A small sampling of photo passes I’ve accumulated over the seven years I’ve been shooting for the Star-Bulletin.

Richard Who?

Photo What?

Ahhh… many moons have passed, along with quite a few changes…

You may have noticed my dwindling bylines in the paper. 

I’ve retired from the photo department here at the Bulletin. As of a few weeks ago, I’ve traded in the cameras and Photoshop for a desk and QuarkXPress. 

I joined up with the Today section, where I’ll be doing page layout. Some might say it’s a big change, but I look at it as a great opportunity to put my visual skills to use in a different way. Page design was something I was doing before I came to the Bulletin seven years ago, and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

Thanks for reading my blog, it was fun telling stories about my work here.

Cheers!

MARCH 14, 2008 - Only a small handful of people showed up for a public informational meeting at Farrington High School Auditorium for the Act 2 Environmental Impact Statement for harbor improvements for the Hawaii Superferry.

What happens if they hold a Superferry EIS meeting, and nobody shows up?

Shoot an empty auditorium, I guess.

Yeah, it was a thrill-a-minute affair.

When I walked into Farrington Auditorium, there were about five “civilians” in the place, and a bunch of DOT folks, and EIS people as well.

I stood there and pondered my fate. Then gazed at my navel.

After a while the few who were there looked at some informational charts set up at the foot of the stage. I dutifully shot photos of that.

Then we waited.

At one point Scott Ishikawa from DOT came up and asked “Is there something going on tonight we don’t know about?”

I thought for a minute and responded, “Kamehameha Schools Song Contest?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll probably get more action on Maui and Kauai next week…” I added helpfully.

Then the action started.

A spiel from the company doing the EIS - replete with PowerPoint presentation, then instructions on how to give verbal testimony.

Then nobody got up to speak.

Thank you, and goodnight.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 - Houston Dynamo’s Chris Wondolowski and Gamba Osaka’s Tomokazu Myojin battle for control of the ball in the second half of the championship game of Pan Pacific Championship soccer at Aloha Stadium. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 400mm f2.8, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

The Pan Pacific Soccer championship went down the other night at Aloha Stadium. I’d never shot “pro” soccer, so I was looking forward to seeing what it was all about.

I arrived at the stadium and picked up my credentials by the ticket windows. There was a photo transmission room where we could set up our stuff and hang out before the game.

I was handed a bib and a list of photo guidelines we were to follow while shooting the games. The main thing was that we were not allowed to switch sides during play. We would have to choose which goal we wanted to shoot from and stay there the whole half.

Of course, the big deals were Beckham and Ching, so I needed to be behind the goal they were shooting at.

Photogs (in delightful “MEDIA” bibs) are taken to mid-field for the coin toss.

About ten minutes before the start of the game, we were all herded to center field where we could get photos of the teams.

Nothing I really needed, but I did need to be there for the coin toss after which it would be revealed which side we needed to shoot from. After we found out, we had to run to the end of the field to get into position behind the metal ad boards which ringed the pitch.

Play was fast. It took me a while to get acclimated to how fast they ran and how far they kicked. And they played hard. Lots of pushing and shoving. It was great fun to shoot.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 - LA Galaxy’s Bryan Jordan and Sydney FC’s Tony Popovic tangle in the second half of the third place game. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 400mm f2.8, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

Watching Beckham was fun. Everytime he got anywhere near the ball the crowd would go nuts. He’d do a short pass and people would go bananas. When he’d take a corner kick, people would flock with cameras and cell phones, or just stand there and gawk.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 - LA Galaxy’s David Beckham takes a corner kick in the second half. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D , EF-S 70-200mm f2.8 (at 70mm), Manual, 1/500 sec, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

There quite a few photographers attending. And a lot of long lenses. We were all packed in behind the ad boards, with not a lot of room between us. I chose to shoot from near the corner thinking I could get a clearer shot of anything happening in front of the goal. But every so often when everyone switched to their 70-200mm lenses (throwing the big lenses over their shoulders) I’d get a nice out-of-focus lens hood in my frame.

Shot on goal somewhere behind someone’s lens hood.

