They are curious, you know? They think, ‘”How long can you actually do that and make a living?’” Photo by Billie Weiss.
Oct. 27, 2012 – Dan Friedman, who refers to himself as “Ramblin’ Dan The One Man Band,” disassembles his “Peace Wave Generator” in the Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. According to Friedman, the elaborate instrument is comprised of items he has collected from his travels. “This music machine takes the energy of music, turns it into peace waves, and broadcasts them to all the trouble spots of the world, thereby attempting to achieve world peace through street music.” Photo by Billie Weiss.
Oct. 27, 2012 – Dan Friedman, who refers to himself as “Ramblin’ Dan The One Man Band,” pushes his fifty pounds of gear after performing in the Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Friedman was studying botanical sciences as a graduate student at the University of Texas, Austin before dropping out and deciding to become a full-time street performer. “I picked up some street musicians hitch hiking and started jamming with them between classes. I just never came back because we were having too much fun.” Photo by Billie Weiss.
Oct. 27, 2012 – Dan Friedman, who refers to himself as “Ramblin’ Dan The One Man Band,” feeds a parking meter outside the Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. “I come in early every day to get my parking spot so I don’t get a ticket. I’ve been here since nine o’clock this morning,” he said. Friedman has lived in a co-op in Cambridge, Massachusetts for the past four years, and makes his living performing on Boston Common and in Harvard Square. Photo by Billie Weiss.
I was wandering around the Public Gardens in Boston last weekend and came across the One Man Band. I’ve seen him around before, but had never taken the time to stop and watch him.
I happened to catch him at the end of his day’s work, so I stayed and chatted with him for a long time. He’s got quite an interesting story, which is played out in the captions above.
Thanks to Dan for letting me tag along.
Photos: Bloco Afro Brazil.
“Marcus Santos leads his Brazilian percussion ensemble, Bloco Afro Brazil, as the play at the 2012 Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, September 29, 2012.”
“Members of Bloco Afro Brazil, a Brazilian percussion ensemble, play at the 2012 Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, September 29, 2012.”
“A boy watches as Bloco Afro Brazil, a Brazilian percussion ensemble play at the 2012 Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, September 29, 2012.”
These aren’t prize winners by any means, but I wanted to post them anyway just for the sake of putting something out there that wasn’t baseball related. I spent some time shooting the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival on Saturday, and stumbled onto this Brazilian percussion ensemble which I hung with for a while.
It always feels good to shoot something different after covering the same thing day in and day out. It’s also a bit of a challenge, which I love. It makes you think in ways that you haven’t had to in a long time.
Photos: Saturday music at the Supermarket.
Sept. 29, 2012 – Joe Correia (center), a member of Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band, shouts while playing the sousaphone alongside his band mates outside of Whole Foods Market on the corner of Edgerly Road and Westland Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. Correia described the band’s musical style as “a fusion of Balkan gypsy funk.” Photo by Billie Weiss.
Sept. 29, 2012 – Members of Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band play outside of Whole Foods Market on the corner of Edgerly Road and Westland Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. The band performed as part of a ‘Rock The Vote’ event, and encouraged passers-by to register to vote for the upcoming 2012 elections. Photo by Billie Weiss.
Sept. 29, 2012 – Members of Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band perform as a shopper enters Whole Foods Market on the corner of Edgerly Road and Westland Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. The band performed outside the store for two hours on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Billie Weiss.
Sept. 29, 2012 – Spectators gather outside of Whole Foods Market on the corner of Edgerly Road and Westland Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts as Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band performs as part of a ‘Rock The Vote’ event. The band encouraged passers-by to register to vote for the upcoming 2012 elections. Photo by Billie Weiss.
Sept. 29, 2012 – Instrument cases belonging to members of Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band are shown outside of Whole Foods Market on the corner of Edgerly Road and Westland Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. The band, which consists of 17 people, is based out of Somerville, Massachusetts. Photo by Billie Weiss.
Here is my second five photo story for my Advanced Photojournalism class at Boston University. On Saturday afternoon, I set out down Mass. Ave in Boston to cover the Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival.
It’s funny how things work out sometimes, though. On my walk there, I heard some loud music coming from across the street. Naturally, I figured that it was the beginning of the Jazz Festival area, but as it turns out, I found nothing more there than a Whole Foods Market – and a 17 member band playing funky music right outside of it.
This isn’t something you see every day, so I stuck around for awhile. I think it made for a neat little story. Although this was technically a Rock The Vote event, I tried to focus more on how the band interacted with the every day shoppers that passed in and out of the store. It was interesting to see the varying reactions. Some people stopped everything they were doing and watched the band. Others walked in and out of the store with their shopping bags and carts as if nothing was different. I tried to convey that in some of these images.
I think this could have worked nicely as a multimedia piece as well. If you’d like to get a feel for the type of music that Emperor Norton’s Stationary Marching Band was playing, click here.
