JRN 422: Counterculture Final

Michigan Militia member Fritz Benton stands next to his car fixing the strap around is Hellpupp AK pistol at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI before starting an obstacle course training exercise.  Benton joined the militia in 2007 after previously moving to the states in 1991 from the Netherlands.

Michigan Militia member Fritz Benton stands smoking out his pipe at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI before starting a navigational plot course training exercise.  Benton joined the militia in 2007 after previously moving to the states in 1991 from the Netherlands.  Benton checked them out before joining, "I made sure they weren't a bunch of nuts," said Benton.

Noel Benton, 5, granddaughter of militia member Fritz Benton stands in the woods of Island Lake Organizational Campgroundin Brighton, MI with members of the Michigan Militia during a training weekend.  Noel goes out with the militia three or four times a year but not during long hikes or winter training.

Michigan Militia member Fritz Benton kneels in the woods during an obstacle course training exercise at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI.  Benton joined the militia in 2007 after previously moving to the states in 1991 from the Netherlands.  "I would have joined earlier but I didnt know they existed," said Benton.

Michigan Militia members Fritz Benton (left) and David a.k.a. "Toad" (right) stand deep in the woods during a training exercise in which they use specific grid points to locate check points throughout the woods at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI.  The objective was to locate six different checkpoints while being hunted by a separate team, throughout the woods.

Michigan Militia member Fritz Benton looks at the map for the navigation grid point exercise with compass in hand at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI.  Specific grid points were written on the map leading to checkpoints throughout the park.  The goal was to locate the checkpoints with out being caught by a separate team hunting the other teams down.

Michigan Militia members Fritz Benton (left) and David a.k.a. "Toad" take a rest break during a navigational grid point exercise at at Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI.  

Michigan Militia member Fritz Benton holds his granddaughter Noel Benton, 5, smiling as she tries to put a flower in his mouth.  Noel traveled with her grandfather to Island Lake Organizational Campground in Brighton, MI for a training weekend with the Michigan Militia.  

The Healthy Red Meat

My farm story is something I was really excited about and was very happy I had the opportunity to do it. The farm I chose was Pohl Bison in Clare, MI. I remember I was on an assignment for CM-Life over the summer and drove by the farm and saw a bunch of bison which was so unusual and knew right then that's what I wanted to do my story on.

Jim Pohl co-owner of Pohl’s Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare,walks past his garage with the skulls of Bison hanging above him. Jim and his wife Krista hope to one day retire on the Bison farm.

Krista Pohl co-owner of Pohl’s Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare, drives in her cart to go feed the Bison hey cubes. "There not farm cows, there still a wild animal" Pohl said.

Jim and Krista Pohl are the owners of the farm and were very nice people and I was very happy they were willing to let me tell their story. I was very excited in my first day because its the first time I was able to see a bison up close and personal.

Krista Pohl of co-owner of Pohl's Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare, sits in her cart watching the Bison. Pohl say's bison meat is healthier than other red meats, containing less fat and cholesterol.

When I first got out there and we stopped in the cart I jumped out immediately to take some photos which was a big no no. Mrs. Pohl told me to get back in quickly because the bison are very unpredictable. There not a nice farm cow, there still a wild animal. She told me her husband was actually chased out twice by the bison.

A bison stands in the field of Pohl's Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare. Male bison are typically between 950 and 1250 pounds when they are ready for butchering, and can stand six feet tall. Pohl Bison sell's everything bison from hamburger patties, jerky, even the tongue.

Jim Pohl co-owner of Pohl's Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare, brings a hose to fill up the water tanks for the bison to drink. The water tanks take about 20 minutes to fill up.

I was shown around in the shop and I couldn't believe all the different product that can come from a bison. Jerky, burgers, steak, even the tongue is sold. None of the bison is wasted the skulls are sold off as well after the long process of cleaning it up is complete. The Pohl's even enjoy the bison themselves.

A bison skull hangs in the living room of Jim and Krista Pohl. The hole in the skull is where the bison was shot in order to processed for meat. When there meat supply begins to run low the Pohl's put down a bison in order to restock their supply.

Krista Pohl co-owner of Pohl’s Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare, sits at the table after cleaning the kitchen, eating bison stew.

Jim and Krista Pohl of Pohl's Bison stand in their backyard and gaze at the bison heard in the distant. Krista and Jim Pohl own Pohl Bison, 7308 N. Whiteville in Clare. It's the second bison farm Jim and Krista have owned and they hope one day to retire on it.

It was definitely a good experience there and I'm glad I started off this class on what I think is a successful photo story and am looking forward to my future assignments.

JRN 422: Job Shadow

For my job shadow I had the opportunity to work with J. Scott Park of the Jackson Citizen Patriot.  I was very excited and blessed being able to work for such a well recognized newspaper that has such a strong focus on photography.  The assignment I shadowed him on was the game of the week in the Jackson area which was Homer High School versus rival Concord High School. 

