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Actors Acting

Published on March 30, 2013 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: College, Drama, Portraits, Shakespeare.

For the spring issue of Tufts University’s admissions magazine, I was assigned to photograph the cast of the drama department’s upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure.” The goal was to make a set of portraits of actors in character, one of which would be selected for the cover.

I must say, I was a bit spoiled getting to work with actors. These folks hardly required any coaching at all. Acting!

Here are some of my favorites.

02/11/2013 – Medford/Somerville, Mass. – Ed Rosini, A16, playing the role of Pompey, poses for a portrait for the drama department's production of Measure for Measure on Feb. 11, 2013. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

02/11/2013 – Medford/Somerville, Mass. – Evey Reidy, A16, playing the role of a madame, poses for a portrait for the drama department's production of Measure for Measure on Feb. 11, 2013. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

02/11/2013 – Medford/Somerville, Mass. – Jem WIlner, A16, playing the role of Angelo, poses for a portrait for the drama department's production of Measure for Measure on Feb. 11, 2013. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

02/11/2013 – Medford/Somerville, Mass. – Allison Benko, A15, playing the role of Isabella, poses for a portrait for the drama department's production of Measure for Measure on Feb. 11, 2013. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

02/11/2013 – Medford/Somerville, Mass. – Spencer Rubin, A13, playing the role of Froth, poses for a portrait for the drama department's production of Measure for Measure on Feb. 11, 2013. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

Three’s A Charm

Published on February 19, 2013 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: Basketball, Celtics, NBA, Nuggets, Sports.

So while everyone else was digging out of Winter Storm Nemo, I was sent to the Garden to cover the Celtics as they hosted the Denver Nuggets.

Triple Overtime. Celtics win. ‘Nuff said.

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Jeff Green celebrates after scoring against the Nuggets in the second half of the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and Nuggets center Kosta Koufos fight for a rebound in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013.

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Chris Wilcox goes up for a layup between Nuggets center Kosta Koufos, left, and Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Brandon Bass tries to block a shot from Nuggets forward Andre Iguodala in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Kevin Garnett screams after a score against the Nuggets in the second quarter of their NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013.

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics guard Jason Terry rallies Celtics fans after scoring a 3-pointer in the first quarter of their NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013.(Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Nuggets center JaVale McGee block a shot from Celtics guard Avery Bradley in the second half of the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013.(Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Paul Pierce gets fouled by Nuggets guard Andre Miller during the first overtime of the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler tries to drive through the defense of Celtics forward Paul Pierce, left, and Celtics forward Chris Wilcox in the second half of the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Paul Pierce tries to intercept a pass to Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari in the third overtime of the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics forward Paul Pierce pumps his fist after a score against the Nuggets in the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013. Herald Photo by KELVIN MA. (Kelvin Ma)

(Boston, Mass., 02/10/13) — Celtics guard Jason Terry celebrates the end of the Celtics' 118-114 triple overtime win over the Nuggets at the TD Garden on Feb. 10, 2013.(Kelvin Ma)

Found Nemo

Published on February 18, 2013 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments

Please forgive the lame Pixar pun, but these things happen when a historic blizzard dumps 2+ feet of snow on your city. One week later, and we’re still digging out from Winter Storm Nemo. Thanks to a warm week, we’re mostly dug out, thankfully.

Bloomberg News locked me down early in the week to be their eyes as the storm hit. I’d much rather be an eyewitness to history, recording it for myself, rather than be sitting at home watching it on TV, so I jumped all over the opportunity. I sure do miss having 4-wheel-drive, though…

A customer leaves the Charles Street Supply hardware store with a new shovel as the region prepares to deal with Winter Storm Nemo in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The storm is expected to dump upwards of 2 feet of snow on the region overnight.Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Joe Flaherty and his son, Liam, 9, of Boston get some hockey in on Boston's Duck Pond as Winter Storm Nemo begins to drop snow in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The storm is expected to dump upwards of 2 feet of snow on the region overnight. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Lynn and Jim Fererro of Boston make their way down Boylston Street with some last-minute groceries as Winter Storm Nemo begins to drop snow in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The storm is expected to dump upwards of 2 feet of snow on the region overnight. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Meggie Foley and Lucian Marts, who are recent transplants to Brookline, Massachusetts, via Atlanta, Georgia, snap a photo of themselves in front of the Massachusetts State House as Winter Storm Nemo begins to drop snow in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The storm is expected to dump upwards of 2 feet of snow on the region overnight. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Pedestrians brave the blizzard conditions of Winter Storm Nemo as snow falls on Cedar Street in Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. The storm is expected to dump upwards of 2 feet of snow on the region overnight. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

