ASHLEY GILBERTSON ON SHOOTING IN IRAQ

New York Times contract photographer Ashley Gilbertson writes about his experiences working in Iraq: STORY HERE.

The story gives some good insight into the hell in Iraq and what one photographer sees and feels. How dangerous it is for the military and photographers/reporters and how it can be hard with the restrictions to tell the real story of the hell.

From the story: "Fear turns into a fact of life in Iraq, and the threat of being killed or wounded is simply part of the territory. There’s really nothing you can do about it, so you learn to live with it. That said, Ghazaliya was scary. There was such a strong chance of being blown up or shot that even the American soldiers weren’t comfortable in their own JSS. Generally speaking, if the troops are cool, I’m cool—but when they worry, I freak out. The soldiers patrolling Ghazaliya acted as if every foot of road was going to detonate underneath them and every house was filled with insurgents waiting to attack."

WEEKEND IMAGES

I didn't shoot a whole lot this weekend but did get some bride and groom portraits, shot of my kids camping and a few ride photos in my backyard.

ANOTHER IN BETWEEN

IN BETWEEN

I did a portrait shoot of a little girl I have photographed several times including her mom pregnant, when she was a baby, and one and now two years old. I always like those in-between shot when the kids don't want to pose or stay where you want them. I just keep shooting. Many are throw-a-ways but sometimes they are cool. This one was a little under exposed because she moved away from my light and I didn't have time to change settings before the grab shot but it still works.

GUILTY

I had to photograph this woman in court today. She wouldn’t look at me. It took a jury took less than three hours to convict Charlsie Adams-Rogers of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree child abuse for last year's death of 2-year-old Isaac Lethbridge. Read the story in the Detroit News here. I hate these stories but they need to be told (so maybe it will stop) and I hate people like this. For Gods sake leave the kids alone!!!!! If you want a fight take on someone who can defend themselves. For Gods sake protect the kids! We need much tougher punishment for people who abuse, torture and kill kids. At least the death penalty, and actually use it, but I know what I would want done to them. Eye for an eye you know. I hope she rots in Hell!!!

CLUBIN'

I have been to more clubs and bars in the last year then in my 40 years total. Although I am getting to old to be leaving the house at 11:00 PM to get to a club when its jumpin' at Midnight or later! Below are some sights from the past couple weekends.

KID(S) ROCK!!!

I photographed the Muldoon's at The Lager House in Detroit on Saturday night and man these kids rock! Ten year old Shane Muldoon with his brother, Thirteen year old Hunter and their drummer dad Brian. The sounded real good, a little rough at times, but they are well on their way to being rock stars. Their stage presence was amazing. When they are big someday it will be cool to say I saw them as just kids.

WEEKEND STUFF

Was a busy weekend with shooting and family stuff.

I shot this band called the Great Lake Myths Society, real cool guys and I like how the photo turned out. It fit them well.

I was at Eden Nightclub on Friday for a fashion show to benefit Paula Tutman's Children's ToothFairy Foundation. Paula is also a reporter for one of the Detroit TV stations, WDIV. Real nice lady. After getting fashioon show images I shot a few dancing photos.

I liked this one.

Oh and this one! :)

Rainy Night In The D.

I don't know why but I alwasy seem to shoot photos driving home from assignments. Maybe I'll but a collection together someday.

Iraq Photographer

You should watch this PHOTOSTORY by photojournalist Michael Kamber (New York Times) as he accompanied soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division as they searched for three missing U.S. soldiers in Iraq. During that search operation on May 19, one soldier was killed and three others were wounded when an IED exploded in a house they entered. Great photojournalism.

Jack's Out

Jack Kevorkian was let out of prison today after 8 years. Here are a few photos from the past when I covered a court case involving Jack and the death of Thomas Hyde for the Novi News back in the early 90’s. Hyde had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis --Lou Gehrig's disease. Two months before meeting Kevorkian Hyde had typed a letter to Jack requesting his help. The disease was progressing fast. Hyde's mind would remain clear to the end, but ALS disease means its victims eventually will probably choke to death on their own saliva because of loss of control of muscles. Hyde already was suffering severe muscle cramps and losing the ability to speak. 34 days after this interview, Hyde became the 17th patient of Jacks. He died in the back of Kevorkian's van using an oxygen mask connected by tube to a tank of carbon monoxide.

He may be odd but I think Jack helped people who wanted to be helped on their own terms. I think you should be able to choose how you die over suffering any day!

Covering Jack was a circus but it got out his message and got the subject of assisted suicide talked about. Jack had a love/hate relationship with the media but would always talk when there were microphones around.

Geoffrey Fieger was Jack’s attorney back then. I always called it the Jack-n-Jeff show because in and outside of court it was like a show. You may not like Geoffrey but if I ever need a high profile attorney it would be him. He was amazing to watch in court as an attorney, actor, manipulator and politician.