Through Bella's Eyes

Twilight Mania

2009-11-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times/Michelle Bixby

A combination of disgust and curiosity fills me as I watch hundreds of pre-teens through middle aged adults file in to a small theater for the midnight showing of Twilight's second film in the series 'New Moon.' I have to admit, I did get sucked in to see the first film well after the dvd hit the shelves, however, I fell asleep half way through and woke up drenched in my own saliva. I'm fairly certain I will give in to see New Moon, despite my skepticism, it should make for a good nap.

Penn State Features

2009-11-09T15:22:00.001-08:00

Centre Daily Times/Michelle Bixby

Here are a few features from the Penn State games.

Penn State Football

2009-11-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times/Michelle Bixby

I only got to cover two Penn State football games this season, but I got a few decent shots out of them.

Tailgating at Penn State

2009-11-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times/Michelle Bixby

I am proud to call myself a Penn State alumni, however, I am ashamed to admit that until this weekend I had never experienced a Penn State tailgate. I happily documented this experience, and even turned in a few photos to the copy desk even though I wasn't on the clock. Enjoy!

Kids Night at the Carnival

2009-06-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

I went to the "Kids Night at the Carnival" in Bellefonte for the beginning festivities of the Fourth of July celebration. I find myself taking more and more photos of adorable children.

THON

2009-02-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

This weekend I photographed the ever so exhausting yet exhilarating Thon. Hundreds of Penn State students danced for 46 hours, not allowed to sit, and raised 7.49 million dollars to benefit children suffering from cancer.

I will post more tomorrow.

My First Hockey Game

2009-01-15T20:29:00.001-08:00

Centre Daily Times photos by Michelle Bixby

What another hectic night! I had two assignments this evening (not including this morning's). At 6:30 p.m. I had to cover a Martin Luther King Banquet and ice hockey at 7:15. I arrived at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel for the banquet expecting to go in take photos of the performers and entertainment and leave for ice hockey. Little did I know what inconveniences awaited me. I approached the elegant double doors in the President's Hall where the festivities were underway. Fully equipped with my bulky Tamrac camera bag dressed in jeans and a sweater, I was approached by an usher who gave me a ticket and asked "will you be eating the chicken or the roast beef this evening?"
Apparently there was a beautifully set table fully dressed with decadent deserts, fresh garden salad and steaming bread rolls awaiting members of the media. Unfortunately, knowing I had to leave in 20 minutes, I kindly declined the offer of gourmet food ( I was weeping on the inside, TRUST ME) and opened the double doors .
I entered the banquet hall depressed and under dressed only to find out that the entertainment and awards ceremony weren't starting until diner was over, which means my only option was to either interrupt dinner and take photos of guests stuffing their faces (unpleasant for both parties involved) or call the copy desk for direction. I opted for calling the copy desk and was told to just leave for hockey because the banquet wasn't as important.
Hockey was an ok experience. Yes it was a bit chilly, but at least I didn't get hit in the face with a puck! Optimism is my middle name.

It's Freakin Freezing!!!

2009-01-15T08:15:00.001-08:00

Centre Daily Times photos by Michelle Bixby

Well, it's official... I CAN'T FEEL MY TOES, FINGERS, FACE, LEGS, or any other part of my body for that matter. It is 12 degrees in State College right now with a windchill in the negatives and I am definitely not sitting by a warm glowing fireplace sipping on a mug of hot chocolate; I am outside on assignment taking pictures of people crazy enough to brave today's weather just like me! That's a traditional Pennsylvania winter for ya!

Penn State vs Michigan State Men's Basketball

2009-01-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times photos by Michelle Bixby

The past few nights at work have been extremely busy for me. It is now 12:30 a.m. and I was suppose to be finished with work and driving home to my warm fluffy bed and adorable kitten at about 11:00 p.m. Tomorrow morning I have to get up early and brave the frigid cold to shoot some weather features due by 10:30 and then return to the CDT for my regular shift at 5 p.m.

Tonight was my best night shooting basketball so far. It was a really exciting game to watch. Penn State battled against Michigan State and finally caught up to them 71 to 73 (after trailing by at least 10-15 points most of the game) with less than a minute on the clock remaining. Well, Penn State did the worst thing possible and fouled Michigan State left and right during the last minute of the game which ultimately cost them the game. Michigan State beat Penn State 78-73.

Penn State Big Ten Championship

2009-01-07T16:16:00.001-08:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

Penn State defensive tackle Jarod Odrick kisses the Big Ten Championship trophy after the Nittany Lions defeated Michigan State 49-18 at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

Ah yes... to be so lucky to cover the Penn State Big Ten Championship game. As a Penn State Alumna, I was stoked! I wasn't stoked, however, about the 20 degree weather with a wind chill that would leave you frostbitten and nearly hypothermic. I couldn't feel my toes or my fingers for the majority of the game despite the several hand warmers stuffed in my shoes and gloves. But oh, to be able to brag to my friends that I was on the sidelines to not only witness Penn State's big win, but to photograph it! It was worth standing in the frigid cold for 3 and a half hours... it really was.

