children

Yearly Review (cont…)

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BOYS-GIRLS-3C-3_ZONE 0710 EG

©2009 Chicago Tribune/Alex Garcia

When this photo blog (almost 100 posts ago) first got going last year,  I wasn’t quite sure what kind of pictures to post, and whether I could keep up the quality of the images on a regular basis. As I have been looking back at the last year, I think it was a mistake not to include this image from a Boys and Girls Club event. It had a community journalism feel to it, and I was wanting to create a different vision or look for the photo blog. But what has emerged over time through the blog is a desire to have images that can connect and uplift with you the readers. In doing so, it helps me to be inspired. Given some of the negative stuff that comprises news, I think most of us news consumers need a steady dose of positivity. The activities of the Boys and Girls Clubs are very inspiring, and the fun expressions of these boys was fun to experience and to photograph.

A Big Chicago Bear Hug

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LanceBriggs01©Chicago Tribune/Alex Garcia

Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs announces the start of a Christmas shopping spree for 30 high-achieving but needy children who live in CHA homes. His “Briggs for Kids” charity gives out $200 gift cards each from Target. Although not all the kids knew exactly what he did for the Bears – “are you a running back?” – my guess is they won’t ever forget the experience. As a child at about their same age, I was given the opportunity to meet Walter Payton, Bob Avellini, Gary Fencik and other Bears players in their locker room after practice. I still remember being grabbed and whipped around playfully by Vince Evans. My guess is that years after their toys fall apart, their clothes are too small, and their games lose their appeal, these kids will still remember thirty years later the Bear-size hug and handshake from a real live action hero.

Yoga for the Young

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Yoga School©2009 Chicago Tribune/Alex Garcia

Schoolkids at the Namaste Charter School, where all the students perform yoga and exercise routines in the morning prior to starting their day.  Don’t know what I think about this school as a parent, but as a student, I probably would have been giggling through the exercises the first couple times. I have to stand, like, how…?:-)

Raining Color

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mateo2

©2009 Alexander Garcia

I often liken the process of seeing pictures to painting a canvas, where you find a background and hope to align lighting, moment and composition to create a cohesive image that has the impact of all these factors. In this case, it occurred with a simple moment at my family’s cabin. I turned to my left, and before I heard my wife (also a photographer)  say “take a picture!” I was bringing my camera to my eye to capture my son in an honest, albeit goofy:-), moment.