Sometimes I Screw Up

My beloved Canon 1D Mark IV needs some work at a Canon factory service center in Jamesburg, N.J. In the meantime, I am borrowing some Nikon gear from the Trib staff.

Tonight I had an assignment to shoot a bench dedication ceremony for three teenagers who were killed in a car crash on this day two years ago. Family and friends met at the benches where there were flowers and balloons strewn around the site. One of the mothers said some heartfelt words and the Lord’s Prayer before moving uphill to the dove release.

So far I had been using a very unfamiliar Nikon D300s for about 15 minutes, but I found the perfect spot to photograph the doves leaving the cage, with perfect light and a perfect angle. Perfect–until I screwed it up. Since everything is backwards on a Nikon relative to a Canon, I zoomed in instead of out when the birds quickly hooted and swooped away.

It is funny how every aspect of a situation can line up beautifully until my muscle memory with the camera’s zoom ring screws it all up. “Damn,” I kept thinking on the car ride back to the office. Mistakes are very humbling.

Here are other images I managed to compose somewhat correctly! The moral of the story is to always have something to fall back on.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Steve Watt of Salem Township bows his head while listening to the Lord’s Prayer on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 near Twin Valley Memorial Park during the bench memorial ceremony for Carly Kudray, Jordan Cobb and Michael Simpson who died in a one-vehicle crash last year.

Mollie Cobb, mother of Jordan Cobb who died in a one-vehicle crash along with Carly Kudray and Michael Simpson two years ago, hugs friends and family during the bench memorial ceremony on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 near Twin Valley Memorial Park.

Ronnie Kudray, mother of Carly Kudray who died in a one-vehicle crash along with Jordan Cobb and Michael Simpson two years ago, wipes her face during the bench memorial ceremony on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 near Twin Valley Memorial Park.

A Photo A Day…

This is my favorite photo from this afternoon’s feature hunt. I drove through Connellsville and Scottdale until I found a ton of kids at a park, which turned out to be a free lunch program.

As I was writing down names after shooting for a bit, the mother of the boy in the photo below (Johnathan Haubrich) said that I made his day. She said his dad put an aerosol can in a bonfire yesterday, and it blew up on him. He is now in the hospital being treated for third-degree burns on his face and chest, and Johnathan is having a rough time.

Then Johnathan turned to me and said, ”I like the newspaper. You are a very nice person.”

He gave me a firm handshake, then a hug, when I left.

Johnathan Haubrich, 8, of Bullskin Township plays on a jungle gym during a lunch in the park program funded by Southmoreland School District on Monday, June 25, 2012 at Loucks Park in Scottdale. The program provides craft time, recreation and free lunches for kids under 18-years-old everyday in the summer.
Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Ruffsdale Native and F-18 Pilot Greets Family, Friends at Air Show

Thousands of people flocked to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport for the Westmoreland County Air Show, where Lt. Ken Barnhart, a Ruffsdale native and Yough High School graduate, finished a 35-minute aerial display in an F-18 fighter jet.

Barnhart flew the jet reaching speeds just below the speed of sound.

“It’s great to be here,” Barnhart said after greeting family and friends. “I grew up coming to this air show and it’s nice to be back.”

Barnhart has flown 25 combat missions with the U.S. Navy in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Written by the Tribune-Review

Lt. Ken Barnhart, a Ruffsdale native and Yough High School graduate, poses with his F-18 fighter jet on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe before the Westmoreland County Air Show.
Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Lt. Ken Barnhart, a Ruffsdale native and Yough High School graduate, breaks the sound barrier with his F-18 fighter jet during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.
Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Westmoreland County Air Show

I spent two days covering the Westmoreland County Air Show in Latrobe, Pa. Thanks to my press pass, I was able to get a wide variety of photographs even though dehydration from the hot weather didn’t make shooting too fun. Pilots are some of the nicest people out there, and watching the military men and women fly their formations made me really appreciate their selfless service to our country.

