James Brosher Photography

Elmwood continues cleanup as Fall Festival begins

James Brosher — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:04:47 +0000

Months after a tornado ripped through Elmwood, Ill., the city continues its cleanup as its Fall Festival begins. The June tornado destroyed several historic buildings in the downtown area of the town, many of which had to be torn down completely. Downtown construction and vacant lots serve as a reminder of the tornado as fair goers take to the city’s park for the festival this weekend.

Doug Whitney loads debris in the back of his truck as he cleans out a vacant lot before the start of the Fall Festival, pictured in background, on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at the corner of Main and Magnolia streets in Elmwood, Ill. Whitney's building was one of several destroyed by a June tornado that ripped through the town.

Brothers Matthew Williams, left, age 5, and Keaton Williams, age 3, share a few laughs as they ride motorcycles and honk the horns on a ride on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at the Fall Festival in Elmwood, Ill.

Amy Caulkins plays with her daughter, Mackenzie, age 1, before taking the stage during a baby contest on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at the Fall Festival in Elmwood, Ill. This is the first year for the baby contest at the festival.

Alex Boord, age 15, rides a wheelie down Main Street past a building that once housed a laundromat and pet shop on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, in Elmwood, Ill. Many businesses in this rural community have started to rebuild after the June tornado destroyed several buildings in the downtown area.

Stephanie Alvey, top left, talks to her daughter, Hannah Alvery, age 8, as they ride with Hank, age 4, top right, and Will, age 2, on the ferris wheel on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, at the Fall Festival in Elmwood, Ill.

Dick Taylor uses a level to line up a board for a sign being constructed on a lot where the local hardware store used to stand on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, in Ellwood, Ill. The hardware store was destroyed by a tornado that ripped through the town in June.

Oliver Thornton, age 3, rides a miniature Amtrak train as his parents cheer him on during the Fall Festival on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, in Elmwood, Ill.

A carnival worker does her homework as she waits for customers during the Fall Festival on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, in Elmwood, Ill.

Mallory Byrne reacts while talking to a contestant as she judges the baby contest with fellow judges Stephanie Byrne, left, and Riley Armstrong during the Fall Festival on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, in Elmwood, Ill.

A sign saying "help is on this corner" stands in an empty lot marking the site where a local a hardware store once was as Dick Taylor erects a sign in the lot on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, in Elmwood, Ill. The hardware store was one of several buildings destroyed by a tornado in June, but locals are optimistic that new brick-style buildings will replace those that were lost in the storm.

Preparing for Rosh Hashanah

James Brosher — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:28:57 +0000

Alena Fishkin, right, age 9, dips apples slices into a bowl of honey with her brother, Grant, age 12, as their mother prepares a Rosh Hashanah meal on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at their Peoria home. Many Jews eat apples and honey together to ensure a sweet new year. The Fishkins will serve a buffet-style Rosh Hashanah meal at their home on Thursday evening for about 30 people, Ladona Fishkin said.

Ladona Fishkin stirs a pot of homemade apple sauce as she cooks foods to be served at a Thursday evening Rosh Hashanah dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at her Peoria home. Apples are a common symbolic food served at Rosh Hashanah because its sweetness is thought to help usher in a sweet new year.

Holga in the heartland

James Brosher — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:07:47 +0000

Here’s the latest installment in my occasional toy camera musings. These are a few frames I took while I was home in Indiana between my internships in Austin and Peoria, Ill. I haven’t had a chance to shoot any film yet in Peoria, but with the harvest season approaching, I’ll have to make an effort to do so.

Adam Lambert brings Glam Nation Tour to Peoria

James Brosher — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:34:20 +0000

Adam Lambert performs for a packed house on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

A fan cheers as a fellow fan dances to a Michael Jackson song in the balcony prior to an Adam Lambert concert on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Adam Lambert performs for a packed house on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Singer Adam Lambert exchanges a kiss with his bassist Tommy Joe Ratliff during a performance on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center. Lambert, who is opening gay, made waves after kissing Ratliff on national television.

