Blog Post - 1st Month as Associated Press Intern | Christian K. Lee

I am currently a little over a month into my internship with The Associated Press in Chicago. I wanted to share a few of the images I personally think shows what I covered so far. Additionally I would like to share some of the things I have learned. This blog will be a little different from the others because I will post short blurbs in between images:

THE FEATURE HUNT

Here my assignment was to "FEATURE HUNT". This pretty much means that it was my job to return with a pretty photo. This can be a little intimidating becuase if you don't return with a great image, you basically didn't do your job. I love taking photos of children because they will eventually ignore you and go back to having fun which will then allow you to become invisible and capture them in a natural moment. This assignment strengthened the fact that pretty images are everywhere, we just have to find them. In fact I remember making a Facebook post one day stating that in "in order to take a beautiful image one must first see the world as beautiful".

Anthony Muzi stands in water from the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park, Thursday, June 25, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Stanley Cup Victory Celebration

It was my assignment to search for moments during the 2015 Stanley cup victory celebration at Soldier Field stadium in Chicago. A few days prior I had just documented the initial celebration/almost border line riots. Those photos can be seen in another blog post here. Below I have posted a few images from the  2015 Stanley cup victory celebration at Soldier Field. The first image I posted is of a lady making a confetti angel. This is by far my favorite. I think it really encompassed how everyone felt that day and a few days prior the night of the victory. It was a surreal moment, it was as if everything in their lives were okay now due to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory.

Chicago Blackhawks fan Holly Frolek, creates a confetti angel as she celebrates the 2015 Stanley cup victory at Soldier Field, Thursday, June 18, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

Chicago Blackhawk fan Dawid Partynski, celebrates the 2015 Stanley cup victory at Soldier Field, Thursday, June 18, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

Chicago Blackhawk fans celebrate a 2015 Stanley cup victory at Soldier Field, Thursday, June 18, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

A Chicago Blackhawk fan holds up the number three symbolizing the amount of Stanley Cup Championship victories the team has had in the past six years, Thursday, June 18, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

Talia Pisano's  Wilms Tumor patient

Frankly this assignment almost brought me to tears. I tried my best not to cry because I did not want to make the situation uncomfortable. Talia is a one year old who has just undergone surgery to preserve he ovaries in an attempt to allow her to give birth in her later years. She is a Wilms Tumor patient, as an effect Pisano has had one of her kidney's removed and has relapsed in the brain. This is a cutting edge procedure because it hasn't proven successful for children her age. I had the opportunity to take portraits of her and document her 2nd birthday party.

Talia Pisano, 1,  stands in her hospital bed Thursday, June 11, 2015, in Chicago. Pisano is diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a form of cancer that effects the kidney. As an effect Pisano has had one of her kidney's removed and has relapsed in the brain. She is undergoing a rare option where doctors will attempt to freeze her ovaries in efforts for her to reproduce in later years. Although the procedure has been tested in women with developed ovaries it has not been attempted for girls her age.(AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Talia Pisano, 1,  heart rate is checked by her doctor Thursday, June 11, 2015, in Chicago. Pisano is diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a form of cancer that effects the kidney. As an effect Pisano has had one of her kidney's removed and has relapsed in the brain. She is undergoing a rare option where doctors will attempt to freeze her ovaries in efforts for her to reproduce in later years. Although the procedure has been tested in women with developed ovaries it has not been attempted for girls her age.(AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Talia Pisano celebrates her second birthday with family and friends Saturday, June 13 2015 in Wheaton, IL.

Talia Pisano celebrates her second birthday with family and friends Saturday, June 13 2015 in Wheaton, IL.

Talia Pisano celebrates her second birthday with family and friends Saturday, June 13 2015 in Wheaton, IL.

Talia Pisano celebrates her second birthday with family and friends Saturday, June 13 2015 in Wheaton, IL.

Pride Parade 2015

This parade was very historic for Illinois because it was the first parade since The Supreme Court declared that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States. Illinois same-sex marriage has been legal since June 1, 2014 due to a bill that was signed by former Gov. Pat Quinn.

A roller derby team slaps paraders hands at the 46th annual Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders celebrates at the 46th annual Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders celebrates around a pit of water at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders celebrates around a pit of water at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders carry a Human Rights Campaign flag while celebrating at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Press Conferences 

I have been given the assignment to document press conferences a lot since Ive been here. After you shoot them about 3 time they all seem to become a blur, but I try my best to come back with great images every time. The below image I took at a presser, I think this was my favorite photo take at a press conference.

