Just Short Of The Press

The Blog With No Face

2011-12-16T04:40:00.001-08:00

I was looking through my Blog folder, and I saw that many of the photos that I shot recently had little or no face. Thanks for stopping by.

Daniel Tantua is reflected in the hood of a car as he waits to pay for parking on Preston Street Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in Houston. "It's good," he said of the rain. "It's different weather than what we've had. I like it, but not too much of it." The forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Firefighters take a break after working to extinguish a blaze at the Sterling Crossings apartment complex in the 4600 block of South Kirkwood Rd., Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

An officer looks inside a wrecked truck as he investigates the cause of the accident. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Gary Taylor walks through Stude Park Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, in Houston. "I love it," Taylor said. "When you're camped out in warm weather like this, it's like an air conditioning." (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Tenants watch as firefighters extinguish a blaze at the Sterling Crossings apartment complex in the 4600 block of South Kirkwood Rd., Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Customers look at products during a promotional event at Victoria's Secret.

Abel Hernandez with Arbor Care, Inc., rakes up debris in front of the Uptown Park clock tower Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Stan Voight smokes a cigarette as he sits on his motocycle during the Lone Star Rally Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, in Galveston. The event, known as the largest weekend rally in the country brought together thousands of motorcycle riders for its 10th year. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Occupy Houston protestors stand in protest at the exit ramp of Loop 610 at the Port of Houston Authority Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, in Houston. The event, Occupy The Port, was part of a nationwide movement targeting the nation's ports. Around 20 members were arrested according to the Houston Police Department. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Red, White and Blue

2011-12-09T07:21:00.001-08:00

It seems that a lot of photos that I've shot recently have either red, white or blue in them.

Thanks for stopping by.

School crossing guard Vera Longoria waits to direct traffic on Shepherd Drive Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in Houston. Longoria wore three layers on top and bottom, combined with a jacket and thermal socks in preparation for the cold. "It's supposed to get really cold on Thursday," she said. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Houston Police mounted patrol office Randall Wallace looks at an open van with his horse, Jeremiah, as he makes his way through through Bay Oaks as part of an effort to cut down the burglaries Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, in Clear Lake. The van owner is a painter employed by the resident. The three-day initiative is designed to visibly increase HPD’s presence in three different neighborhoods experiencing a rise in home burglaries. The goals are to encourage citizens to report crimes and educate the community on how to keep their homes from being targeted by thieves. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Dacia Salazar Martinez, left, and Maria Solidad Gallegos, right, cover Martinez's furniture in the back a pick-up truck to keep it dry from the rain Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Tenants watch as firefighters work to extinguish a three-alarm fire that started around 4:00 a.m. at the Green Trail Apartments Friday, November 4, 2011 in Katy. A total of 16 units were effected, 12 with fire and smoke along with 4 that have heavy smoke and water damage. Seven fire departments responded to the scene. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Firefighters extinguish a blaze at the Sterling Crossings apartment complex in the 4600 block of South Kirkwood Rd., Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

A runner uses a footbridge parallel to Jackson Hill Street to cross over Memorial Drive Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Houston Police Officer P. Ho, fills out a Theft Reduction Report Card outside of Randalls Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, in Houston. HPD joined with the Greater Houston Loss Prevention Alliance made up of retailers in the area, to educate shoppers through the "Safe Shopping Starts with You" holiday safety campaign on how to prevent theft while shopping or pumping gas. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Members of the Houston Police Department line up before helping to serve a Thanksgiving meal at St. Paul Episcopal Church, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011, in Houston. Members of the HPD's Executive Command Staff, including Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., joined Radio Saigon Houston to serve Thanksgiving meals to dozens of people in a southeast side area's homeless community. Attendees not only received a meal, they also received blankets and clothing. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Gerardo Herrera, left, Ylleyan Herrera, 2, center, and Nayellie Romero, right, shop early during Black Friday at a Best Buy, Nov. 25, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

A guest waits outside a fitting room at Victoria's Secret.

Cynthia Guzman holds her 10-month-old daughter Jolizzah Guzman, while her mom, Gloria Carranza places balloons in a vigil in front of the home of victims that were shot outside their home Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, in Bay City. Guzman stopped along with her mother, not pictured, because they know what it's like to know to lose a loved one. "I just hold my daughter, and I don't want to imagine the pain," Guzman said. "I just never want to imagine losing a child." (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

No pressure

2011-11-14T17:56:00.000-08:00

On my way home from work today, I saw this truck on my street in a different way. There aren't any trees on my street really, so I noticed the yellow as soon as I drove by because I guess it changed while I was gone over the weekend. Anyway, I parked and walked back to the truck to try and decide what I wanted to do with it. I decided to just shoot details and have fun with no pressure. Our jobs and lives are constantly filled with pressure, so, I am starting to find that it's pretty important to slow down when you can.

As I'm shooting though, the owner of the truck, Tito, comes outside to talk. I proceeded to ask him what year it was, and that started a long conversation. Turns out, Tito was married for 39 years, his wife passing just six months ago. His wife's cancer took their savings, the money that he planned to use to fix the truck. Now, the opportunity has passed to fix it up. I feel like the truck symbolizes his life now, he's too old to go back to work, and he has no money to do the things he wants to do in life anymore. Kind of like the truck, his life is slowly slipping away. I am going to start a story on him, spending time with him in his home.

Anyway, here are some photos for now.

Recent Stuff

2011-11-08T07:35:00.001-08:00

Douglas Caddy feeds ducks at Hermann Park Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, in Houston. Caddy feeds the ducks every morning on his routine walk around the park. He said he's glad to see the weather finally breaking. "There are a lot less mosquitoes out this morning," he said. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Gabriel Huerta, 17 months, dressed as Max from Where the Wild Things Are, sits in a pumpkin patch at St. Luke's United Methodist Church Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in Houston. "We were driving by and saw the pumpkin patch," his mom Andrea Huerta said. "We stopped because he's never been to one before." Andrea is excited about trick-or-treating with Gabriel because it will be his first real time. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

A cyclist rides along Brays Bayou Trail as clouds loom Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Carl Simmons with Houston Parks and Recreation Department cleans soap suds out of Mecom Fountain Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

A man is reflected in the window of the Ford Focus Electric during the Power of Choice Vehicle and Technology Tour at the University of Houston campus Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, in Houston. The Ford Focus Electric runs on a lithium-ion battery that will travel 100 miles on a 3-4 hour charge. Ford invited guests to test drive vehicles they had on display and answered questions concerning the new lineup. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

National Black United Front member Jean Wilkins Dember, center, prays along with other protesters from the New Black Panther Party, from Occupy Houston, and other organizations outside of City Hall Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, in Houston. Protesters gathered to protest about police brutality after Anthony Childress, not pictured, claims he was beaten by four Houston Police Officers and plans to file a civil lawsuit against the Houston Police Department for the alleged October 2, 2011 beating.(Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Students dressed as their favorite book characters wait for a parade to start during Book Character Day at Oak Forest Elementary school Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in Houston. The event aims to inspire kids to read. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Well, it was hot

2011-10-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a hot summer here in Houston, and it's finally cooling down. Here are some recent photos from some assignments.

Early fog feature:

A woman walks down a walking trail as fog looms at Montie Beach Park Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

A cold front blew in:

Anna Lanthier zips up her jacket as wind blows her hair in her face as she walks down Walker Street Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Fire Academy educating firefighters how to combat forest fires:

Instructor Brandon Woodward, left, explains to students how to use a drip torch before an exercise during the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire & Incident Management Academy at Camp Swift Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, in Bastrop. The drip torch is a tool used to set a prescribed burn or a backfire. The academy offered 35 classes to more than 460 students ranging from beginners to veterans. Students had the opportunity to learn the basics of firefighting to the more integral parts of putting out forest fires such as operating engines, using chainsaws, making fire lines and setting backfires. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Student Michael Brown uses a drip torch during an exercise at the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire & Incident Management Academy at Camp Swift Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, in Bastrop. The drip torch is a tool used to set a prescribed burn or a backfire.The academy offered 35 classes to more than 460 students ranging from beginners to veterans. Students had the opportunity to learn the basics of firefighting to the more integral parts of putting out forest fires such as operating engines, using chainsaws, making fire lines and setting backfires. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Students clear an area to make a fire line during an exercise at the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire & Incident Management Academy at Camp Swift Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, in Bastrop. The academy offered 35 classes to more than 460 students ranging from beginners to veterans. Students had the opportunity to learn the basics of firefighting to the more integral parts of putting out forest fires such as operating engines, using chainsaws, making fire lines and setting backfires. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Student Mark Presley clears an area to make a fire line during an exercise at the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire & Incident Management Academy at Camp Swift Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, in Bastrop. The academy offered 35 classes to more than 460 students ranging from beginners to veterans. Students had the opportunity to learn the basics of firefighting to the more integral parts of putting out forest fires such as operating engines, using chainsaws, making fire lines and setting backfires. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Safety Officer Richard Hensley, right, checks students for safety precautions before an exercise during the Capital Area Interagency Wildfire & Incident Management Academy at Camp Swift Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, in Bastrop. The academy offered 35 classes to more than 460 students ranging from beginners to veterans. Students had the opportunity to learn the basics of firefighting to the more integral parts of putting out forest fires such as operating engines, using chainsaws, making fire lines and setting backfires. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Spot News

2011-10-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy few days in Houston for news. The following are from a few spot news assignments the last few days ranging from protesters to a water main bust.

Protesters sit arm-in-arm on Wednesday inside the Mickey Leland Federal Building in downtown Houston, where several groups, including occupy Houston, took part in a sit-in that drew dozens of police officers clad in riot gear. eight protesters were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing. the protesters said they were upset about soaring unemployment even as many major corporations flourished during the recession.

