Top 20 of 2012

Team Rocket (Eric Hansen and Ken Fowler) crisscross as the sun sets behind them in the Twilight Air Show at the Chico Airport Friday September 28, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's Anthony Rodriguez (65) reacts to a interception against Pleasant Valley High in the fourth quarter of their Almond Bowl football game at CSUC University Stadium Friday, October 26, 2012 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico State's Hannah Womack (left) collides with Western Washington's Trishi Williams (right) when going for a loose ball in the second half of their women's basketball game at CSUC Acker Gym Friday, December 7, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Enterprise-Record)

Chico High competes against Pleasant Valley High's Gracie Hernandez (top) leaps from the platform as Kimberly Harbert (bottom) touches the wall in the 200 Medley Relay during their swim meet at In Motion Fitness Wednesday October 10, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record) 

A double rainbow reaches across the sky over Bidwell Ranch at the entrance of upper Bidwell Park Friday, November 30, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's Eric Shanks bleeds from the head after being knocked down against Willows High's Eduardo Briones (not seen) on an attempt to score at home plate in the bottom of the sixth inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. Shanks was called safe because of obstruction, though suffered a bleeding laceration to the head on the play.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte College's Solomon Means (24, right) flips Shasta College's Tevin Slaton (8, center) on a tackle in the second quarter of their football game at Cowan Stadium Saturday, September 15, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. 

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Fire within the smoke column of the Chips Fire moves toward the shoreline of Butt Valley Reservoir as it continues to grow Saturday, August 11, 2012 in West Lake Almanor, Calif. 

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Hamilton High celebrates a win against Modoc High after the fourth quarter of their football game at HHS Friday, November 16, 2012 in Hamilton City, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Cal Fire - Butte County firefighters Jason Signes (left) and Jason Hawkins (right) battle a house on Royal Meadows Lane, off Neal Road in south Paradise, burns Friday afternoon as Cal Fire-Butte County, Paradise, Chico and volunteer firefighters try to keep the flames from spreading Friday, August 3, 2012 in Paradise, Calif. 

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Police officer Jeramie Struthers (left) looks at the blood on his hand as he arrest Devin Walker, 20 (center), for shoplifting JCPenny and resisting arrest which led officers on a foot pursuit from the Chico Mall across Hwy 99 into Michael's where he was detained by Butte County Sheriff on Saturday June 2, 2012 in Chico, Calif. Walker was injured with a laceration to the chin during the pursuit and treated on scene.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Hamilton City Volunteer Fire Protection District firefighters Danny Andreasen Jr. (left) and Dustyn Sousa (right) wait around with not much to do with the little over 1900 tubers took to the 58 degree cold waters of the Sacramento River for tubing Labor Day Weekend Saturday, September 1, 2012 in Hamilton City, Calif. 

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Cal Fire-Butte County firefighter John Gaddie along with Chico FIre, and Chico Fire Company 1 volunteer firefighters respond to a engulfed apartment structure fire in the 200 block of W 22nd St. that displaced at least one family Friday, November 9, 2012 in Chico, Calif. The family included a father with his 19-yr-old son and four younger daughters. The residence had its electricity recently turned off. Cause is still under investigation. The son was alerted by her sister screaming with smoke in one of the bedrooms. The family evacuated the residence as firefighters arrived to scene with the upstairs unit in flames. Other units were also damaged from smoke and water. Red Cross was called to help the displaced family. No injuries were reported at this time. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Sergeant Ethan White holds his daughter Elle White, 10 months, as members of the National Guard are honored for their tour of duty at the Freedom Salute Campaign at the Elks Lodge Saturday, February 18, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Chico Police offier Tony Ferreira (left) and det. Terry Tupper (center) talk to a young man who was given an minor in possession as they tend to unruly crowds along Ivy St. as early César Chavez festivities take place the day before the actual holiday on Friday, March 30, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Jacob Asher, 16, flips into the Feather River underneath the green bridge along Washington Ave. Thursday, August 2, 2012 in Oroville, Calif.