When the first game was over, the photogs were trapped in our area until all the players left the field. This threw a small monkeywrench into my photo filing scheme, since I knew I had to be back out in time to do the midfield coin toss thing so I could be on the right side to shoot Brian Ching. But I still had to edit and transmit from the first game. I had about 20 minutes. Fun.

Beckham wandered around on the field, and eventually went over and handed his jersey to some kid in the stands (The shot conveniently blocked by TV). I shot some photos of him as walked off the field.

Gratuitous shirtless Beckham shot.

I made it out in time for the second game coin toss, and got down to business of trying to get stuff of Ching.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 - Houston Dynamo’s Brian Ching dribbles past Gamba Osaka’s Mineiro in the first half of championship game. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 400mm f2.8, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

Soccer always has good jubilation. I always think of watching it on TV when the announcer yells “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!” and the player runs around like a chicken without its head.

I was glad when Gamba Osaka’s leading scorer went wild after a goal.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 - Gamba Osaka’s Bare celebrates after scoring his second goal against Houston Dynamo in the first half. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 400mm f2.8, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

It was a fun night. Hopefully we’ll get more pro soccer here in Hawaii.

FEBRUARY 17, 2008 - Chelsea Clinton was the center of attention at a democratic rally for Hillary Clinton at Ryan’s Grill at Ward Centre. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D , EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 (at 10mm), Aperture priority, 1/125 sec at f/3.5, ISO 1600, Auto white balance

So Chelsea Clinton was in town doing the stump thing for her mom. It was finally my time to be on Chelsea patrol Sunday when she was to make an appearance at some affair at Ryan’s Grill at Ward Centre. “Alright,” I thought, political fun and a bar all rolled into one. My kind of deal.

I got there early and hung out on a bench outside, pondering my fate. I’d heard that Chelsea doesn’t talk to the media, but is free game for photos. The bar area is tight, and when I finally walked in to scope the joint out, there were throngs of people at tables while servers delivered orders. I could just see myself knocking a jug of wine out of someone’s hand as I jockeyed for a photo.

The microphone was being set up in a corner, bathed in backlight. Clinton would either be a silhouette, or she’d be properly exposed, but the backlight would be blasted. Could have a holy effect. Or look like garbage. I started to think of plan B.

At this point I suppose someone got the word that the light was awful, and a bunch of support people started taping Hillary signs to the window. Problem solved.

Then the action started. I saw Dan Inouye and his fiance approaching the restaurant, so I went towards the door to get into position. They came in and I was getting shots of them shaking hands and getting leis. Then Chelsea came in, and the throng burst into applause.

FEBRUARY 17, 2008 - Senator Daniel Inouye and his fiance Irene Hirano talked with Chelsea Clinton. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D , EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 (at 10mm), Aperture priority, 1/80 sec at f/3.5, ISO 1600, Auto white balance

I was in the right place since Inouye was still near the entrance. There was some small talk and they tried to walk in deeper into the place.

Of course, people there were in a froth trying to get close to Chelsea, and I was trying to backpedal to give them room. I wasn’t going anywhere. A strange tension was developing, and I was trying to keep my distance. TV was off to my left and had their light on which was nice since the place was a black hole and I wanted to avoid using a flash.

A handler came up and started to asking us to back up. I was trapped and getting nervous. I didn’t want to provoke them, so I ducked out and ran to the back.

The mob surged forward. Everyone had cameras and pens and hopes and dreams. I did a hail mary from behind, then decided I’d loop around to catch up with Inouye who was working the crowd. I figured Chelsea would do the same, and I’d let her come to me.

Eventually it turned into a log jam, so I decided I’d get into position for the speech. Whatever that meant.

TV had set up directly in front of the mic, but I opted for an opening to the side. The photos would be a little more dynamic, and I could be that much closer without seeming “too close.” And it worked out well when Inouye introduced Chelsea.

FEBRUARY 17, 2008 - Chelsea Clinton is introduced by Senator Daniel Inouye at a democratic rally for Hillary Clinton at Ryan’s Grill at Ward Centre. Behind is Colleen Hanabusa. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D , EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 (at 22mm), Aperture priority, 1/50 sec at f/4.5, ISO 1600, Auto white balance

Everyone huddled around as a server came up behind me to deliver some cocktails. They looked good. I wished they were for me.

