A look at some of my favorite and newsy photos from June. The month included a media stake-out at the Federal Medical Center, state softball and state track and field.
WinonaCar hops Ava Hughes, left, and Makalya Corey, right, take orders and serve food to customers in their vehicles at the Lakeview Drive Inn in Winona, Minn.
Naure Play Days 01Blase Heyde, 9, of Rochester, tries to catch a butterfly with a net to look at it closer during a nature play day hosted by the Olmsted County Youth Commission on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Canticle Park in Rochester, Minn.
Wild Art 01Rick Stumpff, of Branson, Mo., rides a high-wheel bicycle along Hwy. 56 south of Brownsdale, Minn., on Thursday, June 30, 2016, for his High Wheel North to South journey benefiting Camp Barnabas, a camp for special needs children in Purdy, Mo. Stumpff, riding with his wife, Darla, started the trip in International Falls, Minn., on June 23 and will finish in New Orleans on July 18, a total of 1,650 miles. The two rested in Hayfield Wednesday night and Rick said their next stop was in Iowa. To learn more about their trip, follow them on their Facebook page "High Wheel North to South."
Ice Cream Social 01Kaydriana Stencel, 2, of Rochester, works on a bowl of vanilla ice cream during the PossAbilities Ice Cream Social on Monday, June 20, 2016, at Rochesterfest in Rochester, Minn.
Dennis HastertFormer Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, right, reports to the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minn., on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in a to serve a 15-month sentence.
Nicole Chovan 01Nicole Chovan performs a series of power snatches and over-head squats while working out Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at CrossFit Detour in Rochester, Minn.
Norman HecimovichNorman Hecimovich, of Austin, a Korean and Vietnam veteran, served as the first sergeant during the 79th MP Company's deployment in the Gulf War. Photo taken Thursday, June 30, 2016.
Section 1A Track and Field Championships 01Byron's Ally Akervik, left, waits to receive the baton from Lauren Nepstad, right, while running in the 3,200-meter relay during the Section 1A Track and Field Championships on Thursday, June 2, 2016, in Dodge Center, Minn.
Winona vs. Becker State Softball 01Winona’s Rhiannon Reinardy hits a two-run homerun during a Class AAA State Softball quarterfinal game against Becker on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at Caswell Park in North Mankato, Minn.
Class A State Track FinalsLa Crescent’s Cali Mauss, left, and Clair Shepardson celebrate after placing second in the 400-meter relay during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.
Zumbrota-Mazeppa vs. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton State Softball 03Zumbrota-Mazeppa third baseman Laura Drackley makes a diving stop on a sharp grounder and throws to first for an out during a Class AA State Softball quarterfinal game against Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at Caswell Park in North Mankato, Minn.
Class A State Track FinalsPine Island 1,600-meter relay team members, from left, Mitchel Acker, Tristan Akason, Jack Williams and Kyle Groven celebrate after winning the relay during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.
Wednesday night the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists held their 2016 Page One Awards banquet where I was informed I nabbed a first place in the Best Portrait Photography. It is quite an honor to place in any category in the SPJ contest but portrait is one I wouldn't have expected. I never think portraits are my strength but I guess sometimes it all comes together.
As for the portrait, Century gymnast Natalia Jacobson was great to work with to get the final shot. She was a good sport in creating the chalk dust cloud over and over again until we got it right. A big thanks to her and her patience!
Congrats to Mike Ekern of St. Thomas Magazine and Star Tribune photographers Jeff Wheeler and Aaron Lavinsky for also placing in the category.
Here's what the judges said about my photo:
"The photographer's use of light is striking in this image. Using off camera flash with the use of chalk creates a dramatic and dynamic portrait. The portrait is unique, bold and creative with a balanced composition."
Andrew Link's Favorite Photos of 2015Century gymnast Natalia Jacobson is back for her senior year and looking to return to the state tournament after placing 11th in the uneven bars last year. (Andrew Link/Post-Bulletin)
I spent the last two days covering the Minnesota State Track and Field meet at Hamline University in St. Paul. With a total of 27 hours working in those two days, I came back with 106 photos of southeast Minnesota tracksters competing for state titles. Oh yeah, it also reached 90 degrees each day.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the meet. Reaction was a challenge to get since I had a kid in every event. I wasn't able to hang around long if a winner was declared later.
And check out all the photos here for the Class A State Meet and Class AA State Meet.