Muslim chaplain Tahera Ahmad responds to a question during a news conference Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in Chicago. A Shuttle America flight attendant "will no longer serve United customers" following an investigation into the Muslim chaplain's complaint of discriminatory treatment during a flight last week, an airline spokesman said Wednesday. Ahmad said a flight attendant declined her request for an unopened can of Diet Coke because it could be used as a weapon. The flight was operated by Shuttle America for United. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Protests Galore

Illinois is currently undergoing a budget crisis and many groups have taking to the streets to voice their concerns. Below are a few of the images I have taken of protests.

Pamela Broomfield, 56, warns Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner of how the proposed budget cut will affect her on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, in Chicago. Broomfield is a resident at St Taici Place Apartments and she is one of the many residents who will be affected from the proposed budget cuts. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees protest outside in Chicago June 9  2015. More than 40,000 state workers’ contracts are set to expire at the end of the month, but no agreement is in sight between the various labor unions representing them and GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner, who has made damping down the union might a focus of his first months in office. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees protest outside in Chicago June 9  2015. More than 40,000 state workers’ contracts are set to expire at the end of the month, but no agreement is in sight between the various labor unions representing them and GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner, who has made damping down the union might a focus of his first months in office. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Craig Cleve, left, marches with members of the Chicago Teachers Union as they picket outside City Hall to protest $200 million in planned public schools cuts Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

Members of the Chicago Teachers Union picket outside City Hall to protest $200 million in planned public schools cuts Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

Members of the Chicago Teachers Union picket outside City Hall to protest $200 million in planned public schools cuts Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee) 

7 year old's death

7-year-old Amari Brown was shot and killed over the fourth of July weekend in Chicago. Sometimes you feel like a jerk when your asked to photograph a memorial site at the location where someone was killed. When I arrive on location I was not greeted happily. The family had been bashed by the media and did not want anymore attention. Sometimes I realized instead of trying to explain to a family why you need to photograph them, it is better to listen to their concerns.

This incident reminded me of the severity of the violence in Chicago. However it did not surprise me because I am a Chicago resident and violence has always been around. Below are a few of the images I took for this assignment.

Antonio Brown looks at memorial to his son, Amari, after Amari was gunned down on July 4 2014. (AP Photo/ Christian K. Lee)

Antonio Brown, father of Amari Brown, speaks near a make-shift memorial near the 1100 block of Harding on Chicago's West Side Monday, July 6, 2015. Authorities say 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. Police say Antonio Brown's refusal to cooperate with detectives highlights the city's ongoing challenge in curbing gang-related violence. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Amari Brown is seen in a photo with his father, Antonio Brown, Monday, July 6, 2015, at a memorial in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Amari Brown is seen in a photo with his father, Antonio Brown, Monday, July 6, 2015, at a memorial in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

A memorial in honor of Amari Brown is seen, Monday, July 6, 2015, in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Antonio Brown, left, father of Amari Brown, is embraced by a community member, Monday, July 6, 2015, in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

A person displays a memorial pin in honor of Amari Brown, Monday, July 6, 2015, in Chicago. Authorities say 7-year-old Brown, who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family, was among three people who were shot and killed overnight during a weekend outbreak of gun-related violence in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Members of the community march on Chicago's West Side to protest the death of 7-year-old Amari Brown Monday, July 6, 2015, in Chicago. Brown, who was one of seven people shot to death in Chicago over the holiday weekend, was the son of a gang leader with a lengthy arrest record, and police say the man's refusal to cooperate with detectives highlights the city's ongoing challenge in curbing gang-related violence. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Keep in Flight

Chicago Pride Parade 2015 | Christian K. Lee

Today I documented the 2015 Chicago Pride Parade. Illinois same-sex marriage has been legal since June 1, 2014 due to a bill that was signed by former Gov. Pat Quinn. On Friday, June 26, 2015 The Supreme Court declared that same-sex couples have a right to marry anywhere in the United States.

Paraders celebrates at the 46th annual Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders celebrates in a pit of water at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders celebrates around a pit of water at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

A parader celebrates at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

A Parader watches the 46th annual Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

A roller derby team slaps paraders hands at the 46th annual Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders celebrates at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Confetti remains on the ground after it is sprayed from a parade float Sunday, June 28, 2015, in Chicago. 