FEBRUARY 17, 2008 - Supporters watch Chelsea Clinton speak. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D , EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 (at 10mm), Aperture priority, 1/200 sec at f/3.5, ISO 1600, Auto white balance

With this side angle I was also able to get some tight, nicely lit portrait-type deals of her speaking. A light had been set up and was placed behind the TV cameras. From their angle the light was almost direct, but from where I was shooting it was at a good angle.

FEBRUARY 17, 2008 - Chelsea Clinton speaks. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f2.8 (at 200mm), Aperture priority, 1/250 sec at f/2.8, ISO 3200, Auto white balance

After she finished a brief spiel, there was more glad-handing and autographs and photos. I stuck around for a little longer just in case.

A good time had by all.

FEBRUARY 11, 2008 - Parking lot.

Another installment from the inadvertent files… this time from the parking lot of Kapiolani Community College as I made my way to shoot chef Nancy Oakes at the culinary arts school.

FEBRUARY 09, 2008 - Mid-Pacific’s Marc Obando celebrates after scoring against Kapa’a’s goalkeeper Parker Blaylock in overtime (penalty kicks) to win the DII HHSAA Championship at Waipio Soccer park.

I’ve been shooting the state high school soccer championships the last few weekends out at Waipio soccer park. Soccer’s a fun sport to shoot, since there’s almost always action going on.

But it’s also a sport in which little, if any, scoring can happen.

This was the case for the boys’ games Saturday night.

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, there’s a 10-minute overtime round. Then, if the score is still tied, there’s a second 10-minute round, with the first score winning outright. Then, if it’s still tied, it comes down to a penalty kick round of five kickers from each team taking turns shooting on a goal keeper. It’s all the marbles at this point. The team with the most goals takes the win.

When it became obvious that this game was going to be decided with penalty kicks, I decided I wanted a photo that would tell the whole story in one frame. I wanted both kicker and goal keeper in the same frame, so I went to the opposite end of the field, and was able to get both in.

Most of the pictures were simply kicker with flying goal keeper. Good enough, but I was hoping for a little more drama.

It came on the last kick with so much emotion from both players. Classic thrill of victory/agony of defeat.

January 28, 2008 - U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Alexander Karsner spoke alongside Governor Linda Lingle at a press conference establishing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D, EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 (at 10mm), Manual, 1/200 sec at f/3.5, ISO 1600, Tungsten white balance

Every so often, the governor holds press conferences in her office at the state capitol. I’ve always found them to be somewhat entertaining to shoot. Sure, you have a couple of talking heads, or maybe some signatures being scrawled in a deluxe leather-bound folio, or maybe a trophy (if you’re lucky).

For me, it’s the thrill of the hunt. Will I be able to milk this “photo op” for all that it’s worth? Will I come up with something different? Or will I come away with the classic “execution at dawn” people-standing-in-a-row (with only the blindfolds and cigarettes missing) shot?

So I drove down into the dusky loins of the capitol and parked. I was ready. I had an aloha shirt on. This was going to be big. Some sort of “announcement” was going to be made about “energy.” Someone from “Washington” was going to be there.

“Washington?” Did they say “Washington?”

I got off the elevator on the 5th floor and sauntered to the governor’s office. Small rivulets of people were doing the same.

I opened the giant wood door, and was greeted with a waiting room filled with all sorts of people. Suits. Military types. Silky aloha shirts. Slacks. High heels.

It was electric.

Or so I told myself, as I braced for the impending “event.”

People started to fill the governor’s office, which is actually just the room where these press conferences are held. A big table, a giant Seal Of Hawaii dangling behind the podium, flags, a semi-circle of nice leather seats with little “RESERVED” signs on them, a phalanx of television cameras. The room was at capacity. People were hanging from the rafters (well, not really, but it was close).

Some man came out and a hush fell over the crowd. “The governor will be coming out soon,” he announced. Murmurs from the crowd. I looked for a gavel, but didn’t see anything.

Then, a door opened, and people rose to their feet, and in walked Lingle and a couple of other people.

It had begun.

Ted Liu stepped up the mic and started talking.

With the room stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey, there really wasn’t any room to move around. I was slightly to the right of the podium, prime for shooting mugs, but it wasn’t conducive to anything else. I usually wander around and look for weird angles, but that wasn’t happening today. I decided on doing the layer gag. Get one person in focus, the other out. Luckily from where I was standing either Lingle or Karsner were standing in position that I could get the two of them in the same frame.