Class AA State Track FinalsCentury’s Andrianna Jacobs hugs her coach, Ray Ashworth, after winning the pole vault for the fourth consective year at the Class AA State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State Track FinalsStewartville’s Chye Stecher, left, takes the hand-off from Jordan Johnson in the 400-meter relay during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State Track FinalsPine Island 1,600-meter relay team members, from left, Mitchel Acker, Tristan Akason, Jack Williams and Kyle Groven celebrate after winning the relay during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class AA State TrackCentury’s Katherine Eidem attempts the high jump during the Class AA State Track and Field Meet on Friday, June 10, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State Track FinalsPine Island’s Mitchel Acker wins the 800-meter run during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class AA State TrackMayo’s Chad Couser, left, competes in a 800-meter run prelim during the Class AA State Track and Field Meet on Friday, June 10, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State Track FinalsLa Crescent’s Cali Mauss, left, and Clair Shepardson celebrate after placing second in the 400-meter relay during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State Track FinalsRushford-Peterson/Houston’s Noah Carlson wins the long jump at the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State TrackPine Island’s Jack Williams, right, and Blake School’s Michael Mitchell compete in a 800-meter run prelim during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Friday, June 10, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class AA State Track FinalsCentury’s Andrianna Jacobs clears an early height on the pole vault at the Class AA State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Class A State TrackWinona Cotter’s Grace Ping high-fives an opponent after the 3,200-meter run during the Class A State Track and Field Meet on Friday, June 10, 2016, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Here's a look at some favorite and newsy photos from my month...
New Citizen 01Zahra Zamiri wipes away tears after giving the Oath of Allegiance during her citizenship ceremony Monday, May 9, 2016, at the Olmsted County Government Center in Rochester, Minn. Zamiri was nearly shot to death at her home earlier in the year.
Concord Cemetery 0399 flags in honor and in memory of area veterans line the center road at Concord Cemetery in West Concord, Minn., for Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, 2016.
Wild ArtMatt Holt of Sacred Heart Studios paints a mural based off a Day of the Dead theme outside of the new Hefe Rojo Mexican Restaurant on Friday, May 6, 2016, in preparation of opening in downtown Rochester, Minn. The building is undergoing an extreme makeover as it changes from City Cafe.
Winona Wild ArtA runner makes her way around West Lake Winona along Huff Street in Winona, Minn., on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.
RCTC GradJoe Schlichenmeyer, 67, is graduating with an Associate of Science degree in independent studies at Rochester Community and Technical College. Almost half of his credits are credit for prior learning he said. Schlichenmeyer is also the cable plant manager at RCTC, a position he's worked in since 2009. Photo taken May 11, 2016.
Triton vs. GMLOK Softball 01Triton's Ella Blaisdell rolls up as she dives back to first before a pick-off tag during a Section 1AA West elimination game against GMLOK on Saturday, May 28, 2016, in Zumbrota, Minn.
Lynx vs. Mystics Basketball 02Washington Mystics' Tayler Hill, right, knocks the ball away from Lynx's Lindsay Whalen, left, during a preseason game Sunday, May 8, 2016, at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn.
City Boys Track Meet 02John Marshall's Sam Sonnabend, left, finishes in front of Mayo's Tristan Dunbar in the 3,200-meter relay during a meet Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at Mayo High School in Rochester, Minn.
Lourdes vs. Kasson-Mantorville SoftballLourdes center fielder Alyssa Ustby nearly makes a diving catch on a shallow pop fly during a Hiawatha Valley League game against Kasson-Mantorville on Thursday, May 19, 2016, in Rochester, Minn.
Mayo vs. New Prague Baseball 01Mayo's Mitchell McCarty (9) is forced out and called for interference as New Prague second baseman Brady O'Neill tries to turn a double play during a Section 1AAAA quarterfinal game Saturday, May 28, 2016, at Mayo Field in Rochester, Minn.
Lourdes vs. Kasson-Mantorville Softball 01Kasson-Mantorville teammates celebrate a home run by Laura Kosberg (13) during a Hiawatha Valley League game against Lourdes on Thursday, May 19, 2016, in Rochester, Minn.
Century vs. Owatonna Baseball 02Century right fielder Ryan Maiers watches and waits as sprinklers were activated in the outfield during a Section 1AAAA quarterfinal game against Owatonna on Monday, May 30, 2016, at John Marshall Alumni Field in Rochester, Minn.
A look at some of my favorite and newsy photos from April ...
Arbor Day Celebration 02Liam Mcleod, 8, of Rochester, plays air guitar and dances while listening to music during the fourth annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 29, 2016, at Silver Lake Park in Rochester, Minn.
Blaine Marcou 02Blaine Marcou of Wabasha, Minn., holds a painting of Prince that was created for a potential album cover. Marcou worked as a set and stage designer for Prince in the early 1990s. Photo taken April 22, 2016.
