Photo Gallery FUN!

This weekend I had the opportunity to cover the nearby Amelia Island Film Festival. It gave me a chance to meet all kinds of people including several writers, directors and actors.

The festival kicked off Thursday night with a film by writer, director, actor Aaron M. Metchik called "10 Years Later." Metchik attended the festival and the showing was followed by a question-and-answer session and an after party at the Dog Star Tavern in downtown Fernandina Beach. I have to say, of all the films I had the opportunity to see at the festival, this one was my favorite. It's a dark comedy that has several surprises and plenty of great characters. Definitely keep an eye out for it!

On Friday I decided to hit the festival during the day to get some shots at a couple different venues. It turned out to be an interesting day involving one (NOT short enough) short that I will only mention the name of so as to warn you to avoid it: "Fetish," some technical difficulties at one venue that resulted in the entire show being relocated, and the AIFF Bud Lounge in which attenders could rest in between shows and have a shot (okay, so it was really as many bottles at you wanted -- sorry Budweiser!) of beer. And no, I did not partake with my camera in hand. That was my stance throughout the festival, despite the persistance of one particular attendee who evidently really thought I should be drinking ... all day, all weekend.

Saturday night included the showing of David Keith's movie "Beneath the Blue." Keith (The Great Santini, Heartbreak Hotel, An Officer and a Gentleman) attended the show, which was followed by a question-and-answer session and an after party at Cafe Karibo.

Fun times! Check out the photo albums and stay tuned for a story in the near future!

Photo Gallery Fun

Felt so proud of myself last night -- got my first official press badge (i.e. "credentials").

I know ... I'm a nerd.

I had the opportunity to "shadow" one of the jacksonville.com photogs at a Leon Russell show at the Florida Theatre. Both the opening act, Amy Hendrickson & The Prime Directive, and Russell put on a great show. It was definitely a fun and educational experience.

Couple things I learned: You can generally only photograph the first 2 or 3 songs of a concert (they'll let you know the restrictions). No flash. It really helps if you have some better lenses than the ones I had available to me! ... Leon Russell is getting old ... and has some nutty fans!

Check out my album here.

Article in Print! Jacksonville Giants vs. Lakers

Although I've enjoyed the experiences I've gotten at my internship so far, I think I had the most fun covering this particular event. Up to this point, anyway. You never know what's around the corner.

The Jacksonville Giants, the area's new ABA basketball team, are nothing short of amazing (and I'm not just saying that). They are undefeated and typically have over 100 pts. by the end of the first half. Breaking records all over the place.

Anyway, they played a charity game against a group of elementary school teachers several weeks ago and I got to attend and write about it. I had a blast!

Despite a couple more editing gripes (...how to address that kind of thing as a lowly intern?), I'm happy with the result.

Take a look at the story and then check out the photo albums (by another jacksonville.com photog, Bobby King) and see if you can spy me next to one of the super-tall players. Pretty amusing pictures!

A1A: Scenic Byway...or Battleground? You Decide

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New story on my examples from class page here. For possible publication in a St. Augustine women's journal. I'll keep you posted.
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