I've been working in Astoria for over two months and I couldn't be happier. It feels amazing to be in the Pacific Northwest again. Life has slowed down in a good way and I am happy to have more balance in my daily routine. I'm running more, eating healthy, and finding that I have more energy and focus for photos. I've had a lot of change in the last 12 months, so it's nice to finally feel relaxed.
I'm pleased to announce I've been accepted to The Eddie Adams Workshop this year. It has been a long-time dream/goal and I cant wait to make my first trip to New York this October. I'll be attending the workshop with my fellow WWU photo buddy Evan Abell. We were in the same Intro to Photojournalism class over four years ago. What a journey it has been.
This will probably be my last blog post for a while. Bouncing around the country for internships, this blog was really helpful to catalog month-by-month visual growth, moments, memories and experiences. The growth doesn't stop here, but now I'm working towards new goals on a different timeline. For more daily photographs, follow along here .
The sun sets on the Columbia River as seen from the Astoria Riverwalk on Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Astoria.
Seaside students wait for the graduation ceremony to begin Monday, June 13, 2016, at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside.
Job Corps instructors monitor the emergency training exercise on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria.
Yacht club member Curt Yoder, right, sails his boat Shearwater as another yacht club boat sails in the distance during the Astoria Yacht Club Downtown Rally on Thursday, June 30, on the Columba River. Yoder named his boat after the Shearwater sea bird. "Sailboats seem like birds to me, the way they can fly," said Yoder.
Audience members shield their eyes from sunshine as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson speaks during a Think and Drink event organized by Oregon Humanities on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Fort George Brewery in Astoria.
Claire Bowman, 10, exits Fort Clatsop wearing a bonnet while exploring the park with her family on vacation on Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.
Students from Lewis and Clark Elementary look at the new display during a bridge interpretive display dedication on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, on the West end of Lewis and Clark Bridge in Astoria, Ore. The display features historical facts as well as art and poems from elementary school students at Lewis and Clark Elementary School.
Vernon Hall, Astoria resident of 20 years, poses for portrait with his cat Princess, who rides on his shoulders as he bikes around town on Saturday, June 11, 2016, in Astoria. Princess is a rescue cat.
Landscaping, July 27, 2016, at Clatsop Community College.
Kendrik Byman, of Longview, leaps from on top of a hill overlooking the beach on Sunday, May 29, 2016, at Fort Stevens State Park.
A lone beachgoer roams the hills overlooking the beach near the South Jetty of the Columbia River on Monday, June 20, 2016, at Fort Stevens State Park.
Clowning around, July 4, 2016, in Warrenton.
Knappa players prepare to take the field before the game as the Knappa Loggers face off against the Monroe Dragons in the 2A semifinals on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Teevin Field in Knappa. Knappa defeated Monroe 9-4.
Shamek Daniels, center, swims to an emergency life raft with other Job Corps students during a training exercise on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria.
Camp Kick-a-Lot campers ages 7-10 play on the new playground during a grand opening of the play area on Monday, July 18, 2016, at the Warrenton Soccer Complex in Warrenton.
Coast Guardsmen begin to form ranks before the change-of-command ceremony on Friday, May 27, 2016, at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton.
South Jetty High School graduates gaze outside the windows looking for their family and friends to arrive at the correctional facility for their graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Warrenton.
Andrew Gonzalez zips up his graduation gown while getting ready for his graduation ceremony at South Jetty High School, Thursday in Warrenton.
Knappa’s Reuben Cruz reacts after hitting into an out in the top of the seventh inning while Ryker Coffey, top, comforts him as the Knappa Loggers face off against the Burns Hilanders in the 2A/1A state championship game on Friday, June 3, 2016, at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. Burns defeated Knappa 4-3.
Knappa's Reuben Cruz embraces coach Chad Harrington after the game as the Knappa Loggers face off against the Burns Hilanders in the 2A/1A state championship game on Friday, June 3, 2016, at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. Burns defeated Knappa 4-3.
