What a amazing turn of events. I wake up early March 24, 2016 and find a email from Reuters asking me if I want to photograph U.S. Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders that same day in Yakima, Wa..
Not only is it 2 hours away, I also work that evening. (sigh) I call my boss and ask him if he wants to shoot it since I have a football game to photograph. The great thing is, he was totally cool about it and let me go shoot.
So here comes the prepping. What do I need to do to prepare?
First, download PhotoMechanic since it wasn’t on my work laptop. Get my lens selections down, including a Nikon D700, 24-70mm ƒ2.8, 70-200mm ƒ2.8 and a 70-300mm variable lens. Notebook, extra pens, two card readers (in case one fails), and two cell phones.
I get there 3 hours early to set up, and get through Secret Service. They are nice to be honest. Treat them with respect, listen to their directions and you don’t get choke slammed…
Then walk around, get some feature art, and wait for U.S. Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders to show up.
I can’t express how professional Secret Service was, and how nice the people from Yakima, Wa. really are.
Once I got setup, it went by quick. Set up on top of a step ladder and nailed some photographs of Bernie Sanders as he walked in saying hi to the local chapter of Native Americans on his way to his podium.
The shooting went fast and furious. Shot from a step ladder, then was led by Secret Service to the front of his podium, and around back, and after that, moved to the sides, and back of the room to cover all angles, and ideas I had drawn up mentally in the three hours I was waiting for him to speak.
It’s always smart to have a plan. In this case, talking to the right people to get a little access went a long way.
Remember to always be respectful, tactful and polite. It will lead to to locations and information that can set you up to a nice moment, and photographic opportunity.
Here are some of the images I took for my very first Presidential Candidate rally.
A attendee flashes a sign in support of Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders before he speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezAttendees that showed up early surf the net before Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezAttendees flash signs in support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders before he speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders greets Native Americans as he enters the Yakima Valley Sundome in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezA attendee flashes a sign in support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders before he speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael LopezDemocratic Presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event in Yakima, Washington March 24, 2016. REUTERS/Michael Lopez
This weekend I had the opportunity to be a part of a amazing staff of military staff and students with the DC Shootoff 2016 at the Navy League Building in Arlington, Va.
The students were inspirational and eager to learn, and the competition was stiff. This years topic was FOUNDATION, and to be a part of this group, and mentor these military visual journalists from all branches of the service is truly a blessing.
Not only did we all grow together, we formed bonds that will be part of our lives. We have a new found love, friendship, and family.
If you ever get a chance to go to one of these workshops, I highly recommend it.
Walking around downtown Walla Walla you see so many different types of people and attire.A pedestrian jogs across East Main Street in downtown Walla Walla.Students do their homework enjoy the early morning sun under the chihuly chandelier in the Reid Campus center.A morning ritual for many in town is to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and good conversations at Starbucks on East Main Street and First Avenue.The Memorial Building at Whitman College.The Windows on the Past mural at Heritage Park on East Main Street.Whitman College’s Caitlin Scott enjoys the brisk early morning to go for a run at Mill Creek in Walla Walla, Wa.The sun peaks out of the clouds at Bennington Lake.
Lately I’ve found myself in a little of a slump since the Pacific Northwest has been covered with rain and clouds for the majority of the winter.
One day, sitting on my couch, a little lonely and depressed. I decided to finish reading my book by Ansel Adams and another one by Robert Frank.
Not only did I get engrossed into the black and white photography, I decided put away my huge DSLR and grab my Fuji X100s. It is sleek, and easy to handle. Everyday, even while on assignment with the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, I would stop and look at the world in Black and White and found a whole new love and appreciation for my photography.
Granted I put my camera in Black and White mode focusing on the red tint for clouds and added +2 on my EV and off I went.
Walking around Walla Walla, made me see people, and buildings in a whole new light. It brought love, and passion back to me, and I began seeing contrast, and shapes, moments.
Forcing myself to see in two tones made me in my own way a better photographer, and a gave me a greater appreciation for the colors, and light that surrounds us.
If you ever start getting bored and need a quick pick me up, I recommend shooting in black and white, and looking at shadows, and lights.
Here are some of my favorite images I have been capturing for the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.
