I traveled to Kansas City last weekend to help photograph a large youth volleyball tournament. There were hundreds of teams there competing on more than 150 courts at the same time. We would photograph two to three games every hour for about 12 hours a day. It was a long weekend but it was fun and the time went by really fast because there was so much going on.
Here is one of the thousands of volleyball pictures I shot last weekend.
I photographed the University of Missouri’s final home basketball game of the season last week against Iowa State at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. Missouri played a solid game and defeated Iowa State 78-72.
The game was highlighted by senior night activities highlighting the achievements of eight seniors, and one of the most successful senior classes in Mizzou basketball history. Following the game each of the seniors had a chance to grab a microphone and address the fans at Mizzou Arena. It was really cool to see how appreciative the players were of their time at Mizzou and of the fans who have supported them though the year. The night was capped off with Kim English taking off his shoes and hurling them into the student section.
Enjoy a few photos from the game.
Iowa State's Royce White drives around the Missouri defense during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72.
Left: Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe puts a shot up over Iowa State's Melvin Ejim during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Right: Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe points to a teammate after scoring during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State. Missouri won the game 78-72.
Left: Injured Missouri basketball player Laurence Bowers cheers for his teammates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game with Iowa State Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72. Right: Missouri head coach Frank Haith encourages his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State.
Missouri's Kim English shoots over Iowa State's Royce White during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72.
Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe and Iowa State's Royce White battle for the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72.
Missouri's Kim English takes the ball to the basket over Iowa State's Scott Christopherson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72.
Left: Missouri's Golden Girls perform during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72. Right: Missouri fans and the Golden Girls do the Missouri Waltz during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72.
Left: Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe takes the ball to the hoop over Iowa State's Royce White (30), and Melvin Ejim during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 78-72. Right: Missouri's Steve Moore dunks the ball during the final minutes of the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State.
Missouri senior Steve Moore address the crowd at Mizzou Arena following the Tigers 78-72 win over Iowa State Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. "When I first got here I wasn't any good, at all," Moore said.
Missouri senior Kim English address the crowd at Mizzou Arena following the Tigers 78-72 win over Iowa State Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. English said the coaching staff this year is the best he has had in his four years at Mizzou.
Missouri senior Kim English throws his shoes into the student section at Mizzou Arena following the Tigers 78-72 win over Iowa State Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. The game was English's final home game as a Missouri Tiger.
I photographed the Missouri women’s basketball team take on Kansas State last weekend at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. The Tigers have had a rough go in Big XII conference play this season. Mizzou’s Liene Priede hit a big a 3-pointer with 2.6 seconds left in the game tie the score and force overtime. Missouri played a solid overtime period to pick up just their second win in conference play this season.
Women’s basketball games are a lot easier to photograph than the men’s games. The baselines are a lot less packed and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed. I hope you enjoy a few pictures from the game.
Missouri's Bree Fowler is introduced prior to the Tigers NCAA women's basketball game against Kansas State Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 61-56 in overtime.
Missouri's Bree Fowler, left, and Morgan Eye celebrate before going into a time out against Kansas State during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 61-56 in overtime.
Missouri's Sydney Crafton and Kansas State's Mariah White compete for the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 61-56 in overtime.
Missouri's Christine Flores looks to pass around Kansas State's Mariah White, left, and Chantay Caron, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 61-56 in overtime.
The Missouri bench celebrates after the Tigers tie the score against Kansas State late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 61-56 in overtime.
Missouri's BreAnna Brock, has the ball knocked away by Kansas State's Chantay Caron during overtime of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 61-56 in overtime.
The Missouri women's basketball team celebrates their 65-56 overtime win against Kansas State in an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, in Columbia, Mo.
The Missouri Tigers took on the Kansas State Wildcats in a Big XII college basketball game on Tuesday evening and I was at Mizzou Arena to cover the action. The teams played a very physical and hard fought game and Kansas State came out on top, delivering the third ranked Tigers their third loss of the season. Kansas State’s physical play frustrated Mizzou all night long. Missouri pulled to within three in the second half, but they were not able to get over the hump. Here are a few photos from the game.
Missouri's Kim English is introduced before taking on Kansas State State in an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Left: Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe puts a shot up over Kansas State's Jordan Henriquez during the first half an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68. Right: Missouri coach Frank Haith reacts to an officials call during the first half of the Tigers game against Kansas State.
Missouri's Michael Dixon, Jr.'s shot is pressured by Kansas State's Jamar Samuels during the first half an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Left: The Missouri Golden Girls perform during a time out against Kansas State in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68. Right: A Missouri Cheerleader performs a back flip during a break in the action.