Alex Oppenheim shields himself from windy conditions while watching the Team USA Footvolley qualifying matches on Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Seaside.
Miss Oregon's 2015 Outstanding Teen 2015 Hailey Kilgore performs during the Miss Oregon competition on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, Ore.
Friends of Old Fort Stevens Secretary David Lindstrom exits one of the historic batteries at Fort Stevens State Park historic area Thursday. The Friends of Old Fort Stevens group works to preserve and restore parts of the park.
Contestants surround the newly crowned Miss Oregon Alexis Mather during the Miss Oregon competition on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, Ore.
Passengers aboard the Astoria Riverfront Trolley gaze out at the Astoria Pride Parade attendees marching on the Riverwalk on Saturday, in Astoria.
Coast Guardsmen begin to form ranks before the change-of-command ceremony on Friday, May 27, 2016, at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton.
Orchid Cavett walks in a jellyfish costume on the Riverwalk before the beginning of the Astoria Pride Parade on Saturday, in Astoria.
Jeremy Yuenger, 9, casts his fishing line into the waters of Coffenburry Lake on Monday at Fort Stevens State Park. Yuenger is from England and on vacation with his family.
Astoria High School's 2016 graduating class waits by the River Walk before heading into the Liberty Theater for their awards night rehearsal after their Grad Walk on Thursday, in Astoria.
Some of my favorite Daily Astorian front pages from the last couple of months.
I've covered a little bit of everything over the last couple months. NASCAR, Spring training, protests, track meets and music festivals. I'm happy to have the opportunity to cover the Diamondbacks—a team I grew up idolizing, attending games with my dad and collecting every baseball card of the 2001 world-series-winning team. Now, I am on the field and in the dugout covering the games.
Assignments have slowed down a bit and I've had some time to set some goals. I'm looking forward to diving into some new adventures and projects soon.
Leslie Allen Merritt Jr., the suspect accused in a string of freeway shootings last summer, is released from custody and greeted by his attorney Jason Lamm on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at Lower Buckeye Jail in Phoenix, Ariz.
Campers share a laugh in the campsites during the Country Thunder music festival on Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Florence, Ariz.
Carolina Maldonado, center, and other protesters, activists, and fast food workers march outside McDonalds during a demonstration for an increased minimum wage on Thursday, April 14, 2016, on 7th Street and McDowell in Phoenix, Ariz.
Karsten Storey, right, sits with his father Richard Storey, gazing up as a hot air balloon lifting into the air during the Out West Balloon Fest on Sunday, March 6, 2016, outside University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Chaparral High School junior Kai Fletcher rests in between his events during the 2016 Sun Angel Classic track and field meet on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Angels fans wait beside the field, hopeful for autographs as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, March 10, 2016, in at Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Diamondbacks beat the Angels 5-3.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Rickie Weeks wait for an inning to begin in left field as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Colorado Rockies during Spring Training on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.
A lone baseball fan watches from the stands as Horizon High School faces off against Corona Del Sol High School on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Tubers float on the Salt River during opening day for Salt River Tubing on Saturday, April 30, 2016, in Tonto National Forest, Ariz. Salt River Tubing is celebrating its 35th season this year.
Aleczander O’Neil prepares to float on the Salt River during opening day for Salt River Tubing on Saturday, April 30, 2016, in Tonto National Forest, Ariz. Salt River Tubing is celebrating its 35th season this year.
Campers dance before heading into the concert during the Country Thunder music festival on Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Florence, Ariz.
Seen through an in-camera multiple exposure, Kansas City Royals' pitcher Brian Duensing delivers a pitch as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.
A young fan makes his way back to his seat as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.
Jackson the bird sits on Yogi the dog's head during the Country Thunder music festival on Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Florence, Ariz. Both animals are owned by Tayler Hannis.