A fan holds up a "Glambrt" license plate for glam artist Adam Lambert before the start of a concert on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Adam Lambert performs for a packed house on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Singer Adam Lambert performs a cover of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" during a show on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Singer Adam Lambert, left, performs with bassist Tommy Joe Ratliff during a performance on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center. The two exchanged a kiss on stage during the show.

Adam Lambert performs for a packed house on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at the Peoria Civic Center.

Illinois-Missouri Arch Rivalry football

James Brosher — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:52:53 +0000

My editors sent me down to St. Louis to cover the Illinois-Missouri rivalry game at the Edward Jones Dome. I hadn’t shot an actual football game since November (although I did shoot the Indiana spring game in April). I figured my timing would be off, but I felt good about my reaction time to plays on the field. Neither team had many big plays so I was only able to shoot what they gave me. This was the first time using a 400 mm f/2.8 lens to cover football. I’m very accustomed to using a 300 f/2.8 during my days in college. It’s noticeable because my shots are much tighter than most of my work from last season.

Missouri linebacker Andrew Gachkar (6) knocks a pass away from Illinois wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (8) as Jenkins crosses the middle on a slant route during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Missouri tight end Michael Egnew catches a wide open touchdown during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Illinois coach Ron Zook leads his team onto the field to take on Missouri in the Arch Rivarly on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, right, reaches out for the ball as he is gang tackled by Illinois during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Illinois recovered the fumble.

Illinois coach Ron Zook yells at an official after a false start was called on his team during a game against Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase scrambles away from Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam on a critical fourth down play late in a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Scheelhaase avoided the sack and appeared to connect with a receiver for a first down, but the catch was called incomplete on the field and was confirmed as such following a video review.

Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure (5) breaks away from Missouri safety Jasper Simmons en route to a big gain, setting up Illinois for its first touchdown later in the drive during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Illinois wide receiver A.J. Jenkins fixes his eyes on the corner of the endzone as he tries to outrun a Missouri defender during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Jenkins would score a touchdown on the play.

Illinois cheerleaders watch a video replay in disbelief after quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase threw an interception in a game against Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Illinois kick returner Darius Millines (15) puts a Missouri defender on the ground as he returns a kick during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Members of the Illinois color guard watch in disbelief as it became apparent Illinois would lose to Missouri during a game on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert gets some encouragement from offensive coordinator David Yost following the team's 23-13 win against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2010, at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Illinois Blues Festival

James Brosher — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:10:15 +0000

My primary assignment this evening was to photograph the opening night of the Illinois Blues Festival down on the Peoria Riverfront. I couldn’t photograph all the bands because of deadline restraints so I tried to mix things up visually given I only shot three of the evening’s bands.

Levee Town guitarist Brandon Hudspeth talks to the crowd after his band finished their set on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

Easy Riders guitarist Mike Miller performs on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

Mallory Coons, right, hits a high note performing with Big Silver Derailed on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

Easy Riders guitarist Mike Miller glances back at a keyboardist during the band's performance at the Illinois Blues Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Riverfront.

Matt Fuller wails away on the harmonica during a set with his band, Easy Riders, on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

Easy Riders guitarist Mike Miller performs on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

Saxophonist Doug Daniels performs with Big Silver Derailed during the Illinois Blues Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Riverfront.

The silhouette of Big Silver Derailed guitarist Sean Ward is seen during the band's performance at the Illinois Blues Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Riverfront.

Easyriders band members Matt Fuller, left, Mike Miller and Pat Connolly perform during the Illinois Blues Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Riverfront.

Easy Riders bassist Pat Connolly makes a face as he navigates through a song with the band during a performance on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

Drummer Neil Dennis performs with Big Silver Derailed during the Illinois Blues Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Riverfront.

The band Easy Riders, including guitarist Mike Miller, left, performs during the Illinois Blues Festival on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Riverfront.

