NPPA student quarterly contest 1st place in News

I just found out this photo I shot in March, has won the 1st place, News category, in NPPA's student quarterly contest.

Santa Rosa High School Class of 2013 graduation

Finally, I am posting those pictures I took at the Santa Rosa High School graduation Class of 2013, the second smallest graduating class in the school's history.

It was an interesting year for me, I got to spend the first day of their senior year with them in school and throughout the year, I've been seeing them almost every Tuesday when I go to Santa Rosa for work. And last Friday, I got to spend their last day in high school with them.

Wish them good luck!

New Year!

I photographed this on the second day of the new year while I was driving around for an ATM (anything that moves) assignment in Santa Rosa, NM.

2013, is here, the end of the world didn't happen. I have a year left of my grad school work. And I am already panicking about how to continue my career in photojournalism. I am applying for internships all over the country again. At the same time, looking at chances if I have to go back to China.

I have a few project ideas in my mind these days, some are in Northern New Mexico, some are on the Mexican border. We will see which one do I get funding first.

101

Another week in Santa Rosa, working on stories along the Route 66.
Mrs. Barela celebrates her 101st birthday at home with her great grandson and grandchildren.

Guadalupe County Fair

Please click for larger view

I went to Santa Rosa for the annual Guadalupe County Fair last Saturday. It is a great experience for me as a city boy from China to see those 'crazy' American county events.

Gabby and I went to Fort Sumner after the ranch rodeo event for Billy the Kid's grave. We got there around mid night. It was a very peaceful place. We had a special interest in this part the history after we watch the Sam Peckinpah's movie Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett.

I took the picture above I really like at the last event broncos riding, please click for a larger view.