Pinewood Derby 06Andrew Boelter, 6, of Chatfield, places his car at the start line for a heat race during the Hiawatha District Pinewood Derby on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Apache Mall in Rochester, Minn. All racers are responsible for placing their own cars for races.
Cascade Meadow Burn 01A crew from Zumbro Valley Forestry conducts a controlled burn Monday, April 18, 2016, at Cascade Meadow Wetlands in Rochester, Minn. It was the first burn in three years for the wetland said executive director Scott Walker. The plan is to have controlled burns for each of the next three years for prairie management and to eliminate invasive species. "We want it back to how mother nature used to take care of it," Walker said.
Prowl Visit 02First-grader Chase Stewart laughs as Prowl, the Minnesota Lynx mascot, places a sticker on his forehead during a visit Thursday, April 28, 2016, to Churchill Elementary School in Rochester, Minn.
Frankie MickelsonRochester Century senior slugger Frankie Mickelson. Photo taken April 4, 2016.
Boys Golf MeetMayo's Jackson Edwards hits out of a bunker on hole 10 during the Byron Invitational on Monday, April 25, 2016, at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minn.
RCTC vs. ICCC Baseball 01Rochester Community and Technical College shortstop Damon Nuss, left, tags second base with his glove to force out Iowa Central Community College's Cory Alexander (00) after fielding a grounder up the middle during the first game of a doubleheader Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Rochester, Minn.
Pine Island vs Stewartville Baseball 01Stewartville catcher Colton Miller, left, tags out Pine Island's Aaron Gillard at home on a squeeze play in the eighth inning of a Hiawatha Valley League game Monday, April 4, 2016, in Pine Island, Minn. The game was suspended at the end of the ninth inning tied at 3-3.
RCTC vs. ICCC BaseballThe dust settles as Rochester Community and Technical College second baseman Logan Fuller, right, picks up the ball after Iowa Central Community College's Cory Alexander safely steals second during the first game of a doubleheader Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Rochester, Minn.
Lourdes vs. Stewartville Softball 02Teammates celebrate a solo home run by Stewartville's Amanda O'Connell (7) during a Hiawatha Valley League game against Lourdes on Monday, April 18, 2016, in Rochester, Minn.
Marion Road SE CrashEmergency responders work the scene of a head-on collision between two cars Friday, April 15, 2016, on Marion Road Southeast near the 50th Avenue intersection in Rochester, Minn.
A look at some of my favorite and newsy photos from March...
Wild ArtTwo-year-old Aubree Markee greets geese before going for a walk along Silver Lake with her mother, Michaela Sunberg of Rochester, on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Rochester, Minn. "It's finally warming up," Sunberg said. "Even though it's gloomy, still happy to be outside."
GOP Caucus 03Anna Pankratz, of Rochester, works on homework in the hallway while her mother attends the GOP caucus Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Mayo High School in Rochester, Minn.
SE MN Day Not at the Capitol 02Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede greets and assists others exiting a bus Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the Southeast Minnesota Day Not at the Capitol event in St. Paul, Minn. Rochester community members gathered in St. Paul to meet with local legislators.
GOP Caucus 02Presidential preference ballots are counted in a hallway during the GOP caucus Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Mayo High School in Rochester, Minn.
Sebastian Vile 01Mayo sophomore Sebastian Vile is returning for his sophomore season after qualifying for the state tournament as a freshman. Photo taken March 30, 2016.
Candlelight Vigil 01Family and friends of 10-year-old Hunter Bergo gather for a candlelight vigil Sunday, March 27, 2016, at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minn. Bergo was killed in an ATV crash the day before.
Goodhue vs. W/H-N State Girls Basketball 04Goodhue’s Emily Benrud (15) shoots during a Class A state semifinal game against Wheaton/Herman-Norcross on Friday, March 18, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.
Caledonia vs. Jackson County Central State Boys Basketball 02Caledonia’s Colton Lampert, left, forces a jump-ball call on Jackson County Central’s Ryan Christopher during a Class AA State quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.
Rushford-Peterson vs. Kingsland Girls Basketball 02Rushford-Peterson's Ashley Agrimson (21) and Mikayla Crawford (5) battle for a loose ball with Kingsland's Courtney Schmidt (4) during the Section 1A East championship game Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn.
P-E-M vs. Roseau State Girls BasketballPlainview-Elgin-Millville’s Sarah Hart, top left, hugs Tessa Hubbard (12) as the Bulldogs celebrate their 87-78 win over Roseau in a Class AA state semifinal game Friday, March 18, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.