Unemployed workers and community members protest about the U.S. Senate's vote on the American Jobs Act outside the Mickey Leland Federal Building Wednesday, October 12, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Steven Johnson leads unemployed workers and community members as they protest about the U.S. Senate's vote on the American Jobs Act walking down Smith Street Wednesday, October 12, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Humberto Garcia holds two fingers indicating that he's been unemployed for two years as he and fellow unemployed workers and community members protest about the U.S. Senate's vote on the American Jobs Act outside the Mickey Leland Federal Building Wednesday, October 12, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Occupy Wall Street protester Trey G holds a sign at Eleanor Tinsley Park Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Occupy Wall Street protesters Carlos Villalobos (center) and Adrian Bardt (right) hold signs at Eleanor Tinsley Park Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Occupy Wall Street protester Brent Fairley drinks a cup of coffee as he and Janie Maynez (right) wake up at Eleanor Tinsley Park Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Occupy Wall Street Janie Maynez sleeps as traffic passes at Eleanor Tinsley Park Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Tandy Johnson holds a sign along with other protestors in front of the Metro building Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. "We need a fair contract," Protestor Lawrence Taylor said. "We're number one, but we're not paid to be number one." (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Lawrence Taylor holds a sign along with other protestors in front of the Metro building Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. "We need a fair contract," Taylor said. "We're number one, but we're not paid to be number one." (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Patricia Moon holds a sign along with other protestors in front of the METRO building Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, in Houston. "We want a contract," Moon said. "They are trying to take away our longevity. It's not fair." (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Pastor Evan McClanahan looks at the remains of the sacristy room at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church after firefighters extinguished a blaze that started early Monday morning, Oct. 10, 2011, in Houston. The sacristy room is where also where the priest and attendants vest and prepare before the service, also where the church keeps important items such as church furnishings, sacred vessels, and parish records. "We're committed as a congregation to restore it," McClanahan said. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

A car drives by as water spews from a busted water line at the corner of Dahlia Lane and Evergreen Drive Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Friday Night Lights

2011-10-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Members of the Cinco Ranch High School football team warm up before the start of a football game against Memorial High School at Rhodes Stadium Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Katy. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Cole Bendy (left) and Jordan Smith (center) play the trumpet as they and the Memorial High School band warm up before a football game against Cinco Ranch High School at Rhodes Stadium Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Katy. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Kingwood Park High School drill team members make their way to the field before the start of a football game against Summer Creek High School at Turner Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

Kingwood Park High School band member Brandon Fulcher picks up his hat and trumpet before the start of a football game against Summer Creek High School at Turner Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Cinco Ranch High School's James Rhoden (left) shakes off a tackle from Memorial High School defensive back Will Bigelow (right) as he runs a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of a football game Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Katy. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Memorial High School quarterback Tyler McCloskey sits on the field after he was sacked during the second half of a football game against Cinco Ranch High School at Rhodes Stadium Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Katy. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Memorial High School running back Boomer White (center) looses his grip on the ball as he is brought down by the Cinco Ranch High School's Kevin Yates (left) and Jorge Alcantara (right) during the second half of a football game at Rhodes Stadium Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Katy.(Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Cinco Ranch High School's Anand Chaudhari (43) and Connor Siegmund (56) react after Bohao Cheng (not pictured) and Josh Firth (40) recovered a fumble against Memorial High School during the second half of a football game at Rhodes Stadium Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, in Katy.(Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Kingwood Park High School's Cullen Craft is brought down by Summer Creek High School's Javarius Lewis (top) and Josh Williams (bottom) during the second quarter of a football game at Turner Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

Kingwood Park High School's Cullen Craft (left) bobbles a ball on a kick off return Ari Nelson (18) applies pressure to Summer Creek High School's Michael Stewart (1) during the third quarter of a football game against at Turner Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Summer Creek High School's DeQuann Ruffin steps into the endzone for a touchdown against Kingwood Park High School during the third quarter of a football game at Turner Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Summer Creek High School Justin Jenkins (left) breaks up a pass intended for Kingwood Park High School Cullen Craft (right) during the third quarter of a football game against at Turner Stadium Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Hightower High School's Casey Edgley (left) breaks up a pass intended for Elkins High School Jamon Moore (right) during the first quarter of a football game at Kenneth Hall Stadium Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, in Missouri City. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Hightower High School'S Joshua Wilhite (left) shakes off a tackle from Elkins High School's Kamane Thomas (right) during the second quarter of a football game at Kenneth Hall Stadium Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, in Missouri City. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

Just Planes, No Trains, No Automobiles

2011-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

I had just finished shooting in the studio when my boss called and asked if I get airsick. I said 'no,' and he replied with "good, I need you to get to Ellington Field. You're going up in a WWII plane, and you might get to fly over downtown."

I packed up and headed to Ellington. What he didn't tell me was that I was going up in the last flying plane of its kind in the world, a Curtiss SB2c Helldiver. We flew at 1,500 feet with an open cockpit.

Here are some shots from the day.

Dale Morningstar walks under a Texas Raider B-17 as a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver sits on the left at Ellington Airport Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, in Houston. The Curtiss SB2C is the last of its kind flying in the world. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

It's football time in Texas...

2011-09-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

And everywhere else.

The following are shots from a few past games.

Deer Park High SchooL drill team members (from left) Madison Spears, Peyton Ellis, and Kait Davis wait for the start of a football game against Westside High School at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Westside High School running back B.J. Catalon runs the ball for a 78-yard touchdown in the first quarter of a football game against Deer Park High School at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A pass slips through the hands of Deer Park High School's Eric Luna as he is blocked by Westside High School's Hypolito Corporan during the first quarter of a football game at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Deer Park High School's Demetrius Banks (21) crosses into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of a football game against Westside High School at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A pass slips through the hands of Westside High School's Deante Gray (5) as Deer Park High School's John Martinez (24) runs downfield during the second quarter of a football game at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Deer Park High School's Demetrius Banks (left) is brought down by Westside High School's Christian Decurie during the third quarter of a football game at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. Deer Park won 27-25 continuing their undefeated streak to 4-0. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Deer Park High School reacts after they recovered a fumble during the fourth quarter of a football against Westside High School at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. Deer Park won 27-25 continuing their undefeated streak to 4-0. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Deer Park High School football team reacts after a 27-25 victory over Westside High School at Abshier Stadium Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, in Deer Park. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Klein High School's Stand Leaders dance before the start of a football game against Kingwood High School at Turner Stadium Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Texas Southern's Kirk Fitzhugh (center) is brought down by Prairie View's Brian Medlock (left) during the first quarter of a football game at James M. Delmar Stadium Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Texas Southern quarterback Dantavious Parker crosses into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of a football game against Prairie View at James M. Delmar Stadium Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The Klein High School football team warms up before taking on Kingwood High School at Turner Stadium Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, in Humble. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Klein Forest High School freshmen cheerleader Briana Buggs (right) puts her hands in the air as they warm up before the start of a football game against La Porte High School at Memorial Stadium Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, in Klein. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Kingwood High School junior Greg Schopman carries flags to the top of Turner Stadium before the start of a football game against Klein High School Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, in Humble. Schopman, along with other members of the Kingwood Student Council Spirit Crew prepared the stadium before the game. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Up In Smoke

2011-09-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

I was on vacation the whole time fires took over in Texas, so I didn't get the opportunity to shoot any of it. I thought my opportunity to photograph them had passed, but I got a call from my editor asking me to head to a fire at George Bush Park. I thought it was just gonna be a small fire, but it turned out to be a huge fire.

Onlookers watch as a fire burns in George Bush Park Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011, in Houston. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Update

2011-08-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

Jose Juarez Sr., looks down into a water chiller after replacing a fan motor at Wolfe's Cleaners Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, in Houston. "The fan went out after it got hot due to the extreme heat," co-owner Jose Juarez, Jr., said. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Aneshia Lane waits for the bus at the intersection of Canal and Delano Streets Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, in Houston. Lane carries an umbrella to shade herself from the sun. "Oh it's hot," she said. The forecast calls for a high of 100 into the weekend. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Pancho Vega wipes sweat from his face Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, in Houston. Vega, works for TJR Construction, as they work to finish a house on Studewood Street. "We are having to take twice as many breaks because of the heat," owner Roman Marin Jr. said. "Normally we take an hour and a half. We are taking up to three hours. The heat is slowing us down." (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Alice Vara holds a photo of her late husband and Army WWII veteran Rudy Vara, while she stands in front of a wall honoring World War II veterans at Veterans Memorial Park Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, in Houston. Veterans of all military branches were honored during the "Absolute Victory Unveiling" ceremony that showcased a wall dedicated to WWII veterans with scenes of the war painted on small tiles. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Guadalupe Gonzalez holds an umbrella for her husband Elias Gonzalez while they fix a headlight outside an Autozone store on Tidwell Street Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, in Houston. Guadalupe recently purchased the umbrella because of the heat. "It's too hot," she said.(Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Shane Boucher enjoys the mist while standing in front of the Williams Water Wall Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, in Houston. The forecast calls for temperatures into the 100s Sunday and Monday with a 30 percent chance of rain Monday. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Jasmine Robins walks with Assistant Principal Shelia Williams as they catch up about the summer on the first day of school at Jones High School Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, in Houston. "It's great to see all the kids back," Williams said. (Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Surfside Beach = Good Time Squared

2011-08-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

I rode down to the beach today for a little while. I didn't take a camera thinking I wasn't gonna shoot any pics. Then, I saw an umbrella, and we all know how much I'm a sucker for an umbrella. Anyway, just some eye candy from the beach.

Four Features, One Fire, One Day

2011-08-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun day in Houston. It was hot, and everyone seemed to be wiping their faces with because they were filled with sweat. The following are images trying to show the heat along with just stand-alone features.

Thanks for stopping by.

Arthur Posey wipes sweat from his face while he sits on his front porch on Rosaline Street Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, in Houston. Posey sits on his porch everyday because he doesn't have air conditioning. "I'm just trying to stay cool," he said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Wayne Watson wipes sweat from his head as he stands at the corner of 27th and Durham Streets while holding a sign that reads "IRS Problems" and an arrow directing people to Rodrick Dow, PC Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, in Houston. Because Watson mows lawns on the side, he has grown used to the heat although he admits that "it's hot" outside. He carries about a gallon of water with him as he stands on the corner from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and takes a break when he needs it. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Mohammad Salahuddin, owner of Elegant Sign, (bottom) holds a sign as Jimmy Alvarado (top) hangs it after fixing an electrical problem at a gas station Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, in Houston. Salahuddin and Alvarado have to take more breaks than normal due to the heat. Salahuddin finds himself more tired at the end of the day if he doesn't take breaks and consume enough water. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Diann Nguyen takes shade under an umbrella as she walks with her son Dylan, 9,(left) through the Houston Zoo Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Firefighters rest after taking control of a two-alarm fire that started at 2415 Watts Street Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, in Houston. There were no injuries although some firefighters faced heat exhaustion as the temperature rose past 100 degrees. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Firefighters rest after taking control of a two-alarm fire that started at 2415 Watts Street Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, in Houston. There were no injuries although some firefighters faced heat exhaustion as the temperature rose past 100 degrees. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Weekend at Bernie's

2011-08-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend with my Pops up in Wise County. We had some fun because while other father and sons might go fishing, we go shoot together. It was interesting and a relief because I was able to go out with no pressure. I spent the whole weekend with one camera and one lens, it was nice. We shot high school football, and we also had a fire to shoot. I love shooting with Dad, it's one of my most favorite things to do.

Thanks for stopping by.

Tweeners

2011-07-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorites that from the last few assignments.

Peter Chasteen from the group Urban Movement, Inc., performs a parkour movement called a flagpole as he hangs from the covered area of Tranquility Park Saturday, July 2, 2011, in Houston. The sport, originating from France, combines the idea of scaling obstacles by running, climbing, and jumping. The idea is to maneuver through obstacles in the most efficient way possible using only the body. It can be practiced anywhere, although an area with more obstacles is preferred. Houston's Parkour group is composed mostly of young men aged 15 - 22 as it continues to grow throughout the country. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Update

2011-07-20T19:03:00.001-07:00

The following are some images of daily work from the past few weeks, and a small picture package from an animal shelter in town.