NASCAR fans Roxanne Samascott and Francis Samascott pose for a portrait wearing NASCAR attire during the first day of the NASCAR Good Sam 500 on Friday, March 11, 2016, at Phoenix International Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz.
Race fans cheer during introductions during the NASCAR Good Sam 500 on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz.
Washington Capitals’ Nate Schmidt and Arizona Coyotes’ Max Domi fight in the second period as the Arizona Coyotes face off against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz.
Seattle Mariners short stop Luis Sardiñas slides into third base as Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb makes a tag as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Seattle Mariners in spring training on Monday, March 14, 2016, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz. Sardiñas was called out on the play. Diamondbacks beat the Mariners 8-3.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chris Herrmann slides into second out as Colorado Rockies' Trevor Story attempts to turn a double play as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Chase field in Phoenix, Ariz. Story did not complete the out at first.
Driver Kevin Harvick takes lap 257 during the NASCAR Good Sam 500 on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz.
Driver Mario Andretti prepares before Qualifying racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series on Friday, April 1, 2016, at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz.
Baseball fans wait for autographs before the game as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Colorado Rockies during Spring Training on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Hudson Berl takes a nap on his mom Erica Berl during the 8th inning of the game as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, March 10, 2016, in at Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Diamondbacks beat the Angels 5-3.
Campers party before the music begins during the Country Thunder music festival on Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Florence, Ariz.
Hundreds gather to watch and participate in the 30th annual Pow Wow at ASU on Saturday, April 23, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. The event lasted all weekend.
Ashley Murillo, center, sheds a tear as friends and family gather to say prayers and light candles for shooting victim Tayler Maggi on Monday, April 18, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz. Maggi, an 18-year-old Sunnyslope High School Senior remains in critical condition after being shot near North Central and West Dunlap avenues last Thursday.
The band Stonefield performs in Punk Rock Alley during the VIVA PHX music festival on Saturday, March 12, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Crystal Castles performs during the VIVA PHX music festival on Saturday, March 12, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Brothers Matt Howe, left, and James Howe walk to their campsite during the Country Thunder music festival on Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Florence, Ariz.
I’m back. Happy to be in my hometown again. I have been working for about a month and a half as a photo intern at The Arizona Republic. As with any new gig-- new pressures, challenges, anxieties, workflow, deadlines, and assignments. I'm pretty sure that I have gotten more sun in the last month than I have in the last four years.
Evening sun streaks illuminate The Arizona Republic Building Feb. 15, 2016, in downtown Phoenix, Ariz.
Taylor Easley, left, and Kenyata Frederick walk across the intersection of Camelback Road and 35th Avenue near Grand Canyon University on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Alden Pierce holds his father Brad's first place Super Gas trophy during the final day of Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Ariz.
Glendale resident Jade Burns skates at Rio Vista Community Park on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Peoria, Ariz.
Ryan Crawford, right, leans on Tamira Burns during a candlelight vigil held to remember Kayden Clarke on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at Civic Space Park in Phoenix, Arizona. Clarke, a transgender autistic man, was shot to death by Mesa police on Feb. 4.
Police and firefighters respond to a shooting scene near 51st Avenue and Cactus Road on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz. Five family members were killed after a son opened fire at their house early Tuesday morning.
Byanca Carrasco embraces her mother Ramona Carrasco after completing her musical therapy session on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at Musical Surprise in Surprise, Ariz. Byanca, who was born with Down syndrome, is able to attend the musical therapy program with her mother Ramona through the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
Gerrard Cawley rests with his dog Mac before beginning "Doga," -- a dog and owner yoga session during Dogs' Day in the Garden on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Ariz. Proceeds from the event helped the Arizona Humane Society.
Race crews prepare the race track during the Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Ariz.
Auction staff push a car into the building for auction during the Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Andrew Porter warms up before his race as Arizona State University hosts University of Arizona in a swim meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Auctioneer ring man, Phil Gee takes a look at a car up for auction during the Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Brock Jensen peers through binoculars on the side of the second hole during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Az., on Friday, February 5, 2016.