Paraders celebrates at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Paraders carry a Human Rights Campaign flag while celebrating at the Chicago Pride Parade Sunday, June 28, 2015 in the boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

Blackhawk Stanley Cup Final Celebration - Photo Blog

Alot has changed from the last time Ive posted a blog post.

1. I traveled to New York City for The New York Times Portfolio Review (It was amazing)

2. I submitted my application for The Eddie Adams Workshop ( I really hope I get in, but if I dont I will just regroup and apply next year)

3. At the end of this week, I will be completing my 3rd week as an intern at the Associated Press. (I am blessed that I have the opportunity to learn and contribute to AP.  Staffers such as Charles Rex Arbogast have taught me things that I am excited to put to use in my professional career.) 

4. Started on a personal project, so look forward to it.

SO NOW FOR THE BLACKHAWK STANLEY CUP FINAL COVERAGE ... .. .

Last night I documented hows fans cheered on their favorite team in Chicago. I photographed images on the CTA Red Line train, in bars and in the streets of the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago. Last night reminded me why I love photojournalism. Its not because of the joy of capturing a pretty image (although that is nice), it is more about telling the stories of people. While shooting last night it dawned on me several times that I was documenting history. Capturing moments that will never happen again. That is why photojournalism matters because we are the true visual historians. Images are posted below.

Chicago Blackhawks fan Broderick Myers, react to a scored goal by the team, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate in the Wrigleyville neighborhood after the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday, June 15, 2015 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fan Maikal Yamauchi, age 18, is carried by other fans while they celebrate in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago after the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the NHL hockey Stanley Cup, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

A Chicago Blackhawks fan climbs a street pole while celebrating in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago after the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the NHL hockey Stanley Cup, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fans commute on the CTA Red Line train to watch the team compete in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate while exiting the Addison exit of the CTA Red Line train. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the NHL hockey Stanley Cup, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate a goal during the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate a goal during the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Two Chicago Blackhawks fans are detained while celebrating in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago after the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the NHL hockey Stanley Cup, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Chicago Blackhawks fans light a flare while celebrating in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago after the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the NHL hockey Stanley Cup, Monday, June 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

A Chicago Police vehicle’s window is broken by a thrown brick as Chicago Blackhawks fans celebrate on Addison Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood after the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday, June 15, 2015 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Christian K. Lee)

Restore The Glory Blog post

After convincing enough of the right people I finally had the go to document this project. This biggest issue I faced was access. Access to the practices, tournament and bus ride to the tournament. I had to speak with coaches, athletic administration and tournament staff then finally I had the go. I was persistent, I called many of these people everyday for a two-week span and some people I called more.

The project itself was difficult to began and difficult to continue and here’s why?  After the convincing stage was over and once I began to document I grew relationships with most of the athletes. This made it difficult to photograph them in their most vulnerable moments. It’s easy to stick a camera into the face of a complete stranger but once you know someone its much harder. I solved that issue by quickly grabbing the images I needed and allowing the athletes to have their personal space when needed. I know that they understood that I had a job to do but after I completed that job I tried my best to give them space. This way I don’t ruin a relationship with the team or the athletes themselves. This approach proved successful.

We departed from Edwardsville, Il at 10:30am on Thursday March 5 2015 and planned to arrive in North Carolina at 11:30pm. That plan was quickly brought to a halt while passing through Kentucky. Kentucky underwent a state of emergency due to inclement weather conditions and the bus company we traveled with was forced to stop driving for the night so we checked into a hotel and traveled the following morning.

After a few more hours on the road, we finally arrived to North Carolina. At this point its not too much I can say without ruining the overall story. So take a look and let me know what you think. If you took the time out to read this blog post, let me know what you think by contacting me on social media.

Follow me on twitter & Instagram @chrisklee_jpeg

Snow-day & the photohunt

Southern Illinois University students had their first snow-day of the school year on February 16 2015. I initially set out to grab at least one image that was news worthy however I ended up snapping a bit more that I thought was worth being published. I spent the day watching students scrape ice off of their vehicle as I worked a better angle from inside their car.

As i stated, initially I didnt plan to get many pictures because their was no one outside due to inclement weather. However the more I walked around the more the images revealed themselves to me. I guess today I learned their is always a good image waiting to be taken, I just have to find them.

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After wrestling in the snow, Freshman mechanical engineering major Roger Williams of St Louis, Mo is covered in snow on February 16 2015 in Edwardsville, IL.

(left to right) Freshman mechanical engineering major Roger Williams of St Louis, Mo and Freshman forensic chemistry major Josephine Rosenboom of Herscher, IL set  out to build a snowman during the first snow-day of the semester on February 16 2015 in Edwardsville, IL.

