Western trombone players Hayden Lemaster and Casey Schwenk, both 18, enjoyed showing their school spirit to a Central fan at the televised Western vs. Central basketball game Feb. 16. “We yelled at them and we were louder too!” said Schwenk laughing.

Lemaster and Schwenk gear up before the game

Trent Spanger, 18, dances while he listens to music at the Valentine Day Flash Mob in Red Square.

My assignment for last week: taking a picture of action and stopping it.
It was my best assignment yet. I feel like I took somewhat decent pictures and gained confidence as a journalist.

My first idea was the “What is Love” Valentines Day Flashmob on campus. Between the passing period of 10:50 to 11, students simultaneously gathered and danced to the 1993 dance track by Haddaway. This felt like the perfect opportunity. Even though it was a cloudy day with some rain I showed up early, hiked up my camera ISO and got close to the crowd.

As entertaining as the event was, I had to try again. I only got one good motion picture. Trent Spanger, 18, had been excited to attend since he heard about the event. However I knew I could take better pictures. I knew I was capable of taking better quality pictures.

So off to the Western vs. Central game I went. As a former band geek I had major nostalgia. I was initially afraid of shooting games because my sports knowledge is almost nonexistant. I checked out a 5D camera and instantly fell in love. Better lenses, frames and zooming. I could have a higher ISO. My first challenge was finding a good seat. I luckily got the second row by the basket. By sheer dumb luck a female student informed me their friend was not coming. I didn't leave my seat once. I know I should've ran around the court but I had a great view. My only issue was people's heads sometimes. Aside from that there were several students lurking behind me like vultures waiting for a good seat.

Two Western band members and two Central fans started yelling at each other a few rows below me. Hayden Lemaster and Casey Schwenk, both 18, enjoyed showing their school spirit against their opponents. “We yelled at them and we were louder too!” said Schwenk laughing. By the end I was more comfortable with shooting games. Even though I don't keep up with sports I like following the excitement and action. 

The biggest mistake I took involved  the Western band members and Central fan. I took two pictures of them Only one has the Central fan. The problem? One picture also has a photographer right in the fan's face taking pictures. Needless to say it doesn't add to my picture at all. I decided to choose the picture of the Western band members only. It's not as good but there's still motion (and no additional photographers).