And my great fear of Cosmo HERE.

Thanks for looking.

Artist Jimmy Lucero works on his new painting “The Crossing” in his basement studio in the Avenues. Shot on digital, but I’d much rather have shot it on Tri-X, and printed on Portriga-Rapid.

SWAT team members walk toward the home where person of interest Steven Lee Sanchez was thought to be in Magna. 

Cottonwood player Elliot Teo listens as a moving eulogy to the team’s former coach Teko Johnson is read prior to their emotional win over Alta. 

One of Salt Lake City artist Jimmy Lucero’s early works, “Eyore” sits in his basement studio.

Lone Peak WR Chris Nielson watches as a TD pass bounces off his hands and away from him in the end zone during their win over Mountain Crest at Rice-Eccles.

Top Photo: Jamie “Boogie” Anton, bottom, of Throwdown Elite in Orem, Utah, and Dave Allred of Elite Performance in Sandy, take it to the mat at Showdown V, a professional mixed martial arts fight night held at Utah Valley University November 20, 2009.

MMA is a combat sport that involves a variety of different fighting techniques and skills, many based on traditional martial arts, wrestling and boxing, with two opponents pitted against each other inside a chain link round or octagonal cage. The sport increased in popularity in Utah and the United States with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship tournament in 1993 and moreso in 2007 when the UFC bought its rival brand and merged all contract fighters into one promotion.

I photographed this project on mixed martial arts culture in Utah for the past year and a half in my spare time and it is posted on my website here:

PHOTOS

I can’t explain my initial draw to MMA, but I kept making photos of events and fighters because it interests me as a non-traditional sport and because of all the people I’ve met. Utah has a great MMA community and it’s constantly growing. The story won’t end here, I will continue to tell it as long as people allow it.

***

Mike Terry published some of these photos in his zine, Ezra. Please let he or me know if you’d like a copy.

It was awesome.

More outtakes from my story over on my blog.

The nasal technique.

Call this Defeat Mk. II.

Pictureline inc. is excited to announce our 10th annual DIGITALFEST 2010 – Utah’s largest gathering of digital photographic equipment, information and experts on Friday, September 17th. Digitalfest is the Intermountain West’s largest and most comprehensive annual trade show featuring the best and newest digital imaging & DSLR HD products. Many manufacturer representatives will be on hand to give you a chance to handle the latest products and ask questions.
Pictureline is honored to host the award winning Director & Cinematographer from the television series: 24, Rodney Charters ASC CSC, in a seminar, Thursday, September 16th at 7pm at the Salt Lake store.
The Digitalfest trade show will take place at the Salt Lake store, 305 West 700 South, Friday, September 17th from 12 – 5:30pm, giving the public a chance to experience this year’s best and newest digital imaging & DSLR HD products. Some of the manufactures attending are: Adobe, Apple, Canon, Canon DV, Delkin, ExpoImaging, Gitzo, GoPro, Hasselblad, Hoodman, Lacie, Leica, LowePro, Mamiya, Manfrotto, Mitsubishi Imaging, Nikon, Olympus,
Pina Zangaro, Profoto, Samson Zoom, Sandisk, Sennheiser, Wacom Ziblio and Zeiss.
Digitalfest 2010 will be the perfect venue to see all of the new digital equipment and supplies in the industry.
Pictureline is excited to present Sports Illustrated Photographer Robert Beck Friday, September 17th at 7pm at the Salt Lake store.
All seminars the trade show take place at the Salt Lake store. Seating for the seminars is limited so please sign-up at http://www.digitalfest.com.

Photojournalists work under the pressure of deadlines daily, using their skills in the service of providing information to the public. Seven award-winning Utah based news photographers, inspired by a Diane Arbus quote, pursued their own individual visions during a 48-hour period. Self Assigned showcases the combined perspectives captured during this time period and tips the scales toward creativity.

Participating artists:
Erik Daenitz | Djamila Grossman | Grayson West | Michael Friberg | Mike Terry | Trent Nelson | Tyler Cobb

Gallery Stroll featuring the Self Assigned photographers on Friday, October 29 from 6-9 p.m.

UPDATED 5:20pm, Wednesday:

Photo editor Ravell Call moves to photographer slot.
Photo editor Chuck Wing continues as editor.

The Score So Far: Two-thirds of the photo staff have been laid off.