Taylor Albin (left) shows Alfredo Calderon, 13, (right) how to be expressive like a clown after painting his face during the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College at Reliant Stadium Tuesday, July 19, 2011, in Houston. Clown College was the third morning of a three-part summer camp series hosted by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for the Sunshine Kids, a camp that supports children with life threatening illnesses and their families. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Peter Chasteen from the group Urban Movement, Inc., performs a parkour movement called a flagpole as he hangs from the covered area of Tranquility Park Saturday, July 2, 2011, in Houston. The sport, originating from France, combines the idea of scaling obstacles by running, climbing, and jumping. The idea is to maneuver through obstacles in the most efficient way possible using only the body. It can be practiced anywhere, although an area with more obstacles is preferred. Houston's Parkour group is composed mostly of young men aged 15 - 22 as it continues to grow throughout the country. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A girl climbs down a step in the PowerTower at the Children's Museum of Houston Saturday, July 9, 2011, in Houston. The 35 foot tall structure is part of the 14 exhibits at the museum that encourage children to be active not only mentally but physically as well. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Adam Poranski (left) sits in front of Antidote Coffee as he reads a book while Serena Hightower (right) is seen inside Tuesday, July 12, 2011, in Houston. "It's a place that I feel comfortable kicking back and catching up on my studying," Poranski said. Antidote Coffee sells 400-500 cups of coffee in their 6:30 a.m. to Midnight hours of operation. The coffee shop is also preparing to celebrate their four-year anniversary after opening in November 2007. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Larry Sanchez with the fireworks display company Pyrotecnico, packs a shell in preparation for Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas, Saturday, July 2, 2011, in Houston. The event will take place at Eleanor Tinsley Park and the fireworks will be launched from behind the water plant. The five-day process involved setting up 1,200 cues that will trigger 10,000 effects in the sky for a 17-minute fireworks show Monday. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Daniela Rebea returns to her home on Cottage Street after walking her two dogs Zuni, and Bailey (not pictured) Monday, July 11, 2011, in Houston. Rebea walks her dogs every morning, and she carries an umbrella to keep the sun off her face. "It's ridiculously hot," she said. "The second you walk outside, you're dripping wet." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Adam Poranski (left) sits in front of Antidote Coffee as he reads a book while Serena Hightower (right) is seen inside Tuesday, July 12, 2011, in Houston. "It's a place that I feel comfortable kicking back and catching up on my studying," Poranski said. Antidote Coffee sells 400-500 cups of coffee in their 6:30 a.m. to Midnight hours of operation. The coffee shop is also preparing to celebrate their four-year anniversary after opening in November 2007. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Texas First Court of Appeals Justice Jim Sharp stands on top of his desk inside his office at the First Court of Appeals Monday, July 11, 2011, in Houston. Harris County is removing the historic, antique, solid-wood desks and replacing them with brand-new, less solid desks in the historic offices. Sharp's desk previously served a judge in the Galveston Court House before moving to Houston offices. "Who knows how many judges have sat at this desk over the course of time?" Sharp said. "It's got history." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The following images are from an assignment focusing focusing on the fact that BARC, a local animal shelter, had cleaner facilities and increased pet adoptions.

Ken, a male, black and white labrador retriever mix sits in a kennel as he waits to be adopted at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care Friday, July 8, 2011, in Houston. BARC takes in between 2-3,000 dogs and cats, while releasing 1100-1200 to homes every month. Although the shelter had a kill rate of 80 percent in 2005, it has dropped 29 percent since Mayor Annise Parker’s Task Force analysis of shelters in the Houston-area was published the same year. The agency has not only cut its euthanasia rate, it boosted its adoptions even more. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care kennel attendant Latreace Jones mops up the floor of the dog housing ward, normally at full capacity, Friday, July 8, 2011, in Houston. BARC takes in between 2-3,000 dogs and cats, while releasing 1100-1200 to homes every month. Although the shelter had a kill rate of 80 percent in 2005, it has dropped 29 percent since Mayor Annise Parker’s Task Force analysis of shelters in the Houston-area was published the same year. The agency has not only cut its euthanasia rate, it boosted its adoptions even more. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A cat pokes its head over the ledge of visitation room #1 as it waits to be adopted at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care Friday, July 8, 2011, in Houston. The visitation room allows for customers to come in and get to know the animals, BARC takes in between 2-3,000 dogs and cats, while releasing 1100-1200 to homes every month. Although the shelter had a kill rate of 80 percent in 2005, it has dropped 29 percent since Mayor Annise Parker’s Task Force analysis of shelters in the Houston-area was published the same year. The agency has not only cut its euthanasia rate, it boosted its adoptions even more. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A cat pokes its head over the ledge of visitation room #1 as it waits to be adopted at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care Friday, July 8, 2011, in Houston. The visitation room allows for customers to come in and get to know the animals, BARC takes in between 2-3,000 dogs and cats, while releasing 1100-1200 to homes every month. Although the shelter had a kill rate of 80 percent in 2005, it has dropped 29 percent since Mayor Annise Parker’s Task Force analysis of shelters in the Houston-area was published the same year. The agency has not only cut its euthanasia rate, it boosted its adoptions even more. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Thomas sits in the cat ward as he roams freely at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care Friday, July 8, 2011, in Houston. Kennel attendants allow chosen animals to roam freely in order to socialize them so they are more prepared for customers when they come in to adopt. BARC takes in between 2-3,000 dogs and cats, while releasing 1100-1200 to homes every month. Although the shelter had a kill rate of 80 percent in 2005, it has dropped 29 percent since Mayor Annise Parker’s Task Force analysis of shelters in the Houston-area was published the same year. The agency has not only cut its euthanasia rate, it boosted its adoptions even more. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A cat pokes its head out of a box while the person dropping them off waits in line at the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care Friday, July 8, 2011, in Houston. BARC takes in between 2-3,000 dogs and cats, while releasing 1100-1200 to homes every month. Although the shelter had a kill rate of 80 percent in 2005, it has dropped 29 percent since Mayor Annise Parker’s Task Force analysis of shelters in the Houston-area was published the same year. The agency has not only cut its euthanasia rate, it boosted its adoptions even more. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A lesson in death

2011-07-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

I've been told I look like a tough guy. People always smirk when I jokingly say that I am a sensitive guy. The truth is, I really am. Sensitive or insensitive, photographing death is not easy - at least I don't think so. You can turn your brain off, but sooner or later you have to deal with it.

The photos below are the reaction from friends and family after a fire broke out in the 8000 block of Kenton Street Wednesday July 13, 2011 in Houston.

I will never forget that the sound of Dorothy Hampton's voice as she yelled for her mother while seeing investigators remove the bodies of the victims from the home. One of the victim was Dorothy's mother. When she began to yell for her mother, tears came to my eyes, and a sick feeling filled my stomach. It made me think of my own mother. Looking back on it, I think what really got me was the sound of her voice. I have photographed tears and sad faces - the voice got me. With the camera to my face, I remembered while I was there. I wouldn't do her any good just standing there. I kept shooting.

I hate taking those photos. I hate being, the "person" for lack of a better word, having to photograph someone losing someone they care about. We get to be a part of the joy in people's lives, I guess we should have to photograph their misery as well.

Joseph Moore (center left) comforts his mother Dorothy Hampton (center) as investigators remove the victims from a home after a fire started at 5:00 a.m. in a house in the 8000 block of Kenton Street claiming the lives of her mother along with another victim Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Houston. Firefighters put out the blaze about half an hour after it started, and have yet to determine the cause. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Friends and family watch as the victims of a fire are loaded into the medical examiner's van after a blaze broke out in a house at 5:00 a.m. in the 8000 block of Kenton Street Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Houston. Firefighters put out the blaze about half an hour after it started, but the fire still claimed two lives. The victims names have yet to be released.( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Reverand Kenneth Holman leads friends and family in prayer after a fire claimed two lives after a blaze broke out in a home in the 8000 block of Kenton Street Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Houston. "Eddie was a real good friend of mine," Holman said of one of the victims. "We used to go out and cut lawns together. He will be well missed, I miss him already." Firefighters have yet to determine the cause of the blaze that erupted at 5:00 a.m. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Dorothy Hampton wipes her eyes as she watches investigators remove the victims from a home after a fire started at 5:00 a.m. in a house in the 8000 block of Kenton Street claiming the lives of her mother along with another victim Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Houston. Firefighters put out the blaze about half an hour after it started, and have yet to determine the cause. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A tear rolls down the cheek of a woman as she watches medical examiners investigate after a fire started in a house at 5:00 a.m. in the 8000 block of Kenton Street claiming the lives of two victims Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Houston. Firefighters put out the blaze about half an hour after it started, and have yet to determine the cause. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Annie Felder (right) hugs her cousin Dorothy Hampton (center) as Hampton's son Joseph Moore (left) looks on after medical examiners loaded the body of Hampton's mother into the van after a fire consumed two victims in a fire that started at 5:00 a.m. in a house in the 8000 block of Kenton Street Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in Houston. Firefighters put out the blaze about half an hour after it started, and have yet to determine the cause. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Fireworks

2011-07-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here are my two favorite shots. They're both from the same angle, and I shot a lot of photos, but here are the two that I like the most.

A crowd watches a 17-minute, choreographed fireworks show during Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas, at Eleanor Tinsley Park Monday, July 4, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Features... It's Hot In Texas

2011-06-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Since it's slow in the summer time, it makes for a good time to spend feature hunting - I know I've said that before in previous posts. The following are daily features, although some are from an assignment.

I spend a lot of time driving around looking for spots that might make for a good feature. Sometimes it's a deserted place that I imagine might make for a good feature, although no one is there. When I find a spot, I drop a pin in the maps section and label it "Feature," "Rain Feature," "Heat Feature" etc. I know that it's not uncommon to keep a list of places to go like what has been done for years, but I find it easier to go to the bookmarks section of the maps and by typing "feature," I get a list.

Not always is a feature planned, there can be luck involved too. Chance favors the prepared mind, so if you come across a feature and you're not prepared, keep driving. Those always hurt the most.

Oh, one more thing. If you're shooting a feature, whether you came across it or it was assigned, don't be afraid to pursue a different situation if you hear something going on. For example, I saw Heather, the woman in the image below, painting her fence at about noon yesterday. I stopped to talk to her and after about an hour of chatting, I asked if I could come back and photograph her when the light was better. She replied with "yeah, that'd be great." As I was photographing her, I didn't liked images that were coming from the situation, I just wished they had a little more to them. All the sudden, I heard a splash. I asked if she had a pool in the backyard. She said yes. I switched gears and went to the backyard. That is where I spent about half an hour shooting Harry as he splashed away in golden light.

Thanks for stopping by.

Harry Bause, 6, jumps into the pool in his backyard as he escapes the heat Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in Houston. Harry's parents put the pool in the backyard so he can have a place to not only escape the heat, but Harry is on the swim team as well, and it helps him stay in shape. "It's hot in Texas," Harry's mom, Heather Bause said. "It also helps him escape the germs and dust of being in the house." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Harry Bause, 6, enjoys the pool in his backyard as he escapes the heat Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in Houston. "It's hot in Texas," Harry's mom, Heather Bause said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

William Morales (left) grabs a pole as he and Arnold Elliott (right) assemble a tent in preparation for the Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Nice Little Update

2011-06-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some selects from recent assignments.

Thanks for stopping by.