Polar Express

2009-01-07T16:08:00.001-08:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

I love children, so this assignment was so much fun to do. This little girl was so adorable. She didn't cry on Santa's lap, but had the same serious expression on her face the entire time. It was hilarious.

The Clay Sculptor

2009-01-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times Photos by Michelle Bixby

Geologist and sculptor Roger Pollok, of Zion, is surrounded by hand-sculpted clay coal miners from his "coal miners series." Pollok uses a well preserved 1800s farmhouse as his studio.

I had so much fun with my subject, Roger Pollok, on this assignment. He was such a good sport allowing me to experiment with some of my ideas for a creative portrait. In the photo of him with the coal-miner sculptures, he sat on an overturned trash can because he was too tall for that particular shelf and it was too uncomfortable for him to crouch down for too long.

In high school I was actually quite talented with the clay wheel. So needless to say, I've been inspired to resurrect one of my old hobbies. Roger is definitely encouraging it. He has offered to call me when he ventures out on one of his geographic expeditions to dig up clay so I can get started. He has even offered to let me use his clay wheel and kiln. I am pretty excited.

First Night State College

2009-01-05T13:22:00.001-08:00

Centre Daily Times Photos By Michelle Bixby

New Year's Eve 2008 was a crazy day for me. The night before, my car battery decided to die before I had to drive to a basketball assignment, then I discovered that the problem couldn't have been the battery because the new one I installed didn't solve the problem. Luckily my best friend Josh was willing to lug me around for a few days. I was told to go to downtown State College and take bunches of photos of the festivities. One hour before I was due to be in the newsroom I was told that i would need at least 7-9 publishable photos. I had planned to turn in 3-4. So I went into turbo mode and took as many interesting photos as I could find. Six photos were published in all (two on the front page and four on an interior color pictorial page. Needless to say, I was pleased with myself.

2009-01-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times Photo by Michelle Bixby

Thomas Maynard, left, sits for breakfast with his son Brandon Maynard at restaurant at Best Way Travel Center Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008.

These guys were a lot of fun to chat with. Thomas (the father) told me the story of his son's miracle birth. After loosing two babies when they were a few weeks old, Brandon was the first healthy surviving child. Thomas, being a very proud parent said Brandon was always a good, well behaved child and is now bravely serving our country.

Accident in Centre County

2009-01-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times by Michelle Bixby

A two vehicle head-on collision on state Route 144 in Spring Township sent three people to the hospital.

I can't describe the feeling of approaching a scene like this one. The mangled vehicles in front of me gave me an eerie feeling because I knew people had been in those now empty seats. I am always reminded that life can be taken in the blink of an eye.

Candlelight Vigil

2008-12-14T19:05:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times Photo By Michelle Bixby

Manju Jain, of India, places candles on the walkway outside Old Main to form the letter "A" in "peace" Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, during a candlelight vigil dedicated to the victims of the Mumbai Massacre.

Election Day Polling 2008

2008-11-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times Photos by Michelle Bixby

I spent yesterday into early this morning photographing the chaos of yesterday's historical election and today's emotional celebration. I visited several polling places with lines hours long full of dedicated, determined voters willing to wait to cast their ballots. I have never witnessed such unity in my life. I am proud of America for not only voting, but coming together and making big decisions.

Obama Celebration

2008-11-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Centre Daily Times Photo by Michelle Bixby

Shannon White, left, celebrates Obama's victory with her best friend Tara Buschor at Penn State's HUB-Robeson Center shortly after Obama made his acceptance speech early on November 5, 2008.

Riot at PSU

2008-10-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Centre Daily Times Photos by Michelle Bixby

After Penn State defeated Ohio State last night, Penn State fans went crazy and began to celebrate in the streets. But the celebration soon turned destructive. For the first two hours of the riot, I was stuck in the newsroom toning football photos and as soon as I was done I raced to downtown State College, parked my car a safe distance away from vandalism and ran full speed to Beaver Avenue. I was amazed at the massive size of the crowd contrasted by the handful of police officers armed with only helmets and pepper spray. I fought my way into an ocean of intoxicated Penn State fans and was amazed at how they made a path for "the chick with the camera!" Thus began my night of pepper spray, cops, and milk. I was in the middle of all the action... Light posts were being torn down, trees and bushes uprooted, trash lit on fire, cars being stood on, and hundreds of Penn State students were sprayed in the face with tons of pepper spray held inside small fire hydrant shaped containers. I was escorted off the road once by an officer who said that just because I have a camera doesn't mean that I was exempt from having to stay on the sidewalk. But, hey, I got some sweet photos, and eventually caught some pepper spray with my face. It was a good night.

