East Aurora Vs. West Aurora Wrestling Meet

December 4, 2024

HERE IS SOME OF MY EDITORIAL WORK FROM FALL 2023
 

fnd-sandwichfootball-824Sandwich Nate Hill (23) deflects a pass intended for Manteno's Aidan Dotson (9) during a football game at Sandwich High School on Saturday, Aug 26, 2023. kcr-oswegovolleyball-829Oswego’s Kelsey Foster (7) goes up for a kill against Rosary’s Clare McEniry (5) Reese Gilla (4) during a volleyball match at Oswego High School on Tuesday, Aug 29, 2023. 0906_prp_wwsgenevagvbWheaton Warrenville South's Maddison Mlady-Gibson (11) celebrates after scoring on kill attempt against Geneva during a volleyball match at Geneva High School on Tuesday, Sep 5, 2023. kcr-planosoccer-911Plano’s Christ Keleba (8) leaps over Woodstock's Jackson Thomas (2) to play the all during a soccer match at Plano High School on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. kcr-planosoccer-911Plano's Davione Stamps (10) plays the ball against Woodstock's Jackson Thomas (2) during a soccer match at Plano High School on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. kcr-oswegovolleyball-914Oswego’s Maya Norlin (18) blocks a kill attempt by Yorkville's Joelle Pye-Blacknard (10) during a volleyball match at Oswego High School on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. kcr-yorkvillefootball-915Yorkville's Ryan Wulff (8) runs in for a touchdown against Plainfield Central during a football game at Plainfield Central High School on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. kcr-oswegofootball-922Oswego’s Ben Pavlick (9) celebrates with Michael Kelly (22) after a Kelly touchdown against Plainfield North during a football game at Plainfield North High School on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. kcr-oswegoeastsoccer-926Oswego East's Dylan Drendel (10) goes up for a header against Oswego during a soccer match at Oswego East High School on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. kcr-oswegoeastsoccer-926Oswego East's Marlin Hoffman (22) goes up for a header against Oswego’s Ryan Walsh (4) during a soccer match at Oswego East High School on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. kcr-oswegoeastsoccer-926Oswego’s Ryan Walsh (4) goes up high for a header over Oswego East's Mariano Ramirez (16) and Nicholas Smith (6) during a soccer match at Oswego East High School on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. kcr-oswegoeastsoccer-926Oswego East's Josh Lopez (26) heads the ball over Oswego’s Shawn Stogentin (16) during a soccer match at Oswego East High School on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. kcr-oswegofootball-929Oswego takes the field prior to kick-off against West Aurora during a football game at Oswego High School on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. kcr-oswegoeastvolleyball-1005Volleyball players from Oswego and Oswego East wore jerseys with names of loved ones for cancer awareness during a volleyball at Oswego East High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. 1007_prp_WNGENfbWheaton North's Matt Kuczaj (16) makes a diving catch against Geneva’s Dylan Reyes (5) during a football game at Wheaton North High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. 1007_prp_WNGENfbWheaton North's Rich Schilling (4) reaches for a pass against Geneva during a football game at Wheaton North High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. kcr-oswegoeastfootball-1013Yorkville takes the field prior to kick off against Oswego East at Yorkville High School on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. kcc-dukanexc-1014St. Charles East’s Jedidiah Wilson leads the pack early to finish first with a time of 15:11.9 during the DuKane Conference Cross Country Championships at Lake Park High School in Roselle on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. kcc-dukanexc-1014The runners take to the course during the girls varsity Dukane Conference Cross Country Championships at Lake Park High School in Roselle on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. kcr-plainfieldnorthvolleyball-1026Oswego’s Riley Borrowman (3) reacts after Oswego defeats Plainfield North to win the class 4A Plainfield North regional volleyball final at Plainfield North High School on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. kcr-plainfieldnorthvolleyball-1026Oswego’s Riley Borrowman (3) raises the 4A regional championship plaque in celebration of Oswego’s victory over Plainfield North in their class 4A regional volleyball final at Plainfield North High School on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. slm-downersgrovenorthfootball-1027Downers Grove North's Owen Thulin (5) blocks an extra point attempt by Kenwood's Noah Charles (84) during a class 7A playoff football game at Downers Grove North on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. slm-downersgrovenorthfootball-1027Downers Grove North's Noah Battle (20) runs back an interception for a touchdown against Kenwood during a class 7A playoff football game at Downers Grove North on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023. kcr-oswegovolleyball-1030Oswego’s Mia Jurkovic (14) goes up for a kill against Lockport during a class 4A Oswego Sectional semifinal match at Oswego High School on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. kcr-oswegovolleyball-1030Lockport's Kylee Schurig (6) and Kyla Mitchell (8) defend the net against Oswego’s Ava Flanigan (12) during a class 4A Oswego Sectional semifinal match at Oswego High School on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. 1112_prp_stffbSt. Francis' Alessio Milivojevic (11) throws a pass against Morgan Park during a class 5A state quarterfinal football game at St. Francis High School in Wheaton on Saturday, Nov 11, 2023. 1119_prp_bhsfbMt. Carmel's Darrion Dupree (6) scores a touchdown against Batavia during a class 7A semifinal football playoff game at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. 1119_prp_bhsfbMt. Carmel's Darrion Dupree (6) smiles after scoring his 4th touchdown of the game against Batavia during a class 7A semifinal football playoff game at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. 1119_prp_bhsfbMt. Carmel players celebrate after scoring a touchdown against Batavia during a class 7A semifinal football playoff game at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. 1119_prp_bhsfbBatavia’s Ryan Boe (21) throws a pass against Mt. Carmel during a class 7A semifinal football playoff game at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023.

