Year One

Today marks my one year anniversary at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. I cannot believe how quickly the year has passed and how much has happened in those 365 days. Being part of such an amazing photo staff at an awesome daily newspaper has helped me to grow not only as a photographer but as a person. I am no where near done growing and I have so much more to learn and to do both professionally and personally, but I am so thankful for those good things and even some of the bad things that have happened.

I have had my photos on A1, photographed along side really talented journalists and even been able to tell photo stories on my own through the paper and our various other publications.

(some of my first big pieces right off the bat and a recent story I shot)

I have also made some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Not only do I get to work with these talented folks but I get to hang out with them after work, at their homes with their families, on days off or on crazy girls weekend adventures. I was worried I wouldn't be accepted into the group, but that is one worry I should have never had because this group could not be more awesome and welcoming and for that I am very thankful. 

(above: Me, Dan and Elaine - aka the coolest photogs ever. below: some HT hooligans I hang with.)

I have had to learn to love Nikon again (I still love my Canon gear though!) and I shoot tons of stills and videos as well as tweet and Facebook about all sorts of happenings. I've been to all sorts of new places I never had been able to cover before and I have seen that it is possible to produce huge and amazingly impressive pieces if you work for a company that truly stands behind you and wants to push the envelope.

(above: Me with my D4 when it arrived. below: my badge on June 4, 2013.)

So what will year two hold? I have no idea really, but I hope it is filled with more fun with friends, more learning from amazing colleagues and bosses and more amazing photo opportunities. Thanks to all of you who made year one so awesome. 

(I'm ready to take on year two!)

live. laugh. love.

-rso-