Gay Pride Day in New York City...On June 26, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages are now legal in all 50 states. This was the best possible way to kick-off Pride Weekend in NYC. And New Yorkers did not disappoint, adding new meaning to the phrase "Pride and Joy".
Season Opener: Brooklyn Cyclones vs Staten Island YankeesThe Brooklyn Cyclones are the minor league team of the New York Mets and play at scenic Coney Island. Their rivalry with the Staten Island Yankees is as long as the team's 15 year existence. Brooklyn Cyclone baseball games always a fun, family-spirited vibe. I love capturing that atmosphere as much as do the games themselves. Unfortunately, the Cyclones lost their season opener by the score of 8-3.
WNBA: New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever at Madison Square GardenI've been a die-hard fan of the WNBA and the New York Liberty since the league started in 1997. Even though I photographed these same 2 teams at NJ's Prudential Center, it was a thrilling honor to shoot them on their home court in Madison Square Garden. As a fan attending the games at The Garden for so many years, I often found myself watching the photographers sitting under the basket and wondered when it would be me sitting there. Well tonite, IT WAS ME!!! Incredibly exciting, and plus I got to shoot the game with my photographer friend John, aka "Gemini Keez" (check out his work!). Even though the Liberty lost, it was still a great night, and one for the memory books...
"True Blue" Charity Celebrity Softball Game at Yankee StadiumI've been shooting professional sporting events for over three years, but none have been as emotionally fulfilling as the "True Blue" celebrity softball game at Yankee Stadium. The event supported the families of slain NYPD officers Rafael Ramos, Wenjian Liu and Brian Moore (the families were in attendance). Over 16,000 fans were in the stands... The event was hosted by sports radio talk show hosts Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton of WFAN. Many New York-area athletes, coaches, celebrities and politicians were in attendance, including former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, NJ Governor Chris Christie, beloved New York Yankees Joe Torre, Bernie Williams and Willie Randolph, former New York Mets John Franco and Lee Mazzilli, New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles, NY Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan, New York Knicks legend John Starks, Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee and many more.... Being a lifelong, die-hard sports fan, "True Blue" was an absolute joy to shoot. The combination of shooting at Yankee Stadium (I've been a Yankees fan since childhood) and photographing favorite athletes and celebrities could not be beat. Plus, all the celebrities clearly enjoyed being part of "True Blue" as they were all smiles and good vibes throughout the night, often interacting with fans. A great night for a great cause!
Boxer Miguel Cotto defeats Daniel Geale to Keep Middleweight TitleI've been a boxing fan since childhood, so I always enjoy shooting the sport known as "The Sweet Science". I've shot Miguel Cotto before...his ferocity, tattoos and punching power make him a visual joy to shoot. He did not disappoint in his defeat of Daniel Geale, scoring a TKO in the 4th round. Adding to the fun were rapper Big Sean, who performed a mini-concert before the big fight. Up next for the popular Cotto? A highly-anticipated fight vs. Canelo Alvarez this fall. Can't wait!
The "Millions March" in Harlem to Support Baltimore (Part 2)The Millions March in Harlem was held to show support for Baltimore, MD which had experienced unrest due to the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. The march also honored the many other young Black men (and women) nationwide who lost their lives because of police brutality. During the march we made three major stops: the 28th police precinct, the 30th police precinct, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Speeches were made by Millions March organizers at each stop, and a moment of silence was held at both police precincts. As you'll see in the photos, we were heavily shadowed by NYPD on foot, cars and motorcycles the entire time, but there were no arrests or violence. As a photographer, this was my second time participating/documenting a protest, the first being last November after a grand jury chose not to indict Darren Wilson for the murder of Michael Brown. As a Black female photographer, both experiences were incredibly empowering and rewarding. Looking forward to covering more protests and rallies in the future....
The "Millions March" in Harlem to Support Baltimore (Part 1)The Millions March in Harlem was held to show support for Baltimore, MD which had experienced unrest due to the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. The march also honored the many other young Black men (and women) nationwide who lost their lives because of police brutality. During the march we made three major stops: the 28th police precinct, the 30th police precinct, and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Speeches were made by Millions March organizers at each stop, and a moment of silence was held at both police precincts. As you'll see in the photos, we were heavily shadowed by NYPD on foot, cars and motorcycles the entire time, but there were no arrests or violence. As a photographer, this was my second time participating/documenting a protest, the first being last November after a grand jury chose not to indict Darren Wilson for the murder of Michael Brown. As a Black female photographer, both experiences were incredibly empowering and rewarding. Looking forward to covering more protests and rallies in the future....
NBA Playoffs: Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks Game 4 AtmosphereIn Game 4 of their first round series, the Brooklyn Nets pulled off a solid and thrilling overtime win vs. the number one seeded Atlanta Hawks. Final score: 120-115. The series is now tied at 2-2! Just as much fun as the game is the playoff atmosphere at Barclays Center. Free tee-shirts, face-painting (which is not just for kids) and celebrities all help to create a vibrant, fun-filled night for Nets fans. Can the Nets pull off the upset by winning the next 2 out of 3 games?
Wladimir Klitschko defeats Brandon Jennings at Madison Square GardenSo just a few hours after covering the Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks playoff game at Barclays Center, I was off to Madison Square Garden to photograph championship boxing: heavyweights Wladimir Klitschko vs. Brandon Jennings. The fight was a good one...Jennings was game...but it was Klitschko who dominated, to the thrill of the Ukrainian's fans, who filled the arena. All in all it was a long (the fight ended after midnight) but very exciting day as I love both boxing and basketball. And most importantly...I love what I do.
NBA Playoffs: Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks at Barclays CenterThe Brooklyn Nets lost their first 2 playoff games against the Atlanta Hawks...in Atlanta. But when the series came to Brooklyn the Nets brought a huge win to their hometown fans, with a thrilling 91-83 win. This is the third season in a row the Nets have been in the playoffs, and it always brings an even more spirited, electric atmosphere to Brooklyn's Barclays Center. And as you'll see, it's always a thrill to shoot...
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