University of Washington vs. The Oregon Ducks Mens Basketball

It has been a busy start to the new school quarter, but with that means conference basketball returns! Tonight, I headed to Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmunson Pavilion in Seattle, Washington to photograph the University of Washington Huskies as they took on the University of Oregon Fighting Ducks. 

I knew I wanted to get some shots of the student section during the announcement of the starting line-ups, so I headed across from them and near the press tables to grab some shots of the students. 

During the announcement of the opponent's starters, the student section holds up newspapers that are printed for the game that have a "Who Cares" insert. This is accompanied with a "Who Cares?" chant after each player is announced.

I love when students really get into the game! Shortly after tipoff, I headed down to the baseline to grab some shots of the action from up close.

Nigel Williams-Goss (5) hits a floater in the lane after blowing by Dillon Brooks (24) during the first half.

Williams-Goss (5) shoots a fade away jumper with a defender's hand in his face.

Gills Dierickx (34) went 1-2 from the field in a rare appearance due to early foul trouble for the other "bigs".

Andrew Andrews (12) pulls up and shoots a baseline jumper with Joseph Young (3) defending him.

I tried to get a variety of shots that were both close-up and wide. I really like the wide shots as it shows off the venue.

Andrews (12) battles off Jordan Bell (1) to convert the tough lay-up and draw the foul.

Andrews (12) edges out Dillon Brooks (24) to drive to the basket.

During the game, I like trying to capture the little details from the game. One thing is for sure, you can always count on Oregon to wear some flashy uniforms!

At halftime, I wanted to change up the angles a little bit and headed up right above the court. It is amazing the kind of access that we are allowed to have! It really helps when trying out something different than the traditional shot. I really wanted to get a shot of the whole floor. They just redid the floor this year to include the Seattle skyline.

Williams-Goss brings the ball across half-court during a game against the Oregon Fighting Ducks in a conference matchup in Seattle, WA.

Mike Anderson (11) avoids the trap at half-court by passing the ball between Oregon defenders Dwayne Benjamin (0) and Joseph Young (3).

Coach Lorenzo Romar gives a timeout pep-talk to amp up his team.

Robert Upshaw (24) and Shawn Kemp (40) battle for the rebound underneath the basket.

Upshaw blocks the ball to extend his lead as the nation's leading blocker.

I headed back down to court level to capture the rest of the game.

Jalil Abdul-Bassit (15) is reacts to being hit in the face by Donaven Dorsey (42) during a basketball move.

Coach Lorenzo Romar

While I am usually in the stands for the games and close to the action, nothing compares to being down there with these athletes. In the end, Washington sent the Ducks home without a win as they went on to secure the victory 85-77 on their home court. 

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Tacoma Museum of Glass: iPhonetography

Even though I was home for break, I recently made a trip up to the Seattle area to visit my friends and girlfriend for New Years Eve. During this time, my girlfriend and I had some time to go and visit the Tacoma Museum of Glass. For once, I didn't bring my camera... However, I realized that I always have a camera on myself: my iPhone 6. I decided to challenge myself and write a blog post using only iPhone pictures, which I deem "iPhonetography", a phrase I picked up from an online photography group I am a part of.

We headed into the museum to check out one of the galleries that was inside. It was cool that they incorporated other pieces of artwork into the exhibit in addition to the glass pieces that were featured. 

This wall of glass orbs was my absolute favorite part of the museum. 

What's cool about the Tacoma Museum of Glass is that it contains its own hotshot where they make live glass and even allow you to watch as they explain the processes that are going on. I knew that the ovens they use were hot, but had no idea that they are around 2300° Fahrenheit and the torches they use get all the way up to 4600° Fehrenheit. Despite these temperatures, the furnaces are always running because any cooling could cause damage to them.

After this, we headed outside. The architecture of the museum itself is unique and is cool in and of itself.

The bridge between the museum and Union Station is one of the key highlights. There are glass cases that are filled with pieces of Dale Chihuly's glass. 

There are also gorgeous decorative glass spires on the walkway, which reflect the light and show the detail in each individual piece of glass.

We headed into the gift store to check out all the pieces they had for sale. It was amazing to see the variety that is created in all the glass. 

Created by Dale Chihuly in Seattle, WA.

Created by Dale Chihuly in Seattle, WA.

Even though an iPhone was used for all of these images, it was good to be challenged by shooting something different than what I am used to and forced me to see things a little bit differently.