From multiple sources, photographers still on staff are:
Mike Terry, Jeff Allred, Scott Winterton, Laura Seitz (who continues her part-time status). Brian Nicholson is still on with El Observador de Utah

Apparently laid off: Jason Olson (confirmed), Kristin Murphy, Michael Brandy, Stuart Johnson, and Keith Johnson.

Some photogs will be kept through a transition phase (working until October or the end of December).

Photo editor August Miller has been laid off.

Apparently all photo techs have been laid off.

Some staffers were immediately let go and had their gear, cameras and phones taken before being escorted from the building. Clarification: Some equipment was turned in by employees departing immediately, other equipment was allowed to be kept until personal data could be transfered. Multiple sources report the presence of security throughout the building during the individual meetings where employees learned their fates, a common practice in similar corporate situations.

If you can correct any of this information or fill in the blanks, e-mail utahphotojournalism@gmail.com.

Deseret News editor to leave newspaper after 3 years | Deseret News:

Joseph A. Cannon announced Tuesday that, after three years as editor of the Deseret News, he will step down to pursue other opportunities. He will, however, remain vital to the organization as a member of the newspaper’s editorial advisory board.

“The Deseret News is building a future for long-term success, and I am honored to have been a part of that process,” Cannon said. “This newspaper will have increasing relevance in the lives of our growing number of readers through media innovation, and I look forward to being part of its expanding voice through my role on the editorial advisory board.”

Deseret News publisher Jim Wall stepping down | Deseret News:

Deseret News publisher Jim Wall announced Tuesday he has chosen to step down and pursue other full-time personal and professional opportunities. He will remain with the newspaper during a transition to help the organization move to a new business model.

Deseret News set to lead, innovate | Deseret News:

The Deseret News announced Tuesday work force reductions and unveiled a plan to refocus the quality and reach of its product.

“Changes in the industry have forced some newspapers to fade or even close,” said Clark Gilbert, Deseret News CEO and president. “At the Deseret News, we choose to lead and innovate.”

Tribune to press ahead in face of News changes | The Salt Lake Tribune:

Massive layoffs and a change in direction at the Deseret News should have little immediate impact on its business partner and news coverage rival The Salt Lake Tribune, the Tribune’s editor and publisher said Tuesday.

The Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune have a joint business operation for advertising, printing and distribution of the newspapers but have competed for more than a century on news coverage.

Deseret News, KSL resurrect ‘convergence’ strategy | The Salt Lake Tribune:

Earlier this decade, the idea of integrating print and broadcast media — known as “convergence” — was a survival trend in a brave new media landscape.

With the Deseret News’ announcement of a 43 percent reduction in its work force Tuesday — 57 full-time and 28 part-time employees — that trend has been resurrected locally.

Salt Lake City Blogs:News Blog-Open Container: D-News F-U:

Deseret News executives execute a mugging, Tijuana-style, on their employees.

In Tijuana at the age of 20, two guys mugged me. In short, I went into a liquor store and bought a bottle of rum. A guy was waiting out of sight, just outside of the door, and when I came out and turned down the sidewalk, he kicked me in the balls. I doubled over, and his friend grabbed my George Costanza-like wallet from my back pocket. They got my $12 in cash and my ID, I kept the rum.

Today, at the Deseret News, executives of Utah’s oldest-daily newspaper did the exact same thing to their employees. They kicked them in the nuts, stole their purpose and livelihood, and sent them down the road. I brushed my mugging off as part of the adventure, since I lost nothing more than my dignity. The Deseret News executives took the same approach, basically telling the 43 percent of their staff that has been fired that the layoffs are just part of a grand adventure to greater things.

Deseret News aftermath: Twitter fail | Culture Vulture | The Salt Lake Tribune:

If the Deseret News’ future is online, the paper just learned a big lesson: Don’t rely on Twitter for conversation.
The paper’s CEO, Clark Gilbert, just finished a 30-minute Q&A session which had a lot more Q than A about today’s layoffs at the Deseret News and the future of Utah’s second-largest newspaper.

D-News, rumors come to life « Standard Examiner Blogs:

Wow, what a sad thing.

Inevitable, perhaps. But still sad.

The Deseret News dropped the hammer today — 43 percent staff cut, including 57 full-time jobs and another 28 part-timers

Deseret News | Perspectives on the news:

I’m assuming by now you’ve read all the rumors about what will be happening to the Deseret News. Now it’s time to hear the truth.

There is no sugar-coating the bad news. Like a lot of other newspapers in America, this one has to cut costs, and that means cutting people; real people with bills to pay and families to feed; people I’ve grown to love and respect through many years (I’ve been here since 1986).

