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Photo and Video: Taylor Townsend Teaches Tennis at New Haven Open Free Lesson Day.
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“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!
Video: A Boston Red Sox Mother’s Day.
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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
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.
Video: In Wake of Marathon Madness, Red Sox Ready American Flag.
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What a crazy several days here in Boston. It seems like every five minutes some other piece of news is breaking. It’s difficult to make any sense of all that’s going on, and being so close to everything that’s happening is a bit surreal.
We’re all okay up here! Again, we’re touched by all the messages of support from friends and family. It’s these types of situations that bring out the best in people.
I heard that the Boston Red Sox were gathering volunteers yesterday to prepare the giant American Flag to be dropped over the Green Monster during the pre-game ceremony at the team’s first game back in Boston since the attacks. Whether that happens today as originally planned or gets postponed is still unclear. Regardless, I wanted to shoot this flag rolling as a precursor to the game, which, given all that the city has been through, is poised to be quite a scene. On hand for the rolling were several first responders to the bomb scenes on Marathon Monday, which you’ll see in the video.
As someone who is a part of the Boston media, I’ve found it a bit overwhelming to try and decide how to cover this massive story. I realized with this video piece, though, that baseball is what I know best and where my access is, and Red Sox related are the stories are the ones I can cover and cover well.
So, this is an angle that’s positive and uplifting. In my opinion, that’s something we all need right now.
Enjoy, and hopefully I’ll be back soon with some baseball photos!
Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 4.
“Samantha Stosur serves during her match against Madison Keys Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Jamie Murray serves alongside Andy Murray during their doubles match against Nenad Zimonjic and Robert Lindstedt Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Roger Federer serves during his match against Denis Istomin Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Rafael Nadal serves during his match against Ryan Harrison Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Victoria Azarenka hits a backhand during her match against Daniela Hantuchova Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Caroline Wozniacki hits a backhand during her match against Alize Cornet Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Ana Ivanovic returns a shot during her match against Taylor Townsend Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Lleyton Hewitt celebrates after defeating John Isner in three sets Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“The chair umpire booth on stadium two is shown Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Mardy Fish and James Blake play a point against David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Richard Gasquet serves during his match against Bernard Tomic Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
“Maria Sharapova greets fans during an autograph session Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
I think this is the first time in my life that I’m actually sore from carrying photo gear and climbing stadium steps, and I’ve done a lot of that. Yesterday made for a crazy day, which included editing the video above and shooting photos at 13 different matches throughout the day.
It was a grind, but I had a blast doing it. If anything, it was a good leg and shoulder workout.
The video is similar to the WTA All-Access video I produced several days ago, but from the men’s side of the draw. It’s kind of a fun watch, if only to see the top five players in the world talk about each other.
As for the photos, I’ve posted a variety of action and features. It’s always a good challenge to mix things up while shooting tennis, particularly during the early rounds when you have so many matches to cover. For the first few days when you’re bouncing from court to court so quickly, it’s more about speed and efficiency rather than creativity. The above is a selection from the day.
Today is another big day! Enjoy!
Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 3.
“Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer shovel dirt Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer chat Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Rafael Nadal autographs construction helmets Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Novak Djokovic addresses the media at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California Friday, March 8, 2013″
“Ball kids await the start of a ‘Salute Our Heroes’ ceremony on Stadium One court at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California Friday, March 8, 2013.”
Day three was a crazy day for me, but I was able to shoot some pretty unique things. After editing video from the Player Party in the morning, I shot a Q&A with former World No. 1 and eight time Grand Slam champion, Jimmy Connors, which you’ll see up top.
The questions come from fans of the tournament on Facebook and Twitter, and Jimmy was great for the camera. I shot this quick hit on a Canon 7D DSLR and recorded with wireless lavaliers.
I then rushed over to the outskirts of the Indian Wells Tennis Center, where I shot stills at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium that will be built and ready for play by next year’s tournament. Present at the ceremony were Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, and Victoria Azarenka. It’s difficult to screw up the photos when you have all those people in one place.
After that, I shot a Djokovic presser, and in the evening, a ceremony on the main stadium court honoring the military. I’m wiped, but I’m proud of all this content. We’re set for an exciting weekend of tennis.
Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 2.
“Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Rafael Nadal addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during a practice session Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Andy Murray addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“Storm clouds give way to a sunset over Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”
“The Indian Wells Club in Palm Springs, California is shown Thursday, March 7, 2013 before the start of the player party during the BNP Paribas Open.”
Well, I’m a day late with this post, and a lot has happened since everything you see above, but I still want to get the blog up to date.
The video up top is one I shot and edited from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Player Party, which was held at the Indian Wells Club. I filmed as all-around media star, Pete Holtermann, interviewed the top players in attendance on the green carpet.
This year, the party had a “disco” theme, so we asked the players about their music preferences and dancing skills. This is kind of a fun piece, I think. Unfortunately, one of the main house lights on the green carpet area blew out halfway through, so the lighting on all of the interviews inconsistent. Regardless, it was neat to be there in the presence of so many pros.
I was running against the clock to get this piece up and out through the tournament social media outlets as soon as possible, so I think there are a few spots where the editing could be tightened up. But, such is life in our nonstop, need-it-now media world.
The photos are an assortment from the day. It’s the standard stuff: press conferences, practice courts, and scenes from around the grounds.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 1.
“Members of the media gather on the rooftop of Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California for WTA All-Access Day on day one of the BNP Paribas Open Wednesday, March 6, 2013.”
“Maria Sharapova hosts a promotion for ‘Sugarpova,’ her line of gummy candies, at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California on day one of the BNP Paribas Open Wednesday, March 6, 2013.”
“Maria Sharapova participates in a blind taste test during a promotion for ‘Sugarpova,’ her line of gummy candies, at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California on day one of the BNP Paribas Open Wednesday, March 6, 2013.”
“Victoria Azarenka addresses the media on the roof of Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California for WTA All-Access Day on day one of the BNP Paribas Open Wednesday, March 6, 2013.”
“Agnieszka Radwanska addresses the media on the roof of Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California for WTA All-Access Day on day one of the BNP Paribas Open Wednesday, March 6, 2013.”
I’m out in Palm Springs, California, where I’m working as a Multimedia Producer for the online team at the 2013 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. I’ll be here throughout the entire tournament, so I’ll be posting the content I create and produce daily, so be sure to stay tuned for more!
The first video above is a piece I shot and edited. I’ve worked as a still photographer and social media editor at several tournaments on the professional tennis tour, including twice at the US Open and once at Wimbledon, but this tournament marks the first time that I’ve brought video into the mix.
In the video, reporter Scott Hennessee asked the top eight seeded players on the women’s side of the draw a series of questions to find out how well they knew each other. I filmed, shooting with a Canon 7D body and recording with wireless lavaliers, and then pulled together a quick edit to be posted on the tournament’s website and various social media outlets.
Featured in this video are Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Agnieska Radwanska, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, Caroline Wozniacki, Samantha Stosur, and Sara Errani. The players gave us great material to work with, and I’m happy with the pace and flow of the piece. And, what could be better than interviewing the world’s best tennis players on the roof of the stadium at Indian Wells Tennis Garden under perfect, sunny, 80 degree skies?
I’ve also included some still images from All-Access Day, as well as some frames from an promotion event for Maria Sharapova’s line of gummy candies, “Sugarpova.”
Here is a link to a blog post with coverage from media day, and here is a link to a photo gallery of my images on the BNP Paribas Open Facebook page.
As always, I welcome your thoughts, comments, suggestions, criticisms, or questions. Enjoy!
Video: Boston Urban Iditarod.
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Here’s a video piece I shot and edited from the Boston Urban Iditarod, one of the more entertaining events I’ve covered. In short, it’s hundreds of teams dressed up as different themes pushing decorated shopping carts around the city while having to stop at four different bars and complete a series of games. The first team back to the finish line wins. It’s also a charity event, and racers donated over 6,000 pounds of canned food to the Boston Medical Center.
Here is a great article from the event by friend and journalist, Dana Hatic.
It seemed so fun that, at times, I wanted to drop my camera and join in on the race. I’m happy with how this turned out, though, and I think it’s an enjoyable watch. It took me a good while to edit, but the skills I first learned in Final Cut Pro several years ago are slowly coming back to me. I’m shooting more video this year, so those growing pains are just part of the process.
As always, I welcome your thoughts, comments, suggestions, criticisms, and questions. Enjoy!
Video: Photographer Profile – Sarah Robertson.
