I think you should never forget to thank the people who helped us on whatever journey, whether in life or your career. In this case, as I sit in my car waiting for the start of a football game in Downers Grove, I want to thank the following people.

Charles Rex Arbogast (AP Photojournalist)

It was a cold November evening in 2011 when I walked into a classroom at Columbia College for a seminar by the Illinois Press Photography Association. Charles Rex Arbogast spoke about photojournalism and where you should go if you start. He recommended the Peter Read Miller Sports Workshop in Denver if you were serious about learning sports photography. Listening to him speak sparked my interest in becoming a photojournalist.

Peter Read Miller (Sports Illustrated Photographer)

Attending his Sports Workshop in Denver was an eye-opening experience, and I will never forget the lessons learned from the workshop and speaking to him about the industry.

Terrance Gardner-Shaw (Editorial Photographer)

It was Terrance that introduced me to the Sun-Times western burb freelancers in Aurora back in 2011. If he did not make that introduction, I would not be here today working in the industry.

Jeff Cagle (Photojournalist and Beer Expert)

In September 2012, Jeff saw me on the sidelines of a football game at Waubonsie Valley and said I should shoot for the Sun-Times. He then vouched on my behalf of me to cover sports and news. I had my first assignment at Burington Central High School a week later.

 Steve Buyansky (Photojournalist and former photo editor for Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune).

Steve gave me my first sports and news assignments. He took a chance on me, and I am forever grateful.

Sandy Bressner-Butt (Photojournalist and Photo Editor for Shaw Media)

 I met Sandy in 2012 during a football game between Batavia and Downers Grove North. She asked me if I would like to freelance for the Kane County Chronicle; the rest is history. However, I am forever grateful for her allowing me the opportunity to freelance for Shaw Media.

Mark Busch (Photo Editor and Photojournalist for Shaw Media)

Mark allowed me to cover college sports for the Dekalb Chronicle (Shaw Media). I spent several years covering NIU football and Basketball and, for the most part, had a blast doing it. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity.

Chris Grove (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Chris has been instrumental in allowing me the opportunity to cover High School sports teams from the St. Louis coverage area. As a result, I got to cover some of the state's best football and basketball teams. Thank You, Chris!

Carter Crane (Owner and Reporter for The Voice News Paper in Aurora)

Carter asked me years ago if I would like to cover sports for The Voice. He opened the door for me to cover college sports and MLB baseball for The Voice for years. Thank You, Crane family, for allowing me to tell stories for The Voice.

Maria King (Spouse)

When I told Maria I wanted to work in the industry, she was initially skeptical but gave me her 100% support. She allowed me to purchase photo gear and spend my evenings away from home covering local high school sports.

Photographers and Reporters



Finally, I would like to thank the photojournalists and reporters I have worked alongside for the past ten years. I tend to talk too much when I am nervous and often go on and on about nonsense sometimes. However, I appreciate the conversations and advice you have given me. Thank You!