Rugby Club 01Sophomore Jacob Hansen, bottom left, junior Derek Khammanh, top right, and junior Aiman Abdalla, right, run through a drill during rugby practice Thursday, March 31, 2016, at John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minn. The rigby club is in its second year competing against other high school club teams.
Fish Fry 02Kathy Quandt, an Stewartville American Legion Auxiliary member, takes a drink of Busch Light between her duties of battering fish for frying in the kitchen. Club manager Lisa Howe joked that she thanked her fish fry volunteers in beer. Photo taken Feb. 26, 2016. Published March 12, 2016.
ShootingRochester police investigate the scene of a shooting as a neighbor stands outside her home Monday, March 7, 2016, morning on the 2900 block of Ninth Avenue Northwest in Rochester, Minn. A woman was seriously injured after a man shot her in her home then shot himself.
The results are in... And 2015 was a pretty good year. I finished third for Region 5 in the National Press Photographers Association's Monthly News Clip Contest. It's a satisfying accomplishment as it's the highest finish I've had in my career so far. I finished behind John Hart of the Wisconsin State Journal and Fred Zwicky of the Lincoln Journal Star, two very talented photojournalists I enjoy following.
To give you an idea of how this contest works: Photographers submit up to 9 photos (12 this year) in categories each month. First, second and third places in each category (spot news, sports, feature, etc.) are awarded points. The points are tallied up for the standings. I competed in Region 5 which consisted of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois, I think. Maybe one or two more states.
I accumulated six first places, five second places and two third places for a total of 560 points.
Here are the final Region 5 standings:
Here are the photos that took firsts:
Veteran Burial 01More than 100 people attend the graveside service for Vietnam veteran Richard Rhodes on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona. Rhodes, with no surviving family, was given full military honors in a short service.
FireWinona and Goodview firefighters battle a fire at 151 E. Third St. in downtown Winona early Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, morning.
Rollerblading 01Fifth-grader Grace Finnerty maneuvers under an obstacle while rollerblading with classmates during physical education class Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, at St. Stanislaus Elementary School in Winona.
Hwy. 61 Crash 01Emergency responders carry Charles Bushek, 57, of Onalaska, Wis., to the ambulance at the scene of a one-vehicle crash Thursday, March 19, 2015, on Hwy. 61 north of Dakota, Minn.
WSHS Girls BasketballWaseca's Katie Tlusty, right, is fouled by Winona's Abby Winter after grabbing a rebound during a MSHSL Section 1AAA semifinal game Saturday, March 7, 2015, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Hwy. 52 CrashMinnesota State Troopers investigate a multi-vehicle crash involving a semitrailer Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, on Hwy. 52 near the 100th Street NW exit.
The last two weeks I spent five days in the cities covering the state boys and girls basketball tournaments. We had five area teams qualify. For boys: Goodhue, Caledonia and Red Wing. For girls: Goodhue and Plainview-Elgin-Millville.
The Goodhue boys fought their way to the state championship game where they fell to High-powered Minneapolis North.
The Goodhue and P-E-M girls both won state titles in their classes.
I covered the weekday games which are the quarterfinals and semifinals. So out of 135 photos from seven games, here are a favorite from each game:::
CLASS AAA QUARTERFINAL - Red Wing 73, Simley 51 - All photos of the game here.
Red Wing vs. Simley Boys BasketballRed Wing’s Christian Massett (2) saves the ball from going out of bounds by tossing over his head during a Class AAA State quarterfinal game against Simley on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
CLASS AA QUARTERFINAL - Jackson County Central 79, Caledonia 74 - All photos of the game here.
Caledonia vs. Jackson County Central State Boys Basketball 02Caledonia’s Colton Lampert, left, forces a jump-ball call on Jackson County Central’s Ryan Christopher during a Class AA State quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
CLASS A SEMIFINAL - Goodhue 41, Central Minnesota Christian 38 - All photos of the game here.
Goodhue vs. Central Minnesota Christian State Boys Basketball 04Goodhue’s Nicholas Thomforde (5) celebrates with teammates after an and-one call during a Class A State semifinal game against Central Minnesota Christian on Friday, March 11, 2019, at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
CLASS AA QUARTERFINAL - Plainview-Elgin-Millville 59, Holy Family Catholic 38 - All photos of the game here.
P-E-M vs. Holy Family State Girls Basketball 01Plainview-Elgin-Millville’s Sarah Hart (33) lays up a shot past Holy Family Catholic’s Molly Smith during a Class AA state quarterfinal game Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis.
CLASS A QUARTERFINAL - Goodhue 77, Sacred Heart 46 - All photos of the game here.
