Christmas in the Big Apple

For Christmas I finally had the chance to get out of Texas and experience New York City for the holidays. It was a much needed departure from the scenery and pace of Texas during the Winter. The differences in almost everything were so overwhelming at first that I barely shot anything the first day I was there. It is still amazing to me how a simple change in scenery makes you think in a completely different way such as walking 20 or 30 blocks really isn't that bad. Me and Victoria only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer in our short time there and I definitely want to go back for more once the World Trade Center memorial is completed. Below is the almost 13 minute video of what we experienced over the week and a few of my favorite shots. There is so much to see that it just couldn't fit on one page so check out the rest of my images from the trip on my Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2242323&id=25316359

Manhattan from the sky during our helicopter tour of New York City. It was my first time in a helicopter and was surprised at how smooth it was compared to a small plane.

A drummer plays for tips in Central Park. There is so much to see just in the park that it would take weeks just to explore it all. Even then, performers and wildlife always offer a new experience.

Steam rising from a manhole cover in Manhattan. For some reason this image is an inherently New York scene to me. Maybe its because of movies and TV.

Times Square on our last night in New York. Our hotel was in Times Square so it and all of the taxis flying by were a daily experience for us.

This shot was taken at 11:30 p.m. on the last night of our trip. It was amazing to me how many people would be in Times Square all day and night regardless of the 26 degree temperature.

Victoria searches for a Starbucks on her phone as we walk through Wall Street.

The Statue of Liberty with New Jersey, left, and Manhattan in the background. It was interesting that security was more strict than at any airport I've ever been to. There were two "full body" checkpoints between Manhattan and the inside of the statue.

Central Park at sunset. This is one of the best parks I have ever been to because of its diverse landscape with grassy fields and rocky hills. Check out the rest of my images like the one above on my Facebook.

This display at the American Museum of Natural History was amazing. It seemed like it had every species of crustacean, reptile, plant, etc. known to man. Just looking at this image makes me want to go out and have a huge lobster dinner.

The view from our hotel window in Times Square. Taxis really define the landscape in Midtown Manhattan and they somehow coexist with hundreds of thousands of pedestrians walking in the street at their own risk.

Shorthorn Shots of the Week 11/27

This week was cut short because of Thanksgiving and sports dominated this week. Besides the portrait of "Mr. Arlington" himself, Allan Saxe, I got a lot of much needed sports action. Last weekend I covered the Southland Conference volleyball tournament in Huntsville. I continued my tournament multimedia packages with stills and video recaps of each game. Basketball season is also in full swing and it has definitely been interesting seeing how the new players are starting off the season. I was skeptical about how well we would do this season with such a young team but so far it's looking pretty good.

Political science professor Allan Saxe is lighting up Arlington with more than just his smile this holiday season with financial help to the North Arlington community of Interlochen for off-duty police officers to direct traffic for their neighborhood lights tradition. Saxe said that when he lived near Interlochen more than 20 years ago, he would decorate his home in conjunction with their Christmas light display where over 200 residents decorate their homes to show off to the public. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Junior forward LaMarcus Reed shoots over defenders during the second half of the Mavericks’ 88-71 victory over Hardin-Simmons on Monday at Texas Hall. The Mavericks’ next game will be against St. Edward’s at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Texas Hall. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Freshman guard Bryant Smith flies towards the basket for a layup during the Mavericks’ 88-71 win over Hardin-Simmons on Monday at Texas Hall. Smith has quickly become the Mavericks’ sixth man by being able to come off the bench and score by attacking the rim. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Senior outside hitter Bianca Sauls spikes the ball between Sugar Bear blockers during the Mavericks’ 3-0 loss to Central Arkansas in the second round of the Southland Conference Tournament at Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville. Sauls contributed eight kills and six digs in the final game of her senior season. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Junior outside hitter Tara Frantz blocks a spike by Central Arkansas on Saturday. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Lamar defensive specialist Angel Colyar, #9, dives for the ball as setter Kaylee Piatt attempts to dig off of a serve during the Cardinals 3-0 loss to UT San Antonio on Saturday in the second round of the Southland Conference volleyball tournament at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville. The Roadrunners of UTSA moved on to the play Central Arkansas in the championship on Sunday. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Southland Conference Tournament : Round 1