Big Silver Derailed members Mallory Coons, left, shares a laugh with guitarist Sean Ward mid-song during a performance on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

The blues group Easy Riders performs on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at the Illinois Blues Festival on the Riverfront.

“It’s bleeping golden”

James Brosher — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:45:51 +0000

My first assignment today was feature hunting at a local tropical fish show inside a mall. There was a lot of colorful fish, but this was by far the most interesting (and humorous) shot:

A aquarium, entitled "It's bleeping golden," depicts the Rod Blagojevich scandal with gold fish during the 42nd Annual Tropical Fish Show on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at Northwoods Mall. The show, presented by the Tri-County Fish Society, runs through Sunday.

Splish splash

James Brosher — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:56:20 +0000

Some days you just get lucky. My editors sent me to the village of Manito, Ill. today to photograph a traveling Vietnam Wall for front of the local section of the paper. When I arrived in Manito (it’s about 35 minutes away from Peoria), I ran into a severe thunderstorm that dumped sheets of rain for about 30 minutes. In the midst of the rain, I couldn’t find the wall so I had to wait until the heavy rain ended to get out of the car to ask directions. When I found the wall, it was deserted. There wasn’t a sole in sight. Just my luck right? I backtracked my way towards town and happened to catch a couple kids riding their bikes through a ginormous puddle in a high school parking lot.

Jared Oest, age 6, navigates his bicycle through a large puddle of deep water with his brother, not pictured, on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, in a parking lot at Midwest Central High School in Manito, Ill. Several streets and parking lots in the village were flooded following a severe thunderstorm that pounded the area with high winds and heavy rain on Thursday afternoon.

Texas through a plastic lens

James Brosher — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:50:23 +0000

During my summer internship in Austin, I carried a loaded Holga with me in my car to most of my assignments. Whenever I saw something weird or interesting, I shot a few frames with the plastic camera. I also used it whenever I had the urge to take touristy photos while I was in Texas. Today I picked up the last roll from my trip after having it processed here in Peoria. I know the Holga is thought of as a trendy hipster camera, but I like to use it to get back to basics. You can’t chimp on a Holga, and you have to understand exposures to use the thing. It’s the photographic equivalent of recording an album on a 4-track.

Peoria-Clinton minor league baseball

James Brosher — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:08:24 +0000

LumberKings shortstop Nick Franklin (3) prepares to throw to first after forcing Chiefs right fielder Jae-Hoon Ha out at second base during a game on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at O'Brien Field.

Chiefs third baseman George Matheus tightens up his gloves as he walks to the plate for an at-bat against the Clinton LumberKings on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at O'Brien Field.

LumberKings pitcher Yoervis Medina (45) holds a baseball as he watches pre-game festivities with his teammates before taking on Peoria on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at O'Brien Field.

Chiefs pitcher Marcus Hatley throws to a LumberKings batter during a game on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at O'Brien Field.

LumberKings first baseman Mickey Wiswall leads off from second base while keeping a close eye on the Chiefs pitcher during a game on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at O'Brien Field.

Dan Fogelberg Memorial dedication

James Brosher — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:09:54 +0000

Jean Fogelberg, the widow of Dan Fogelberg, shares a smile with a fan after a ceremony dedicating a new memorial in honor of the late singer/songwriter on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at Riverside Park.

Peoria mayor Jim Ardis makes a few remarks during a ceremony dedicating a memorial in honor of the late singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at Riverside Park. The memorial includes three large stones engraved with Fogelberg's lyrics.

Bradley opens new stadium with volleyball win

James Brosher — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:44:23 +0000

Bradley's Caitlin Staib (12) looks to spike on Western Illinois defenders during a game on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, in the university's new Athletic Performance Center. Bradley won 3-0.

Bradley players celebrate after they scored a point against Western Illinois during a game in the university's new Athletic Performance Center on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. Bradley won 3-0.

Bradley players scramble for the ball during a game against Western Illinois on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, in the university's new Athletic Performance Center.

Bradley's Shelly Mueller (13) spikes on Western Illinois defenders during a game on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, in the university's new Athletic Performance Center.