Race fans cover their ears and turn their back to the smoke as racers take off during the final day of Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Ariz.
Tournament staff walks form onto the second hole during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Az., on Friday, February 5, 2016.
Victorino Preciado, left, sits as his youngest daughter Karoline, 9, tries on his graduation cap during the high school graduation ceremony for the first graduating class through the new program created by The Phoenix Public Library, ReEngage Phoenix College Depot Program and Career Online High School on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Burton Barr Library in Phoenix, Ariz. The program helps facilitate education for teens that dropped out of high school and want a second chance at their degree.
Spectators watch from above the 16th hole during Waste Management Phoenix Open Annexus Pro-Am on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Two Pro Stock Cars race during the Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Ariz.
Ben Crane prepares to chip his ball out from under the trees on the 11th hole during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Az., on Friday, February 5, 2016.
Hayden Hallet, right, and Nicholas Armstrong, center, ride their scooter at Rio Vista Community Park on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Peoria, Ariz.
Michael Phelps shares a laugh with competitors after a mixed 100 freestyle exhibition race as Arizona State University hosts University of Arizona in a swim meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Fans wait for the game to start as Grand Canyon University faces off against Seattle University on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Seattle University defeated Grand Canyon University 59-57.
Suns players line up as the national anthem is performed before the game as the Phoenix Suns face off against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Rockets defeated the Suns 111-105.
Christopher Evans waits to receive his diploma during the high school graduation ceremony for the first graduating class through the new program created by The Phoenix Public Library, ReEngage Phoenix College Depot Program and Career Online High School on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Burton Barr Library in Phoenix, Ariz. The program helps facilitate education for teens that dropped out of high school and want a second chance at their degree.
James Hahn putts into the ninth hole as the sun sets during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Az., on Friday, February 5, 2016.
St. Mary's players warm up before their game against Chaparral on Feb. 18, 2016, at St. Mary's High School in Phoenix, Ariz.
ASU's Patrick Park compete in the 200 yard butterfly as Arizona State University hosts University of Arizona in a swim meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Coyotes’ Martin Hanzal (11) and Vancouver Canucks’ Matt Bartkowski (44) throw punches in the third period as the Arizona Coyotes face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Canucks beat the Coyotes 2-1.
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert blocks Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris on a shot attempt as the Phoenix Suns face off against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. The Jazz beat the Suns 98-89.
Grand Canyon University fans cheer before the game as Grand Canyon University faces off against CSU Bakersfield on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. Grand Canyon University defeated CSU Bakersfield 70-64.
Tim Wilkerson, right, pulls away to a victory during a semifinal race during the final day of Carquest Auto Parts NHRA Nationals on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix, Ariz. Wilkerson later won the Funny Car title.
Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin goes up for a shot as San Antonio Spurs center Boban Marjanovic defends as the Phoenix Suns face off against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Spurs beat the Suns 117-89.
ASU’s Peace Amukamara bounds across the court as ASU faces off against WSU on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz. ASU beat WSU 61-39.
Seattle University guard Emmanuel Chibuogwu, center, celebrates a victory with teammates as Grand Canyon University faces off against Seattle University on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Seattle University defeated Grand Canyon University 59-57.
ASU’s Obinna Oleka celebrates after an ASU three pointer as the ASU Sun Devils face off against the UCLA Bruins on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Coyotes’ goalie Louis Domingue dives to make a block as the Arizona Coyotes face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz.
Grand Canyon University forward Grandy Glaze celebrates after scoring as Grand Canyon University faces off against CSU Bakersfield on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz.
Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris and Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza dive for the ball during the last minutes of the game as the Phoenix Suns face off against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Rockets defeated the Suns 111-105.
Grand Canyon University forward Grandy Glaze lets out a scream before the game starts as Grand Canyon University faces off against Seattle University on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