(Jason Halley /Chico Enterprise-Record)

Butte County Sheriff deputy Dan Angel (center) and other units search the alley between Oakdale St. and Broadway near 12th St.  for a suspect who ran through backyards after fleeing on foot following a police pursuit near 12th and Broadway Thursday, February 2, 2012 in Chico, Calif. Butte County Sheriff first attempted to make a traffic stop at 9th St. and Ivy on a Mercury Cougar that failed to signal making a turn onto Ivy, when the suspect failed to yield and a pursuit with unsafe speeds up to 55mph led officers in chase down Ivy to 11th st turning onto Broadway attempting to head down 12th st. when the suspects vehicle spun out turning around and accelerating into the Sheriff patrol car that was closing in. The male driver fled on foot after the collision and a female passenger, Stephania Gulbronson, 25, attempted to assault a Sheriff deputy wtih a 3" fixed blade knife. Gulbronson was taken into custody and will be charged with assult with a deadly weapon. The male suspect fled into nearby backyards jumping fences. A perimeter was set up as Sheriff units called Chico Police and K-9 to assist in the search of the male suspect, which turned up negative. Sheriff have leads to the identity of the male suspect which they are investigating and the reason the suspect fled was undetermined at the time. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Nick Wright wipes his brow as he is interviewed for the American Homecomings project in his home as he discusses his life as a civilian after serving in the armed services Thursday, April 26, 2012 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico firefighters Jesse Campos, opens a vent in the roof of an active attic fire at a home at 18 Woodside Lane Friday, August 10, 2012 in Chico, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Chico State student Taylor Lord, 20, walk underneath her umbrella over fallen leaves along Salem Street near W. 3rd Street on Thursday, November 29, 2012 in Chico, Calif. Lord was on her way to a class on CSUC campus. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Bloody and Battered Baseball

Most championships games are very competitive. The generally are also much more physical that a regular season game. What I did not expect is to see blood on the field due to a play at home. 

The game was tense with Willows High school taking an early lead. Durham High has fought back to put up runs. This challenge threatened the lead that Willows had developed. I was poised to catch a great moment that I knew would happen at home plate. I set up and when the opportunity came, I was ready. A Durham player was running full speed toward homeplate when he collided with the Willows High catcher. I wasn't ready to see a Durham player be knocked to the ground only to briefly stand with blood falling from his brow. 

See the story by sports writer Travis Souders, who explains the story much better than me.

The benches cleared as a little chaos erupted. I was frantically photographing all angles to try to capture the story. I was really lucky to see that my camera had snapped the shots. It really would have been great to get video of the collision, but I am a photographer first and a videographer second. I did get some great photos of the scene. 

Later in the game a second collision at third base which resulted in the Durham player receiveing a concussion. In the end, Durham battled hard to claim their 5th straight title. It was well deserved and well earned. I'd never seen such a physical game that was fought so hard. 

Durham High's #10 Eric Shanks (right) is knocked down against Willows High's #22 Eduardo Briones (left) on an attempt to score at home plate in the bottom of the sixth inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. Shanks was called safe because of obstruction, though suffered a bleeding laceration to the head on the play.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #10 Eric Shanks is knocked down against Willows High's #22 Eduardo Briones (not seen) on an attempt to score at home plate in the bottom of the sixth inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. Shanks was called safe because of obstruction, though suffered a bleeding laceration to the head on the play.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #12 Damon Young (right) is tagged in the face against Willows High's #3 Kyle Wycoff (left) in an attempt to take an extra base to third base on an overthrown ball in the bottom of the sixth inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #12 Damon Young (bottom) is tagged in the face against Willows High's #3 Kyle Wycoff (top) in an attempt to take an extra base to third base on an overthrown ball in the bottom of the sixth inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's head coach Bill Wells reacts to score against Willows High in the bottom of the sixth inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. 

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Durham High's #10 Eric Shanks (top left) lies on top of the pile as the team celebrates the win against Willows High in the top of the seventh inning during their baseball game at Butte College's Cowan field Saturday, May 19, 2012 in Oroville, Calif. Shanks' head was bandaged because of a laceration to this head due to a collision while attempting to score at home plate in the bottom of the sixth, who was called safe because of obstruction.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Check out a photo gallery of the full game action.