Goodhue vs. Sacred Heart State Girls Basketball 03Goodhue’s Sydney Lodermeier (25) defends against a shot by Sacred Heart’s Anya Edwards (1) during a Class A state girls basketball quarterfinal game Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis.
CLASS A SEMIFINAL - Goodhue 74, Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 35 - All photos of the game here.
Goodhue vs. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross State Girls Basketball reactGoodhue’s Sydney Lodermeier (25) and Haley Lexvold (3) react after Lodermeier is fouled on a shot for an and-one call during a Class A state semifinal game Friday, March 18, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
CLASS AA SEMIFINAL - Plainview-Elgin-Millville 87, Roseau 78 - All photos of the game here.
P-E-M vs. Roseau State Girls BasketballPlainview-Elgin-Millville’s Morgan Shindelar dribbles the ball during a Class AA state semifinal game against Roseau on Friday, March 18, 2016, at Williams Arena in Minneapolis.
Here's a rundown on my favorite or newsworthy images from last month. Enjoy!
Spent a couple days gathering photos for a Weekend Focus on the downtown skyway system. I enjoyed having the chance to freely roam and shoot when I thought would work. Full photo gallery here.
Skyway Night 01Pedestrians use the skyway over Second Street Southwest while night sets in Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in downtown Rochester, Minn.
Spent an evening at SocialICE before it all melted away. They were cool while they lasted.
SocialICEPeople walk under hanging ice cubes during SocialICE on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, on the Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester, Minn.
Stan returns to Rochester! I watched as Quarry Hill Nature Center staff and volunteers assembled Stan the T-Rex for a month-long exhibit in March.
T. Rex at Quarry Hill 01Staff and volunteers assemble a skeleton of Stan the Tyrannosaurus rex Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, for the T. rex: Tiny Arms, Big Teeth exhibit at Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester, Minn. The full-size replica is 12-feet tall at the hips and 40-feet long from head to tail. The exhibit opens March 5.
As part of my Welch skiing Camera Works, this frame stood out with the back-lit skier making his way down a carved hill.
Welch VillageA skier makes their way down a hill Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Area in Welch, Minn. Despite below zero temperatures and wind chills, skiers and snowboarders took advantage of a sunny day on the slopes. Photo published Feb. 6, 2016.
Working in a clean room at Rochester Home Infusion in the Minnesota BioBusiness Center in downtown Rochester.
Minnesota BioBusiness Center 01Pharmacy technician Becky Oberle works in a clean room while mixing medications for patients to self-administer at home Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Rochester Home Infusion in the Minnesota BioBusiness Center in downtown Rochester, Minn.
One of my favorite portraits I have taken. Eugene was a good sport as we tried line up the frame. My camera was in the oven with a tethered remote coming out of the oven for me to trigger the shutter. I had two small flashes, one on each side of him.
Eugene Roth87-year-old Eugene Roth at his home in Rochester, Minn. Photo taken Feb. 24, 2016.
Another sports portrait, this one of seventh-grader Sawyer Gorman of Pine Island. She qualified for the state gymnastics meet.
Sawyer GormanPine Island (Minn.) gymnast Sawyer Gorman. Photo taken Feb. 16, 2016.
My first time shooting divers at a high school swim and dive meet. Much different than swim shots in the pool.
John Mrshall vs. Red Wing Boys Swimming 01John Marshall's Brennigan Las attempts a dive during a Big Nine Conference dual meet against Red Wing on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in Rochester, Minn.
During the Section 1A team championship, Caledonia suprised No. 1 seed Zumbrota-Mazeppa to qualify for the state tournament.
Caledonia vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa Wrestling 01Caledonia's Aaron Francis lifts Zumbrota-Mazeppa's Johnny Poulin while wrestling in a 113-pound match of the Section 1A team championship Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn.
Surrounded by winter beauty, a tragic crash claimed the lives to two people on Hwy. 218 north of Blooming Prairie.
Hwy. 218 CrashThe Minnesota State Patrol investigates a fatal crash Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, morning on Hwy. 218 north of Blooming Prairie, Minn.
Here, Rochester firefighters extricate the driver of a car that collided with a garbage truck on Hwy. 52 at the I-90 ramp intersections.
Hwy. 52 CrashOne person was seriously injured when a Chevy Impala collided with a garbage truck on Hwy. 52 at the westbound Interstate 90 ramps intersection Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, south of Rochester, Minn.
On a snowy Groundhog Day, we found a man and his dog playing fetch with a Frisbee in a park.
SnowLexi carries a Frisbee back to her owner, Daryl Saari, while playing fetch in the snow Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, at Quarry Hill Park in Rochester, Minn.