A fan uses the bathroom while wearing a Mexico flag before the start of a soccer game between USA and Panama during the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 semifinals at Reliant Stadium Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A fan waves a Mexican flag as he cheers for Mexico while they take on Honduras during the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 semifinals at Reliant Stadium Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Houston. Mexico won 2-0. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Juan Berain sits in the stand during the soccer game between the USA and Panama during the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011 semifinals at Reliant Stadium Wednesday, June 22, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Rudy Milton, 2, (right) rubs his face with water after his aunt, Angela Fowler (left) poured water on him as he and Gigi Moreno, 6, get out of the heat while they play in a swimming pool in the driveway of their home on Houston Street Monday, June 20, 2011, in Houston. Fowler decided to fill up the pool with water after the kids started to get hot. "They were hot, and kids get fussy when they're hot," Fowler said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Angela Fowler (left) pushes the hair out her niece, Gigi Moreno's, 6, face as her and Rudy Milton, 2, (right) get out of the heat while they play in a swimming pool in the driveway of their home on Houston Street Monday, June 20, 2011, in Houston. Fowler decided to fill up the pool with water after the kids started to get hot. "They were hot, and kids get fussy when they're hot," Fowler said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Dalton Wyatt looks inside a storage bin of a boat as (from left) Reagan Pape, 20 months, Makayla Wyatt, 2, Brody Wyatt, 2, Cameron Pape,7, and Dalton Wyatt, 5, play during the Houston Summer Boat Show at Reliant Center Saturday, June 18, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Elephant Open House guests take pictures while curator of large animals Daryl Hoffman (right) sprays Tess with water as elephant manager Martina Stevens baths Tupelo at the Houston Zoo Saturday, June 18, 2011, in Houston. After the bath guests were allowed to touch Tess and Tupelo along with have their picture made with them. They were also allowed to explore the the state-of-the-art elephant barn at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. Each elephant “bedroom” in the barn highlighted a different aspect of elephant care. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Elephant Open House guests watch as curator of large animals Daryl Hoffman (right) holds a harmonica for Tess while she plays it after her morning bath at the Houston Zoo Saturday, June 18, 2011, in Houston. After the bath guests were allowed to touch the elephants and have their picture made with them. They were also allowed to explore the the state-of-the-art elephant barn at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. Each elephant “bedroom” in the barn highlighted a different aspect of elephant care. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Shoba Centala paints symbols onto the entry way leading into the new Hindu Temple of The Woodlands Saturday, June 11, 2011, in The Woodlands. Centala, along with other volunteers, painted figures onto the sidewalk that welcome the Gods into the temple. The first house of worship on the north side of Houston will open after years of planning and fundraising to build the $3 million, 10,000 square-foot complex. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Umbrellas

2011-06-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

I have always loved photographing umbrellas. I actually never knew how much until I started working here. I literally drive around everyday looking for umbrellas when it's hot or it's raining. I more or less look for a feature, but I hope for an umbrella. Here are some of my most recent umbrella shots.

Kylie Smith (right) and Charles Smith (left) take shade under their umbrellas as they watch a friend compete in the Senior Games Friday, June 17, 2011, in Humble. "Even being a native Texan, it's tough," Charles said referring to the heat. "In the heat of Texas in June and July, I knew we were gonna need an umbrella." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Tina Steckler holds onto her umbrella as it collapses in the wind while she sits with her husband and competitor Bob Steckler at the Senior Games Friday, June 17, 2011, in Humble. "It makes such a difference sitting in the shade," Tina said. "It's worth wrestling with the umbrella." The forecast measured winds from the South and South West at 19-25mph in Humble. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Desi Garcia takes shade under her umbrella as she walks her dogs Pancho and Chico down 13th Street in front of John H. Reagan High SchoolTuesday, June 14, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Lisa Verret takes shade under her umbrella as her husband competes at the Senior Games Friday, June 17, 2011, in Humble. "Hopefully I don't get a sunburn," Verret said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

"It's so hot," Minerva Castillo said while taking shade under an umbrella as she returns to her home on Cottage Street from buying birthday gifts for a friend Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Fireworks

2011-06-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

A few shots from recent assignments.

It was a lot of fun photographing Nina in her fireworks stand. I knew there was a photo to be had there when I walked in because it was so empty. Because of a ban that's in effect right now due to weather conditions, fireworks stands are not allowed to sell them yet. When I walked into her store and saw an empty room, I knew that was the shot. I took a lot of pictures, and something just wasn't working. Finally, she agreed to light a sparkler for me. That was the shot.

Nina Martinez, owner of the fireworks stand Little Mexico, stands in her empty shop due to a fireworks ban because of drought conditions in the area Friday, June 17, 2011, in Richmond. Martinez hasn't placed the order for this year's fireworks because she doesn't know if she will be able to sell them. "Normally we would already have them by now," Martinez said. "We would be pricing and stocking them to prepare for the 24th." Fireworks stands are allowed to sell from June 24 to July 4. Martinez is worried because she says that this is the first time in the 50 years that the shop has been open that this has happened. "We always count on the big sales from the Fourth of July and new Year's," she said. "I just hope it rains." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Firefighters look for smoldering articles after a fire started in a mobile home at 6718 Nordling Rd., Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

These guys were a blast. I saw this on my way home, and I wasn't going to shoot it because it was my day off. Who cares right? I don't understand why so many people pass up good pictures on their days off. We're never really "off" as photographers. Like always, I turned around and went back. It ran the next day.

(From left to right) Nick Lunig, Cory Swaim, Will Langevin, Mike Haynes-Pitts and Rob Granados enjoy the summer time as they sit in their "Redneck Hot tub" in the back of Lunig's truck on Pecore Street as it rained Monday, June 6, 2011, in Houston. Although the original idea was to beat the heat earlier in the day, it didn't stop their fun when it began to rain. "Although weather conditions aren't ideal, the water is so warm and the company is so good." Lunig said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The Klein Bearkats react after starting pitcher Corey Ray struck out Klein Oak Panthers Jacob Fowler for a 5-0 win of game two of their best-of-three Class 5A, Region II Final baseball series at Cougar Field Friday, June 3, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros left wing Robbie Earl (17) struggles to get a shot past Binghamton Senators goalie Robin Lehner during game 6 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Tuesday, June 7, 2011, in Houston. The Senators won 3-2. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Thanks for looking.

Blog Update

2011-06-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Dr. Peter Hotez shows his enthusiasm at the Texas Medical Center after taking leadership positions at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital Wednesday, June 8, 2011, in Houston. He will serve as the dean of the new school of tropical medicine, the director of the vaccine development program, and he will hold the Texas Children's Hospital Endowed Chair in Tropical Pediatrics. He will also serve as chief of a new Section of Tropical Diseases in the BCM Department of Pediatrics. "Dr. Peter Hotez is a one-of-a-kind pediatric physician-scientist, and he represents the kind of transformative talent we are attracting to Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine from around the nation and globe," said Dr. Mark W. Kline, physician-in-chief at TCH and chair of pediatrics at BCM. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Captain John Burton with Engine 34 douses his face with water as he works with firefighters to put out smoldering articles after a fire started in a mobile home at 6718 Nordling Rd., Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Lights, Cougars, Fire, Country Music

2011-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Some selects from recent assignments.

Carol Reed sits with her head in her hands as her husband Eric (left) and her son Josh (right) look at the remains of their home after located at 3206 Elegia Street after a fire started Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Houston. Officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

I arrived at this fire after the flames were put out. I was tempted to leave when a woman that, I assumed and later clarified, was the homeowner came up to the house. Apparently she had been gone and was seeing her house for the first time. I was a bit of a ways away, but judging by her body language, once she sat down I knew she had a tie to the house. I stayed and made a frame that later ran in the paper.

Payton Rae poses for a portrait Friday, May 20, 2011, in Houston. The 15-year old Houston-based country singer already has a bigger presence online – and across the globe – than some country artists that have recently topped this iTunes chart. Her first ever EP, DARE TO LIVE, charted as high as #4 on the iTunes country chart. With more than 52,000 followers on Twitter, 16,000 “likes” on Facebook and nearly 2.6 million YouTube views at her dedicated channel (over six million combined views) ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

This was a lot of fun and very intense because a lot of times when you have to shoot a celebrity you have a very limited amount of time. Sometimes you don't even have five minutes. We ended up meeting at a cafe for some reason. We had one hour - 10 minutes for the photographer, the remaining for the reporter. I found the most graphic background that I could find and this is what I got.

A construction worker hangs a traffic light at the intersection of 11th Street and Heights Blvd. Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. Workers continue to put the final touches on the street rehabilitation project that stretches from Heights Blvd. to Studewood Street. The project included hanging street lights, expanding sidewalks and roads, replacing storm drains and new water and waste water lines. The project is projected to be finished by Memorial Day weekend with a final inspection of the area following. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle)

I saw this on my way home from the gym. I wasn't working, but I figured 'hey, might as well jump out and make a feature.'

A boy walks past a mural of Malcom Little by local artist Julian Kyle during the first-ever community service project by American Association of Museums the day before its annual conference at the Houston Museum of African American Culture Saturday, May 21, 2011, in Houston. Six artists were invited to partner with local volunteers to paint several murals in a paint-by-numbers fashion that will eventually be installed in areas throughout the city. "It's a great honor to have it in the neighborhood and community that I went to school in," Kyle said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The following are from a cougar exhibit that they opened at the zoo.

Madelyn Glaze, 4, (left) and her sister Emily, 5, (right) look at Haley as she walks through her newly opened and redesigned Cougar Exhibit Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Houston. The redesign provides more viewing space and a better view of the upper elevations of the exhibit for guests while also offering numerous climbing opportunities and a resting area that can be heated and cooled for the cougars. The new exhibit, that was designed in-house, took four and a half months to finish and cost $400,000 to build. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Jacob Brown, 5, places his hand on the window while he looks at Haley as she walks through her newly opened and redesigned Cougar Exhibit Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Houston. The redesign provides more viewing space and a better view of the upper elevations of the exhibit for guests while also offering numerous climbing opportunities and a resting area that can be heated and cooled for the cougars. The new exhibit, that was designed in-house, took four and a half months to finish and cost $400,000 to build. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Zoo volunteer Toni Noble (left) tells Jacob Brown, 5, about the newly opened and redesigned Cougar Exhibit as his sister Katherine, 3, and his mother Terri look on Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Houston. The redesign provides more viewing space and a better view of the upper elevations of the exhibit for guests while also offering numerous climbing opportunities and a resting area that can be heated and cooled for the cougars. The new exhibit, that was designed in-house, took four and a half months to finish and cost $400,000 to build. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Blake Irwin, 5, puts his hand on the window as he looks at the two-and-a-half-year-old Cougar Haley at the newly opened and redesigned Cougar Exhibit in the Houston Zoo Wednesday, June 1, 2011, in Houston. The redesign provides more viewing space and a better view of the upper elevations of the exhibit for guests while also offering numerous climbing opportunities and a resting area that can be heated and cooled for the cougars. The new exhibit, that was designed in-house, took four and a half months to finish and cost $400,000 to build. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Aeros Win...Well, game one at least

