Personal Vision

A juggler juggles at a Bananaball game in Indianapolis. 

Aodhan Quinn goes in on goal during a match between Fort Wayne FC and Indy Eleven. 

A Fort Wayne FC fan celebrates a goal during a match. 

A juvenile red-winged blackbird lands on a lily pad in the lake on campus.

University of Memphis Alumni seasons ribs for the 2026 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

An Austin FC fan looks through binoculars during the national anthem before the match against St Louis City SC at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Every year pigs race around a small course in the Pigtown neighborhood of Baltimore. It is named the Squeakness to play off the Preakness Horse race that happens nearby. 

Every year pigs race around a small course in the Pigtown neighborhood of Baltimore. It is named the Squeakness to play off the Preakness Horse race that happens nearby. 

This beautiful anhinga and I shared a mutual understanding, we both needed respite from the blistering sun and the shaded area was a small space. Neither of us were leaving. I was recently hiking at Sweetwater Wetlands Park on assignment for my university and the sun and heat were getting brutal. I set my sights on a small sheltered bench at the edge of one of the many ponds. As I walked closer, I saw this anhinga preening on the banister in the shade. I slowed my approach and began gently talking to the bird, sharing that I just needed a little break from the sun too and that I would not harm it. We could share the space and I would be kind. It paused its preening and watched me closely as I slowly sank onto the bench. I sat still and waited to see what it would do. Once it returned to preening I understood it had accepted my presence. I kept my promise but slowly pulled my Nikon Z6 and 100-400 from my bag and documented this dance-like ritual. What a stunning bird. It was still there when I decided it was time to hike some more. I am grateful this bird trusted me and allowed me to share this space and moment with it. Always be respectful when in the presence of wildlife.

A white tailed deer reaches with its tongue for a plant snack in a local preserve that was growing just a bit too high.