Weekly Features

I think one of the reasons I wanted to be a photojournalist is because of all the cool things you get to do from day to day, and of course I love photographing sports. One day you might be in a tree taking a picture, the next you are in a plane, you just never know where you are going to be or what you are doing. You are not stuck inside a stuffy office all day doing the same repetitive thing. Well one day this week I got an exciting opportunity to photograph animals at the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro. I love animals and could not wait to see these beautiful tigers and different cat species. I have always seen big cats on TV, but have never been up close and personal. I was in shock at the size and power of these creatures. There was nothing but a metal chain linked fence and a 600 pound cat in between me. Of course it was safe, but I really felt at ease and was very relaxed. My favorite tiger was Lucky, and he really liked people and did not mind being in my cameras spotlight. Amanda Byrne was my tour guide and she really enjoys working there. She told me that each tiger has their own personality and gave me a breif history about each one.

It rained this week and was a little slower than usual. I had to get out of the office and get some rain features. I went to OT sloan park in Sanford looking for a rain feature when I noticed kids at the pool swimming in the pouring rain. I quickly grabbed my gear and headed to the pool for some shots of the kids. Of course I had every kid there asking to take their picture and they were just too funny.




WESLEY BEESON / Sanford Herald
Fenimore takes a break from the heat on Tuesday afternoon at the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, N.C.




WESLEY BEESON / Sanford Herald
Lucky takes a break from the heat on Tuesday afternoon at the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, N.C.



WESLEY BEESON / Sanford Herald
Amanda Byrne talks to Raj a male tiger at the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, N.C. on Tuesday afternoon.

Rain feature-

Kids Golf Clinic & Hot Weather Feature 06/24/10

I don't think I have ever felt a hotter week than this in North Carolina. It hit the 100 + mark this week and was at least 95 degrees or hotter everyday this week. I worked Thursday and Friday covering golf and heat features. I could not believe how people could stand working in this incredible heat. From the people I talked to they all said they take breaks, drink plenty of water, and try and stay in the shade when possible. Here are a few photos from that scorcher of a week.

Lewis & Clark

I remember laughing in class at my photojournalism teacher for carrying around a light stand everywhere he went. I thought it was crazy and said to myself, "I think I am just going to go around and shoot natural light", boy was I wrong. Sure you can get away with shooting natural light, but your images will suffer. I quickly realized how valuable that $30 piece of equipment really was. I take my lighstand everywhere I go, and I always get a inquisitive reaction from the people I am photographing. When they see this and a fancy white umbrella, they know it's going to be a professional photograph. I had the pleasure of meeting John Lipscomb and his family right before Father's day. He was taking his daughter Johanna, who was dressed as Sacagawea, on Lewis and Clarks famous journey. This photograh would not be the same without my trusted lightstand and umbrella.



WESLEY BEESON / Sanford Herald
John Lipscomb (left) poses with his daughter Johanna Lipscomb who is dressed in full costume as Sacagawea. Lipscomb will be leaving today with his wife and daughter to walk a few more miles in the explorers footsteps and experience this with his family for the first time.

Lee County High School Graduation Ceremony

My first week at the herald I was thrown into graduation ceremonies throughout Lee County. I have never covered a high school graduation, but felt very prepared with my training from school. I remember what my photojournalism teacher told me, "Take beautiful pictures". I took that to heart with me and was really excited to see how well the final pictures turned out. I felt as if I really captured moments and had a fun time covering so many different schools. I have felt very welcomed into the Sanford community and have meet so many wonderful people. I want to thank The Sanford Herald for giving me this great opportunity and hope to provide a visual and artistic feel to the paper and grab readers attention with beautiful pictures.

Southern Lee High School Graduation Ceremony

News Feature JR Ingram School Technology Showcase

The kids at JR Ingram Elementary School presented a Technology Shocase featuring programs that the kids developed during the past school year. I was very impressed as I went from station to station and saw first hand at what kids are learning and applying in todays technological world. The children worked on computer programs for over half the year and they actually designed and coded each of their programs. Each student had an HP mini computer that they could use in class and on this project.

Feature 06/07/2010

You can always find kids at the Depot Park in Sanford as they splash and play in the water fountain near the old train station. The first days of summer were getting near the 100 + mark with the humidity, and what a great way to cool off by running through the fountain in downtown.

Grace Christian Graduation 06/03/2010