2011-05-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Houston Aeros center Casey Wellman (right) reacts after he scored a goal on Binghamton Senators goalie Robin Lehner as Binghamton Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (4) in the first period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. The period ended in 1-1 tie. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros right wing Jon DiSalvatore (14) struggles to get a shot past Binghamton Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) in the second period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. Neither team scored in the period. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros center Warren Peters (25) falls to the ice after losing his balance as he and Binghamton Senators left wing Mike Hoffman (27) fight for possession of the puck in the second period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. Neither team scored in the period. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros right wing Jon DiSalvatore (14) struggles to get past Binghamton Senators defenseman Geoff Kinrade (7) and goalie Robin Lehner (40) in the second period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros right wing Jon DiSalvatore (right) loses possession of the puck as he tries to score on Binghamton Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) in the third period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. Neither team scored in the period. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros right wing Jon DiSalvatore (14) falls to the ground as he is surrounded by Binghamton Senators defense while trying to score in the third period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Binghamton Senators defenseman Andre Benoit (61) collides with Houston Aeros left wing Colton Gillies in the the third period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros defenseman Drew Bagnall (29) reaches for the puck as Binghamton Senators right wing Ryan Keller (28) loses his balance in the third period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Binghamton Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) reaches for the puck after a shot from Houston Aeros center Casey Wellman (7) bounced off his glove as defenseman Jared Cowen (4) looks on in the third period of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros goalie Matt Hackett (31) skates off the ice after giving up a goal to Binghamton Senators center Jim O'Brien in overtime of game 2 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Saturday, May 28, 2011, in Houston. The Senators won 2-1. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros defenseman Jared Spurgeon (28) loses his balance as he and Binghamton Senators center Ryan Potulny look for possession of the puck in the first period of game 1 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Friday, May 27, 2011, in Houston. Neither team scored in the period. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The Binghamton Senators celebrate after Binghamton Senators right wing Bobby Butler (12) scored a goal as Houston Aeros goalie Matt Hackett (31) makes his way back to the goal in the second period of game 1 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Friday, May 27, 2011, in Houston. The Senators led 1-0 at the end of the period. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )
So our minor league Hockey Team, the Houston Aeros, have made it to the Calder Cup Final where they take on the Binghamton Senators from New York for a best-of-seven game series. After playing the first two, the series is now tied 1-1 after playing two games in Houston. The Aeros now head to the Big Apple where they will play three games. Hopefully they have to return to Houston for game six and seven, so I can cover the final game(s), win or lose.

The following are images from the first two games.

The Houston Aeros celebrate after right wing Jed Ortmeyer scored a goal against the Binghamton Senators in the third period of game 1 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Friday, May 27, 2011, in Houston. The Aeros won 3-1. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Officials work to break up a fight between the Houston Aeros and the Binghamton Senators after an Aeros 3-1 win in game 1 of the Calder Cup Final at the Toyota Center Friday, May 27, 2011, in Houston. The Aeros won 3-1. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Aeros Win!

2011-05-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with following our minor league hockey team, the Houston Aeros. I know it's not the NHL, but I still try to cover every game like it's a game for the Calder Cup.

Last night, I got to cover them as they took on the Hamilton Bulldogs in game seven of the Western Conference Finals. It was an exciting game. The Aeros jumped out to a 2-0 lead with both goals scored nine seconds apart. I was beginning to think that it was going to be a blowout because most of the time game seven usually is that or a close game. It turned out to be the latter of the two. Tied 3-3 in the third period, Aeros right wing Jon DiSalvatore scored a goal pushing them past the Bulldogs 4-3. It sure was intense. Due to the shooting situation, I had to shoot from the crowd, so the first image below was one that I snapped after he scored right before a large man with his thunder sticks stood up to wave in celebration right in front of me. It ran on the front of sports.

After winning the series, they will start again in a best-of-seven series on Friday night for the Cup.

Stay tuned, and thanks for stopping by.

Houston Aeros right wing Jon DiSalvatore (14) reacts after scoring the winning goal pushing the Aeros past the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3 in the third period of their final hockey matchup in the best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Center Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The Houston Aeros celebrate after beating the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3 winning their final hockey matchup in the best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Center Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Aeros right wing Jed Ortmeyer (22) gets tangles up with Hamilton Bulldogs defensemen Frederic St. Denis (32) as they fight for possession in the first period of their final hockey matchup in the best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Center Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. The teams were tied 2-2 at the end of the period. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Hamilton Bulldogs right wing Aaron Palushaj (28) argues with officials as they try to score on the Houston Aeros in the final seconds of their final hockey matchup in the best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Center Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. The Aeros defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Hamilton Bulldogs center Ryan White (25) is stopped at the goal as he and the Bulldogs scramble to score in the final seconds of the game against the Houston Aeros during their final hockey matchup in the best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Center Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. The Aeros won 4-3. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The Houston Aeros celebrate after beating the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-3 winning their final hockey matchup in the best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Finals at the Toyota Center Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Little Update

2011-05-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

I know I am due for an update, so here we go.

I've been working on this story with a reporter here about the teacher layoffs in Texas. As I was waiting on a teacher that unfortunately did not show up, this feature photo happened. Turns out, they were hosting an art show in the same place that we were supposed to meet. It worked for the day.

Raul Moreno cleans the floor in preparation for the viewing of students' art work from the Houston Independent School District featured in the 2011 Visual Arts Spring Showcase at the Hattie Mae White Education Service Center Thursday, May 19, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

This was so much fun. I was headed to shoot a portrait when I saw this dog sitting in a chair as I drove by. I circled back around and shot from across the street at first. As the people saw me, I knew that it was that time to explain why someone was taking pictures of them with a really big lens while sitting in their car. They were really cool and let me hang out with them to shoot a photo with them and their dog, Jackson.

Jan Himberger (left) watches as her husband Mark talks to their one-year-old Labrador Retriever, Jackson, while they wait on their daughter and granddaughter to come over for an Easter celebration Sunday, April 24, 2011, in Spring. "We sit out here all the time," Jan said. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A sign with bullet holes that I saw on the way back from an assignment.

I was sent to cover an assignment where every bigwig in the oil industry was to meet and greet other bigwigs so they could talk about where to pierce the earth next. As I'm shooting these people while they're looking at me in my 40 dollar outfit compared to their 400 dollar outfits, I managed to make one frame that I liked that was graphic.

Art Car: This is a huge thing in Houston. These people spend time turning their cars into unimaginable creations for this big event every year featuring art cars throughout Houston. I caught this guy the other day outside a $1.00 Stop where he had stopped to find "anything that might be cheap and look good on my car. You never know what you might find here." This guy drives this car daily. I said 'what about the rain and weather?' He grabbed one of the trinkets and said "most of this stuff is glass so the rain just goes right over it." Followed with "the plastic stuff, well I just pull it off and glue something else on." It was awesome.

Randy Blair holds looks at the figures hanging from the roof of his art car that he drives daily as he poses for a portrait outside of the $1.00 Stop on North Main Street Tuesday, May 17, 2011, in Houston. Blair stopped at the store to see if there was anything that he might be able to add to his 2007 Toyota Yaris that is now covered with things ranging from stickers to glass figures, even plastic toys and models. Art Car Weekend begins Friday with the Art Car Ball, the Sneak Peek on Saturday followed by the parade on Sunday. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Randy Blair holds a sign that reads "no pictures please" as he poses for a portrait in his art car outside of the $1.00 Stop on North Main Street Tuesday, May 17, 2011, in Houston. On the back side of the sign it reads "just kidding" because Blair likes when people want to take pictures of his car that he drives daily. Blair stopped at the store to see if there was anything that he might be able to add to his 2007 Toyota Yaris that is now covered with things ranging from stickers to glass figures, even plastic toys and models. Art Car Weekend begins Friday with the Art Car Ball, the Sneak Peek on Saturday followed by the parade on Sunday. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Rain

2011-05-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Carroll Jefferson shields herself from the rain as she waits at the bus stop outside the Scotia Capital building Thursday, May 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

YMCA

2011-05-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

I got sent to cover the demolition of the old YMCA building downtown. I got really excited at first because I started to imagine the big ball knocking the building down and destruction in the street. That didn't happen - not even close.
The pressure was on because we really needed a photo for the paper, a section front that could be an A1 offer. When I got there, it started to rain, there were no people outside on the site, the list goes on with excuses and road blocks to work around. I knew that all I needed was a photo with people in it, so all I could do was wait. Finally, Mr. Salazar decided to take a smoke break.

Max Salazar of Cherry Demolition Co walks back to his track hoe after taking a break from tearing down the former YMCA building on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, in Houston. Cherry Demolition Co plans to have the 10-story brick building torn down and the rubble hauled off by September. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Rowing, or lack there of

2011-05-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dad and I headed up to Oky City this weekend for a rowing regatta. Well, I didn't have any long glass, so I hung out with a 24mm lens. It was fun for a little while until I really wanted a longer lens. Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from the weekend.

A woman sits under an umbrella as she watches the races.

Bullydogs

2011-05-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

So... I got this assignment to cover a Bullydog Car Show Expo. The event allowed Pit Bull owners to bring their dogs while also entering their cars in the show. It was pretty cool, and I learned a lot about the crazy, four-legged animals. Not only did they have the car show, they also featured a weight pull. They harnessed these dogs up to a little trailer with so many concrete bags on it, and the dogs pulled it about 10 feet. When I left, they were pulling 4,500 pounds, but some dogs there were going to pull between 8-10,000 pounds. It was crazy because once the dogs started pulling. their backs looked like a human back, and they would pull it like it was nothing.

Sensei sits with his owner Joey Rodriguez as they attend the American Bully Dog & Car Expo at the Houston Farm Ranch Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Houston. The event featured a car show, a weight pull and other events showcasing Pit Bulls. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ariel Rodriguez holds onto her Pit Bull Halle Beary as she poses for a picture for her mom at the American Bully Dog & Car Expo at the Houston Farm Ranch Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Houston. The event featured a car show, a weight pull and other events showcasing Pit Bulls. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Jazmine, owned by Rocky Atnsarling, pulls 2,450 pounds in the weight pulling contest at the American Bully Dog & Car Expo at the Houston Farm Ranch Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Houston. The dogs pulled over 4,000 pounds at the event. The expo featured not only the pulling contest, but a car show among other events showcasing Pit Bulls. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Izzy Carrera holds onto Buju as he wipes down his '04 Cadillac DeVille that he entered in the American Bully Dog & Car Expo at the Houston Farm Ranch Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Houston. The event featured a car show, a weight pull and other events showcasing Pit Bulls. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Chris Bryson holds onto his seventh-month-old Pit Bull, Dixie, as they attend the American Bully Dog & Car Expo at the Houston Farm Ranch Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Houston. The event featured a car show, a weight pull and other events showcasing Pit Bulls. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Astros

2011-04-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

I recently went to the 2-11 shift where you get to cover a lot of sports. I was welcomed to the shift with my third Astros game last night - what a blast. I am finally getting the hang of the ballpark, but I still need to learn the team. When you cover a team you start to learn all the players' habits: how they react, which direction they turn when reacting, if they have a hot temper, the list goes on. Since I spent three months last year covering the Rangers, I learned all the players and when to focus on them. I'm really excited at the new challenge of learning the Astros and what to look for.

