08 in Photos (part 1)

Well, it seems to be the trend to review the year when it ends, or so it appears to me. I think this really is something fantastic to me, as you could spend a lot of time looking forward and easily forget where you've been. For me, a huge part of reviewing the year is looking at my photography. This includes looking at it documenting events, as well as developing my abilities to shoot. So, starting from the first second of the new year, all the way to the end of an era for Alan, here are the shots that defined 2008 (part 1).

On the strip in Las Vegas watching 2008 being rung in. Then we were off for a night of driving to Los Angeles.

The kickoff for the Rose Bowl Game 2008. Illinois vs. USC. That's all I'm going to say. The kickoff was exciting.

The Presbyterian Church in Clinton, IL taken in my first days with my Rebel XT.

Sunset over the football practice fields in Clinton, IL.

The Alma Mater and Altgeld Hall at the University of Illinois. Taken during a cold night walk on campus.

Calvin on the slopes at Orchard Downs during our epic sledding journey.

Rockets shot off on the Engineering Quad during Engineering Open House.

The cups full of water on the stairs prank at the Danger Zone.

Evan setting his Osama effigy on fire for Bin Laden's birthday.

Fixing a home during the Illini Life Memphis Mission Trip over the University of Illinois' Spring Break.

Bernie Mac (RIP) and Sam Jackson filming a scene for Soul Men on Beale Street in Memphis while on our Spring Break trip.

Russ playing drums for the Rock for Honduras event during the Spring semester with Illini Life.

A dew covered leaf out in nature following the Mandate event with Illini Life. One of my early attempts at Macro photography.

Wrigley Field, back when the Cubs had hope. They laid into the Pirates on this day early in the season.

Alan experimenting with light painting. This is definitely early in the process. Hopefully there will be future attempts with the knowledge had that will help these shots improve.

Depauw University and their beautiful campus while visiting an old friend.

My first people photo shoot for the sake of photo shooting. This is my now roommate Matt looking for some promo art for his music.

This is another shot from the shoot with Matt, but definitely different and wanted to give it a show too as it is really something I've liked a lot since I shot it.

The Treehouse Sessions, Spring 08. Later this year, I took some newer versions with a subset of Treehouse ladies. This shot, however, is special to me, as these girls have been dear to my heart for a long time.

From my second Cubs game of the year. This was a loss to the Padres, but it was still neat to see a team that was tearing up the Majors. Unfortunately, that wouldn't last. This is the last shot of the 'spring semester.' Part 2 will bring you the summer and beyond. Feel free to let me know what you think, you see, etc. I love critique.