Southland Conference Tournament : Round 2

Morganne's Senior Portraits

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to shoot Morganne's senior portraits as she is graduating in December. We started off at the Alpha Chi Omega house at UTA then headed to a park in Mansfield for some natural scenes. The park offered some variety with open fields and a small pond to work around. It was a fun shoot and I am looking forward to seeing what my fellow photojournalist will accomplish in the future.

Shorthorn Shots of the Week 11/20

This week I finally published my profile on UTA student Ivan Romero that I have been working on for a few weeks. It feels good to get it out and see people's reactions to the video. It was also challenging to put together a more emotional piece compared to the event coverage that I normally do. Basketball season is also upon us and it will be interesting to see how new players will perform this season. I am also including some shots from One Night in Asia that didn't make it into my crowded post last week. Right now I am at the Southland Conference volleyball tournament and am working on stills and video recaps much like my coverage of the basketball tournament last year. More on that next week so until then, enjoy.

Spotlight : Ivan Romero

Civil engineering junior Ivan Romero jumps his bike off of a concrete drain at one of his favorite spots to do tricks near campus. Romero says that riding allows him to escape his daily pressures and is one of the only times when nothing is on his mind. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Romero is constantly on the move as he takes on many responsibilities at Whole Foods Market including keeping the front of the store clean and bagging groceries. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Sophomore guard Armani Williams leaps towards the basket during the Mavericks’ 98-54 win over UT Tyler on Tuesday at Texas Hall. The Mavericks’ have a 2-1 record going into their next game against Houston Baptist on Saturday in Houston. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Sophomore guard Cameron Catlett leaps towards the basket during the Mavericks victory over UT Tyler at Texas Hall.

Sean Ibanez, left, performs with the Japanese Daiko Group of Dallas on Wednesday at Multicultural Affairs’ One Night in Asia celebration in the University Center Rosebud Theater. The event featured a variety of talents including martial arts and dancing from many student organizations commemorating Asian Heritage Month. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Nursing freshman Resley Araze of the Filipino Student Association performs a traditional Filipino water dance on Wednesday. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

High School Football Playoffs - Abilene vs Arlington, Belton vs. Longview

In the midst of shooting my daily work for The Shorthorn, I always love freelancing sports on the side. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to shoot Abilene and Belton high school football as both teams make their push to continue in the playoffs. Abilene and Arlington High put on a great game Friday at Maverick Stadium at UT-Arlington that was decided by an 18-yard field goal to put Abilene on top, 31-28, as the clock expired. The story for Belton, however, was not as cinematic as mistakes led to a 52-28 loss to Longview at Kincaide Stadium in Dallas. Overall, it was a cold but exciting weekend of football in Texas.

Abilene High’s Jake Broosk (7) intercepts a pass in the third quarter of the Eagles’ bidistrict game against Arlington High.

Abilene High’s Paxton Grayer (5) rushes for a touchdown to tie the game in the third quarter, and AHS eventually won 31-28 on a late field goal.

Quarterback Ronell Sims (1) scrabbles for a few of his 148 yards on 28 carries for the night.

Eagles running back Paxton Grayer (5) kisses the bidistrict trophy given to his team after its 31-28 win over Arlington High.

Belton quarterback David Ash throws a pass to receiver Jonathan Paysse during the Tigers' 52-28 playoff loss to Longview on Saturday night. Ash threw for 282 yards and three touchdowns, giving the senior Texas commitment 3,470 passing yards and 41 TDs this year. (Andrew Buckley/Special to the Telegram)

Belton receiver Jonathan Paysse breaks away from Longview’s Deionte Wall during the Tigers’ 52-28 bi-district playoff loss Saturday night. (Andrew Buckley/Special to the Telegram)

Ruben Alvarez celebrates after Belton recovered a fumble in the second quarter on Saturday at Kincaide Stadium in Dallas.