Working with the Union-Bulletin gives me the opportunity to shoot more than just one topic of imagery. There are days I can photograph sports, features, news, and art. So my passion is fulfilled and I am fortunate enough to get paid to do what I love.
The Blue Devils Salvador Gutierrez watches as Hanford’s wrestler is injered Thursday night at Walla Walla High School in Walla Walla, Wa. 14 January 2016 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)The Blue Devils Justin Evans points his finger up in the air after beating Hanford Thursday night at Walla Walla High School in Walla Walla, Wa. 14 January 2016 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)Waitsburgs Chloe Pearson, No. 32, winces in pain after going for a loose ball in her game against the Pioneers Tuesday night at the Mac-Hi gym in Milton-Freewater, Or. 12 January 2016 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)Ross Eickering uses a steam machine to take the decals off the windows of Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Wednesday afternoon at the corner of North Colville and East Rose Street in Walla Walla, Wa. 06 January 2016 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)Rev. Nathaniel Mahlberg, right, talks to Kevin Partin, Spiderman sweater, on the stoop of the First Congregational Church after a fight taken place there Wednesday afternoon at 73 South Palouse Street in Walla Walla, Wa. 13 January 2016 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)The interior of one of the buildings in construction Thursday afternoon at the Walla Walla Veterans Affairs officer buildings in Walla Walla, Wash.. 14 January 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)
Happy New Years everyone.
It’s been a while since I’ve updated this and need to get back at it.
These are a few of my BEST IMAGES OF 2015 that were taken at and for the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.
All copyright belongs to the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.
Feel free to check out my Twitter and personal website www.michaellopezphoto.com.
Rev. T. Birch Rambo from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church stands at Heritage Park Wednesday afternoon waiting to anoint the cross on believers forheads in downtown Walla Walla.The moonlight reflects on the running water of Mill Creek river Tuesday night by Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, Wa. 03 March 2015, (AP photo/WALLA WALLA UNION-BULLETIN, MICHAEL LOPEZ)WWCC Ty Holloway lands facefirst as his foot gets stuck in the stirrup Sunday afternoon during the WWCC College Rodeo held at the Fairgrounds in Walla Walla, Wa. 15 March 2015 U-B photo by MICHAEL LOPEZElaine Vandiver shares a moment with a two-year old alpaca as they touch noses as she washes him at her farm at 5260 Stateline Road Monday afternoon in Walla Walla, Wa. 11 May 2015 U-B photo by MICHAEL LOPEZFire fighters Donny Snider, right, and Brandon Cadwell combat the blaze Wednesday night at Martin Archery at 3134 Heritage Road in Walla Walla, Wa.. 08 July 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)Bella Aguilar, left, and Ryleigh Kentera, cheer on Jack Garratt as he sings Friday afternoon before the Foo Fighters at the Whitman College Athletic Fields during the Gentlemen of the Road concert in Walla Walla, Wa. 14 August 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ, Union-Bulletin, via AP)Bella Aguilar takes a selfie, left, as Qury Kim, second from left, Ryleigh Kentera, and Kate Colvin cheer on the Foo Fighters Friday evening at the Whitman College Athletic Fields during the Gentlemen of the Road concert in Walla Walla, Wa. 14 August 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ, Union-Bulletin, via AP)The sky lights up as thousands of fans cheer on the Foo Fighters Friday evening at the Whitman College Athletic Fields during the Gentlemen of the Road concert in Walla Walla, Wa. 14 August 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ, Union-Bulletin, via AP)Foo Fighters Dave Grohl, left, and Pat Smear perform for thousands of fans Friday night at the Whitman College Athletic Fields during the Gentlemen of the Road concert in Walla Walla, Wa. 14 August 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ, Union-Bulletin, via AP)Drew Reinland works his way out of the sand trap at hole No. 2 during the Nortwest Open Golf Tournament Monday morning at the Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Wa. 18 August 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)Taylor Lovell, 14, talks to her mom on the phone as she and her friend Mathew Nickleson hang upside down on the Fireball ride during the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Friday morning in Walla Walla, Wa. 04 September 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)Hot air balloons raise within 30-seconds from one another Friday morning at Tietan Park in Walla Walla, Wa. 16 October 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)A student takes a moment to grieve alone outside the auditorium during the vigil for Brian Senter Sunday afternoon at Walla Walla High School in Walla Walla, Wa. 25 October 2015 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla Union-Bulletin via AP)JROTC’s Mason Christopher carries the folded flag to a fellow cadet to be placed on the Fallen Soldier display during the Veterans Day assembly at Wa-Hi in Walla Walla, Wa. November 10 (MICHAEL LOPEZ/Walla Walla,-Union Bulletin via AP)
Been fortunate enough to shoot around the Washington area and be part of amazing stories and wonderful people.
