Harvest

I never grew up in rural Kansas, but I LOVE harvest. I first photographed harvest while in Hays as a summer intern in 2001. We had to shoot harvest for several weeks solid and it became difficult. In fact, after my first harvest shoot in Hays, it took me a few years to want to photograph it again. But, this evening, I had the opportunity to hit the backroads of Ellis County and see the splendor of man's machenery and the glory of nature!


The first time I saw this sort of situation was when I was returning from Manhattan to Hays late one night. It was dry, so the combines were going full force in the fields along I-70. It didn't matter that it was after 2 a.m. They were going and going and going! I've wanted to photograph harvest at night for awhile, but haven't had the chance to do so — until tonight! Shooting in the dark is difficult, so I opted for the post-twilight light, soaking in a what was left of the blue sky.

I was delighted to see that the Pfannenstiels were running two combines. With the lights and the dust and stubble it kicked up, I almost felt like I was watching a science fiction B-movie ...

Dubya

President Bush came to Wichita on Friday and I was part of the Associated Press team that covered his visit. He was here to visit a local Boys and Girls Club and then hob-knob at a fundraiser for Sen. Pat Roberts. Wherever the President goes, there is always a media presence at the airport to see Air Force 1 in and out of the city. So on Friday I was on airport duty and it wasn't too bad. Above, AF1 circles the landing strip, flying behind a giant American flag, before landing.


The President arrived early and the media relations folks at the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems plant were very accommodating, including a press room with snacks while we waited for Mr. Bush to return from his activities. Secret Service regulations required that all media covering the arrival and departure of AF1 remain in the secure area during the president's stay in town.


Regardless of your opinion about Mr. Bush – and he's arguably one of the most polarizing presidents in some time – it's always impressive to be within sight of the most powerful man in the world. I photographed Bush in 2004 when he visited the Brown V. Board Museum dedication in Topeka. The year before that, I photographed former President Jimmy Carter at the Dole Institute in Lawrence. It's exciting every time. To see a slideshow of images made from the top row of the media platform click here. -Mike

A note from Darcy and Kent

Darcy sent us a very nice note after receiving their engagement photographs online this week. We can't wait for your wedding, either! We've also learned that there will be a trolley ride from the church to the reception. That should make for some incredible wedding day images! See you in July! -Mike