 

 It was an exciting game with many penalties and maybe even more injuries.  Homer won the contest 28-27 due to a blocked extra point and a quick touchdown tight after.  It was my first time shooting high school football and I was really excited to be able to do it.  I loved even more that it was a small town game because atmospheres like that are rare to come buy.  Everyone in the town was probably there that night and the price of admission was well worth it.  Luckily for me I got in for free.   Homer running back Chaz Hopkins stands at midfield awaiting the coin toss before Friday's game against rival Concord at Homer High School. Homer won the game 28-27. It was voted the game of the week in the Jackson area. Concord quarterback Jesse Brigham gets chased down by Homer's Chaz Hopkins Friday night in Jackson's game of the week. Homer won 28-27. Homer player Nick Hollenbaugh is tended to after taking a hard hit in the second quarter at Homer High School on Friday evening. He was taken to the hospital from the game. Homer won the game 28-27. A Homer football player is carried of the field during Friday nights football game at Homer High School. Homer won the game 28-27 in the Jackson game of the week. 

 

Jackson Citizen Patriot chief photographer J. Scott Park kneels down taking photos during the Homer versus Concord high school football game of the week in Jackson area.  He has worked at the Jackson Citizen Patriot for 15 years both as a photo editor and staff photographer.

 

My time there though short was most definitely a good experience.  Getting to be around someone who has already been through the experiences I'm about to go through and seeing that he hasn't gone crazy was a great relief.  This industry is nuts and knowing he has had a great job and at a great paper for almost 20 years showed that its possible to make it and not bounce around from job to job for my entire life hoping to land somewhere.

 

Being able to shadow a professional was great but unfortunately I wasn't around him a lot throughout the experience and with it being a Friday it was a slow day in Jackson.  So I can't say the experience changed me but I can say it got me thinking more of what I want for my future in photography.  Being there was awesome but it showed me that a photography job at a daily newspaper isn't something I personally want for my future.  I see it as maybe a starting off point and a place to help me grow and learn and help achieve my future goals. 

 

 As stated earlier the injuries in that game was the real story and the one above was the worst of them all.  The silence and emotions around was something no classroom can teach you about it's something you have to go out and experience while on the job.  Actually seeing that ambulance and cart come out was pretty intense.  I kept thinking "this kid might never walk again, and I saw it happen!" But thankfully I found out later that he was going to be okay.

I know with me, maybe not others, it's learn by doing and watching.  I am not a technical person or an audio learner I prefer to watch someone do it or just do it myself.  While on the job shadow that's exactly what I did.  I watched Scott take his photos and saw later how they turned out and by doing this I learned the specific angles he was at to get the shots I liked and lenses he had to do it with.  I'm not saying if someone told me how I wouldn't know how, I'm just saying I like to watch others do it.

 

So my time in Jackson was a memorable one, what I took away most from it was knowing its really important to do as much as you can before you settle down as a full time phoJo.  Internships, job shadows, photo stories, do it all and then do some more.  There's always more to learn and more ways to get better.

First Time For Everything

I had the opportunity today to take photo of volleyball for the first time ever. It was CMU v. Oakland and the Chippewas won 3 sets to 1. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. It was a very fast paced game and was not easy keeping track of the ball. Thankfully serving was predictable and I got a pretty cool shot of it. Hope to be able to take photo of volleyball more and improve my skills.

It's Finally Back

It was the first home football game of the season at CMU and for me it meant college football is finally back, not just at CMU but around the country. I was fortunate enough to be down on the field for it. I wanted to focus more on the fans this time around because I feel I have not done it much in past games. I'm glad I did they were alot of fun to talk to and interact with, plus I enjoyed seeing some crazy school spirit. Fire Up Chips!!!

Extra Crispy Orange Chicken

Today I was able to cover my first breaking news event, a fire at Mission Mall, believed to be started by a grease fire at the popular Chinese restauraunt the Hunan House, just down the road from me. It was very exciting and thankfully no one was hurt.  This was the last thing I expected to see today but was able to capture and share the moment.

Dusk

I was pretty bored yesterday and decided to go for a stroll around campus to take some photos.  The sun was setting which makes for some of the best light anywhere in the world and was fortunate to get this shot of the horizon.  Its an incredible painting by God and glad I was able to see it.

Everybody Needs a Little Love

A couple weeks ago me and my fellow co-worker Mike Nichols decided to do a story about the Isabella County Humane Society for CM-Life.  Mike was told by a worker there about a four year old pit bull mix named Crockett (above).  Pit Bulls have gotten a bad rap over the years but I firmly believe bad owners create bad dogs.  Crockett is quite the opposite of any Pit Bull one may have heard of.  Kind, loving, calm, and of course adorable, Crockett is proof Pit Bulls can be just as loving as any dog and I'm very fortunate to have met him.  Being around him for a short period of time has actually inspired to volunteer to walk dogs at the shelter.  Everybody needs a little love people and animals alike.