Here are some of my favorite images from my job at the Union Bulletin.
A Agroknight does a backflip during the Multicultural Magic show at Edison Elementary School. 06 Mar 14- Michael Lopez PhotoSherry Roberts feeds a squirrel for the first time at Pioneer Park by the aviary.Merrisa Trunkey fine tunes her painting which she has invested 40 plus hours for the upcoming Operetta in the China Pavilion at Walla Walla Community College.Mandi Wendt sprinkles powder on top of the Ciabatta’s at the Weinhard Cafe in Dayton, Wa. The process to make Ciabatta’s takes 24 hours, from preparing the dough to the moment it comes out of the oven.Whitman’s Sarah Anderegg nails the short jumper in her game against Chapman’s during the NCAA Division III Women’s Tournament at Whitman College.Fireworks light up the sky celebrating the 19th anniversary of Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton, Oregon.
My new journey in life started in October of 2013 and currently I am enjoying the nice snow storm hitting our beautiful state.
Here are some of my newer photos from today and my next blog entry I will share my best photos to date.
Thank you for following me and I look forward to sharing this amazing experience with all of you.
Today the Angels fell to the Twins at home in a stunning 4-3 loss.
It was a great game to shoot and I was think I shot the best I have in a while.
Soon I want to get more creative and shoot from different angles and from different locations.
I’m interested in setting up remotes at high angles with locks.
Here are some of my favorite images from tonights game.
Feel free to share with your friends and family.
Angels J.B. Shuck connects with the ball splinting his bat in his game against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Shelly McGuire and Liana Romero cheer the Angels on in their game against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Brad Hawpe goes into the stand attempting to catch a foul ball in their game against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Erick Aybar fields a infield line drive against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Howard Kendrick beats the tag at first base against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Howard Kendrick advances to third base against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Howard Kendrick gets the out and loses control of the ball after against the Twins Ryan Doumit slides into him Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Mike Trout dives for the ball but comes up short in his game against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels Hank Conger gets the out against the Twins Aaron Hicks at home Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –
Angel fans celebrate after the out at home against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium.
– 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –
Angels Howard Kendrick reacts to being struck out in their 4-3 loss against the Twins Monday at Angel Stadium. – 7/22/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –
Josh Hamilton came through at the bottom of the 9th inning with a 2 run homer to tie the game at 5. Two more players popped out and Erick Aybar hit the game winning RBI bringing in Howie Kendrick for the win. After that the Angels and the crowd went wild and fireworks closed the night in galore.
Here are some of the images from that amazing game.
Angels’ Mark Trumbo rounds home after hitting a home run in the bottom of the fourth against Cardinals Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –The Angels’ celebrate after beating the Cardinals 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th after Alberto Callaspo hit the game winning RBI Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –The Angels’ celebrate after beating the Cardinals 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th after Alberto Callaspo hit the game winning RBI Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels’ Josh Hamilton rounds the bases after hitting a 2 run homer bringing in Albert Pujols to tie the game at 5 in the bottom of the 9th inning against Cardinals Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels’ Alberto Callaspo hits the game winning RBI in the bottom of the 9th for the win against Cardinals Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels’ Mark Trumbo and Howard Kendrick celebrate at home base after beating the Cardinals 6-5 Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels’ Howard Kendrick celebrates as he scores the game winning run against Cardinals Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels’ Mark Trumbo hits a single getting Howard Kendrick into scoring position in the bottom of the 9th inning against Cardinals Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER –Angels stadium celebrates the 4th of July with fireworks after they beat the Cardinals 6-5 Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERAngels stadium celebrates the 4th of July with fireworks after they beat the Cardinals 6-5 Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERAngels stadium celebrates the 4th of July with fireworks after they beat the Cardinals 6-5 Thursday at Anaheim Stadium. – 6/02/13 – MICHAEL LOPEZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Michael Lopez 