The following are images from the game last night, with a vignette of former Astro Lance Berkman because Houston loves him even though he plays for the St. Louis Cardinals now. It was a pretty good game, especially since the Astros rallied in the ninth to win 6-5 off a hit from Bill Hall. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

The Houston Astros celebrate after a winning hit from Bill Hall driving them past the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 in the ninth inning of a baseball game at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Astros third baseman Chris Johnson (23) high fives batting coach Mike Barnett after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 in a baseball game at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48043779@N07/5661421191/" title="Astros by Cody Duty, on Flickr">

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman stretches before going up to bat during a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman (center) smiles as he jokes with Houston Astros manager Brad Mills (left) as Houston Astros right fielder Hunter Pence (right) looks on during batting practice before the start of a baseball game at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman receives a standing ovation as he walks to the plate in the second inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman loses the grip on his bat as he follows through on a swing in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman reacts after not beating the throw to first base during a baseball game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman reacts after striking out in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros
at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Houston Astros shortstop Angel Sanchez misses a throw from catcher Humberto Quintero (55) as St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina slides safely into second base during a baseball game at Minute Maid Park Tuesday, April 26, 2011, in Houston. The Astros won 6-5. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

There is always something going on in this town

2011-04-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Very rarely are there slow days here. Like I've said before in previous posts, we usually have at least two assignments. Usually in a work day that is enough, but I always like to find a feature. It pushes you to get better, and keep moving. I'm gonna slow down a little for a little while though because I'm trying to get some personal projects going. Here are some shots from the past week or so.

Wednesday, I didn't have anything on the books, and it's hard for me to sit still. So since Thursday was an important day in Texas history, I decided to go to a flag shop and see how they make Texas flags. I even bought one too.

Bernadine Barboza trims the star portion of a Texas flag at Kronberg's Flags and Flagpoles Wednesday, April 20, 2011, in Houston. Tomorrow marks the 175th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle in the Texas Revolution. The battle, that lasted less than 20 minutes, later led to the United States acquiring the Republic of Texas in 1845. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

The photo seen below was fun to shoot. Ed would walk all these Chihuahuas with no leash. I didn't get the frame I was looking for, but I got something for the day.

Ed Quillen walks his Chihuahuas up Sawyer Street Sunday, April 17, 2011, in Houston. After growing up with Great Danes, he never thought that he would own a Chihuahua. "They look like rats," he said. He took to the small dogs after his daughter rescued one in 2000. Quillen seen walking seven is keeping three for his son, and normally takes his four on a walk at least four times a day. "When there's seven, I can't keep count fast enough to make sure they're all there." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Francisco Romero waters the topiaries in front of River Oaks Plant House as temperatures rose Monday, April 18, 2011, in Houston. Depending on the temperature plants can require more watering. The construction of a Topiary, hand-crafted plants, begins with a hand made steel structure welded together in a designed shape that is rust resistant. The frame is then stuffed with sphagnum moss that provides a base for the plant to grow. Next, hearty plants, mostly Fig Ivy, are placed by surgical incisions into the moss. The small leaves grow with the contour of the surface and will grow in sun or shade. The River Oaks Plant House is the largest topiary manufacturer in the United States. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

(From left) Brooke Kushwaha, Stefania Ciurea and Mia Mirkovic walk south on Buffalo Speedway as they return home from field day at St. John's Middle School Monday, April 18, 2011, in Houston. It is a ritual for each team and the students to dress up and have a costume for the field day. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Steve Maddox poses for a portrait as he and his employee Clint Robinson (background) wait for customers on the side of the road of TX-146 near I-10 Thursday, April 14, 2011, in Baytown. Maddox got started with traffic lights after he stopped to potentially buy a single light from a man whom he saw installing them at an inersection. "I ended up buying 85 that day," Maddox said. "I always wanted a traffic light and never had one." Maddox sales the lights after modifying them in his Orange, Texas home ranging from $75-$250.( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

El Rodeo

2011-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

I went to a rodeo last weekend with Pops, Joe Duty, and I knew that I didn't want to go in and shoot the action. After I saw all the horse trailer, I made my way to look for a feature. There was about zero going on, but at least this kid was out roping.

Hockey

2011-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've never liked to cover hockey because the freakin' puck is so hard to follow. That thing is not only small in your frame, it is gone in not even seconds. Well all that changed. I got the assignment to cover our local amateur hockey team the other night. I asked the staff if there were holes cut in the glass that we could shoot through, penalty box, etc. The short answer... No. The only place to shoot for that particular game was from up top with a 400mm. That was fine with me because I had never shot hockey from up above because I'd always shot down below in other arenas. I think I found the trick that works for me when shooting hockey. Caffeine. I went in there all amped up and I felt like my head snapped with the puck every time that it moved. It was fun and I highly recommend it. Here are some selects.

Features

2011-04-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

I was driving to an assignment the other day, and there was a man sitting on a bench. As soon as I got my camera out, I got one frame off, and the bird was gone. I'm kicking my rear for not stopping to get the guy's name because the photo would have run. There's always more photos to be had, just take the time to get names.

A street artist by the name of D-Falt, with Houston Street Art, tapes a template to the front of a building at the intersection of Washington and Silver Streets before spray painting it Sunday, April 10, 2011, in Houston. The urban and development company Asakura Robinson Company LLC, a company of landscape architects and planners, is working with Houston Street Art to cover up the plywood to make the building more attractive for business purposes. Asakura Robinson Company LLC is also working on other beautification projects in town like local vegetable gardens. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Tennis

2011-04-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

I got to cover US Men's Clay Court Championship two days this week - let's just say that I have a whole new respect for tennis. I would definitely watch tennis in person now, but I still can't watch it on the tube.
It's a blast to cover, especially when the games start to go forever. For example, the racket shot below came from a game that went almost 40 minutes. Ryan Sweeting would get the advantage, then he would lose it. Kei Nishikori would then get the advantage and lose it. I finally just focused on Sweeting and waited for him to throw his racket. When he did, fortunately I was in the right place because he turned away from the crowd as he threw it. In sports, anticipation plays a huge role in getting a good photo, but luck plays a huge part as well because sometimes stuff will happen in front of you that you never would have guessed would have happened from that angle. Sweeting eventually won the set taking the championship.
Anyway, here are some of my favorite pics.

Ryan Sweeting throws his racket during the second set of a match against Japan's Kei Nishikori during the US Men's Clay Court Championship Sunday, April 10, 2011, in Houston. Sweeting took the championship after a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Nishikori. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ryan Sweeting misses shot from Japan's Kei Nishikori during the US Men's Clay Court Championship Sunday, April 10, 2011, in Houston. Sweeting took the championship after a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Nishikori. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ryan Sweeting reacts after a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Kei Nishikori to win the US Men's Clay Court Championship Sunday, April 10, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ryan Sweeting kisses his trophy after a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Kei Nishikori to win the US Men's Clay Court Championship Sunday, April 10, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ryan Sweeting takes a traditional celebratory jump into the swimming pool after a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory over Kei Nishikori to win the US Men's Clay Court Championship Sunday, April 10, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Features

2011-04-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've gotten to where I love to feature hunt. Starting with my dad, Joe Duty, in a small town, feature hunting can wear you out because you cover the same territory all the time. Dad and I always talk about how to get better, and one area that I've needed to improve is feature hunting. The images are from two days of shooting after I went on a walkabout through downtown Houston. What a good time it is to walk with one camera and one lens.

Bernardo Rios walks with his son Niko and his wife Mayra as they return from the Farmer's Market Wednesday, April 6, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Chris Chiles reads a book as he sits in his van while he waits to make another run for Transnet Wednesday, April 6, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Hermina Lunez shields herself from the sun as she reads her book while waiting for the bus on 11th Street and Heights Blvd., Thursday, April 7, 2011, in Houston. The forecast calls for sunny weather in the upper 80s throughout the weekend. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ashley Henderson jumps up and clicks her heels after the photographer asked her to as she waits for the bus at Walker and Milam Streets in her pajamas Wednesday, April 6, 2011, in Houston. Henderson was on her way to get a new social security card and decided to wear her pajamas. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A woman walks into the front of the Scotia Capital building as shadows from windows line the floor Wednesday, April 6, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )
I'm always a sucker for shadows and heels - I'm glad the two came together.

All In A Day/Week's Work

2011-04-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

I've always known that in photojournalism you get to cover so many different things. I just never knew how true that really was until I started working here. I might be going to photograph a protest and get sent to a motorcycle accident along the way. Right after the protest it starts to rain, so I start looking for rain shots. Anyway, here is some stuff from the few days/week.

Thomas Webb carries a sign as he marches in a parade along Smith Street honoring the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, April 4, 2011, in Houston. Webb marched with fellow Houstonians as they chanted in support to commemorate his lifelong commitment to civil and labor rights. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Colombian pop singer Juanes performs for fans at the Toyota Center Wednesday, March 30, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Shirley Hopkins looks out the front window of her home located in Shadow Creek Ranch Thursday, March 31, 2011, in Pearland. Hopkins has had no luck selling her 3,800 square foot Shadow Creek Ranch home, which at one point last year competed with four foreclosures on her block. "I'm not hopeful, but I'm prayerful it will sell," she said. "At this point, I'm hoping to make enough to break even." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Mark Perry with M. Perry Express Towing holds on as he is guided up the ramp of a tow truck after a minor-injury collision occured at the intersection of St. Joseph Parkway and Smith Street Monday, April 4, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Madeline Carker poses for a picture for her cousin among the Devolution exhibit at the Bayou City Art Festival Saturday, March 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Colleen and Tim Neal carry their newly purchased painting as they leave the Bayou City Art Festival Saturday, March 26, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Leen Aldarrab, 5, raises her hand as she and her teddy bear take a hearing test during The Teddy Bear Clinic at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital Friday, April 1, 2011, in Houston. Each child learned more about their own treatments as they guided their patient-bear through some of the same tests, services and treatments that they go through. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Golf

2011-04-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the day covering golf yesterday. Here are some of my favorites. I didn't care much for the action of golf because there isn't really any.

First Front Page

2011-03-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

I spent five hours on the roof of City Hall with some awesome gentlemen as they replaced the hands on the clock on the top of the building. It was awesome because I had to sign a waiver that basically said, if I fall to my death from the building, I couldn't sue. Anyway, it was fun and it made the front page.

Big Update

2011-03-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a few days. Here are some recent images.

Update

2011-03-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Portrait, Laundromat, Food Donation

Melinda Granhold holds a photo that she claims to have taken 24 hours after she posted bail on December 13, 2009, as she sits in her home Friday, March 11, 2011, in Cypress. Granhold is one of hundreds of citizens who filed complaints against Houston police last year, after she claimed she was beaten by an officer who arrested her for DWI in December 2009. "I'm not going anywhere," Granhold said. "My voice hasn't been heard." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Tinh Nguyen, owner of HI-Quality Cleaners hangs up clothes after a customer drove through the front of the building Monday, March 21, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Deyanira Barrientos smiles as she receives food from volunteers at Target Hunger during a food donation event from Goya Foods as they worked with United Way to distribute 75,000 pounds of food across Houston Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Goya worked with United Way to distribute one million pounds of food across the country Wednesday. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Deyanira Barrientos smiles as she receives food from volunteers at Target Hunger during a food donation event from Goya Foods as they worked with United Way to distribute 75,000 pounds of food across Houston Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Goya worked with United Way to distribute one million pounds of food across the country Wednesday. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

All Over The Place

2011-03-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with Houston and working for the Chronicle. I usually have two assignments a day, and when I'm not on an assignment, I am out looking for a feature. This place is so cool and diverse, I just can't get enough of it.

