A much needed update and some photos

Well, I have had a long week. I need to post some photos and let people know I am still here in Odessa working away. I seriously love the job and feel like every day my eyes are opened a little bit more. I only thought I was a competent photojournalis before this summer, but that's ok since I am turning myself into one with the help from the other shoooters here and my editor Mark.
On a personal note, this weekend was a little sad for me because I had to spend Father's Day away from my family. This was my second Father's Day and the first one since my son came into this world. I really missed them, and although I had a good day at work just couldn't help but feel a little depressed when I went to sleep that night. To make it worse for my wife, here own father was gone that day. Luckily she was able to spend the day with my parents which was probably an awesome Father's Day present for my dad.

Now it's time for a much needed photo upload.

This first bunch is from a feature the paper did on a reservoir near the town of Grandfalls, TX. I spent most of my Sunday two weeks ago working on this assignment.


These kids are from a family that visits the reservoir often. I spent some time visiting and talking with them, they really like spending their weekends at the reservoir.

Believe it or not, I actually got to eat one of these tasty steaks later. I spent about an hour and a half with this family, and then the father offered me a steak and a tortilla and I couldn't say no.

Many families spend the entire weekend camped out on the shore of the reservoir.

There are also quite a few boaters out as well.

This was the lead shot for our spread on the reservoir. Mark and I spent some time looking at photos that could work as the lead photo and eventually settled on this one.

All Images © Odessa American


Here are some more photos from daily assignments. I will include the caption info that is embedded into the file with each one.


County Commissioner Freddie Gardner receives a helping of boiled shrimp at the eighth annual Meals on Wheels Mudbug fundraiser Monday night at Graham Central Station. Image © Odessa American


Jimmy Diller (left) and Sherrel Brown, volunteers, prepare catfish filets Monday evening at Graham Central Station. 1200 people were expected to show up for the annual event, which benefits Meals of Wheels. Image © Odessa American


Regan Anderson, 17, waits patiently as her mother ap-plies her makeup for the 8th annual Juneteenth pageant at Blackshear Elementary School Thursday evening. Image © Odessa American


Gary Varnadore keeps a close eye on the ball as it nears the hole of the first green at Odessa Country Club Thursday during the 43rd annual Quarter Century Partnership golf tournament.
Image © Odessa American


Mickey Scott Tees off at the 4th hole of the newly renovated Odessa Country Club Thursday Afternoon during the 43rd annual Quarter Century Partnership golf tournament. Image © Odessa American


David Carr Jr. plays the saxaphone to a small crowd in the Noel Heritage Plaza Friday night in a concert sponsored by the Odessa Council for the Arts and Humanities. Image © Odessa American


Don Norris, Minister of Education at First Baptist Church sits in the sanctuary of the church with a bible. Image © Odessa American


A young boy opens up a valve and gets a splash of water in the face at Sherwood Aquatic Center Friday afternoon. Image © Odessa American


Davis Sovil comes up for air during the 500 meter swim at the Tumbleweed Triathalon Sunday Morning at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin pool. The 500 meter swim was the first event of the morning. Image © Odessa American

Penny Wasem nears the end of her 3.1 mile run, the last leg of the Tumbleweed Triathalon. Image © Odessa American

So there is what I have been doing up until Monday of last this week. I will try to update this weekend or Monday with some more work.