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This is a video profile I made of classmate and photographer friend of mine, Sarah Robertson. Those of us in the Multimedia for Photojournalists course I’m enrolled in at Boston University were each assigned to choose a student, set up and conduct a well-executed interview, and shoot b-roll video or still photos, all of which needed to come together to tell our subject’s story.
I’m pleased with how this turned out. I would have liked to shoot footage of Sarah actually working at one of the concerts she covers, but given the project’s deadline and both of our busy schedules, it wasn’t possible.
Regardless, this was a good experiment in shooting with a DSLR, lighting a subject, asking the right questions to get meaningful answers, and editing.
As usual, I welcome your thoughts, comments, suggestions, criticisms, and questions!
Video: Chinatown.
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I produced this short multimedia scene piece of Boston’s Chinatown as an assignment for the Multimedia for Photojournalists graduate course I’m enrolled in at Boston University.
The rules were simple: Show up to Chinatown in the morning, shoot at least five still photos and at least 30 seconds of video, record some natural sound, and put it all together. This was primarily an exercise to ensure good video and sound quality while shooting with a DSLR, so we weren’t required to find a story, per se.
I found as I was editing this, however, that the journalist in me automatically tried to turn it in to one. It’s obviously not a complete story, but I think there’s at least some narrative to it at the most basic level.
I’m pleased with how it turned out. I’m making video and multimedia my big push this year, so I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, questions, and criticisms!
Boston Globe Video: Growing up fast in New Hampshire.
“Jenna Randall, 14, prepares for a practice run inside her race car at the Riverside Speedway in Groveton, New Hampshire Saturday, November 3, 2012.”
I had the great pleasure of contributing on a story for The Boston Globe several weeks ago.
I assisted Darren Durlach, Senior Multimedia Producer at the Globe, and shot some of the b-roll footage that appears in this video. A huge thanks to Darren for having me along.
Click HERE to watch the video, and enjoy!
Video Editing: Blue Man Group.
Well, I haven’t done this in awhile. I guess this is one of the reasons why I went back to school! This week’s assignment for my Advanced Online Journalism class was to make sense of over an hour’s worth of footage of the Blue Man Group (shot by John Baynard, our award winning documentary filmmaker and professor), and package it into a two to three minute piece through editing.
I haven’t edited video like this in a long time, so I was quite frustrated with this when I first sat down at the computer. I struggled for a few hours before it all started coming back to me and things began to flow.
I’m pretty happy with how this came out for the first go around. Based on the footage I was given, there were a thousand ways I could have taken this piece. I decided to focus on the meaning of the performance and the significance of the “blue man,” according to those who created and act in the show.
Baltimore Orioles Video Highlight Reel: My Time
Here’s my first video work published for the Baltimore Orioles. This video ran on the scoreboard at Camden Yards between innings throughout the last month of the season.
I owe a special thanks to Ben Epstein of Orioles Productions for his killer editing of this reel. Not all of the clips that appear in this video are mine, but most of them are. It’s a combination of footage I shot handheld with my Canon 7D and footage shot by the television camera crew.
As for what to look for, I shot about every photo that appears in the opening montage, and my video clips have a more handheld look and play with focus and depth of field a lot more. I’d say they make for about 80% of the video.
It feels great to have gotten some video published this season, and it was always wild to see my own work up on the scoreboard during games.
Goucher College Video: Baltimore taxes not to be raised after $65 million budget cut
Here’s our first project for the production phase of a New Media class I’m enrolled in at Goucher College this semester. Our assignment was to shoot, edit, and produce a one-minute video newscast about Baltimore’s recent budget cuts proposed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
After we had our script finalized, production on this video went relatively quickly. It was nice to get away from Goucher’s campus for an afternoon and shoot footage in the city, and it was also a good chance for me to experiment with shooting video on my Canon still for the first time.
I took this as an enjoyable throwback to my summer multimedia internship at The Baltimore Sun, during which time I went out into Baltimore every day, shot videos like this, and prepared them for the web. The skills that I learned while I was there have been invaluable, not just for this project, but for the entire collection of multimedia work I’ve done since then.
Looking at this video with fresh eyes, I’ve caught a few minor details that could be tweaked, but this was a true group effort, and the results are superb for our first project.