Missouri's Kim English defends Kansas State's Jamar Samuels during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Left: Missouri's Phil Pressey puts a shot up over Kansas State's Martavious Irving during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68. Right: Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe is fouled Kansas State's Jordan Henriquez, back, while putting up a shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Missouri's Matt Pressey (3), and Michael Dixon, Jr. (11), battle with Kansas State's Jordan Henriquez (21), and Rodney McGruder(22), for a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Missouri's Michael Dixon, Jr. fights for the ball with Kansas State's Will Spradling during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
The Missouri student section cheers while Kansas State's Jordan Henriquez attempts a free throw during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Missouri's Steve Moore reacts to picking up his fifth personal foul against Kansas State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
Missouri's Marcus Denmon walks off the court after the final busser of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Kansas State won the game 78-68.
I photographed the Missouri Tiger’s basketball game against Oklahoma State earlier this week, and this was the first Missouri basketball game I photographed this season. Missouri played one of their better games of the season and were up by more than 20 points in the second half.
It was a fun game to shot and Missouri ended up winning the game 83-65. The win also gave senior’s Kim English, Marcus Denmon, Steve Moore, and Jarrett Sutton their 101st career win, which set a school record.
Left: The Missouri basketball team prepares to take the court before their game with Oklahoma State Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins. Right: Missouri's Steve Moore and Ricardo Ratliffe jump in the air during player introductions.
Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe and Oklahoma State's Michael Cobbins go for the opening tip off during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Oklahoma State's Le'Bryan Nash is pressured by Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe while going up for a shot during the first half an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Missouri's Marcus Denmon shoots a free throw during an NCAA college basketball game against Oklahoma State Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Left:Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe takes a shot over Oklahoma State's Philip Jurick during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Right:Missouri's Kim English takes a shot during the second half of their game versus Oklahoma State Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Missouri's Matt Pressey pressures Oklahoma State's Markel Brown during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Missouri's Laurence Bowers (center) jokes around with teammates on the bench during an NCAA college basketball game versus Oklahoma State on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Missouri's Marcus Denmon pushes the ball up court against Oklahoma State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Left: Missouri's Marcus Denmon goes up for a layup over Oklahoma State defenders during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Right:Missouri's Kim English battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma State's Keiton Page (12) and Le'Bryan Nash (2), during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Missouri's Kim English takes a jump shot over Oklahoma State's Michael Cobbins during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
Left:Missouri's Matt Pressey takes a shot over Oklahoma State's Le'Bryan Nash during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Right:Missouri's Ricardo Ratliffe cheers after being fouled by an Oklahoma State defender during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 83-65 giving their senior class a school record 101 wins.
I had the opportunity to photograph the annual Missouri Gymnastics Pink Out meet last weekend. The meet helps to raise funds for the breast cancer program at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.
Gymnastics is one of the harder sports to photograph. The athletes are flipping, twisting, and flying through the air and it can be difficult to freeze the action. Add that to the fact that I only photography gymnastics about once a year and you never quite know what you will come away with. I got a few photos that I was happy with, I hope you enjoy them.
It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. The past year has been a great year, I had the opportunity to photograph quite a few beautiful weddings, cute kids, sporting events and ad campaigns in 2011. I also successful completed personal project over the summer, taking a photo a day using a film Holga camera. I spent a lot of time scanning negatives but it was a great experience and got the creativity flowing.
I am excited to see what 2012 has in store for me. I am currently working on developing a new website for my wedding and portrait photography, so stay tuned for updates. Now here are a few of my favorite photographs, in no particular order, from the last year.
Bride Sarah exits a bounce house after playing in it with her bridesmaids while taking wedding portraits at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis.
Shane and Annaleigh enter their backyard wedding reception via yacht in Mobile, Alabama.
Kerri and Brian engagement photo session in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri State Championship Criterium cycling in Jefferson City, Mo.
Missouri tailback Kendial Lawrence fumbles at the goal line during an NCAA college football game in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri senior wide receiver Jerrell Jackson is carried off the field following his final home game at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri basketball player Kim English and University of Missouri Children's Hospital patient Brycen photographed for Toughness campaign.
Brenden photographed at his home in Collinsville, Ill.
Summer of the Holga photograph, Mike jumps in at Lake of the Ozarks.
Sailboat on Lake Hennessey, Napa Valley, Cal.
Missouri state champion burr oak tree at dusk in McBaine, Mo.