Crazy Love: Finished

I finished the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan and I have to say it was very real.  Although I already knew it showed me I'm not a perfect christian, not even close, and though I do believe in God I know I will never be worthy of him.  We fail God everyday.  But what this book really is about is his Crazy Love for us.  He wants us to let him in.  He died to set us free from the bondage of sin and bring us to him.

- Hebrews 12:2

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Never Lose Faith

I came across this video, Restore Your Faith in Humanity and it made a bit of a quick impact on me me.  It helped remind me there really is still good in this world and that God uses all of us as instruments of love, of kindness, and compassion. 

 - Peter 3:8

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."

Eye on the Prize

Using a 300mm 2.8 for the first time I was able to capture this image.  It was difficult to say the least, I had no monopod so I had to use my arm to keep it steady which was not fun.  But the depth of field was beautiful and expression on the competitors faces are awesome.  Hopefully if $7,000 falls into my lap soon I can invest in this lens myself.

Stay out of the Heat

Going through some track photos I took earlier this summer I came across this gem.  I love it, it's so genuine and shows the preparation some athletes take, making sure no sun hits them so they can compete to the best of their abilities.  I remember back in my track days how much the sun drained my teammates and I.  The elements is a big part of the battle and proves who really is the best.

Light up the Sky

Today of course is the fourth of July and it's the first time in years I actually sat down and watched a firework show.  It's a special happening having thousands of people sitting around in one lonely field gazing up at the sky.  During that time nothing else matters.

Agony

I came across this photo I took during the MAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships.  The photo of senior distance runner Holly Anderson after the 10,000 meter race.  The expression on her face says it all.  10,000 METERS!!! that's 25 laps I believe.  Those runners have all the respect in the world from me.  Though I am good shape 10,000 meters sounds more like torture than competition.

Crazy Love

I began reading a new book, it's called Crazy Love written by Francis Chan and so far its about God's agape love for us which stronger than any love we will ever experience or could ever give.  One thing I took out of it specifically so far is how people today including myself are quick to speak slow to listen and quick to become angry.  It's something I wanna change in myself because it has caused me troubles and am working on changing that.  It will take much patience and strength But I trust in the Lord.

Im On a Boat

Had the opportunity to go sailing with some classmates and my professor Monday in Bay City.  First time I've ever been on a sailboat and as you can see from this candid photo I got to steer the boat for a bit.  I found out its a lot harder than it looks and though a few times I was gonna tank the boat.  But it was a great time with some great people and I had a blast. (DIDN'T TAKE THE PHOTO)

Grace of God

I came across this video Man Sells his Soul to the Devil and then Finds God and thought it was absolutely incredible.  Gave me chills and makes you realize how wonderful and life changing the grace of God is.  Please watch.

Getting Ahead of the Game

Next semester I'll be taking a class that requires me to turn in a photo story every two weeks. For example: farm story, sport story, counter-culture, Poverty, etc. I got an email from my journalism program at school and found it very helpful on how to build my story its called 5 types of photos that make for strong photo essays, audio slideshows it was from the Poynter Institute which speaks for itself.

Four Years Already

I had the opportunity to take shoot photos of Mount Pleasant High School's graduation for the Morning Sun.  Being there I thought about high school.  I can't believe it's already been four years since I graduated and now I'm about to graduate from college.  It's been a long journey with a few occasional bumps and bruises but I'm grateful for where I've ended up and the people I've met along the way, it's been a real blessing.

Love of The Game

I had the opportunity to shoot photo of the district tournament for both baseball and softball Saturday for the Morning Sun. This photo reminds me of the blood and guts kids put into the sport no money, fans, or endorsements, just love for the game its a beautiful thing.

Wish It Didnt End

Finished Love Written in Stone maybe the best book I've ever read.  It has an amazing message through out touching on fear, faith, hope, death, love etc.  I recommend this book to anyone and advise who ever reads it to really read it and take in all that it has to offer.  It helped me a lot with what I was going through and was very grateful to have read it.  The author is Philip M. Carlson and just ordered his other book You Were Made for Love, hope its just as good.  God bless.
 

Time To Give

I've decided I'm going to sign up for Dollar for the Poor it's one dollar a month and goes towards education, water, and new businesses all across Africa.  Only a dollar a month and it helps change and save lives.

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God"
                                                                                                                                        - Hebrews 13:16

Gotta Keep on Keepin On

Hello, my name is Chuck Miller and this is my blog.  I'm gonna use to showcase my photography and hopefully share some knowledge with everyone who reads it as well.