SWCC Basketball

I was a little bit worried about the lighting situation at Southwest Christian College when I left with Cliff to go get a shot of the SWCC homecoming game vs. Mountain View College. I had only seen the gym from the outside, and it is a pretty old building.

The pleasant surprise was that there is a large row of windows along the top of each side, and it was a 2:30 p.m. tip-off. It was a beautiful mix of hard light from the windows and soft light in the shadow areas.

Even better was the game action. If you are within driving distance to Terrell and you want to see some great basketball from up close, these guys put on a show. You won't be disappointed, and the atmosphere is just the opposite of the over-commercialized college sports in the big schools.

I only took the 40D and a 14mm f2.8 and 50mm f1.4 lenses with me, knowing that no matter what the light would be like, I could sit under the basket and get a shot. I only had about 20 minutes to get it before going to another assignment.


This is a better shot of the atmosphere of the gym, with some adjustment of the drama in Lightroom..


Have a wonderful weekend,

Don J.

Happy Thanksgiving Quick Links

Happy and meaningful Thanksgiving to all of you out in web-land..

If you are looking for some photos to make your day better, check out these at the big picture blog.

And for a reality check on what it takes to fight for freedom, these will do the trick. Do NOT click through to view #28 if you are anywhere close to mealtime.

It is gift giving season, so here is a good list of photo goodies to choose from.

I only have eyes for one Christmas present... all of you may contact my wife to donate to the cause in lieu of any other gifts and I will feel just as loved. Really.

Back to Thanksgiving and those who choose to fight for us... In Terrell we have lost two courageous young men in the last month fighting in Afghanistan. Cultures throughout history have celebrated and rallied around our warriors, and it makes me proud to see how our community turns out to honor them here. Here is a slideshow of images from today as Army Spc. Joseph "GI Joe" Lewis returned home. Please keep his family in your prayers and thoughts during this holiday season.

Don J.

Catching Up- Volleyball

Working at the Terrell Tribune has given me a whole new set of challenges and daily photo opportunities, but I was back in familiar territory to shoot the Tigers volleyball team when they played Forney for a playoff berth in the Kaufman gym.

Luckily, the "upper room" was open. This second floor window on the gym gives a great vantage point for unique shots...

In my two earlier volleyball outings this year, I did not come up with any shots that I really liked, but this game was different. Timing felt better, the competition was great, and it was good to see the Lady Tigers playing so well together. They really put a great effort and great teamwork on the floor.










To purchase prints... head over here.

Have a great week, and Happy Shooting!

don j.

One More...

Another shot from Saturday night... this one got comments on Facebook and flickr, so enjoy...

don j