Western Illinois' Cait Egan (13) celebrates with teammates Allison Gilbert (14) and Brooke Stittleburg (4) after scoring against Bradley during a game on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at Bradley's new Athletic Performance Center. Bradley won 3-0.

Bradley opened its new Athletic Performance Center with a volleyball game against Western Illinois on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. Bradley won 3-0.

Bagpiper at Erin Feis Festival

James Brosher — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:29:50 +0000

One of my assignments today was to come up with a feature photo for the local section from Erin Feis, the local Irish festival. Unfortunately for me, my schedule only allowed me to be there early in the afternoon when there wasn’t too much going on. After a few passes through the festival grounds, I zeroed in on a bagpiper near the front entrance playing by himself. I shot a few features of him only to learn later that a fellow staffer had done the same thing at the festival a few years back.

Craig Thacker plays the bagpipes near the main entrance of the Erin Feis Festival on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, on the Peoria Riverfront. Thacker plays with the Illinois Elks, and will be greeting visitors with his tunes near the entrance this weekend.

The shadow of bagpiper Craig Thacker stretches along a sidewalk near the main entrance to the Erin Feis Festival on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, on the Riverfront.

A striking similarity

James Brosher — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:53:44 +0000

I’ve had the last couple days off so I spent the time updating my portfolio and resume with some of my Austin work. As I was working on the ordering of the portfolio itself, I noticed an odd similarity between a couple of the shots. The first shot is from an Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros show I photographed this summer in Austin, and the second is a feature photo from last summer when I was in South Bend, Ind. What struck me about these shots was the color similarities between the two performers. Both are wearing white jackets and pants with red scarves. Both are carrying microphones. Both have interesting facial expressions. Maybe it’s just me, but I read a bit deeper into the yin and yang of the two photos as well. Alex Ebert is performing for a younger audience while Elvis is performing for the elderly. Some would describe Ebert as a hippie while the Elvis impersonator is clean cut. As I was comparing these photos, it brought to mind a project by Scott Strazzante named “Common Ground.” He keeps a blog with a lot of interesting matches from his project.

Alex Ebert, lead singer of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, performs with his band at La Zona Rosa on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Tuesday night's show was a sell out.

Elvis impersonator Tim Dudley reacts after Forrest F. wouldn't let go of his hand as Dudley greets the crowd during a performance for senior citizens on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the Milton Adult Day Services. Dudley performed several of Elvis' hits for the crowd.

Day one in Peoria

James Brosher — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:18:38 +0000

Today is the first day of my fall internship at the Peoria Journal Star. It’s already quite a bit different than Austin, but I’ve got six months to get used to it. After meeting the staff, I went out with one of the staffers to shoot a local high school soccer game.

IVC sophomore Connor Bogner (9) slides in to kick the ball away from East Peoria freshman Benett Crim during a game on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, at IVC.

East Peoria keeper Tyler Townsend covers up a shot wayward of the goal as IVC's Alex Bernardi looks to score during a game on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, at IVC.

Looking back: Indiana football 2009

James Brosher — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:45:50 +0000

Right now I’m in a bit of a holding pattern between internship gigs so I thought I’d take a look back at some of my stuff from last year’s Indiana football season. (Today is also apparently IU’s football media day, which is great timing.) Last season was my first shooting IU football full time. IU is definitely not known for it’s football program, but it made for an interesting fall semester as I embarked on a few road trips with the football writers to cover the team, including a 13-hour drive to Charlottesville, Virginia to see the team lose 47-7.

IU quarterback Ben Chappell walks off the field after failing to pick up a first down during a football game against Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va. IU lost 47-7.

IU coach Bill Lynch argues with an official during a football game on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa.

IU football coach Bill Lynch shows the media the Hall of Champions, a room in the north end zone addition, during IU football media day on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, at Memorial Stadium.

Flanked by freshmen football players, IU football coach Bill Lynch talks to students during Traditions and Spirit of IU on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at Assembly Hall.

