Rattled. Was just accosted while taking photos at a baseball tournament in Mesa. Parents yelled for me to not take pictures of their kid. I agreed and asked which kid was theirs. They didn’t want to say and said if I did they would “kick my ass.” They yelled I was the fake
So here I am in the parking lot at a public park in Mesa feeling ashamed for doing one of my favorite things in the world- taking pictures. If we all were just a little kinder.
I’m shaking. More because I just want people to understand that I’m not their enemy. I love my community. I love telling their story through pictures. Leaving defeated. I didn’t want them to think they shouted me away but more aggressive parents were eyeing me.
I simply tried to explain that I was taking photos for the AZ Republic and wouldn’t take photos of their kids if they didn’t want. They kept yelling. Told me to walk away, which is what I ended up doing as they continued to accuse me of being a child predator and fake news.
news, I was taking pictures of little boys and that I was a pedophile. They said I wasn’t reporting on how ‘they stole the election.’ I replied that I was just a photographer doing my job for the newspaper. Another parent joined and they recorded my interaction.
Suns' Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Elfrid Payton taunt teammates Frank Kaminsky, Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges as they get to walk the 16th hole while the latter watch from the stands.
A very special moment at practice with Monty Williams speaking about and then embracing assistant coach Willie Green, who rumors have taking the head coaching position for the Pelicans when the finals wrap up.
Arizona State Senator Eva Burch (
@EvaBurchAZ
) responds to the upholding of the century-old, near-total ban on abortion by the Arizona Supreme Court today.
A powerful statement.
Suns' Chris Paul looks over to the Mavs bench and tells them to call a timeout after he scores again in the paint. Suns lead 103-93 with 8 minutes left.
"You have awaken the sleeping giant... Burn in hell Joe Biden... Burn in hell Bill Gates... Burn in hell Fauci... America is awake and we are never backing down"- Alex Jones in Arizona.
Suns owner Robert Sarver sits inbetween Suns guards Langston Galloway and Chris Paul watching the Mercury today. The group received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Van Buren and 5th Ave. filled with hundreds if not 1,000 with an hour to go before curfew hits. Protesters I’ve talked to say they will stay after 8pm curfew.
Black Lives Matter protesters made their way along Tempe Town Lake today on a march to 'Defund the Police.' Follow
@Audreyj101
and
@azcentral
for more on the story!
Suns win 112-97 setting up a potential series clincher in New Orleans.*
*side note- for the first time in my ten year career, i'll be traveling to shoot a Suns away game*
Just got word after 10 years of shooting the Suns, I get to shoot Game 1 on Sunday. So freaking happy. "Everything you want is on the other side of hard."
The renovations inside the Phoenix Suns Arena are legit 👀 And for the new LEDs illuminating the court... I mean... I'm a little bit excited to shoot the game Friday.
The very first day I showed up to intern at the Republic you took me out to shoot. You told me to pick your subject and you picked mine. I will carry your kindness, passion, caring and love with me everyday. Forever my brother, I miss you so much.
Outside State Capitol at an “AZ Open Our Schools Rally” where over 300 people are gathered (mostly unmasked) imploring the state to reopen schools for in-class education. Follow azcentral for more.
My least favorite part about covering any protest is that no matter what I post, I will receive direct attacks for covering it. I am here documenting the world and presenting it to you. Do with that what you will, but please try and be a little civil.
Still crazy that I went from watching NBA games on a tiny tv in Nebraska to shooting them for the last decade.
Thank you
@Cody_Cunningham
for the frame!
I’ve only known knockoff basketball jerseys my entire life. I’ve loved them, but getting a real Book jersey for myself and an Ayton jersey for my wife feels amazing. Kinda feels like I’ve finally made it.