Here's a monthly rundown of my favorite photos from January.
I found this frame while driving back from an assignment in St. Charles. The snow-covered field and sky nearly blend seamlessly together. Also, it ran in the paper with the headline: "Spread the turd"
Wild ArtA farmer spreads manure on a snow-covered field Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, along Olmsted County Road 9 near St. Charles, Minn.
Ah, the typical winter wild art in Minnesota. I found these two running around a block, dipping behind snow banks as they threw snow at each other.
Wild ArtJacob Schmoll, left, 11, protects himself from a snowball thrown by his cousin, Norah Young, 10, while having a snowball fight Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, in front his Norah's home on City View Court in northeast Rochester, Minn. The children were excited to be playing outside after the cold snap this week.
Another sports portrait. This one of Byron's Emma Weatherly. I didn't really have a plan going in other than knowing she was good at the vault. With a 10 minute window before practice was set to begin, we created this.
Emma WeatherlyByron (Minn.) sophomore gymnast Emma Weatherly poses for a portrait Jan. 5, 2016.
I snapped this emotional image during the "Growing Up Black in Rochester" panel discussion. Crystal Smith and others shared their experiences while growing up in the area.
Growing Up Black in RochesterCrystal Smith of Rochester wipes tears from her eyes after recalling a story where George Gibbs offered her a job during the "Growing Up Black in Rochester" panel discussion sponsored by Rochester Civic Theatre's "Women on Wednesdays" on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, at the Rochester Civic Theatre in Rochester, Minn.
During a construction update tour of the Mayo Civic Center, this opportunity showed itself on the second level where a Grand Ballroom will be.
Mayo Civic Center ConstructionConstruction continues on the second floor of the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn., on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, where the Grand Ballroom is located. This section of construction is expected to be open in 2017.
This photo is part of my curling photo story shot in Austin. A group is trying to get the sport popular with residents to create a league. There was a variety of people there from curling veterans to first-timers.
CurlingDon Preston, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, holds up his arm directing a teammate which way to curl the stone on a throw during a pick-up game Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, at Packer Arena in Austin, Minn.
My first time covering an Alpine Ski Meet. It was a fun event to shoot. Of course I don't share a photo of an athlete routinely going through the gates. Here's one that clipped a gate that messed up his run.
Alpine SkiingMayo's Andrew Barnes gets caught up in a gate while competing in the Alpine ski meet Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Area in Welch, Minn.
While it's just a dunking photo, it told the story of the game fairly well when two top-ranked teams, Red Wing and John Marshall met for the first time this season. Red Wing handled the Rockets pretty well with multiple dunks on the night.
John Marshall vs. Red Wing Boys BasketballRed Wing's Travis Toivonen (11) dunks past John Marshall's Matthew Hurt (30) during a Big Nine Conference game Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Red Wing, Minn.
This is a favorite because of how unique (I think) this pin is. I have no idea how Plainview-Elgin-Millville's Reed DeFrang, right, positioned himself for this but it worked.
Century Wrestling InvitePlainview-Elgin-Millville's Reed DeFrang, right, pins Lakeville South's Jaden Dukes, left, in a 120-pound match during the Panther Invite on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at Century High School in Rochester, Minn.
One of the sadder stories of the month. Two people were killed in a house fire on an Amish farm near Canton, Minn. By the time I arrived in the afternoon, firefighters were searching for the bodies as Amish men watched from behind.
House Fire 02Amish men watch as firefighters search for missing people after a fire at the Yost Hershberger property Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, near Canton, Minn. An overnight fire killed two people living in the house.
Last week was the Minnesota Newspaper Association convention which included the Better Newspaper Contest awards banquet. I learned in December that I won awards in two categories - News Photo and Photo Story - but didn't know what place or photos won.
It was great to find out I took home two second place awards, one for the Post-Bulletin and one for the Winona Daily News. On top of that, the Post-Bulletin was in the top three daily newspapers for most awards/points.
My favorite part of the convention is seeing familiar faces in the newspaper industry and being inspired by the great work on display by Minnesota journalists.
Here's what the judges had to say about the entries:
News Photo - Second Place
"Touching photo that really adds to the story."
Veteran Burial 01More than 100 people attend the graveside service for Vietnam veteran Richard Rhodes on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona. Rhodes, with no surviving family, was given full military honors in a short service.
Photo Story - Second Place
"What fun! Each photo introduces a different element in telling a visual story of a simple pastime."
Last week while covering the Red Wing vs. John Marshall boys basketball game, I was lucky enough to be in the right place to capture a pretty nice dunk by Red Wing's Travis Toivonen in the first half. I didn't just get one clear shot, my focus was locked on for six.