David Haughton digs out the sidewalk outside his home after Winter Storm Nemo dropped about 2 feet of snow overnight on Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Highland Laundromat, which is normally open 7 days a week, was closed after Winter Storm Nemo dropped about 2 feet of snow overnight on Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Pedestrians make their way down College Avenue in Davis Square in Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., after Winter Storm Nemo dropped about 2 feet of snow overnight on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick imposed a road travel ban until road conditions improve. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Brian Postlewaite tows his son, Fraser, 2 across Holland Street in Davis Square in Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., after Winter Storm Nemo dropped about 2 feet of snow overnight on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

Utility trucks stage along Winthrop Shore Drive in Winthrop, Massachusetts, U.S., on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. The road was closed earlier in the day due to high seas caused by Winter Storm Nemo. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

By the way… When I say I found Nemo, I wasn’t kidding.

Kpafun (CQ), of Medford, Massachusetts, U.S., dressed as Nemo, the title character from the film Finding Nemo, walks along Broadway in Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., after Winter Storm Nemo on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. Kelvin Ma/Bloomberg

The Diving Belle

Published on January 30, 2013 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: College, diving, swimming, Tufts, Underwater.

Spending the early part of my career in Florida, I had the opportunity to do a variety of underwater photography work thanks to the abundance of water-related activities. It’s a unique look, for sure, and you get to show viewers a perspective they otherwise wouldn’t see, which is something every photojournalist strives to do.

I recently started a project covering Tufts’ only male diver, who is the defending NCAA Division III National Champion, as he goes through this season (photos to come!). Not content to shoot just his dives, I fired off a bunch of frames of the women’s divers, as well.

Competing with air bubbles, some divers’ tendencies to rise through their wake, while treading water with a camera in your hands — It’s a tricky thing, shooting underwater. I used an Ewa Marine Bag, which is mildly cumbersome on its best day, opting to stay mainly on the surface, a few inches under. But despite the challenges and frustrations, when you pull off something you’re happy with, it’s a good feeling.

Here’s a few shots of Ali Maykranz, a senior on the diving team, who was kind enough to rise around her air bubbles to make a few interesting pictures.

Highs & Lows – Bulls 100, Celtics 99

Published on January 21, 2013 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: Basketball, NBA, Sports.

I’ve got a special spot in my heart for shooting basketball. Going to a Big Ten school, I had plenty of opportunity to cover the best college basketball teams in the country on a regular basis. Granted, these teams were playing my mediocre Northwestern Wildcats, but I got to photograph them, nonetheless.

I’ve always appreciated the flow of a basketball game, especially close games, since every possession is a battle. That fight was apparent Friday night when I covered the Bulls as they visited the Celtics at the Garden. Neither team wanted to quit, and the result was an overtime win for the Bulls on a last-second jump shot. Of course, that meant a whole bunch of great celebration shots I had of the Celtics were rendered useless, but sometimes those are the breaks in this business.

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics guard Rajon Rondo looks to pass against the Bulls in the first half of an NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. The Bulls won, 100-99, in overtime. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics forward Jared Sullinger tries to block the shot of Bulls forward Carlos Boozer in the first half of an NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. The Bulls won, 100-99, in overtime. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics guard Jason Terry pouts after getting called for a foul against the Bulls in the first half of an NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. The Bulls won, 100-99, in overtime. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5), Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, and Celtics forward Jeff Green jockey for a rebound in the second half of the Celtics' 100-99 overtime loss at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

1/18/13 — BOSTON — From left, Bulls center Joakim Noah, Bulls forward Luol Deng and Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich rest against the scorers table before resuming action against the Celtics in the second half of an NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. The Bulls won, 100-99, in overtime. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics head coach Doc Rivers protests a call in the second half of the Celtics' 100-99 overtime loss at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Bulls center Joakim Noah throws down a dunk on the Celtics in the second half of the Celtics' 100-99 overtime loss at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Bulls guard Richard Hamilton squares up on Celtics guard Leandro Barbosa in the second half of the Celtics' 100-99 overtime loss at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics forward Jared Sullinger fights for a rebound with Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, top, and Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich in the second half of the Celtics' 100-99 overtime loss at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Celtics center Jason Collins knocks the ball out of the hands of Bulls forward Luol Deng in the first half of an NBA basketball at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. The Bulls won, 100-99, in overtime. (Kelvin Ma)