After I got up early one morning, I really had a craving for a feature. After driving around all morning - I have learned that people just aren't out early - I finally found this guy. The crazy thing is that he was hanging NCAA banners! What luck!

Mario Mejorado of Lonestar Banners & Flags hangs up Final Four banners on Dallas Street Thursday, March 10, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

I have hoped that it would rain since I got here.

A man walks into Light Bulbs Unlimited as rain falls on Westheimer Road Monday, March 14, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Slow news day, so, I went out feature hunting. She was so much fun because she could not get this thing started.

"It worked on Saturday when I bought it," 63-year-old Bara Friday said as she tried to start her lawnmower Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in Houston. "I gotta get it started cuz that 40 dollars came out of my pocket, my piggy bank." ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Ralph Sattem follows his wife, Ruth Sattem as they return to Treemont Retirement Community after a fire erupted Monday, March 21, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

This little guy looked scared to death.

Cub Scout Trey Cummings takes his defensive stance as he and other scouts learned basketball skills during a Houston Rockets Basketball Skills Camp at the Toyota Center Friday, March 18, 2011, in Houston. Over 60 Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts attended the the camp to complete some of the requirements needed for their Sports Merit Badge. Houston Rockets personnel taught the Scouts core basketball skills and key athletic principles such as the importance of nutrition, weight training, warming up, leadership and sportsmanship. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match!

2011-03-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday sure was a fun day. I was sent to cover "Match Day" at Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas Health Science. The event is nationwide as graduating medical students learn where they'll go for their next phase of their education, residency. Although some got their top choice, others didn't. Some jumped for joy while others slumped in tears.

The most fun part was that it was like a photo battle zone. You would photograph one situation because someone was jumping up and down, then, all the sudden there is another explosion of excitement on the opposite side of the courtyard. It's like running from one explosion to the next - it was a lot of fun.

Anyway, here are some shots, thanks for stopping by.

Rodeo

2011-03-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

I've been covering the rodeo recently, here are some more selects.

Ryan Guerrero ties a calf during the calf scramble at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Cody Crouch, North Hopkins FFA, is out run by a calf during the calf scramble at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

A man takes a video with his iPhone of the winning Grand Champion Junior Market Steer during the steer aucton at at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Jared Keylon prepares for the start of the bareback riding event at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Scott Montague (left) and Jared Keylon prepare for the start of the bareback riding event at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

Tanner Aus rides Itchy Bond during the bareback riding event at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Houston. ( Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle )

It's that time of year again

2011-03-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's basketball play-offs. Here are some selects from the women's championship of the Southland Conference tournament. I really enjoyed watching this team play.

Big Update

2011-03-10T11:58:00.001-08:00

Sorry it's been a little while. Here are some selects that I've shot over the last week. Thanks for stopping by.

Big Update:

2011-03-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

This update consists of two different categories. The first is some daily stuff from the week, and the second is a little essay. I got sent to a real cool assignment the other day as a crew of workers were digging these shopping carts out of Buffalo Bayou here in Houston. It is a project that has removed over 40 shopping carts as they continue to move more. Anyway, here are some shots as they spent up to two hours digging just one out of the bayou.

Also, after my first week here at the Chron, I have realized how much my followers of my blog mean to me. So, I just wanted to say thanks for stopping by and looking at my work. It is really, really, really fast-paced here, so some days, the last thing that I want to do is put up a new post. Knowing that you all will look at is what reminds me of one of the big reasons why I put my stuff up here. So, once again, thanks and keep stopping by.

After my first week here at the Chron, I have realized how much my followers of my blog mean to me. So, I just wanted to say thanks for stopping by and looking at my work. It is really, really, really fast-paced here, so some days, the last thing that I want to do is put up a new post. Knowing that you all will look at is what reminds me of one of the big reasons why I put my stuff up here. So, once again, thanks and keep stopping by.

First Week

2011-02-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

It's the end of my first week here at The Houston Chronicle - I love it. It is so fast-paced, it's probably the most fast-paced paper that I've ever worked at. Here are some shots from the first week. I hope to post some video soon.

From the arch

2011-02-18T16:14:00.000-08:00

A few photos that never made it to print.

Houston

2011-02-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

I recently accepted a photo position at The Houston Chronicle where I will start work February 21. Stay tuned for photos from coming assignments.

Footsteps in the snow

2011-02-14T08:01:00.001-08:00

Squared

2011-02-11T13:56:00.001-08:00

So, I was looking at a friend and fellow photographer's blog, Thomas Simonetti, and he inspired me to start shooting photos with my iPhone. When taken, they make a square image, hence the title "squared." Anyway, here are a few of my favorites so far. I haven't really figured out a theme that I want to do with it, but we'll see.

Random Finds

2011-02-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots I saw while on assignment.

Hands Up

2011-02-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

A lot of times high school gyms will have cool signs hanging up that say something funny. It was my first time to shoot a high school game in almost two years - I almost forgot to look for nice backgrounds. By the time I saw the sign hanging up, I wish'd I had more time to do something with it. Anyway, here is some action from the other night. Thanks for stopping by.

Peek-A-Boo

2011-01-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

As I went to this assignment yesterday, I thought to myself, there has got to be a quirky photo with all these exhibits. I waited around quite a while and shot this same situation, and I almost gave up because I had to leave. Sure enough, little Caroline walked up and was later accompanied by little Avery. Here's the image. Thanks for stopping by.

Caroline Elliott, 3, Salem (left) and Avery Tanis, 4, Roanoke, look at an insect exhibit at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center during a Kids in the Valley Adventuring, a childrenÕs nature program, event Sunday January 30, 2011 in Roanoke, Virginia.
Cody Duty | The Roanoke Times

Go graphic or go...

2011-01-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

Just a few shots in between shoots.

First Few Assignments

2011-01-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

I'm really enjoying the assignments here in Roanoke - I've had a few good ones so far. Here are a couple photos from my first week.

Thanks for stopping by.

Roanoke, VA

2011-01-19T18:41:00.000-08:00

I got my first assignment from The Roanoke Times today. It was to go feature hunting this morning since it was a slow news day. I saw this old barbershop on Saturday while Alyssa and I were driving around. I thought, 'hey, I'll come back to this if I need a feature.' I shot a lot inside but this one is the one I liked the most. I liked the second one too because of the symbols on the apron.

Anyway, stay tuned for more from this historic state.

Lately

2010-12-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since my last post, just wanted to update with some stuff that I've shot lately.

It snowed in Bowling Green, then, it was gone the next day.

I shot a basketball game last night, and I thought these dancers looked pretty cool in the light. I wish there was some more separation between them though.

Eddie Adams

2010-11-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while...Sorry. I've been trying to wrap up my final semester.

Anyway, the latest stuff is from the Eddie Adams workshop that I recently attended. Our theme was going green. I got a family that has a hydroelectric plant in their house and also had a garden. Believe it or not, it wasn't that visual. I got there in the season when they aren't growing vegetables anymore, the plant wasn't visual either, so, I just focused on shooting other stuff. Some is from the family, and some are enterprise that we also had to shoot along the way.

Thanks for looking, and there will be more to come soon.

The family links barrels together to stop local boaters from going over their waterfall into the hydro plant.

Leaves gather in the drainage pipe.

Goats act as the family's "lawnmowers" in order to save gas.

A small weed grows through the dam.

Divas

2010-09-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

One of my last assignments that I turned in on my internship was a little different to say the least. It was about a group called DIVA Women Outdoors Worldwide or DIVA WOW for shoot. It's a group of women founded by Judy Rhodes to teach women how to shoot guns and keep the tradition alive. What I thought was interesting was that they always wear their cowboy hats painted like a Texas flag because the group originated in Texas. It was formerly called Texas Divas, but Judy had to change the name because women from Colorado didn't like to be called Texas Divas. Anyway, here are some shots from the local group in Texas.

Judy puts on make-up before shooting guns at the Elm Fork gun range.

A shotgun lays in the trunk of Judy's car as she prepares to shoot guns at the Elm Fork gun range Friday.

DIVA WOW member Penni Nelson shoots a clay with her shotgun as, from left, Anginette Jorrey, Cheryl Long and Judy Rhodes look on at the Elm Fork gun range.

It's An International Matter

2010-09-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

These are just some shots from an old International truck that I saw the other day.

Pendleton Oregon

2010-09-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

So my dad covers a rodeo in Pendleton, Oregon called the Pendleton Round Up. I cracked a joke and said 'hey Pop, how bout I'm come up and shoot it with you?' Next thing you know, I am sleep deprived and shooting some rodeo. It is the most intense, awesome, action-packed rodeo that I have ever been to. It involves more than just barrel racing, or bull riding. It is filled with different events like an Indian relay race and an annual parade - which lasted almost two hours. It is a very historical event that has been going on for 100 years this year. Anyway, my stuff is not focusing on the action, it is more focused on features and abstracts around the arena. There is more to come, so stay tuned.

Update

2010-08-22T08:50:00.001-07:00

I haven't shot much this week since I've been working on my story about Jackie - the story in my previous post. What I did get to shoot was the Bandaloop Project group of aerial dancers that danced their way down the side of the Thanksgiving building in Dallas. While we were out there waiting, I shot some stuff on the street. Anyway, I hope you like it and thanks for stopping by.

Jackie

2010-08-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

I just finished the toughest story that I've had to do in a long time. I used to go to high school with Jackie, and she graduated with my older brother, Jake. She is a year older than I am. I remember when I had to pull her out of class a few times to shoot her mug for the school paper.

Jackie was a very busy person and very outgoing when I knew her. It wasn't until August of 2007 that I heard the news. She had been in a severe car accident. I was interning in my hometown where the wreck occurred, but my dad got the call for the wreck, so I didn't have to go.

Three years later this month, I had the honor to come into her home and photograph and video the relationship between Jackie and her father and how her father is her primary caregiver while her mother works full-time to support her and her family.

It was very difficult from the time I first saw Jackie again after the wreck. As her dad, Pat, guided her out of their van, Jackie looked at me. I cannot describe how I felt when her eyes connected with mine. Although she was left with a severe brain injury, it's as if she remembered me for a split second. It's like nothing I've ever felt before in my life.

Here are some photos that I included in my piece.

Thanks for stopping by.

Jackie glances at the wall of memories behind her.

After a long session of physical therapy, Jackie looks at her father, Pat. "Sometimes you see a little sparkle in her eye of what used to be," Pat said.

Pat looks at Jackie before going to bed. "That's what you do," Pat said. "You take care of your family."

