Month: August 2013

Photos: Dota 2 Championship

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Sports, Still photography

On assignment for Reuters this Sunday I covered “The International,” which is an annual Dota 2 video game competition that was held at Benaroya Hall in Seattle this year. Dota 2 is a massively popular game that I had not even heard of until last week. Benaroya was a packed house and got pretty intense at times since the winning team took home, oh, you know, just a mere $1.4 million. No big deal. Actually, second place ain’t too shabby either – they took home over $600,000.

I came in knowing nothing about the game of Dota 2 or its massive worldwide community, but everyone I met was really friendly. Also, it’s always nice being surrounded by so many different languages and accents.

See the Dota 2 pictures below. Thanks for looking.

 

A packed Benaroya Hall is pictured during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans Ian Odom, left, and Moss Pholchalernchit, right, cheer during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Schuyler Wireman cheers as “The Alliance” wins first place during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Denis Artyukhov of Ukraine cheers during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans, including Brad Jensen, in blue face paint, and Eli Parzen, in yellow face paint, cheer during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Supporters of “The Alliance,” including team manager Kelly Ong Xiao Wei, left, watch their team during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans watch a game on a screen in the lobby of Benaroya Hall during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Nick Wirth holds a poster featuring a distorted face of “Natus Vincere” team member Alexander Dashkevich while watching him during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

From left, spectators Mike Walker, Tim Wireman, and Joe Vestri watch during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Jonathan Berg of “The Alliance” reacts while playing during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Henrik Ahnberg of “The Alliance” shouts to the crowd after winning game two in a best of five series during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Kuro Salehi Takhasomi of “Natus Vincere” shouts while battling “The Alliance” during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Kelly Ong Xiao Wei, center, manager of “The Alliance,” and Alex Garfield, left, a sponsor of “The Alliance,” cry tears of joy after their team won first place during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Competitor Jonathan Berg of “The Alliance” holds the champion’s shield backstage after his team won first place during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans wait in line for giveaways near art from the Dota 2 game during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans Brad Jensen, left, and Eli Parzen, center, came together dressed as Dota 2 character Ogre Magi, while Luke Alger, right, came dressed as Dota 2 character Zharvakko the Witch Doctor during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Spectator Andrew Obertas gets an autograph from popular Dota 2 personality “Pyrion Flax” during “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans sit covered in confetti at the end of “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Fans leave the confetti-filled aisles of Benaroya Hall at the end of “The International” Dota 2 video game competition in Seattle, Washington August 11, 2013. Sixteen teams from 12 countries battled for some $2.9 million in prize money, with Swedish team “The Alliance” claiming the top prize of $1.4 million after defeating Ukraine’s “Natus Vincere” in a final watched by an audience of 1,700 at Benaroya Hall and streamed live on the Internet.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth Bae: American Imprisoned in North Korea

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

Yesterday on assignment for Reuters I photographed family members of Kenneth Bae, the American currently imprisoned in North Korea. They had just received a letter from him that day and were worried about his health. They are renewing their efforts to ask for help to secure his release and are organizing a vigil this Saturday at Quest Church in Seattle.

 

Terri Chung, sister of Kenneth Bae, is pictured during an interview with Reuters in Lynnwood, Washington August 7, 2013.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Myunghee Bae holds a letter sent to her from prison by her son, Kenneth Bae, at her home in Lynnwood, Washington August 7, 2013.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Terri Chung, sister of Kenneth Bae, is pictured during an interview with Reuters in Lynnwood, Washington August 7, 2013.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Kenneth Bae’s mother, Myunghee Bae, left, is pictured with his sister, Terri Chung, right, in Lynnwood, Washington August 7, 2013.  REUTERS/David Ryder   (UNITED STATES)

 

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s Re-election Campaign

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

I spent some time on Election Day at Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s campaign headquarters in the International District of Seattle while on assignment for Reuters. Despite somehow covering myself and my camera in green paint while a volunteer was screen printing T-shirts, I enjoyed covering the campaign because elections are always fun to shoot. After yesterday’s primary, McGinn is in a very tight race with Ed Murray in the race for Mayor of Seattle.

 

Seattle’s Mayor Mike McGinn poses for a portrait at his campaign headquarters in Seattle, Washington August 6, 2013. McGinn faces a tough hurdle to re-election on Tuesday as he faces off in a primary vote against a field of overwhelmingly progressive challengers, including a state legislator, Ed Murray, known for his leadership on gay marriage.

 

Volunteers Barbara Yao and Patrick McGinn, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s nephew, make calls to voters at the McGinn campaign headquarters in Seattle, Washington August 6, 2013.

 

Seattle’s Mayor Mike McGinn chats with Jack Mahoney, phone bank captain, while calling voters from his campaign headquarters in Seattle, Washington August 6, 2013.

 

Seattle’s Mayor Mike McGinn discusses policy over the phone with a voter at his campaign headquarters in Seattle, Washington August 6, 2013.

 

A volunteer organizes freshly printed shirts for Seattle’s Mayor Mike McGinn at his campaign headquarters in Seattle, Washington August 6, 2013.

 

Bill Monto, campaign manager for Seattle’s Mayor Mike McGinn, speaks on the phone at McGinn’s campaign headquarters in Seattle, Washington August 6, 2013.

 

Photos: Seattle Mariners – Toronto Blue Jays

photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Sports, Still photography

On Monday I shot the Seattle Mariners vs Toronto Blue Jays at Safeco Field for Reuters. It was a good time and a pretty quick game – Iwakuma and Dickey had a pitchers’ duel for about seven innings until the M’s finally scored in the bottom of the seventh, only for the Jays to come back in the eighth and score three. That was all of the scoring as the Blue Jays were victorious in front of what seemed like a home crowd for them. It was a Canadian holiday and the first game of the series, so a lot of eager Blue Jays fans were at the park that evening, and were very vocal.

 

Toronto Blue Jays fans fight for a souvenir during batting practice before their team’s MLB American League baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Toronto Blue Jays player Rajai Davis (11) greets fans before his MLB American League baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) pitches in the first inning of his MLB American League baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Fans enjoy themselves in the sun during the second inning of a MLB American League baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Seattle Mariners’ first shortstop Brad Miller (5) watches as Toronto Blue Jays’ Jose Reyes (7) turns a double play to end the seventh inning during their MLB American League baseball game in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher R.A. Dickey (43) throws in the fourth inning during his MLB American League baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Toronto Blue Jays’ Brett Lawrie (13) receives high fives after tripling and later scoring in the eighth inning during his MLB American League baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Seattle Mariners’ second baseman Dustin Ackley (13) reacts to the umpire’s call at second base as Toronto Blue Jays’ Edwin Encarnacion (10) looks on in the seventh inning during their MLB American League baseball game in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Toronto Blue Jays fans do the wave and celebrate in the ninth inning while Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Óliver Pérez (36) throws during a MLB American League baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

 

Toronto Blue Jays fans celebrate a 3-1 victory in front of dejected Seattle Mariners fans at the end of the MLB American League baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners in Seattle, Washington August 5, 2013. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)