Wreaths Across America

Dan Kane and Lauren Mondo, of Eaglevile, adjust several of 2000 wreaths placed around the National Memorial Art at Valley Forge National Historical Park during the "Wreaths Across America" event on Saturday, December 10, 2011. The wreaths commemorate the men and women who died at the site during America’s War for Independence. Photo by Christine Reckner/Times Herald Staff

  

On December 10 at 10:00 a.m., the Friends of Valley Forge Park commemorated the men and women who died on the site during America’s War for Independence by participating in “Wreaths Across America.” Over 2,000 wreaths were placed around the National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historical Park to memorialize America’s fallen soldiers and highlight the service and sacrifices of our veterans. 

http://www.timesherald.com/article/20111210/NEWS01/111219987/1010

 

Look How Much Fun My Job Is

Ho Ho Ho!

Kayla Washabaugh, 5, of Eagleville, hugs Santa during the 3rd Annual Lower Providence Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 2, 2011. Photo by Christine Reckner/Times Herald Staff

 

That Santa was probably the most personable Santa I've photographed this season yet.  He was happily waving his arms up and down when he got off his firetruck and repeatedly yelling "Ho ho ho Merry Christmas" into the huge crowd of people eagerly awaiting him. Made me wonder how much eggnog he had before he showed up...but seriously, I love these photos of this little girl, she looked so happy and cozied right up to St. Nick.

8th Annual Recovery Tree Celebration

Ornaments hang on the Recovering Tree during the 8th Annual Recovery Tree Celebration hosted by the Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol at the Montgomery County Court House on Thursday, December 1, 2011. The event celebrated recovery from addiction, remembered lives lost, honored those working in the field and supported those in recovery. Photo by Christine Reckner/Times Herald Staff

Eline Jones, of Hatboro, helps her grandaughter Annalyse Jones, 5, hang an ornament on the Recovering Tree.

Rosane Hammond, of Eagleville, leans over the balcony to hang her ornament at the top of the Recovering Tree.

 

 

Waiting for the snow to fall

Zack Dronitsky, 2, of West Conshohocken, checks out the Christmas lights on the tree during the Conshohocken Annual Tree Lighting event on Friday, November 25, 2011. The event feautred a DJ, as well as hot chocolate and treats, trivia and prizes for the kids, followed by the arrival of Santa Claus, escorted into town by Conshohocken Fire Companies. Photo by Christine Reckner/Times Herald Staff

Glen Ridenour, of Conshohocken, takes a photo of his children from left, Anna, 10, Audrey, 5, and Steven, 8, at the annual Conshohocken Tree Lighting event on Friday, November 25, 2011. Photo by Christine Reckner/Times Herald Staff

Basketball season is here

Tonight I photographed Lafayette vs. Princeton Womens Basketball at Lafayette College. With my deadline shortened by an hour, I'm pleased with the shots I got in the little amount of time I was given to trasmit. Also, this was my first basketball game since Penn State, so it's been at least a season, maybe two since I've shot BBall. Photos came out a bit yellow though due to the lights in the gym...I think my color balance skills still need some work.

Also, found these kids this afternoon at an adventure park being..well, adventurous.

First Week on the Job

My first week at the Times Herald has definitely been an eye opening experience. I realize now what I've been missing out on these months I've been freelancing. Human contact, for one. When I freelance, I drive to my assignment and then come right back home to edit. I really enjoy coming into an office and working with other people with similar interests and skills to my own.

Another thing I enjoy is all the fun toys I get to take home, cameras, lenses, flip cams, net books, business cards even reporter notebooks..I feel like a real journalist now! AND my title isn't just "Photographer", my official title is Multimedia Journalist. I like all that that title encompasses. In addition to my shooting stills, I'm also once again shooting short videos, making slideshows, and will even be brushing up on my writing.

And the most important thing is that I'm really learning a lot. The other photographers here have been showing me a ton over the past few days, in fact, my head feels a little like it's going to explode. But that's a good thing, in some sense. I've needed this after my long hiatus from school.

One thing that's a little tricky to learn is that I've got to edit my photos to light almost to the point where they're uncomfortably washed out because the photos are going to look differently in print than from what I see on my computer screen. I've always been told to raise the levels and high lights but it seems now I've really gotta bump it up a notch.

Oh yeah, and in case you were interested, these photos are from Plymouth Whitemarsh's homecoming football game.