Here is what I saw. I thought people enjoying their family and the planes were more interesting than the planes themselves.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Team Oracle member Clyde Greene straps a helmet on pilot Sean Tucker in his Oracle Challenger Three aircraft during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Two members of the Navy tactical demo team play catch with a baseball during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

A man photographs a hand-painted skyline of Pittsburgh on the side of a C130 during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Women walk past a Navy advertisement during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Team Oracle members Clyde Greene (right) and Chad Colberg wipe down Sean Tucker’s Oracle Challenger Three aircraft during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team flips in the sky during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Austin Stout, 2, from Greensburg plays with his toy airplane during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Ethan Allias, 7, from Unity Township observes the C130 through binoculars with his grandfather Terry Carcella from Mercer County during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Kyle Badstibner, 2, of White Oak points to the U.S. Army Golden Knights with his father Eric during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Five U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly by a waving American flag during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Samuel Cinti (right) reacts to the F/A-18 Hornet with his twin brother Dominic, both 5 from Hempfield Township, during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Dan Elias (front left) watches the Army Golden Knights with his wife Nicole (middle) and daughter Delaney, 3, from Pittsburgh during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Retired professional golfer Arnold Palmer receives a baton from the U.S. Army Golden Knights during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

World War II pin-up girl pins were on sale during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Nicholas Crossett, 4, from Elizabeth Township admires model airplanes during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Joshua Pruitt, 2, of Lower Burrell touches a dummy’s face while on board of a C130 during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Lt. Cmdr. Dawn Lobick, from Pittsburgh, watches the planes taxi with her son Robert, 1, during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Colin Pribish, 6, from North Huntingdon Township pretends to fly his toy airplane during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

A boy on his father’s shoulders enjoys the AeroShell Aerobatic Team during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

A boy pokes his head out of the C130 aircraft that was on display for tours during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

An inflatable Navy recruiter named Ricky walks amongst the show-goers during the Westmoreland County Air Show on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.

Front and Center

Today felt like my birthday. My first front page photo for the Sunday edition of the Tribune-Review was placed front and center. I know old pros are probably used to it, but nothing says a job well done like having your hard work presented to everyone in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. My uncle’s comment when I showed him this morning: “We need something nice to look at instead of Sandusky’s ugly face.”

Thanks to all my friends who gave me compliments. Your support is what keeps me going.

Eastern Deaf Timberfest

My aunt’s good friend Mary Beth is a sign language interpreter, and she came into town this week to volunteer for the Eastern Deaf Timberfest, which was held at Mill Run, Pa. this year. I told photo chief Barry Reeger about the event, and that I would love to shoot it instead of the typical feature of kids playing at a park or roofers working for stand-alone filler. He agreed that it would make for a photogenic shoot and passed my suggestion to an editor who assigned the story to a reporter. This meant I got to spend all afternoon getting messy!

However, the unpleasant mixture of my camera passing out, isolated thunderstorms, mud in my teeth and nobody able to hear me made for a difficult day of shooting. But it was yet another piece of valuable learning experience that forced me to keep focus in the midst of many obstacles.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

John Werner, 12, of Frederick, Md. and other kids play on the log before the adult log rolling event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Jason Ennis from Pittsburgh keeps his balance on the log while spectators take cover from the rain during the log rolling event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Eve Woods-Jacobomtz (right), 13, of Frederick, Md. and her friends play on the log before the adult log rolling event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Chris DeSomma of Finksburg, Md. grinds his teeth during the tug-of-war event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Nathan Sheppeck, 8, of Cranberry, Pa. cheers on the mud wrestlers at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Nancy Amati of Germantown, Md. body slams Michelina Barron of Frederick, Md. during the mud wrestling event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Kevin Johnson of Frederick, Md. gasps for air while Steve Gagnon of Odenton, Md pins him against the ring during the mud wrestling event at the Eastern Deaf Timberfest on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Mill Run.

Feature Hunt Monday

Today was another slow day at the office. There were not enough assignments to go around the entire photo staff that was on call so I took advantage of my drive to Greensburg by photographing a woodworker near my aunt’s house.

Later on in the afternoon, I decided to explore Jeannette. Unfortunately it started to rain so almost everyone in the town went indoors. I snagged a quick photo through an alley of people walking home, but hopefully on a clearer day I can make some more features there.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Jeff Pinney, of Harmarville, spends his afternoon working on a bear sculpture on Monday, June 18, 2012 at The Mountain Shoppe in Jones Mills. Pinney has been carving for 13 years after he was inspired while on vacation in Redwood National Park. Many of his pieces follow a North American theme, including wildlife, cowboys and indians. ”For some [sculptures], it’s like tying shoes. I can do it over and over again.”