Freshman mechanical engineering major Roger Williams of St Louis, Mo wears shorts outside during the university's first snow-day on February 16 2015 in Edwardsville, IL.

Students remove snow from their car on February 16 2015 in Edwardsville, IL.

Prospective students and parents take a campus tour while the campus is shutdown for a snow-day on February 16 2015. While the tour was initially cancelled due to inclement weather, the department of admissions accommodate guests that traveled a great distance to visit the campus. Assistant director of admissions, Ryan Downey states "while we support the campus' decision to cancel classes due to inclement weather we wanted to accommodate prospective students and parents who traveled a great distance to visit our university".

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students have their first snow day of the school year on February 16 2015.

Junior engineering major Dan Shinevar of Maryville, IL remove snow and ice from his car during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville first snow day of the year on February 16 2015.

The Bloom family sleds during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville first snow day of the year on February 16 2015.

Daniel Myers sleds down a hill with her daughter in arm on February 16 2015 in Edwardsville, IL.

St Louis, Mo Mardi Gras 2015 celebration

Many people are unaware that St Louis, Mo is home to the second largest Mardi Gras celebration next to New Orleans. In fact many people are unaware that it is even celebrated outside of New Orleans. This year St Louis did not disappoint drawing large crowds. Although the weather was cold paraders still enjoyed themselves.

One of my biggest challenges was documenting the celebration in a way that was tasteful. Mardi Gras can get wild with all the drinking and nudity so I knew it would be challenging to document the celebration in a tasteful way. My solution was to figure out angles that would show the celebration but without the nudity.

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Mass Die In

SIUE Students conduct a Mass Die-In on Tue January 21 2015. The silent vigil was largely organized by two student organizations, Black Student Union and Black Girls Rock. The March which eventually led to a die-in started at the university's library and lead to a four minute silent die-in.

Cougar Wrestling 01.17.2015

SIUE Cougars suffers a 26-9 lost against Central Michigan this past Saturday. One of my goals for this year is to shoot more wrestling matches. One thing I love about shooting wresting is that the fans, athletes and coaches are intense. Intensity always makes for a great photograph.

SIUE over Tennessee State University (Men's and Women's Bball)

The SIUE Cougars started off the Spring semester with a conference win for both the Male and Women basketball teams. The Men won their 6th straight home game this Saturday with a 45-38 victory. The Lady Cougars won their game 91-83.

Landslide Win for Tigers

Thursday, December 18th I covered a wrestling Dual match. The Edwardsville Tigers faced off against the Granite City Warriors. Edwardsville High School won the 1st ten matches of the night, leading to a victory for the Tigers.

FERGUSON: Tear gassed, Pepper Sprayed and Still Shooting!

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This Blog Post is a Continuation of a past post on August 11th, 2014 which was featured in USA Today

LINK to the past Blog Post is HERE: http://www.christianklee.com/blog/2014/8/11/ferguson-protest-blog

Tear gassed twice, Pepper Sprayed Once and still managed to see well enough to continue this project. I have been documenting the civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri since it all started in early August up until now without any riot gear or gas mask. Which I have paid for on several occasions. 

The first time I was tear gassed as a bystander, I felt like a super hero, because even though I got hit with a good dose of gas, it took about a 7 second delay before I felt the full effect. This gave me enough time to snap off a few more images. I would later pay for it. I quickly became a victim as my eyes burned so bad that I could not see, and I also gagged as a result to being exposed. People helped me by washing chemicals from my face with liquids that they had brought with them. I was particularly surprised at how helpful the protestors were due to the violent image that they had often been portrayed in. Initially, I felt vulnerable hoping that I would not be robbed for my camera, however that was not the case and I was helped on several occasion by people from different racial backgrounds.

The level of violence rose dramatically from when I had documented it in early August. This was due to International media attention that drew out larger crowds.

I was initially scared to document this part of the story because I knew the unrest would be more violent, however I continued to document because I did not want to tell a uninformed story.

The problem with documenting a Breaking Story is finding the story. Protestors continually move from location to location, so I have discovered that in order to be a good journalist you must also be a great researcher. I had to continuously research the web to find exactly where the story would be in real time. One of the most memorable images I took was of a female protestor who was clearing the streets immediately after a police car was burned to the ground. That image was my favorite because it was iconic. In my opinion, this means that the image had an aesthetic quality that symbolized the complete story of the protestors in Ferguson, Mo.