It's essential never to overlook expressing gratitude to those who've aided us in our life's journey, whether it be in our personal lives or careers. As I find myself seated in my car, eagerly anticipating the commencement of a football game in Downers Grove, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the following individuals:

Charles Rex Arbogast (AP Photojournalist):

In 2011, during a chilly November evening, I stepped into a classroom at Columbia College to attend a seminar hosted by the Illinois Press Photography Association. It was during this event that Charles Rex Arbogast, an esteemed AP Photojournalist, shared invaluable insights about the world of photojournalism and provided guidance on where to begin this journey. He particularly recommended the Peter Read Miller Sports Workshop in Denver for those serious about mastering sports photography. Listening to his words ignited my passion for becoming a photojournalist.

Peter Read Miller (Sports Illustrated Photographer):

Attending the Sports Workshop in Denver, led by Peter Read Miller, was a transformative experience. The lessons and wisdom I gained from the workshop and my conversations with Mr. Miller about the industry are memories I shall forever cherish.

Terrance Gardner-Shaw (Editorial Photographer):

In 2011, it was Terrance who introduced me to the group of freelancers in Aurora working with the Sun-Times in the western suburbs. Without his introduction, I might not be where I am today, working in this thriving industry.

Jeff Cagle (Photojournalist and Beer Expert):

In September 2012, Jeff noticed me on the sidelines of a football game at Waubonsie Valley and encouraged me to consider shooting for the Sun-Times. He even vouched for me to cover sports and news. Just a week later, I embarked on my first assignment at Burlington Central High School. Jeff's support was instrumental in my journey.

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

Steve extended to me the opportunity to undertake my initial sports and news assignments. His belief in me was a pivotal moment, and I am eternally grateful.

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

During a football game between Batavia and Downers Grove North in 2012, I crossed paths with Sandy. She inquired if I would be interested in freelancing for the Kane County Chronicle, which marked the beginning of a memorable collaboration. I remain deeply thankful for the chance she afforded me to freelance for Shaw Media.

Mark Busch (Photo Editor and Photojournalist for Shaw Media):

Mark permitted me to cover college sports for the Dekalb Chronicle (Shaw Media). I spent several years covering NIU football and basketball, thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. I shall be forever indebted for this incredible opportunity.

Chris Grove (St. Louis Post-Dispatch):

Chris played a crucial role in enabling me to cover high school sports teams from the St. Louis coverage area, granting me access to some of the state's finest football and basketball teams. Thank you, Chris!

Carter Crane (Owner and Reporter for The Voice Newspaper in Aurora):

Years ago, Carter asked me if I would be interested in covering sports for The Voice, thereby opening the door for me to report on college sports and MLB baseball. To the Crane family, I extend my sincere gratitude for allowing me to share stories through The Voice.

Maria King (Spouse):

When I disclosed my ambition of entering this industry to Maria, she initially harbored some reservations but unwaveringly supported my aspirations. She permitted me to invest in photography equipment and to dedicate my evenings away from home to cover local high school sports. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in my journey.

Photographers and Reporters:

Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to the talented photographers and reporters with whom I've had the privilege of working side by side over the past decade. I tend to talk excessively when nervous and occasionally engage in rambling conversations. Nevertheless, I genuinely appreciate the valuable conversations and advice you've shared with me. Thank you!