People just like us - just a little more well known.

I had my first concert that I shot by myself. I have been shooting concerts for a year now since I arrived at the Troy Daily News. However, it's usually along side our Chief Photographer Anthony Weber, so my photos are usually just for my repertoire. Well, Jim is on vacation and Tony couldn't shoot it, so they asked me to do it. I had a photo published on the front page. It wasn't this photo but another good one (I think.) Shooting at Hobart Arena is always such a great time. All the people are starting to remember I am from The Troy Daily News, so it's fun to talk to the same people over and over again. And, it's just fun to talk to all the artists and all the people in charge. There is a whole other sub-community at Hobart Arena and I love every time I get to shoot there. This concert was particularly fun. I shot it and headed back to the office and then went back for the end. I was able to participate in the meet and greet and was even asked to take the meet and greet photos. While I didn't get one with the whole group I did get a picture with guitarist Dave Amato. I have realized how lucky my position in this job is. It has opened my eyes to a whole new community and it has been a blast. Over the course of a simple year, 365 days, I have met The Oak Ridge Boys, The Band Perry, Thompson Square, Mercy Me, Steel Magnolia, Josh Thompson, REO now and Third Day, among others.

I've gotten to the point where it's not so much about talking and meeting with people who are "famous" or "well-known" but it's more about their story and what they have to say. There are so many intelligent things I have heard out of some of my interviews. Josh Thompson and Mac Powell from Third Day have said some things to me that I've never heard and I really enjoyed hearing their stories.