Close Plays in Baseball

Chico High's #7 Gavin Marasti (right) avoids the tag by Red Bluff High's #15 Modesto Ramirez (left) to score at home plate after being caught in a pickle in the bottom of the fifth inning during their baseball game at Skip McDonald Field Friday, May 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico High's #2 Stefano Disano (right) slides safely back to first base in a pickoff attempt against Red Bluff High's #17 Joel Duggins (left) in the bottom of the third inning during their baseball game at Skip McDonald Field Friday, May 5, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Play At Home

Chico State's #9 Jackson Evans (right) slides late into home plate to be tagged out against UC San Diego' #25 Kellen Lee (left) in the bottom of the first inning during the second game of their doubleheader baseball game at CSUC Nettleton Stadium Saturday, April 30, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Making The Play

Chico State's #11 Cody Foster slides in for a pop fly catch for the out against Cal State L.A.'s #13 Noe Flores (not seen) in the top of the fifth inning during their second baseball game of a double header at CSUC Nettleton Stadium on Saturday, April 16, 2011 in Chico Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico State's #22 Adrian Bringas fields the ball to first base for the force out against Cal State L.A.'s #18 Brett Whalen (not seen) in the top of the fourth inning during their second baseball game of a double header at CSUC Nettleton Stadium on Saturday, April 16, 2011 in Chico Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Clouds and Collisions

Butte College baseball brings excitement to the spring sport. There were dark rain clouds that hung in the foothills and great action on the field.

Butte College's #3 Greg Ruggles (right) slides in late at home plate against College of the SIskiyous' #23 Clint Felion (left) who places the tag for the out in the bottom of the third inning during their baseball game at Butte's Cowan Field Friday, April 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Rain clouds hang over Butte College against College of the SIskiyous in the bottom of the fifth inning during their baseball game at Butte's Cowan Field Friday, April 8, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Baseball is Back!

A new season of baseball is back on, and I am going to need some practice. After changing camera systems to a slower frame rate (8fps to 5fps) it seems that I am going to have to learn how to photograph action again. I guess I relied to much on the fast frame rate that I didn't even think about my timing. As it turns out, baseball's action is so quick, that my frame rate can't keep up. It looks like I'm going to have to actually start taking pictures now. While I enjoy the video of my new cameras, I do miss the fast speeds of the old system. Hopefully I will be able to keep up with the fast action of the game.

Pleasant Valley High School's #2 Ryan Souza (left) scores at homeplate against Foothill High's #4 Brian Kyncy (center) and #21 Bradon Erickson (right) in the bottom of the third inning during their baseball game at Doryland Field Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Pleasant Valley High School's # 17 Brandon Coborn cheers after a hit against Foothill High in the bottom of the first inning during their baseball game at Doryland Field Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

See full post...

Sports Is Not All About the Action

The first thing you generally visualize about sports is the action. But as a photojournalist, there are many more stories from the games we see that the activity. Eri Yoshida has been a huge star both locally and nationally. Most people want to come to the game to see her pitch. She definitely has a unique style to her game. But after the first, second, third and even fourth game, her pitching is still the same. There needs to be another story.

The story I see is how Yoshida interacts with the other male members of the team. She laughs and high-fives with them just like one of the guys. She has been well excepted not just with the fans, but also her teammates.

Chico Outlaws' #3 Eri Yoshida (center) laughs with #5 Pascual Del Real (left) against the Na Koa Ikaika Maui before the start of the top of the first inning during their baseball game at Nettelton Stadium on Friday, August 20, 2010 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

No Excuses

In light of my recent broken equipment, I have still had to do my job. I had a great performing Canon EOS 1D, and a good quality second body Canon 40D. But since both of them have decided to break over the same time period, I have been left with an entry level DLSR, a 10D. But this is no excuse for me to not perform. While I will also give no excuses to not buy new gear, it has never been the gear that have created great photographers. It has always been the images.

Gear merely provides a convenience. Instead of waiting for that perfect timing, just push the shutter for an 8 frame per second sequence that will probably snag what you are looking for. Having the gear doesn't mean you'll get the shot. You still need to work hard. Gear just makes it a little easier.

So, when I was force to use a camera that didn't have all the bells and whistles, I still had to work for that shot. I was able to shoot a baseball game and get a decent shot out of it.

Chico Outlaws' #12 Anthony Manuel (right) fields the ball to first base for the force out against the Na Koa Ikaika Maui's #8 Phil Alves (not seen) as #5 Paul Nishimura (let) attempt to advance to third base in the top of the third inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium Thursday, August 19, 2010 in Chico, Calif.

(Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Breaking Bats

The Outlaws game last night had quite a bit of bats broken by players. While an occasional bat broken happens here and there, last nights game had a couple all in a few innings. Sports photography is all about timing. I was able to snap one of these bats breaking that night.

Chico Outlaws' #25 Mike Rose breaks his bat as he fouls the ball against Calgary Vipers in the bottom of the second inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium Friday, August 6, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

It's The Outlaws, But Feels Like The Heat

Chico had their first baseball team named the Chico Heat, and for good reason. Chico summers can be brutal. Temperatures well over a hundred with a pretty good humidity. The Chico Outlaws came on scene after the Heat disbanded to regain the excitement of professional baseball. The Outlaws have done pretty well in Chico, but with summer highs soaking my shirts, I can't think of anything else but the heat. I don't know how they play baseball out it the direct sun. Plenty of hydration is needed. 

Chico Outlaws' Mike Rose sweats in the 100+ degree weather against Victoria Seals in the top of the first inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Friday, July 16, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Mike Rose (left) slides safely back to first base on a pick off attempt against Victoria Seals' Matt Edgecombe (right) in the bottom of the second inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Friday, July 16, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Santo DeLeon fields the ball to first base for the force out against Victoria Seals' Brian Rios (not seen) in the top of the third inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Friday, July 16, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Outlaws Getting Some Peak Action

As a sports photographer I am always looking for the peak action moments. I always have to be ready to snap at a moments notice. In baseball, the action is few and far between. There are a couple of pitches, and then smack! Something happens and the players are racing. The players are all over the field and you must know where the play is going to happen. Timing is everything. You have to be right on time, or the action will pass you by faster than you can blink.

Chico Outlaws' Robby Alcombrack (right) reaches out for the tag out at home plate against the Victoria Seals' Brian Rios (left) in the top of the fourth inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium Thursday, July 15, 2009 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record) 

Dust scatters off the bat of Chico Outlaws' Mitch Einertson as he fouls the ball at bat against the Victoria Seals in the bottom of the first inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium Thursday, July 15, 2009 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Eye on the Pitcher

Chico Outlaws 18 year old female Japanese pitcher, Eri "Knuckleball Princess" Yoshida, was honored as she donated her bat, ball and jersey from her debut performance to the Hall of Fame. It was a historical moment in sports for this young woman to be playing baseball professionally. I was at her first debut, and also came to her third starting pitching game to cover the game. Even though the night holds much of a "media-fest" atmosphere, at the end of the night, I still need a pitcher shot. 

Chico Outlaws 18 year old Japanese female pitcher #3 Eri Yoshida, aka "Knuckleball Princess" pitches against Edmonton Capitals in the top of the second inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Hall of Fame Senior Director of Communication and Education Brad Horn (left) presented Chico Outlaws Japanese 18 year old female pitcher Eri Yoshida, aka "Knuckleball Princess" (right) with several gifts from the Hall of Fame while accepting her donations of the baseball bat she used to record a hit and the jersey she wore at her first appearance, during the seventh-inning stretch in their baseball game against the Edmonton Capitals at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

So how do I make a pitcher look different through 5 innings? I use my tools and resources. I change lenses, location, and the look. I rely on my tools through the lenses to get a wide perspective to a close perspective. I rely on where I am located in the stadium to get different viewpoints of her pitching. And lastly, I rely on knowing how my camera operates (like shutter speed) to change the look of an image.

Chico Outlaws' Eri Yoshida at bat against Edmonton Capitals in the bottom of the fourth inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Eri Yoshida pitches against Edmonton Capitals in the top of the fourth inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Eri Yoshida takes the field against Edmonton Capitals in the top of the fourth inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Eri Yoshida pitches against Edmonton Capitals in the top of the third inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Eri Yoshida pitches against Edmonton Capitals in the top of the second inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Chico Outlaws' Eri Yoshida stretches in the dugout against Edmonton Capitals in the bottom of the first inning during their baseball game at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Hall of Fame Senior Director of Communication and Education Brad Horn (left) presented Chico Outlaws Japanese 18 year old female pitcher Eri Yoshida, aka "Knuckleball Princess" (center) with several gifts from the Hall of Fame while accepting her donations of the baseball bat she used to record a hit and the jersey she wore at her first appearance, during the seventh-inning stretch in their baseball game against the Edmonton Capitals at Nettleton Stadium on Thursday, June 24, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)