Shorthorn Shots of the Week 11/14

I feel like I have been working non-stop for weeks now. Thus, this Shots of the Week is a combo showing some of my favorite stuff from the past couple of weeks. I'll let the images and video speak for themselves since it is a lot to recall and I don't want this post to take up the whole blog. As always, all the assignments that I've been shooting become learning experiences as I aim to shoot differently than I have in the past. Different angles, techniques, etc. In the end, quality over quantity is my overarching goal these days. Enjoy.

Disaster Training

Flight nurse Ian Curnow shows senior nursing students a drug bag that is carried in medical helicopters on Friday at the Campus Recreation Fields Complex. Curnow and his flight crew landed a helicopter on the field at the beginning of training and gave tours of the components that they use on a daily basis. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Nursing students could examine two medical mannequins with various simulated injuries on Friday. Each mannequin uses interchangeable parts that can be switched out to fit the needs of training. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

A LARPing Good Time

Shorthorn reporter Will Johnson, left, is taught a valuable lesson by veteran LARPer Will Curtis before a battle game on Saturday at Veterans Park in Arlington.

Burkburnett resident Justin Watson defends himself from an attacker during a ditch battle at Veterans Park on Saturday. Watson created his unique shield by using his sister’s baby blanket and said that he “has never heard a bad comment” about it. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Fight Night 2010

Scott Nye prepares for the next round of his match against David Trejo on Thursday during Sigma Chi's 23rd annual Fight Night at Cowboys Dance Hall in Arlington.

Great expectations follow head coach Scott Cross into this season after last year’s early dismissal from the Southland Conference Tournament. Over the offseason, Cross poured over player profile, stats and more to prepare for the upcoming season with new, young squad. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

After playing together for nine years, senior guard Tamara Simmons, left, and senior forward Shalyn Martin have cultivated a bond that reaches beyond the court as best friends and roommates. Simmons and Martin have become dominant forces at UTA as they aim to take the conference championship this season. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Shorthorn Shots of the Week 10/31

This week was definitely more challenging logistically rather than technically. Schedules didn't come together and good stories were hard to find. Overall pretty frustrating but there were some bright spots. I had to opportunity to cover the museum opening of Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science, an exhibit in Fort Worth where visitors learn how modern science is used to study mummies and the culture of ancient Egypt. I wasn't planning on doing a video but once I was there I thought it needed more than just a couple of pictures in the paper to show what the exhibit had to offer. The rest of the week was spent mostly trying to set up shoots for the upcoming basketball preview. I'm definitely looking forward to putting out some quality work next week with the preview and a profile piece that I'm hoping will work out Monday. Happy Halloween!

Cover of Pulse, our special section on Thursdays.

Lost Egypt: Ancient Egypt, Modern Science Video

Archaeologist Dr. Mark Lehner points a few of the important archaeological areas in Egypt on a large floor map at the entrance to the Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science exhibit at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on Friday. The 6,000 square-foot exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to see how archaeologists are using modern technology to study ancient Egyptian society and culture through interaction with real artifacts. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

This illuminated panel shows a few of the views that CT scans create, allowing Egyptologists to see inside of sarcophagi and study mummies without disturbing the physical remains. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Sculptures of four women who lived in Upper Egypt between 2,200 and 2,900 years ago were created with scientific data gathered from mummies using the same techniques police use to identify human remains. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Architecture junior Qudus Ogunmefun, left, jumps through a hula hoop as communication technology senior Chris Baker looks on during the Black Student Association’s Fall Carnival on Wednesday on the Central Library Mall. The carnival featured a variety of games including musical chairs and a candy toss. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Biology Junior Anthony Adromiwa shows off his mummy mask at the Fall Carnival on Wednesday. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Sophomore outfielder Preston Beck hits during batting practice on Thursday at Clay Gould Ballpark. Beck lives with a hectic schedule from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. while balancing training, practice and classes. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)