My last day at the Jackson Citizen Patriot
Monday was my last official day at the Jackson Citizen Patriot. As Scott made me turn in my keys and ripped my name off the cabinet and peg board, it started to hit me that my newspaper days are over. The Cit Pat was a valuable experience for me even though there were times where I couldn’t wait to leave, mainly NASCAR weekends. The staff (Scott, Dave and Erik) really pushed me and encouraged me to make great pictures, to come out with something that I was proud to put in the newspaper. Of course there were times were the images I came back with were not the best, but I was able to take it back to the guys and they were able to help me to improve or think of ways to try something different. After this internship though, I learned that the newspaper business is not for me.
Though Jackson is not the most “happening” town there was some excitement that kept my juices flowing. Here are a few: Cascades 9-hole gold courses where Dave and I thought we could actually get better at the game of golf; bonfires; Jackson County Fair people; Ted Nugent, Josh Turner and Alex Winston concerts; Wakeboarding Competition; Sailing; Getting hit on by biker babes; Cage Fighting; Meeting Dale Earnhardt Jr.(NASCAR driver) and Rich Rodriguez (UofM football coach); Pace car ride with Casey Mears with no seat belt on; and the sports portraits.
Things I will not miss: NASCAR, NASCAR photographers and Jackson Parades
Honestly though, I would recommend this internship to anyone, mainly because the photo staff there is amazing. Very helpful, very friendly and they want to see you do well and produce good photos. Thanks again guys, I hope I can make you proud.
Pictured below is me at the last NASCAR race for the year at the Michigan International Speedway. Erik told me that I had to check out this spot on the back side of the track, so I hiked out there to find my self sticking my head out a small hole in the fence with my camera and I kid you not, I was literally 2-3 feet away from the cars as they drove by at around 200 mph. That was a thrill and the best way to go out from an internship.
Why do you look so happy on your last day of work? I would expect you to be crying because you were leaving the fabulous town of Jackson, where all one-way streets lead to the prison.
Great job Brother! The photos you posted are really amazing. You've got great talent. Can you block out August 5 – 8, 2010; I would like you to be the official photographer at Grand Chapter in New Orleans, ha!
Hope to see you soon bud.
I'm glad you got a good experence it of it; I certainly enjoyed seeing all the pictures!
hahaha you have such a goofy look on your face. i know what laugh goes with that face. ……i just don't know how you would spell it out, but you know what i'm talking about.
you did good work this summer, dan. i'm happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience and found it valuable. i think you were a great asset to that team. now on to the next thing! woo!