When I was done working on all my photos from the game and uploaded them to where they need to go I wanted to try and make a GIF of the photo series I had of the dunk. It's not something that's overly useful for the Post-Bulletin website or print (obviously) but rather something different. I had the photos so why not find a way to use them?
A quick Google search brought me to http://gifmaker.me/ and all I had to do was upload the photos, choose the timing and it made itself.
It was incredibly easy and a fun item to share on social media. I will look for other opportunities to create these while on assignment.
Last month seemed like I had more sports portraits than anything. With the opportunity I tried to make the most out of them. The first three photos of my favorite/best from December are portraits. I'll continue finding fun ways to illustrate an athlete's talent.
As a holiday I don't see much coverage of, it was fun to shoot a menorah lighting celebration in downtown Rochester. Bonus points to see familiar faces from Winona, the Miller family, helping light it.
I spent some time with members of a gun range one night to illustrate a gun permits story. While the lighting while they were shooting was not great, I liked this frame as the members gathered.
Rochester saw its first significant snowstorm so I drove around a bunch for two days. This was a fun one, being so close to the action as they threw snow at each other.
While Bud didn't have much to say, Shari kept a conversation going while checking on him the morning.
Standards are high to get game action into the favorites category. I think it jut squeaked in with the combination of Noah's expression and Broc's body coming down on him as they fight for a rebound.
A little sports reaction to mix in.
On Wednesday I was assigned a portrait of the Post-Bulletin's Athlete of the Year. The photo would go with sports reporter Pat Ruff's story that would run in the Jan. 1 paper. Like all sports portraits, I wanted to make this one special. Since it was for our Athlete of the Year, I really wanted to make it stand out.
So, when I got all the information of what makes Century senior Andrianna Jacobs such a spectacular athlete, I knew I had to tie in the three sports she excels in: pole vaulting, diving and gymnastics. She has been to state 12 times in her high school career and is the state's top pole vaulter.
But how was I going to bring it all together?
First, I needed a location. A pool was the most logical place since nothing else really screams diving. Then, a pole vault pole would help showcase that side of her. And her gymnastics leotard, although subtle, would bring it all together.
I had a few ideas for poses as I arrived to the John Marshall pool but nothing sold on. I set up my two Speedlites on stands and after some discussion, Andrianna was cool with trying some jumps on a diving board. I moved my lights into position. One to my left along the pool deck, the other at the end of the pool on my right, closer to the diving board.
Andrianna had a gymnastics jump/pose in mind (I forgot what it's called but it's what she is doing in the photo). The jump/pose looked great so we tried it a bunch of times, working on timing, angles and lighting.
I am happy with the results. It's different might make a viewer look at it longer to try to understand it. I'm received a few compliments from colleagues on it and a mention by the MSHSL's media king:
A huge thanks to Andrianna for her patience and enthusiasm. I wouldn't be able to do portraits like these without cooperative subjects.
Here is the final image that ran in Friday's sports section:
Century's Andrianna Jacobs 01Senior Andrianna Jacobs excels in pole vault, gymnastics and diving for the Century Panthers.
I also took a few less-exciting portraits just in case my editors didn't like the main idea:
Century's Andrianna JacobsSenior Andrianna Jacobs excels in pole vault, gymnastics and diving for the Century Panthers.
2015. Where to I begin? My year, my work, reflects the big news I covered. Good and bad, from state champion teams to devastating fires. It was a year with big changes but I'll get to that later. I'll start from the beginning...
In January I covered a Vietnam veteran's graveside service in Winona. The veteran had no living relatives so Hoff Funeral Home called for community members to help honor the man for his service.
A photo from the service was also an National Press Photographers Association monthly photo winner for Region 5 and they selected it to run in the May edition of NPPA's News Photographer magazine. It was an honor having a photo featured in the Opening Shots.
February was that start of running weekly photo stories in the Winona Daily News on A3. My first story was of a team that doesn't get much coverage. The Winhawks' adapted floor hockey team was fun to shoot. They had some good athletes with one of players singing the National Anthem before the game.
Also in February was the the third big fire in downtown Winona in 18 months. After a 1:30 a.m. call from a friend, I was at the scene all morning taking photos and video.
I shot my first state championship team as Ruchford-Peterson cruised to a Class A title in March. I covered the Trojans the past 3 or 4 years on their trips to state but always came up short of the championship. It was great to see them capture the title.
A big part of the first six months of the year was documenting progress on the new Interstate bridge in Winona. I can't wait to see it completed.
