The LGBT Resource Center and Pride Center hosted a drag performance and competition as part of the University of Utah’s Ally Week to raise money for the first youth homeless shelter in SLC.

I just watched James Nachtwey’s TED prize speech again and I am always impacted by his speech and his photos as I am sure many of you are as well.  He definitely has a talent not only for shooting but for speaking and defining the purpose of a photojournalist as he did in this speech.  I hope it is ok that I am not posting a photo, but only a quote from his speech that reminds me of what my purpose is as a photographer.  I realize that I many never do the things he has done and see the things he has seen but his explanation applies to all photojournalists. At least that’s how I see it no matter what subject you are shooting, some more then others, depending on how you approach it and how willing you are to broaden the horizon beyond what is in front of you and have full awareness of your entire surroundings.  Although the comment on putting lives on the line doesn’t apply to all subjects being photographed I feel the rest of the comments do apply.  Feel free to add to, or even reject my ideas as I am open to any comments or criticism concerning my views.

“Photographers go to the extreme edges of human experience to show people what’s going on. Sometimes they put their lives on the line because they believe your opinions and your influence matter. They aim their pictures at your best instincts, generosity, the sense of right and wrong, the ability and willingness to identify with others. The refusal to accept the unacceptable.”  James Nachtwey

Yesterday at the UPJ meeting we discussed the controversial crotch shot, specifically as it applies to sports.  I had brought a photo that someone mentioned that it was considered overboard, yet others thought the opposite.  I didn’t even recognize that it could be considered such a photo until it was pointed out.  Going through thousands of gymnastics photos this season I had to be the judge of what could possibly be considered… inappropriate to some and unfortunately scroll to the next photo despite the awesome subject, action and composition.  I got a few different opinions concerning this photo last night but I am curious about what others think.  Being a photo editor in beginning stages any input would be appreciated.

Friday was Utah’s first home track and field meet in about 30 years at the new McCarthey Family Track and Field during the Utah Spring Classic.  It was also the only home meet that they will have this year.  For 4 seniors, including Brianna LeRoy, this is the only meet that they will have ever had on their home track.  LeRoy was competing in the high jump and the long jump.  They get to jump 3 times in both events.  She was one of the competitors that I was focusing on.  Out of every event I photographed only 2 of them had people walk right in front of me.  It so happens that both of them were of LeRoy!!!

A group of more than 30 people walked barefoot, or sporting a pair of TOMS shoes in support of TOMS third annual nationwide One Day Without Shoes challenge. They walked from Pioneer Park to the JMR store in the Gateway Mall. The campaign is that for every pair of TOMS shoes sold TOMS donates a pair to a child in need.  About 65,000 pairs have been donated from Utah’s purchases alone.

Following the walk the local band The Year performed in front of the JMR store.