Pedestrians hurry out of the rain through an alley in downtown Jeannette on Monday, June 18, 2012.

Bike Blessing

Typically I work from Thursdays to Mondays at the Trib so I haven’t been able to go to church Sunday mornings. However, my assignment today allowed me to meet some people at New Stanton Assembly of God for their Father’s Day cookout and Bike Blessing.

This is the coolest outreach event. Giftcards were given out to the bikers who won best of show, most unique, best color and other categories while chaplains laid hands upon the riders and prayed.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Allen Sirnic of Hempfield Township listens to a sermon outside before the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

Jeff and Sara Teets of South Connellsville are reflected in a mirror while they admire the motorcycles before the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

A motorcycle is coated with stickers from previous blessings at the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

Chad and Wendy Eglhaut enjoy a laugh while looking at the motorcycles before the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

Pastor Don Immel (center) prays in front of the church along with church-goer Mike Ryce (left) of New Stanton and chaplain Ray Humenycky during the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

Chaplain Don Ciampa prays with Kevin Fox of Mt. Pleasant during the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

Kailyn Daugherty, 9, of Mt. Pleasant rides off with her father Don after the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

Bikers ride off after the Bike Blessing on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at New Stanton Assembly of God.

First Place Frontier Club Mercy-Ruled By Heat Siphon

I didn’t think I would enjoy photographing a baseball game with players ranging from age 13 to 15, but it was one of the more photogenic games I have ever shot. First of all, the Frontier Club pitcher was having a rough game, hitting several players and reacting with frustration after every inning. Also, kids at this level seem to commit more errors than high school or college-aged players so, to my advantage, there was more action to shoot. I used my longest lens of 70-200mm so I had to crop in extremely tight and sharpen my images a bit.

First place Frontier Club lost 2-12 against Heat Siphon in the fifth inning. Here is what I saw.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

A shadow of the dugout fence is cast onto a bucket of worn baseballs at a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Frontier Club’s Mike Rodgers (center) and his team say a pre-game cheer prior to a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Members of Frontier Club warmup prior to a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Heat Siphon’s Ryan Augustine hits the ball during a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Heat Siphon’s Zack Zimmerman tries to tag out Frontier Club’s Mike Rodgers during a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Frontier Club’s Mike Rodgers tags out Heat Siphon’s Alex Ulery during a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Heat Siphon’s Zack Zimmerman (right) is hit by the ball while running to second base to beat Frontier Club’s Jon Garufi during a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Heat Siphon’s Alex Ulery reacts after a strike is called against him during a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Frontier Club’s Austin Williams pats the back of Tom Gerusky, who reacts after striking out, during a Teener League game on June 16, 2012 at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

Big Wheels, Big Fun

Today I shot kids participating in a big wheels race in Latrobe. Some of the heats of varying age groups and gender only had two or three racers so it was a bit of a challenge to make enough photos that looked filled. The event only lasted about 20 minutes so I tried my best to get some variety.

Steph Anderson | Tribune-Review

Nevaeh Greenawalt, 4, of Latrobe, pedals toward her first place finish during the Big Wheels Race on Saturday, June 16, 2012 along Memorial Drive in Latrobe.

John Raabe (center), 5, of Latrobe, eyes the finish line prior to his heat during the Big Wheels Race on Saturday, June 16, 2012 along Memorial Drive in Latrobe.

Keegan Shannon, 9, of Unity Township, pushes off the starting line during the Big Wheels Race on Saturday, June 16, 2012 along Memorial Drive in Latrobe.

Other children look upon Nevaeh Greenawalt, 4, of Latrobe, as she is awarded a gold medal for her first place finish during the Big Wheels Race on Saturday, June 16, 2012 along Memorial Drive in Latrobe.

Beau Linsenbigler (left), 7, of York, spins on the merry-go-round with his twin brother Cooper after they won medals in the Big Wheels Race on Saturday, June 16, 2012 along Memorial Drive in Latrobe.

Steph Anderson | Photojournalist

Monthly Archives: June 2012

Sometimes I Screw Up

A Photo A Day…

Ruffsdale Native and F-18 Pilot Greets Family, Friends at Air Show

Westmoreland County Air Show

Front and Center

Eastern Deaf Timberfest

Feature Hunt Monday

Bike Blessing

First Place Frontier Club Mercy-Ruled By Heat Siphon

Big Wheels, Big Fun