At the end of June I said goodbye to the Winona Daily News after almost five years as photo editor. It was strange leaving the paper I loved working at so much but the opportunity for new adventures was hard to turn down. Now, a staff photographer at the Post-Bulletin in Rochester, I am able get back at focusing on my photography and improving.
My first assignment with the P-B was an exciting one: a bomb scare in a downtown parking ramp. What a way to start!
In July I was given the opportunity to cover a day at Vikings Training Camp in Mankato.
Friday nights in the fall I found myself on the sidelines like usual but they were all new teams to me. I even got to shoot two football state champions with Grand Meadow and Caledonia.
Saw Craig Morgan perform at Harvest Jam Rochester too...
The first two veterans were buried November in the new Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston. Being there was special for the families.
I also shot my first Vikings game in November. Despite a 30-13 loss to the Packers, it was an eye-opening experience at TCF Bank Stadium and shooting with other great Minnesota photographers.
There were many other moments in the year that made 2015 pretty darn good. I wish I could share them all.
Here's to 2015 and an even better 2016!
And here are my favorite photos from the second half of the year with the Post-Bulletin. I narrowed them down to 50 for you.
See all 50 photos in a gallery here.
As many photographers look back on their year in photos, I will do the same.
This summer I ended my four-plus year time at the Winona Daily News in Winona, Minn. At the WDN, I was the only full-time photographer with a staff of three part-timers. I often worked six days a week covering everything. Lots of news and lots of sports.
I may reflect on my year in a post later this week.
Enjoy!
More than 100 people attend the graveside service for Vietnam veteran Richard Rhodes on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona. Rhodes, with no surviving family, was given full military honors in a short service. (Andrew Link/Winona Daily News)
Rushford-Peterson players, from left, Jacob Merchlewitz, Alex Vix, Cole Kingsley, Kyler Paulson and Charlie Krambeer celebrate after the final horn in the Trojans' 51-44 win over Maranatha Christian Academy in the MSHSL Class A Boys Basketball Tournament championship game Saturday, March 14, 2015, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. (Andrew Link/Winona Daily News)
Fireworks shoot over the Mississippi River to end Steamboat Days in Winona on Sunday, June 21, 2015. (Andrew Link/Winona Daily News)
City of Winona employees cut open and remove blocks of ice from East Lake Winona on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, morning in preparation for the Goose Bump Jump and Cardinal Plunge this Saturday. In their 10th year opening a 25-foot by 35-foot hole in the ice, the city crew had the process down to a science. Ice blocks were cut with chainsaws and pulled up with a pick on a tractor. The 17-inch thick blocks were then pushed to the side and out of the way. (Andrew Link/Winona Daily News)
Winona and Goodview firefighters battle a fire at 151 E. Third St. in downtown Winona early Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, morning. (Andrew Link/Winona Daily News)
As 2015 comes to an end, here are a bunch of my favorite Instagram photos taken only with my iPhone.
You can follow me on Instagram here: @alinkphoto
***I am aware the presentation of these embedded Instagram photos is not great but we'll get over it.
Sunday I had the pleasure of shooting an annual candle lighting ceremony at a historic church near Kenyon, Minn. It was the 13th year the event was held to remember the first Irish pioneers who started the church 137 years ago. More photos can be seen here.
The shooting was quite a challenge with one window allowing in light from outside near the front while the rest of the church was pretty dark. A high ISO and low shutter helped the exposure.
Candle Light CeremonyDeacon Newell McGee leads the 13th annual Candle Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, at St. Rose of Lima Church near Kenyon.
Candle Light CeremonyChris Kneeland, left, of Pine Island lights her daughter Rachel's, 12, candle while singing "Silent Night, Holy Night" during the 13th annual Candle Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, at St. Rose of Lima Church near Kenyon.
Candle Light CeremonyVisitors hold candles while singing "Silent Night, Holy Night" during the 13th annual Candle Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, at St. Rose of Lima Church near Kenyon. The annual celebration is in memory of the Irish pioneers who held the first Christmas Mass at St. Rose 137 years ago.
Candle Light CeremonyRuth Fredrickson, center, of Kenyon sings "Silent Night, Holy Night" during the 13th annual Candle Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, at St. Rose of Lima Church near Kenyon.
Hello to anyone that may read this. I will attempt to get back into blogging about my work and experiences. I tried this a bit at the Winona Daily News but had a hard time mixing it in my daily or weekly routine.
I'm not sure what direction this will take. Maybe just showcasing work and telling little stories behind the photos.
I think I will start off in the coming weeks by posting some of my favorite photos from 2015. So be ready for them.