01/18/13 — BOSTON — Bulls center Joakim Noah and teammates rush to celebrate after Bulls guard Marco Belinelli sank the go-ahead jump shot in the final seconds of overtime to beat the Celtics, 100-99, at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

Not gonna lie, being a sports photographer is a pretty good gig most of the time. Just ask Patriots safety Patrick Chung, who took his turn shooting from the floor.

01/18/13 — BOSTON — New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung takes a turn behind the television camera as the Chicago Bulls played the Boston Celtics in the first half of an NBA basketball game at the TD Garden on Jan. 18, 2013. (Kelvin Ma)

Rain Men: 49ers 41 – Patriots 34

Published on December 23, 2012 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: 49ers, Football, NFL, Patriots, Sports.

When it comes to pro football, it’s pretty much a given that if I’m covering the game, the weather is going to be terrible. Last year, it was the playoff game against the Broncos in single-degree temperatures. The two times before then, when I was working for Sports Illustrated as an assistant, it was pouring rain and sleet. My streak of bad weather NFL games was kept intact when the San Francisco Chronicle gave me a call asking if I could cover 49ers’ visit to Gillette Stadium to take on the Patriots. With a wintry mix in the forecast, it had all the makings for terrible shooting conditions.

Despite the weather-related challenges, we were treated to a game with plenty of action all around. When the Patriots went down 31-3 early in the third quarter, the team looked cooked. But Tom Brady being Tom Brady, that was anything but the case, as the Pats rallied to erase a 28-point deficit. It wasn’t enough, though, as the 49ers managed to pull off one final score to win it, 41-34.

Much thanks to Luanne Dietz at the Chron for hooking me up with the job. I don’t get to shoot enough football these days, so it was definitely a treat!

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss hauls in a touchdown catch against the Patriots in the first quarter of their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss, left, celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Patriots with quarterback Colin Kaepernick, center, and tackle Joe Staley in their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers safety Donte Whitner and Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker dive for a fumble in the first quarter in their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012. The fumble was overturned upon review.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers fans cheer on their team in the first quarter against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012. The 49ers won, 41-34.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers running back Frank Gore gets tackled by Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes in the first quarter in their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – Patriots wide receiver Brandon Lloyd gets tackled by 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown in the second quarter of their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers runs back an interception in the first quarter against the Patriots in their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012.

12/16/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – Patriots running back Danny Woodhead dives into the end zone for a touchdown ahead of the tackle from 49ers safety Dashon Goldson in the third quarter in the Patriots' 41-34 loss to the 49ers at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012.

12/17/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree breaks a tackle from Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington, scoring a touchdown on the play, in their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012. The 49ers won, 41-34.

12/17/12 – FOXBORO, Mass. – 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald loses his helmet as he sacks Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 16, 2012. The 49ers won, 41-34.

Windows & Buckets

Published on December 14, 2012 in Personal Projects and Photojournalism. 0 Comments

Here’s a frame I shot while on assignment for one of my corporate clients. I’ve walked past these guys setting up at street level several times walking to my assignments, but I never put two and two together until I was sitting down to lunch and saw them out the window. So THAT’S what these guys in rope harnesses were doing down there…

In any case, it made for a cool picture as they were shaking their squeegees, dangling from a single rope 100 feet in the air while sitting on a 2×4.

12/13/2012 — BOSTON — Window washers clean the windows of a building on Winter Street at Downtown Crossing on Dec. 13, 2012. (Kelvin Ma)

Pops goes the senator

Published on December 13, 2012 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: Boston Pops, Christmas, Elizabeth Warren, Holiday, Music, Senator, Symphony Hall.

Sunday night, I was sent to one of my favorite places in Boston, Symphony Hall. I hadn’t been there since I was a kid — I loved listening to the Boston Pops — but, man, it seemed a lot smaller than I remembered.