2008-09-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

Local National Guard Company C stands at attention, along with junior high soccer players, during a tribute to them at Bellefonte High School's Rogers Stadium before they deploy to Camp Shelby, Miss. on Thursday, September 11, 2008. CDT/Michelle Bixby.

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

Centre County Commissioner, Rich Rogers becomes emotional after recalling memories of 9/11 during a tribute to local National Guard Company C at Bellefonte High School's Rogers Stadium on Thursday, September 11, 2008, before they deploy to Camp Shelby, Miss. CDT/Michelle Bixby.

Senior Photos

2008-09-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Photo by Michelle Bixby

I remember how ridiculously expensive it was to get my Senior Pictures done. So I offered to save my younger sister, Heather, a ton of money by taking her Senior Pictures myself.

Photo by Michelle Bixby

Heather is 4 years younger than me, but seems to be my little twin. She is always willing to be my model when I need some nice beauty shots. I am proud to say that she and I are best friends.

My Flight 93 Memorial Service Experience

2008-09-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby
McCain greets supporters at the Flight 93 Memorial Service on September 11, 2008.

Yesterday, being September 11th, I traveled to Shanksville, P.A. to cover the Flight 93 memorial service. John McCain showed up and the memorial service, that was supposed to be a time of reflection and gratitude to those who gave their lives on flight 93, turned into a political rally full of chanting and cheering. I found the crowd's uproar disrespectful and unnecessary.

I work for the Centre Daily Times as a photographer and had to take pictures of McCain as well as some photos of the friends, family, and public paying their respects at the new memorial after McCain left. I was upset that it turned into a political rally. I was, however, impressed with how McCain handled it. It was the public who began chanting his name and cheering for him during the service, and he didn't seem to acknowledge it. Usually the crowds would receive a political wave or peace sign, but he saved that until the service ended and walked over to greet a few supporters before heading to NYC to meet with Obama at Ground Zero.

I do believe that the memorial of 9/11 should have been solely focused on the victims and their loved ones, but I also recognize the fact that the public, and especially the media, expected both Obama and McCain to attend and speak at the public memorials. It is almost an obligation they are expected to fulfill as presidential nominees. If one or both hadn't made an appearance, their lack of attendance would have taken priority over 9/11 media coverage and the victims wouldn't have gotten any of the recognition they deserve.

It is a double edged sword that should be dulled on both sides. The media and the government shouldn't be working for each other, they should be working for the citizens of the United States. I'm not saying that the media is evil, I work for them, but I do think that they could prioritize a bit better. It's a Dog Eat Dog World out there with the media.

In the media's defense, they cover what the majority of public is interested. But then again, everything seems to be hyper sensationalized and it is easy to become obsessed with certain topics and people. It's just a big old vicious cycle huh?

So, in order to do my part as a member of the media, I requested that today's front page feature photos of the victims' loved ones paying their respects at the Flight 93 Memorial rather than photos of McCain giving his speech. The copy desk agreed and the photos I took of McCain ended up in the back of the paper somewhere. While McCain and Obama's appearances for the 9/11 services were newsworthy, they shouldn't have been priority.

Here is the link to the CDT's news website, where an article written by another staff and my photos can be found. The main photo featured ran front page rather than McCain photos. All you have to do is click on the main photo and a gallery of the others will show up.
http://www.centredaily.com/news/local/story/835277.html

Flight 93 Memorial

2008-09-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

Yesterday, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to photograph the Flight 93 Memorial services. I, and some other photographer friends of mine, came across this young boy with such a serious and somewhat haunting disposition. He is 9-year-old, Tyler Artman of Natrona Heights, and was only 2 years old when 9/11 occurred. He can still recall the planes crashing into the 2 towers. September 11th was such a horrific event that it dramatically impacted an innocent 2-year-old enough to still haunt him seven years later. It gives me chills.

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

Senator John McCain spoke at the service. Some people attending the memorial service began chanting his name as if it were a political rally, which I thought was disrespectful to the families and friends of the Flight 93 victims, because the purpose of September 11th is to honor the heroes, not to rally for a presidential nominee.

Grange Fair Livestock Auction

2008-09-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Centre Daily Times photo by Michelle Bixby

During my coverage of the Grange Fair Jr Livestock Auction, I came across many children crying because they'd become attached to the hogs they raised for 5 months.

Front Page of the Centre Daily Times

2008-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

This is the second time my images have been on the front page of the CDT.