A few photos from Dow Diamond.

In addition to graphic design, I've been doing a lot of photography for the Great Lakes Loons. Here are a few shots from the first few games at Dow Diamond.

The first is a shot of 8-time Major League All-Star Lance Parrish, the manager of the Loons.


Here is a photo of outfielder Scott Van Slyke, the son of long-time Pittsburgh Pirate (and current Detroit Tigers coach) Andy Van Slyke.


The next two are shots of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, the new manager of the Peoria Chiefs (the Cubs low-A affiliate).



This last photo is of a Peoria Chiefs player in the on-deck circle. I really like the way this one came out.

Play Ball!

Plenty has happened in the past few weeks. So much, in fact, that I can't even imagine trying to commit it all in writing. The time has passed in a blur, though, because I was rushing to keep up with the projects leading up to the beginning of the season for the Great Lakes Loons. I managed to keep up with all of the projects and deliver them to the printers on time, plus handled the inevitable last-minute emergencies (some signage that wasn't done on time, etc.). The Loons' season opened last week in South Bend and I was there to take photos. In the week since their first game, the Loons have compiled a 4-2 record.

Today, however, is the big day--the home opener at Dow Diamond. Whenever I think of the Loons, I think WE. They are a client, but they are much more than that. I've been living and breathing the Great Lakes Loons for the past three months and the big kick-off party is tonight. We play the Lansing Lugnuts tonight at 7:05 and I will be shooting the game. I actually need to get there a few hours early, though, so that I can go over a shot list with the Assistant GM and be there to shoot the pre-game ribbon-cutting and various festivities.

The weather, while still unseasonably cool, is doing its best to cooperate. It's only 46 degrees or so, but at least we have blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Not the most comfortable weather to be shooting in, but the temp won't show in the photos (aside from the players' breath being visible, that is).

I don't know if it's all of the caffeine I drank today or if it's just nerves, but I have butterflies the size of bats in my stomach. I've been looking forward to this for months and it's finally here. The pressure isn't even all that bad since I am only one of several photographers at the game, but I still feel that I need to perform. The team is already very happy with my work--both design and photography--but if tonight goes well, it could open a lot of doors.

Okay...fifteen minutes until I have to leave. Time to get dressed and get all of my gear together.

Play ball. And go Loons!