This time around, I was sent to photograph Sen.-elect Elizabeth Warren as she read the classic poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” It was a pretty good show, with art from a children’s book version projected as the Boston Pops provided musical accompaniment.

12/09/2012 — BOSTON — U.S. Sen.-elect Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) recites the classic Christmas poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas," with the Boston Pops at their Holiday Pops concert at Symphony Hall on Dec. 9, 2012. The poem is most known for its opening line, "Twas the Night Before Christmas." (Kelvin Ma)

iGEM Jamboree

Published on November 20, 2012 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments

Continuing my streak of fun assignments for the Chronicle of Higher Ed, my latest gig had me spending a day over at MIT for the iGEM Jamboree World Championships where the world’s top college teams showcased their research and development of synthetic biology applications. Everything happening at this event was about 10 stratospheres above my thinking ability, but it was hard not to get excited about some of the projects these students were presenting. From customizable, programmable proteins to unique teaching tools to educate dummies like me, the Jamboree had plenty of cool things to look at.

I tried hard to capture the energy of the day in my photos, all the while trying to keep my head from exploding from the information overload, but it was a blast either way. You can read more at the Chronicle, if you can get past the paywall.

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — From left, Chenchen Lyu, Junqiu Zhang and Qijia Cheng of the South University of Science and Technlogy of China in Zhenzhan go over their entry in the software category at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, many of whom tagged their representative schools on the chalkboard on the wall, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Teams from the University of Michigan, left, and Groningen University answer questions about their projects from attendees at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, who came from universities around the world, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Bethan Wolfenden of the University College of London presents her team's entry in the Environment category at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, who came from universities around the world, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Angela Chen of the University of Illinois answers questions about her team's at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, who came from universities around the world, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Xiamen University presents their digital display built with synthetic circuits with genetic logic gates in the New Application category at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, who came from universities around the world, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — From left, Zhang Peiran, Wang Tianhe and Gong Minghao of the Ocean University of China and Thomas Landrain of Université Evry Val d'Essonne talk about their projects at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, who came from universities around the world, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

11/3/12 — CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Eri Awazu of UT-Tokyo snaps a photo of the Wellesley College team's "SynFlo," a teaching tool they developed to introduce people to synthetic biology flows, at the iGEM 2012 World Championship Jamboree at MIT on Nov. 3, 2012. Jamboree finalists, who came from universities around the world, presented projects focused on synthetic biology. (Kelvin Ma)

Say it ain’t snow!

Published on November 9, 2012 in Photojournalism. 0 Comments Tags: Athletics, College, Field Hockey, NCAA, Sports, Tufts.

With most of the NCAA fall sports just getting started with their postseason play, a freak snowstorm from a Nor’Easter isn’t exactly what anyone was expecting for this time of year. For the Tufts field hockey team, Wednesday’s Nor’Easter just so happened to coincide with their first-round NCAA Tournament game. And as always, bad weather usually makes for good photos. Snowfall during the fall sports season is exceedingly rare, so of course I was out there getting some photos.

11/07/2012 – Medford, Mass. – Tufts midfielder Emily Cannon, A14, carries the ball through traffic in Tufts' 8-0 win over Castleton in the first round of the NCAA Championships at Bello Field on Nov. 7, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

11/07/2012 – Medford, Mass. – Tufts midfielder Emily Cannon, A14, gets a hug from Tufts forward Chelsea Yogerst, A14, after scoring in Tufts' 8-0 win over Castleton in the first round of the NCAA Championships at Bello Field on Nov. 7, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

11/07/2012 – Medford, Mass. – Tufts midfielder/defenseman Alexandra Jamison, A16, stuffs a Castleton attacker in Tufts' 8-0 win in the first round of the NCAA Championships at Bello Field on Nov. 7, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

11/07/2012 – Medford, Mass. – Tufts forward Hannah Park, A16, puts a shot on goal in Tufts' 8-0 win over Castleton in the first round of the NCAA Championships at Bello Field on Nov. 7, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

11/07/2012 – Medford, Mass. – Tufts midfielder Stephanie Wan, A14, is mobbed by teammates after scoring in Tufts' 8-0 win over Castleton in the first round of the NCAA Championships at Bello Field on Nov. 7, 2012. (Kelvin Ma/Tufts University)

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