The burning car in the background of that image symbolizes the violence of angry protestor and the protestor with her hands up symbolized the peacefulness of other protestors. Here is the image.

Shortly after a Grand Jury decides not to Indict Officer Darren Wilson, Protestors take to the streets leaving a Police squad burned to the ground on November 24th 2014. Here a protestor walk with their hands up as officers attempt to clear the streets.

Another of my favorite, is a photo that I took as the crowd grew. This image is powerful because of its Irony. The fact that a welcoming banner hung in good spirit reading "Season's Greetings" meanwhile the events taking place below it wasn't too welcoming. That image is here.

In expectation of a Grand Jury Announcement, Protestors fill the street in front of the Ferguson Police department on Monday November 24th 2014.

The rest of the images are featured Below.

Officers stand guard as they watch to ensure that citizens protest legally, once the fate of Officer Darren Wilson is announced on Monday November 24th 2014.

The Grand Jury decides that Darren Wilson will not be indicted for the unarmed death of Michael Brown. His Mother, Lesley McSpadden, bursts into tears as the verdict is announced on Monday November 24th 2014.

Hours of turmoils erupts in the city of Ferguson, Missouri after a grand jury decides not to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown on Monday November 24th 2014. Angered protestors take to the street leaving nearly 10 businesses burned or damaged by fire and 61 people were arrested.

Shortly after the St. Louis County grand jury declines to indict Officer Darren Wilson, protesters take to the streets, leaving behind a burned police squad car on Monday, Nov. 24th 2014.

Protestors fill the street in front of the Ferguson Police department on Monday November 24th 2014 as they await the decision of the Grand Jury Announcement.

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Is it Real? BLOG POST

With this project I wanted to focus on stills and audio, because I knew the content was going to be strong enough. Stills have the power to capture moments in a way that video cannot. I chose to name this project "Is it Real?" because it seems to be a lingering theme that stuck with me throughout the project.

Spectators continued to ask him Is it Real, so it stuck!

Normally I use professional audio equipment for videos, however I decided to test the waters and use my IPhone as my audio source. I did this to prove that journalists can produce quality media at any given time. Surprisingly it stood the test and there was not a significant difference in quality.

Inter-Chorus Conferance

This Past Saturday, I documented the National Inter-Chorul Conferance in St Louis, Missouri where experts from their various musical fields gathered to share techniques on music making. Those experts also took the time to visit various High Schools throughout the St Louis community to expose them to various music backgrounds. Among those schools were the underprivileged and well privileged, however all students from every school learned something new.

Ferguson Protest Blog

When deciding whether or not i would document this tragic event, It all came down to FIGHT or FLIGHT. If your not familiar with that term it basically means that when danger arrives some people FIGHT (meaning they run towards the danger) or they FLIGHT (runaway from the danger). Well in this case against all better judgement of my peers and family I chose to FIGHT. I knew this would be a national topic and I wanted to document it.

I departed my house at about 10:30pm on August 10th 2014 in route for Ferguson, Mo. I had no idea where the riots were taking place but I knew I had to find it. I arrived on the scene and it was a complete war zone. I saw people running pass me with arms full of merchandise from stores they had just looted and innocent people who were victimized. Police Officers were on edge. It was pitch black dark so I was even frightened that officers may mistake my camera for a gun at night. However I continued to shoot. Below are images that I took over a two day period.

Chris Holmes suffers a head injury from angry protestors shortly after appearing at a protest in Ferguson, Mo. Behind him armed officers secure an area soon after a QuikTrip gas station was set to fire by raged protestors on August 10th 2014 in Ferguson, MO. Chris states "I walked passed the Quik Trip and thats when someone threw something that hit me in the head and they took my phone."

(left photo) Tensions run high in response to the unarmed death of 18 year old Michael Brown. Here armed law enforcement stand guard on August 10th 2014 in Ferguson, MO.

(right photo) A Ferguson protestor holds his sign in response to the unarmed death of 18 year old Michael Brown. Directly behind him armed officers (not pictured) stand guard due to looting of neighberhood businesses on August 10th 2014 in Ferguson, MO.

Armed officers stands guard in response to the looting that took place at a Mobil gas station on Aug. 10 in Ferguson, Mo. The looting is in response to the death of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown.

Activist Zaki Baruti (center), leads a rally outside of the Ferguson Fire Department on August 11th 2014 in response to the unarmed death of 18 year old Michael Brown by Ferguson law enforcement.