I photographed the Missouri versus Texas Tech football game over the weekend. The game marked the final home game of the season, and Missouri’s last home game as members of the Big XII conference. Saturday was senior day which is always a fun game to photograph. Each player is announced individually before the game starts and is greeted by the coaching staff. Following the game the players have a tradition of picking a rock out of the rock M on the hill in the north end zone of Faurot Field and being carried off of the field on the shoulders of the underclassmen.
The game got off to a slow start, but the last few minutes were packed with excitement. Missouri quarter back James Franklin scored the go-ahead touchdown with 2:22 left in the game. The Missouri defense needed a big stop and got it with under a minute left in the game after Dominique Hamilton tipped a ball at the line of scrimmage and Michael Sam came down with an interception sealing Missouri’s 31-27.
Missouri senior wide receiver Wes Kemp and defensive coordinator Dave Steckel embrace during senior day recognition prior to Missouri's game against Texas Tech, Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. This year's senior class is one of the winningest in Missouri football history.
Missouri fans cheer as Truman the Tiger sprays them with water prior to kickoff of the Tigers game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
Truman the Tiger cheers with fans as Texas Tech kicks off to Missouri to start the final home game of the season at Faurot Field on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri defensive coordinator and acting head coach Dave Steckel calls a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel was serving a one game suspension after being arrested for a DWI during the previous week.
Missouri tailback Kendial Lawrence fumbles the ball at the goal line during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. The ball went out of the end zone giving Texas Tech a touchback.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin crosses the goal line to score his first touchdown of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
(LEFT)Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe flips in the air after being hit by Texas Tech's Happiness Osunde during during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. (RIGHT)Missouri wide receiver Wes Kemp catches a pass over Texas Tech's Happiness Osunde during during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Missouri held on to win the game 31-27.
Missouri linebacker Zavier Gooden brings down Texas Tech running back Kenny Williams during during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin stretches the ball across the goal line past Texas Tech defender Cornelius Douglas for the go-ahead score with 2:22 remaining in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Franklin accounted for four touchdowns on the day.
Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam pulls in an interception in the final minute of an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech on Saturday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Mo. Sam's interception sealed a 31-27 victory for Missouri.
Missouri's Luke Lambert, (33) and Matt White (17) celebrate while linebacker Michael Sam covers the ball after pulling in an interception to seal Missouri's victory over Texas Tech, Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri defeated Texas Tech 31-27.
The Missouri football team sings the school's fight song with the student section after defeating Texas Tech in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. The game marked Missouri's final home game as a member of the Big XII conference.
Missouri senior wide receiver Terry Dennis looks for a rock to take with him from the M in the north end zone after Missouri's game against Texas Tech Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri defeated Texas Tech 31-27. After their final home game at Missouri seniors take a rock home with them.
Missouri senior wide receiver Jerrell Jackson is carried off the field by teammates T.J. Moe, left, and Marcus Lucas, with his rock following their victory over Texas Tech Saturday, November 19, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri defeated Texas Tech 31-27. Members of the senior class are carried off the field by their teammates following their final home game at Faurot Field.
Here are a few game action and feature photographs from the University of Missouri’s homecoming game against Iowas State a couple of weeks ago. This game marked the 100th anniversary of the University of Missouri’s homecoming celebration. Missouri had the right team on their schedule for homecoming beating the Cyclones 52-17. The game was a fun one to photograph, the fans were really excited for homecoming and the football team came out looking pretty good.
The University of Missouri mascot, Truman, cheers with the student section before the opening kickoff during of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
Missouri's Henry Josey is forced out of bounds by Iowa State defenders Durell Givens (24) and Sam Richardson (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
Missouri tight end Michael Egnew carries the ball up-field during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
Luke Lambert celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
The Missouri student section cheers during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
Missouri quarterback James Franklin looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
A swarm of Missouri defenders bring down Iowa State's James White during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
Missouri's L'Damian Washington tries to keep his balance during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
Missouri football fans hold pieces of foam to form a 100 in celebration of the University of Missouri's 100th homecoming football game. The tradition started in 1911 when then Missouri athletic director Chester Brewer invited alumni to "come home" for the football game against Kansas.
This week’s photo of the week is from the University of Missouri’s 100th homecoming football game against Iowa State. The game was pretty one sided with Missouri winning 52-17. I like how both players in this photograph are in mid air as the defensive player is tackling the ball carrier.
Iowa State wide receiver Jarvis West is brought down by Missouri linebacker Andrew Wilson during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 52-17.