Eastern Kentucky quarterback Cody Watts, left, tries to avoid IU's Greg Middleton during a game against Eastern Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Memorial Stadium. Watts fumbled the ball in the end zone on the play, resulting in a safety.

IU cornerback Ray Fisher bows his head in prayer before the start of a game against Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

IU running back Darius Willis dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of a football game against Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich. IU lost 36-33.

IU safety Austin Thomas, No. 20, watches as a possible interception goes through his hands during a football game against Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich. IU lost 36-33.

Michigan linebacker Obi Ezeh drags down IU wide receiver Damarlo Belcher from behind during a football game on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

IU quarterback Ben Chappell makes a throw during a football game against Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Chappell was 21 of 38 with one interception. IU lost 36-33.

IU running back Darius Willis breaks away from Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs for a 85-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter of a football game on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor. IU lost 36-33.

IU wide receiver Damarlo Belcher, left, struggles for the ball with Michigan's Donovan Warren during the fourth quarter of a football game against Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Warren came up with the ball, and a review confirmed the officials' call. IU lost 36-33.

Virginia cornerback Ras-I Dowling puts a hit on IU quarterback Ben Chappell during the first half of a football game on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.

IU wide receiver Damarlo Belcher tumbles to the ground with the ball after a tackle by Illinois cornerback Walter Aikens during a football game on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Memorial Stadium. IU won 27-14.

IU defensive end Jammie Kirlew (57) struggles in an attempt to sack Illinois quarterback Juice Williams during a football game on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Memorial Stadium. Illinois offensive lineman Jeff Allen (71) was called for holding on the play.

The American Flag is reflected off the helmet of a member of the color guard before a football game between IU and Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa.

IU linebacker Tyler Replogle (46) pushes Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi to the ground for a sack during a football game on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Members of the IU Marching Hundred stand on field before a football game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Memorial Stadium.

Wisconsin cornerback Jay Valai (2) drags down IU wide receiver Tandon Doss during a football game on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Memorial Stadium.

IU quarterback Ben Chappell (4) fumbles the ball in the red zone during a game on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Memorial Stadium. An IU player recovered the fumble.

IU cornerback Adrian Burks tackles Purdue wide receiver Aaron Valentin after a catch during a game on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Memorial Stadium.

IU wide receivers coach Billy Lynch puts his head down on the sidelines in the closing minutes of a 31-28 loss to No. 24 Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Memorial Stadium.

You say goodbye, and I say hello

James Brosher — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 04:05:11 +0000

I had a pretty good summer. I came to this realization on Wednesday, my last day at the Austin American-Statesman, as a few of the staffers looked through my work from my internship. Throughout the entire internship, I had constantly beat myself up over the quality of my work. I’m by far my own worst critic. I often overlook the good and immediately focus on the flaws. I’m extremely driven to be a better photographer, which can sometimes frustrate me when I don’t make perfect images. I might hit a single, but I’m usually swinging for the fences. In the end (literally since it was the last day at work), I realized I had a pretty good summer, and the experience as a whole was beneficial to me.

Larenz Dempz, age 7, tries to keep his balance as he stands on Brian Beavliev's back during a push up at the East Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Area youngsters participated in a Police Activities League basketball camp at the gymnasium.

Yoga instructor Anna Gieselman leads a group in a stretch during a donation-based class at Casa de Luz on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010. The classes are part of Community Yoga, which collects donations and uses the proceeds to teach yoga to underprivileged citizens who can't afford the classes.

Tomball players show their disappointment after falling to Bowie 9-1 in the Class 5A softball semifinal at the University of Texas on Friday, June 4, 2010.

Alex Ebert, lead singer of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, performs with his band at La Zona Rosa on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Tuesday night's show was a sell out.

Bushland players Monty McCasland, left, and Thomas Cleveland share a moment in the dugout after a loss in the Class 2A state championship game at Disch-Falk Field on Thursday, June 10, 2010.