Protestors rally outside of the Ferguson Fire Department on August 11th 2014 in response to the unarmed death of 18 year old Michael Brown by Ferguson law enforcement.

Protestors rally outside of the Ferguson Fire Department on August 11th 2014 in response to the unarmed death of 18 year old Michael Brown by Ferguson law enforcement.

Ferguson police officers and Michael Brown Protestors meet toe to toe as rallying take place outside of the Ferguson Fire Department on August 11th 2014 in response to the unarmed death of 18 year old Michael Brown by Ferguson law enforcement.

(left photo) Protester Maria Chapelle shouts, "Where is your govenor?" She holds a cutout of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's face.

(right photo) Protester Anthony Shahid (right) shouts, "No justice, no peace," as demonstrators are met with law enforcement outside of the Ferguson Fire Department on Aug. 11.

Washington D.C. to Chicago - History and Headshots

Ending my summer internship, I had the opportunity to travel a little bit. I had the pleasure of traveling to Washington D.C. for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity's 100th year anniversary. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. is a Historical black fraternity with members that range from Bill Clinton to Huey P. Newton. This celebration even received recognition from President Obama. The most challenging part of shooting was deciding how far I would go to get the perfect shot. At that moment I realized what an older photographer taught me. He said " if your holding the camera, it gives you a license to get as close to the action you want." Remembering those words, without fear I rushed to the front of tens of thousands of spectators to capture history as it unveiled in front of my eyes.

After that I stopped in Chicago to shoot some Head Shots of Demetris and Yeneba Smith. I come from a journalistic background so the most challenging thing to do with head shots is to make your images look as organic as possible. Instead of posing my subjects in unnatural positions, I tend to position them in ways that compliment there body type and relax them. For example Demetris Smith (the male subject) has a very broad muscular chest that prevented him from crossing his arms, at least in a way that visually looked comfortable and natural. So instead I had him place his hands in his pockets or fold his hands for most of the shots. Yeneba Smith is a Mary Kay Consultant and we took some head shots for her social media platforms. She was a pleasure to work with. Overall I was pleased how the images turned out and the images are now being used on Yeneba Smith's linked in account.

Fast Freddy

Fast Freddy is a carnival ride operator. He specializes in fun. According to Fast Freddy when your on one of his rides there are only 3 rules "fast, fast and even faster." I have been waiting all summer for a carnival to come in town  so I could do this story. Ive had the idea in mind for about a year now. 

Freddy grasped my attention because he was so excited about his job. He was always smiling and doing thing to take the guests carnival experience to the next level. He had a level of enthusiasm that most of his other coworkers lacked, so I had to find out what it was that kept him so excited. Well as you will see in the video, Fast Freddy just loves his job. 

His machine stayed the busiest while the carnival was in town. Was it because of Fast Freddy? Dive into this video and make your own opinion about Freddy's enthusiasm.

Rodeo Riding: The Original American Sport

I am thankful to have the opportunity to have spent two days with Rodeo-man. One of those days I spent time with the number one "Bareback Rider" in the world according to the International Professional Rodeo Association standings. Mark Justin Kreder from Collinsville, Oklahoma was very humble when I first approached him.  I had no idea that he was this accomplished. In the video, viewers will see that he's far from shy and is very competitive, However he is not boastful which I thought was pretty cool. Rodeo-man loves three things Rodeo, God and their Country. They are not bashful when it comes to expressing there views on pretty much anything. In the sport of Rodeo they pray before each match, not individually to them selves which has become the politically correct way of doing thing but as whole. The Rodeo commentator leads the entire arena in prayer. This is rare in American sports, just another thing that makes them unique. Take a look at the video  for a better insight into the sport of Rodeo.

The Alton Kids: Story of a true car lover

I met Chuck during a car show in Edwardsville, Il. It was during the annual Route 66 festival held in remembrance of one of the original U.S. Highways "Route 66". I walked pass this guy several times because there were several other cars that initially caught my attention. However I am happy that I stopped to talk and hear about his life long love for cars. I approached this project as a same day turnaround project. This means that I shot, edited and posted this video online within the same day. Let me know what you think.

High Rise Firefighter training!

The East St Louis Fired department prepares to begin an aerial training session, developed to evacuate housing occupants in high building complexes. 12 firefighters participated in the high rise training session. East St. Louis has 7 high rise building in the city, with occupancies as high as 500. CHRISTIAN K. LEE/SPECIAL TO THE BND