It's Still Hot

2010-08-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a story lately that I'm pretty passionate about, but I can't post anything from it yet. On top of working on that, there are still heat features to be shot. I went out today really pumped about shooting for some reason. Anyway, after hanging around the water park for a little, I got some shots I like. Hope you like 'em.

It's Hot

2010-08-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

So I went riding around with my Pops yesterday, and we went out to go shoot a feature. On the way home, I saw some kids playing in the front yard and we whipped in. After Pop talked to them a little, we had the go-ahead. Man, all I had was a 24mm lens, so I had to get close. There was water spraying everywhere but it was worth it. Here's a heat feature from yesterday, I hope you like.
Sorry about my delayed updates because I am behind on working photos, and I am working on a tough, well-deserved-time-needed story. More to come, thanks for stopping by.

Mostly Sports

2010-07-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

I shoot a lot of sports here in Dallas, that's alright by me - most of the time. Anyway, here's a little update from some Rangers, soccer, a new sport called Broncoball and a weather feature - not in that order.

This where the players sit while they're interviewed at the Big 12 Media Day.

I really think that the new sport of Broncoball is really cool, so check out this link for Broncoball for a better understanding.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38378907/ns/sports/

A little bit of everything...

2010-07-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

So it's been a hectic 11 days. I've been in New York, and before that I was trying to get caught up for that trip. As soon as I got home, Alyssa was there to greet me, and we packed in an awesome weekend. On top of spending awesome time with Alyssa, I have had a blast the last couple of days just shooting for myself. Whatever appeals to me, I've snapped. There are a few that might be a little abstract, but hey, that's what makes us different right? I hope you like.

New York

2010-07-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm in New York this week for an internship and it's been a lot of listening and learning. We occasionally get to walk around and do some of my favorite shooting, street shooting. Here are some of my favs from street shooting with the exception of a roof top photo. It's not on the street.

Little Update

2010-07-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have all these pics that I've been meaning to upload for a little while. Anyway, here are some from the last couple weeks.

****All photos copyright Cody Duty and the Associated Press****

Under the Bridge

2010-07-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

Little bit longer post today.

So the other day I went to visit the Tom Coval and his family. Tom is the 44-year-old Dallas Police Recruit that I followed through training. Anyway, his family has become very dear to me and I am going to visit more often.

After dinner, he, his wife Joanne and I sat out on the back porch and talked for a bit. After an awesome conversation with Joanne, she reminded me why I love photography so much. It's about the passion of the photo and the love for the people. The conversation was very moving because I have been in a slump for a little while because I guess I've been burning the candle at both ends. When I left their house at 11 o'clock, I was pumped about shooting pictures. Anyway, all that said, I feel like I am pulled from the slump that I have been in.

I thought about that conversation today as I approached the man under the bridge, Mike Solomon. I couldn't wait to get up there to make a picture. When I finally got there, I forgot that I had a camera. Mike planted himself under the bridge after he got caught in the rain walking home from the library. As I approached I made small talk and didn't even mention who I was. Me being an avid novel reader, I asked him who he reads. I just about fell over when he told me he reads David Baldacci, my favorite author. So we talked for a little while longer, then, I remembered that I was there to shoot a weather feature. As I walked away, I felt bad leaving him there, he is a nice man.

I thought to myself as I got back in the car, 'I love my job. I hope it never stops.'

Thanks Joanne.

Mike Solomon reads a newspaper as he waits out the rain under a bridge before walking home on South Ector Drive Friday, July 9, 2010, in Euless, Texas. "I was headed home from the library, and it started to rain," Solomon said. "That was two hours ago."

Texas Weather

2010-07-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

So we've all shot the umbrella features to show that it's raining outside. That's exactly what I was getting ready to do today until I came across this wreck. Total luck. I didn't shoot any umbrellas.

Rainy Day

2010-07-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

I hate the rain most of the time. I am a sunshine kind of guy.

During my days off I generally go see my dad. Him being a photographer, I usually go with him on assignment. We went out the other day on assignment, I just went to be with Dad. Anyway, while we were there, the drops off the gutter fascinated me. I just shot this with Dad's camera. I know that it doesn't have any people or bright umbrellas, but I still like the quiet moment.

Anyway, enjoy.

Mall

2010-06-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was at the mall today and I shot this photo with my phone. Hope you like it.

Blog Update

2010-06-23T16:34:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since an update. Here are shots from recent.

Mom

2010-06-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

SO I've decided that I want to do a photo story on Mom. Why in the world is my mom so special that I want to follow her around? Well, to answer that, it's for a couple reasons. First, she is the most awesome mom in the world, although there are those with other cool moms that I know would disagree. I have decided to follow her around because she runs an excavation company that my dad and her started, but now it is her baby.

I think it can be extremely visual because of a lot of things that I know she does, like wears a pink hard hat on job sites while all the men wear white ones. She likes to bring the little girl inside her to her work. I think that's why it never gets old for her. Anyway, I started it yesterday morning, and I plan to work on it over the summer.

This first shot is Mom working on paper work in her pajamas at home.

Thanks for looking.

Feature

2010-06-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick feature.

Hearst

2010-06-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

I am finally sitting on the couch today after getting settled in and returning from the Hearst photo competition in New York City. It has been a long, tiring, awesome week. I met a lot of people and made some awesome new friends - lifelong friends.

Our assignments for the competition were New York at night, The High Line Park and a story with a connection to the water front surrounding the island. I found a great story that eventually fell through, so, I headed down the pier to find something. I ended up doing an essay that turned out okay, but it really lacked a few pictures.

Anyway, it was awesome and I learned a lot. I left with no regrets, and I made some awesome friends.

Here are my favorites from the week.

Indy Racing

2010-06-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

It was back to the Texas Motor Speedway yesterday, only this time, it was for Indy Racing not Nascar. I wanted to find a couple features that were different as opposed to the shots of the race or the celebrities. Anyway, I hope you like it.

First Day of Shooting

2010-06-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

A few more from the archives...

2010-06-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

I started my internship with the AP in Dallas today - it's gonna be an intense summer. Anyway, I've got my first assignment tomorrow, so I wanted to go ahead and upload some more stuff that I shot before I had a blog.

I hope you like it, and there will be more to come from the AP.

Out of the archives

2010-05-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

I was going through the archives and I saw some stuff that I shot in my picture stories semester here at Western. I didn't have a blog then and never got to put them up. We shot a lot of stuff that semester, so, here are some selects.

Police Academy

2010-05-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

While I was at an internship in Dallas, I decided that I wanted to do a more light-hearted, happy photo story as opposed to those hard-hitting, make-you-sad ones. I decided that I wanted to do a story on a police recruit going through the Dallas Police Academy. What the reporter ending up finding was 44-year-old, Philadelphia native, Tom Coval. After many unhappy jobs, Tom came home one day and was prided to go and pursue his life-long dream by his daughter, Shelby. After Tom, thinking that he was too old, found out the cut-off age is 45, he decided to go ahead and give it a shot. He joined the academy as part of class 311.

Anyway, as a photographer I enjoy getting close to people and documenting their dreams. I had the opportunity to follow Tom for about six months until he graduated in June of 2009 where he achieved his life-long dream of becoming a police officer.

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - Routine Training - Coval performs a routine building search with a fellow cadet as part of training in the academy.

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - Physical Training - Squeezing out one more rep, Coval performs a sit-up with fellow cadets while holding a log. "I tell you man, being 44 years old and overweight," Coval said. "I wanted to make sure I was ready when I went there."

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - Pepper Spray - In order for officers to carry pepper spray, they must first be sprayed so they know how to deal with it.

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - The After Effect - A tear runs down Coval's face after he was pepper sprayed.

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - Family Time - Since Coval goes to the academy during the week, he has to study on the weekends.

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - Taking An Oath - After receiving his badge, Coval raises his right hand taking an oath as a Dallas Police Officer. "I'm out. I'm done. This is it," Coval said. "But these scenarios are no longer going to be scenarios. They're going to be real-life situations."

Pursuing A Life-Long Dream - Role Model - Alex tries on his dad's new police gear after he officially graduated from the 32-week academy. "No more academy, but now I'm going out into the real world," Coval said. "I'm really going to go out there and land the bad people."

More Gulf

2010-05-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

So we just got back from an awesome few days at the gulf in Alabama - what a good time. After I got sun burnt the other day, I thought it might be better to put on a shirt and shoot some photos. I really enjoy shooting at the beach because of the colors. Anyway, I hope you like it.

Gulf Shores

2010-05-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

For a birthday gift for Alyssa, I thought she might enjoy a trip down to the gulf. After getting severely burned yesterday, I thought it might be a good idea to shoot some photos instead of laying in the sun. Anyway, here is one, but there are more to come.

Hands

2010-05-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I had the urge the other day to just shoot everything. We were out eating breakfast and my buddy Kohl ordered a cup of coffee. I really wish it had some steam coming out of it. Anyway, hope you like it.

State Track

2010-05-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more shots from the State Track meet that I shoot every year with Pops. I tried to shoot more features this year and let Pops get his action shots. I did shoot a couple of action though. Hope you like it.

Airport

2010-05-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

My dad was running late the other day when he picked me up from the airport. That was alright cuz he was shooting a weather feature. Anyway, I just hung out with my camera for a little while. Anyway, hope you like it.

State Track

2010-05-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to going to the State Track Meet every year with my Pops - it's a seven-year tradition. This year it was pouring rain and lightning causing a major rain delay. My first thought 'man, this sucks.' Never count yourself out when it rains. After getting ready to go, Pops and I headed out to see who could get the best rain shot. Hope you like it. Check out some of Pop's stuff.

http://joeduty.com/blog/

Couple Features

2010-05-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

I hung out with Jacob yesterday, it was his 16th birthday. After I shot some stuff of Jacob I headed outside to see what features I could come up with. Anyway, here are a few, hope you like 'em.

Morning Light

2010-05-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and I was inspired to shoot some photos. I love morning light.

SQUIRREL!

2010-04-30T15:39:00.001-07:00

Kohl and I were driving around today because we were trying to find his misplaced keys - imagine Kohl misplacing something - and he pointed out the squirrel in the tree. I was like 'Dude! I gotta shoot that! Anyway, just a light-hearted pic.

Summer 2009

2010-04-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's always fun to see what you can do different with taxis in New York. I think we all love shooting them.

Here my brother is carrying on about some story on the weekend of my 21st birthday.

I was just looking through my hard drive and I came across a bunch of stuff that I haven't worked yet. Any way, this is some stuff from the summer of 2009.

Morning Light

2010-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Alyssa was still asleep this morning when I got back from the gym. The morning light was coming through the window. I couldn't resist.

Billy!

2010-04-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

These are a couple frame grabs from Alyssa's brother when we went up to visit for Easter.

Soccer Game

2010-04-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

I headed out with Alyssa the other day to help her shoot sports. I only took a 35mm with me to limit myself. I got a couple different situations but I like this a lot.

Dylan

2010-04-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

The other day my buddy Dylan asked me to shoot some photos of his family for his mom. When I got there I headed back to his room and I saw him sitting on the bed with his mom. I shot four shots and went back to the living room to wait. Of all the shots, I like this one the best.