The problem isn’t a lack of readership. Far from it — print circulation is holding steady and on-line circulation is booming. Readership grew by 20 percent in 2009, the best of any paper in the country.

No, the problem is the Internet has sapped ad sales. It has put a big dent in the business model that has sustained newspapers for more than two centuries, and that’s a permanent change.

City Weekly – Open Container: D-News Carnage:

Official: Deseret News is firing almost half their staff. Editor Joe Cannon and Publisher Jim Wall gone. Salt Lake City is now a one newspaper town.

In short, here’s the result of the 10 a.m. staff meeting at the Deseret News

KUTV – Deseret News Cuts Staff Nearly In Half :

Utah’s longest-publishing daily newspaper says it will cut nearly half of its staff and consolidate breaking news operations with affiliated television and radio operations.

The Deseret News announced the cutbacks Tuesday in a statement to The Associated Press. It said 85 newsroom positions are being eliminated, although some staffers will be enlisted for a transition period.

Changes at the Deseret News announced | Deseret News:

The Deseret News announced today work force reductions and unveiled a plan to refocus the quality and reach of its product.

“Changes in the industry have forced some newspapers to fade or even close,” said Clark Gilbert, Deseret News CEO and president. “At the Deseret News, we choose to lead and innovate.”

ksl.com – Changes at the Deseret News announced:

The Deseret News announced Tuesday work force reductions and unveiled a plan to refocus the quality and reach of its product.

The paper announced a 43 percent reduction in staff- more than 80 full and part-time employees.

The move is part of a new operating model aimed at propelling the paper into the future not only in print, but to expand its online reach as well.

The Deseret News Unveils Bold New Direction for Newspaper — SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ –:

Five pioneering content initiatives uniquely position the Deseret News to lead positive change in the news industry:
The expansion of news coverage capabilities by integrating resources with KSL. This coordinated newsroom will create the largest news reporter base in the state. It gives the Deseret News more reporters on the ground covering more stories than any other local news source. This allows the paper to continue its in-depth coverage of topics such as high school and college sports, school districts and state and local government. The Deseret News staff will move to the Triad Center, the location of the KSL Broadcast House, to promote greater synergy in coverage and operations.
More in depth coverage from the organization’s strong journalists on relevant issues audiences care most about, including voices the Deseret News audiences has come to trust, such as Dick Harmon, Jay Evensen, Lee Benson and Ann Cannon. It will also include new voices such as Paul Edwards, who recently joined the newspaper’s editorial team.
A new editorial advisory board, a world-class group of renowned thought leaders who will provide Deseret News readers with breadth and depth in opinion and insight through editorial guidance. These leaders are spread across the country, allowing the Deseret News to expand nationally in nature and scope.
The launch of Deseret Connect, a collection of remote experts who will provide high-quality, relevant stories on a regular basis. This content will be qualified, edited and peer reviewed. “We have attracted people from across the nation with impeccable credentials and the highest respect of their peers,” said Gilbert. “We have been very gratified that these people have agreed to contribute and we are excited to see the unique content they will provide for our readers through this innovative approach.”
Digital innovation and a world-class web team that brings specialized skill sets for the newspaper’s online product.

D-News announces staff cuts as editor, publisher leave | The Salt Lake Tribune:

Deseret News CEO Clark Gilbert said today that the newspaper was cutting almost half of its newsroom staff as it deals with a revolution in how consumers get news at the same time advertising revenues have declined.

From: http://twitter.com/aaronfalk (in reverse chronological order):

We invite you now to go back to your work areas.

Those of you who are leaving today, your legacy will live on, Gilbert says.

Everyone will have a meeting today.

It includes every area of content. And management. Joe Cannon and Jim Wall voluntarily stepping down.

this is very difficult, but it’s also responsible.” Gilbert says of redux. 43 percent cuts.

Deseret Connect will take pieces from experts worldwide. They will be edited, Gilbert says.

Editorial advisory board will have first meeting in a month. “They will have a huge impact on our voice.”

We will reinvest in our enterprise teams, Gilbert says.

We have a plan that will not only help us grow, but will make us strong.” More news than ever. KSL merger this fall for breaking news.

Clark Gilbert: We have made some decisions.

Seen this weekend in a remote part of the former Western United States…  A lone photojournalist, one of the few to survive the media apocalypse of the 00′s and keeper of the zines, wanders the landscape searching for stories to tell.

Eating grass.

Jump.

KH appears.

Runner down, again.