2021 Through my lens
This year was the first time in my photojournalism career that I finally felt like I created quality work the entire year. I graduated from college, I quit my job and started a new one and I proposed to my longtime girlfriend. For me, 2021 was a huge year. It was also motivating and will inspire me to make more amazing work in 2022.
Here’s a look at my favorite images of 2021.
Cardinals senior gymnast Bri Slonim takes a socially-distant selfie with the rest of the gymnastics team before their first meet against the Central Michigan University Chippewas Jan. 24, 2021, at John E. Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana.
Ball State Cardinals freshman gymnast Victoria Henry looks to grab one of the uneven bars during her routine Feb. 14, 2021, at John E. Worthen Arena.
The court sits empty in between one of the quarterfinal games of the Mid American Conference Tournament March 10, 2021, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
The opening tip off reflects in the protective glass just before the quarterfinals game of the Mid American Conference Tournament against the Toledo Rockets March 11, 2021, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ball State Director of Athletics, Beth Goetz dribbles a soccer ball with her head March 3, 2021, at the Briner Sports Complex. “When young girls and young boys see women or people of color in positions they aspire to be , it becomes more real as an opportunity because they’ve seen someone that looks like them or has the background they share can do it,” Goetz said, “I think when you recognize there aren’t as many, it comes with a responsibility to make sure you engage with others that may want to follow the same path.”
Cardinals freshman pitcher Ty Johnson pitches during the fourth inning of a game against the Western Michigan Broncos March 21, 2021, at First Merchants Ballpark Complex in Muncie, Indiana.
Karen Smith, mother of Karli Smith, wraps her arms around her daughter Korenna, April 18, 2021, at the steps of Monument Circle in Indianapolis. Karli Smith was one of the eight people killed in the mass shooting at the Fedex ground facility on April 15.
Shoes from members of the Indianapolis Sikh community sit on the ground as they went to the megaphone to sing to the crowd April 18, 2021, at Monument Circle in Indianapolis. The vigil was held for the eight victims killed in the mass shooting at the FedEx hub in Indianapolis on April 15.
Texas longhorns sophomore Mason Nome tees off at the first hole in the final round of the NCAA Noblesville Regional May 19, 2021, at the Sagamore Club in Noblesville, Indiana. Nome finished the regional five over par.
The Boonville Pioneers celebrate after the IHSAA Class 3A semi state game against the Danville Warriors June 5, 2021, at Eagle Park in Brown County, Indiana.
Coran Sigman, Grady’s owner and handler, shows the tattoos inside his ear from his time as a racing greyhound in Florida. Before greyhound puppies are three months old, their ears are tattooed with their National Greyhound Association registration numbers.
Balloons are released into the air during the celebration of life for Angelina Busha Aug. 7, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Greendale, Indiana. after Angelina’s passing, the family was left with over 100 of her funny hats she collected throughout her years as a teacher. During her celebration of life, attendees were asked to wear a funny hat and take it home with them so the hats can have a new life and be with somebody else who will enjoy them as much as she did.
Hannah Mueller holds a portrait of her late-husband Jason, who died after battling with colon cancer since 2018, Aug. 8, 2021, on the bleachers of Ray Skillman Stadium at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana. Hannah, his wife, said in the final two weeks of his life, she kept telling him, “It’s okay if you want to go but just know that you, somehow, are still inspiring people.”
Trojans football head coach Eric Moore walks down the sideline just before kickoff of the Trojans home-opener against the Decatur Central Eagles Aug. 27, 2021, at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana. Moore entered his twenty-second year as the head coach of Center Grove.
Brother Jed watches the “Ho no mo” rally Sept. 17, 2021, at North Quad. Brother Jed and his wife, Sister Cindy travel the country going to different colleges and preaching their extreme evangelical beliefs.
Cindy Smock a viral TikTok evangelist preacher, better known by her stage name “Sister Cindy” speaks to a crowd of students at her “Ho no mo” rally Sept. 17, 2021, at North Quad, in Muncie, Indiana. Smock and her husband travel around the country preaching on college campuses.
Stephanie Big Eagle, an activist and descendent of the Oceti Sakowin tribe, or the Great Sioux Nation tribe, poses for a portrait in her shop Sept. 28, 2021, at her shop in Fountain Square. On her facial markings, Big Eagle said, “They are markings of identification and belonging to a certain tribe or status and acknowledging who you were in that tribe and what accomplishments you made in your lifetime,” she added. “In my nation, our markings were also able to help us pass over into the spirit world.”
Cardinals junior safety J.T. Wahee gets stiff armed by Miami Redhawks senior running back Jaylon Bester during the second quarter Oct. 23, 2021, at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana.
Cardinals junior wide receiver Jayshon Jackson catches a pass in the air during the second quarter Nov. 17, 2021, at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. Jackson caught for 61 receiving yards against the Chippewas.
Cardinals junior defensive specialist Maggie Huber (Center) is surrounded in a pile of her teammates seconds after Ball State beat the Bowling Green Falcons in the Mid-American Conference Championships Nov. 24, 2021, at John E. Worthen Arena in Muncie, Indiana. The Cardinals beat the Falcons in five sets.