Tag Archives: Family

NTHS vs. Webster-Schroeder

Welcome to Marina Auto Stadium. Site of the 2009 Sectional 5/6 Playoffs. this was a game that North Tonawanda new would be a difficult contest. When I am photographing from the sidelines my friend Schooch normally expresses his worry about the team and the score. I mean when NT was beating up on Williamsville North and ended with a final score of 63-0 he said, “They could come back.” Schooch scared me at the beginning of this game because he took a very different tone. This time he said, “I’m not really worried about this game. The boys should handle this team easily.” The boys handled the team but closed out with their closest score this year. I’m going be a little more concerned when Schooch tells me “he’s worried about this team.” We haven’t spoken about the upcoming contest against Baldwinsville so I’m not sure where we stand yet.

NT vs. Webster-Schroeder 11-14-2009Norm Shreve is the father of Casey and Kyle Shreve. Today he was also known as the “Grill Master.” Nice job on the hamburgers and hot dogs Norm. The food we had was tremendous. I heard something about chowder and gumbo for next week. No wonder I enjoy football games so much or maybe it’s just the tailgating part. No, the football was excellent too.

NT vs. Webster-Schroeder 11-14-2009The Lumberjacks have dominated every team they faced this year. This lead the team to an 11-0 record. The depth of this team at many positions is quite remarkable. Thankfully the team has not known many injuries during their campaign for the 2009 State Championship.

NT vs. Webster-Schroeder 11-14-2009The team fought a difficult battle against a very worthy foe. North Tonawanda fought through many penalties and miscues to be victorious. This victory ensured the team would move on to the next level and continue to advance toward the coveted State Championship title. Winning this contest also gave the ‘Jacks title as the “Section V/VI Regional Champions.” There has not been a  previous Lumberjacks team that has ever advanced to this level. Congratulations boys! You, your coaching staff have done a fantastic job. The unbelieveable NT fans will continue to make the trip down the I-90 to support you!

The Lumberjacks play a highly ranked team from Baldwinsville, NY on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 6:00 PM.

Section 6 Regional Champions

Kujo

As I sit and write this I have tears in my eyes. I am so proud of what the NTHS Lumberjacks have accomplished and even more proud of what my son has accomplished. People who know me know I have a tremendous amount of difficulty promoting myself. I allow my work and my attitude to do that for me. My son has the same attitude. We almost never know when he has been interviewed or when he has won some award until we see or read about it. I heard when he was at Rich Stadium for media day one reporter was heard to say “He would have sat through the entire interview without saying a word.” This is emblematic of Stephen’s humility. Others might look at this as a weakness. Others might say that if you don’t go out everyday and tirelessly promote yourself you’ll never get ahead. I happen to disagree. Sure, you need to promote yourself but when you do it in such a way to drone out those around you people tend not to listen.

It is easy for individuals to loudly praise their achievements but it is my belief it is more important to have one’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Watching Stephen reminds of the importance of humility. Watching Stephen reminds me of the importance to know what one is capable of accomplishing and to simply go out and do one’s job; to accomplish one’s goals…quietly and without fanfare.

Stephen does not gloat. He does not point out his accomplishments. He allows his actions, his behaviors to speak for him. It is this voice which speaks more loudly than any other. We found out the day after NT’s win against Lancaster he won “Player of the Game.” He never said anything and when we witnessed his on-field interview we figured it was a result of his on-field accomplishments.

Here’s to those people who go about their day quietly and without need for regard. You will be noticed as your fire will burn brightest. Congratulations ‘Jacks and Congratulations Stephen. Onward to the next goal. Go Jacks!

“I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Kujo running in for a 41-yard TD vs. Lancaster.

Megan and Rob: A Preview

I met with Megan and Rob to photograph their engagement session on Sunday. The weather we had was some of the most beautiful we have had in Buffalo, NY in some time. Megan and Rob smiled with ease throughout the entire engagement session and made photographing them so much fun. Check out some of the photos in this preview and check back next week for more. Enjoy!

Megan & RobMegan told me how much she enjoys Fall and Winter. Megan came up with a wonderful idea for her ring shot. I love the brilliant colors in this shot. It’s these colors that also bring the warmth of Fall closer to my heart.

Megan & RobThis shot was taken in the lot of one of the newer schools in Niagara Falls. I had previously driven by this schoolyard and fell in love with these sculptures. They mean many things to me but enough for now. The rest of the post will be up early next week. Check back next week and see more photos from this fun photo session.

Megan & Rob

North Tonawanda Lumberjacks vs Frontier Falcons

You knew it was going to happen especially in the month of October and in Western New York. Rain. The entire season passed by with just a few drops falling on the heads of players and fans. Tonight would be different. Rain can be a game changer. Footing becomes uneasy and holding on to the ball an art form. You just knew tonight’s game was going to feature a hard fought running game. Sod would be flying and rain would be blinding making everything slippery. Every inch would count.

Kujo, now also known as the “Animal”, the “Rhinoceros” and the “Locomotive” romped for over 176-yards rushing Friday night.

The football gods were being kind to photographers and fans at the game. I knew it was going to rain and hoped it wouldn’t rain too hard for too long. The rain began in the afternoon and the sky told me it was not going to cease anytime soon. I arrived at the game cloaked in wet weather gear and ready for the rain. As the first quarter came to an end the rain slowed and evolved into a fine mist. Half-time arrived and we were treated with heavier rains that retreated into a fine mist by the time the second half began. This mist continued for the rest of the game.

NTHS vs Frontier

NTHS vs Frontier 10-23-2009-10

NTHS vs Frontier

NTHS vs FrontierKujo playing both sides of the ball very effectively.NTHS vs Frontier

 NTHS vs Frontier Kujo was thankful his “O” line did such a fantastic job blocking and opening up running lanes. Seriously, this is a good team!NTHS vs FrontierKujo broke away from tacklers to secure some of his 174-rushing yards.NTHS vs Frontier

NTHS vs Frontier

NTHS vs Frontier

Charlie

Charlie’s mother sent me an email about a week before the shoot asking me if I had any openings for a senior portrait shoot. I have a lot of difficulty saying “No” to a photo shoot. It seems as no matter how tired I am if you place a camera in my hands I feel rejuvenated. It’s like a fresh set of batteries just removed from a charger. I’m wide awake and ready to go or shoot.

Charlie was a typical male in front of the camera. His mother wanted the photos; he really didn’t care if he had them done. It was a day off from school. The weather was damp and dreary and as I got into my car to head to Cardinal O’Hara High School, raindrops danced on my windshield. I became anxious the shoot would not go off. I saw Charlie and he had gotten all dressed up and I just knew we had to make sure we got the shots. Charlie’s mother also made me aware Charlie had been named the 2009 Homecoming King. Congratulations Charlie.

Charlie started off stiff and experienced some difficulty smiling. I don’t know how I did it but a couple of minutes into the shoot Charlie started to smile and he never stopped.

Charlie's Senior Pictures

Charlie's Senior Pictures

Charlie's Senior Pictures

Charlie's Senior Pictures

Charlie's Senior Pictures

Charlie's Senior Pictures