January 28, 2008 - U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Alexander Karsner listens as Governor Linda Lingle speaks at a press conference establishing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Exposure details: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f2.8 (at 200mm), Manual, 1/320 sec at f/4, ISO 1250, Tungsten white balance

So I milked this idea for a while, then found a little open space off the right behind some cardboard “energy initiative” info graphic sitting on an easel.

From there I could shoot wide and get the whole room, establishing the scene, plus there was another angle where I could employ the running two-for-one-in-the-same-frame gag. Plus, the light was a little moodier from this vantage point.

January 28, 2008 - U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Alexander Karsner speaks as Governor Linda Lingle listens at a press conference establishing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. Exposure details: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f2.8 (at 90mm), Manual, 1/200 sec at f/4, ISO 1250, Tungsten white balance

With that out of the way I went back to the front to start harvesting mugs. This is an important part of any press conference assignment. Come away with as many mugs as possible. The paper always needs fresh mug shots of people, and sometimes you can get photos of people you wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to shoot. You never know when those will come in handy.

And with that, it was over. Another fun-filled episode in the governor’s office.

January 21, 2008 - Rob Farrow stands at the foot of the house he and his wife Christina found and renovated in Palolo Valley. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D, EF 10-22mm f3.5-4.5, Aperture Priority, 1/800 sec at f/6.3, ISO 400, Daylight white balance

I recently went on a shoot for the business section for a story on a couple who bought a run-down house in Palolo with the idea of fixing it up and selling it. Turns out they are going to be living in it for a while.

The assignment mentioned that they’d be showing us around the house, and we’d need a number of photos for a centerpiece story.

So when I showed up, they were talking with the reporter in the driveway, and I started shooting. I avoid doing set-up “smiley people looking in the camera” deals as much as possible. Sometimes it’s simply unavoidable; there’s nothing going on, there’s nobody talking to anyone, and a set-up starts to loom on the horizon. So in a situation like that, I ferry everyone into some pose, have them look directly into the camera (eye-contact with the camera establishes the “I set up this shot” motif) and fire away.

In this case, Rob was talking with the reporter, his wife, and the realtor, and when I saw the corner of the house, I whipped out the 10mm for something a little wacky.

Then they invited us into the house to show what the interior renovations looked like. I’m always still impressed that people will invite me, a complete stranger, into their homes and let me take pictures.

January 21, 2008 - Christina Farrow shows how she and her husband plan to cover up the electrical box in their newly renovated home in Palolo Valley. Exposure details: Canon EOS 20D, EF 10-22mm f3.5-4.5, Aperture Priority, 1/30 sec at f/6.3, ISO 400, Daylight white balance

They were showing the living room, and lamenting on how the due to building codes, the electrical box had to be placed on a conspicuous wall right in plain view. The reporter asked how they planned to deal with it, and Christina grabbed a framed piece of art and placed it over the box. I ran over and fired off a few frames. I ended up with something natural from what could have been a pretty static photo.

January 12, 2008 - Hawaii’s Matt Gibson gets a face full of Nevada’s Ray Kraemer’s arm in the second half at Stan Sheriff Center. Exposure details: Canon EOS 1-D Mark II, EF 50mm f1.4, Manual, 1/640 sec at f/2.8, ISO 1600, Fluorescent white balance

Shooting UH hoops the last couple of games has been interesting. There’s been contact all over the place, and that isn’t only on the court.

The action has been so-so, with the usual stock armpit shots (which I try to avoid, but end up shooting anyway… just in case). I always try to find action that’s a little out of the ordinary, so Matt Gibson getting an arm in the face was a nice change of pace.

The photogs all have to sit on the baseline, which is a little tight. There are these tables that have been set up there, so we have to squeeze in between the tables and the baseline. With my height, there’s only so much I can fold up my legs. Sunday’s game was one of those where the refs were hugging the baseline, and, of course, stepping all over me.

Oh, and don’t forget the players. They end up flying into us, too.

Bobby Nash gets knocked out of bounds by a San Jose State player and the photogs get showered with player and ball.

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