Somewhere along the last three months I became glued to a computer desk. Between academic life (aka making sure I am going to graduate), social life (realizing that this is my last time do some things in college), and photo editing—I realized I was not doing what I love most; taking photos. 

So, I took a whole Saturday to myself and shot for fun. Not for an assignment, not for the athletics department, not freelance work—I just took photos for me. And guess what….It felt amazing. 

I covered a natural body building competition down in Marysville. It was not like anything I have covered before, to say the least. Surprised to say that I was the only photojournalist covering the event. For those PNW photogs, definitely check this out next year. 

Backstage, Richard Gozdecki, right, 32, from the United Kingdom, and other pro-class bodybuilders prepare for the beginning of tenth annual WNBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.   WNBF competitors build muscle completely naturally and undergo multiple drug tests before and after the event to assure fair competition. 

Michael Hare, 62, from Trail, British Columbia, applies tanning oil to his bicep in mens dressing room before competing in the grand masters 60 plus competition. 

Competitors in at the tenth annual WNBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition receive spray tans inside tented booths before the competition April, 18, 2015, in Marysville, Washington. The spray tan coats bodybuilders in a darker tone in order to define muscle tone for judges. 

John Clynch, 54, left, from Seattle prepares for the men’s 50 plus competition at the tenth annual WNBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.    

Mark Tillden from Boise Idaho warms up before competing in the masters 40 plus class at the tenth annual WNBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.  

John Nickerson, 50, waits backstage before competing in the pro-class for men’s bodybuilding as a Tulalip Resort Casino employee passes by. Nickerson has been involved in the body building community for over 23 years. 

Oiled legs shimmer among gleaming trophies during the women’s figure competition Saturday, April 18, at the tenth annual WNBFWashington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.  Eagle Lucas from Port Angeles, applies competition posing oil to his body in the mens restroom before competing in his first body building competition.  

Novice figure-class competitors make last minute bikini adjustments while waiting to take the stage during the WNBF 2015 Washington State Emerald City competition. Professional and Amateur athletes from around the world and region gathered to compete in a variety of categories seeking both qualification for national competition and professional body building status.  

Men and women body building and bikini competitors await the beginning of the evening competition session of the tenth annual WNBFWashington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.  

A sliver of sunlight illuminates a bikini contestant’s identification number during the tenth annual WNBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.    Benny Mobley, pro men’s body building competitor, exits the stage after finishing his personal routine in front of judges at the tenth annual WNBF Washington State Natural Bodybuilding Emerald City competition, in Marysville, Washington.