Yuri Kelly performs a dance at the Round Rock Juneteenth Festival on Friday, June 18, 2010. Friday night performances and a talent show were a prelude to Saturday's parade and festival.

Ryan Colpaart, of Austin, cheers on the Netherlands as he watches the World Cup final from Fado Irish Pub on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 for its first World Cup title.

A Ron Paul supporter makes his way along Third Street with an anti-war sign on Saturday, July 24, 2010.

John Wesley Coleman poses for a portrait at his Austin home on Monday, July 12, 2010.

Leland Smith, a local painter, works on a piece under a canopy as a drizzling rain mists the area during SoCo First Thursday on Thursday, July 1, 2010. "I gave it up for 20 years," Smith said of his work, but says he is painting again after the hiatus.

For those of you who thought this post was about the Beatles, here’s a YouTube video for your viewing pleasure.

Astros prospect Jordan Lyles makes Triple-A debut

James Brosher — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:52:53 +0000

My afternoon assignment on Tuesday was photographing a 19-year-old Houston Astro’s prospect who was making a Triple-A debut with the Round Rock Express. Although my single focus was on the young pitcher, I shot a few features in the ballpark and happened to catch the umpire calling a runner safe at home plate (third photo). One thing I loved about the assignment was the light. The game started at 7 p.m. with long shadows on the field that progressed as the sun set in the West. Instead of avoiding the sunlight or exposing away from it, I made some photos with an emphasis on the harsh contrast between shadow and sunlight. This is something I’ve really developed an eye for this summer. Now when I go on assignments, I often find myself looking for this.

Round Rock Express pitcher Jordan Lyles, age 19, throws to a Sacramento batter during his first minor league start at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. Lyles is one of the Astro's top prospects.

Express pitcher Jordan Lyles, age 19, runs out to the mound at the top of an inning against Sacramento at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

Home base umpire Mike Lusky signals safe as Express first baseman Brian Bogusevic (23) slides into home plate, scoring Round Rock's first run in a game against Sacramento at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

A few fans shade their eyes from the setting sun as Express pitcher Jordan Lyles, age 19, takes the mound to face a Sacramento batter during a game at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

Youngsters watch as Express catcher Brian Esposito (2) warms up in a slit of light in the outfield before a game against Sacramento at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

Round Rock Express pitcher Jordan Lyles, age 19, walks back to the mound during a game against Sacramento in his first minor league start at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010. Lyles is one of the Astro's top prospects.

More yoga

James Brosher — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:25:25 +0000

Instructor Joanna Fried leads a group of women in a yoga class at North Loop on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.

President Barack Obama visits Austin

James Brosher — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:17:31 +0000

I got the opportunity today to photograph the presidential motorcade and Air Force One during Barack Obama’s visit to Austin. I was working in a support role to the rest of the staff today who were covering Obama’s arrival, the president’s speech at the University of Texas and crowd reactions at places in between. With such a huge news story, it was very cool to be able to contribute to the staff’s coverage, especially as an intern. While some might be disappointed that they are not photographing the speech itself, as an intern you have to be humble and be thankful that you were asked to contribute to a big news story.

It's business as usual at Callahan's General Store off of U.S. 183 as Air Force One carrying President Barack Obama prepares to land at Bergstrom International Airport on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010.

President Barack Obama's motorcade passes under Riverside Drive as it heads South on Interstate 35 towards Bergstrom International Airport on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010. Obama spoke to Democratic fundraisers downtown and students at the University of Texas before concluding his trip to Austin. Later in the day, the president is scheduled to make a stop in Dallas.

An armored limousine carrying President Barack Obama passes heads South on Interstate 35 towards Bergstrom International Airport on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010. Obama spoke to Democratic fundraisers downtown and students at the University of Texas before concluding his trip to Austin. Later in the day, the president is scheduled to make a stop in Dallas.

The presidential motorcade carries President Barack Obama and others North on I-35 near the off ramp for Riverside Drive as Obama makes his way to the Four Seasons for a fundraiser on Monday, Aug. 9, 2010.