Best of 2021 | Debbie
This week on the blog - we highlight Debbie's year covering Twin Valley South!
Hello, I am Debbie, and I have worked at Champine Photography since 2015. Before joining up with Mike and Trina, I worked as a Paraprofessional in Preble County assisting special needs children and adults for 32 years. When I started with the company we only had two schools. It has been amazing to be a part of such a fast-growing company while doing something I enjoy. I have met so many wonderful people throughout this journey including co-workers, students, parents, and school employees. Many of these people, I can now call “my friends.” This career has taught me to overcome some insecurities along the way. I would have never expected myself to go in front of a crowd of people and do what I do, but there is something about putting that camera around my neck, and building my confidence. When not doing photography, I enjoy spending time with my family, and traveling with my husband, Doug.
When I am editing, I like to listen to all sorts of music, songs from the 80’s, 70’s, and Country, so it is difficult to choose just one favorite song that I listen to. I really enjoy seeing the groups Journey, REO Speedwagon, and James Taylor in concert in the last two years.
My favorite editing snack is anything chocolate.
I love to watch the television show Blue Bloods, and I have enjoyed the NetFlix serieses: Virgin River, and Outer Banks.
My favorite moment this year was when we were able to take mini-sessions for the Holiday Season, and I was able to take photographs of children and families with Santa Clause. Also, I was able to take more baby pictures.
My favorite sport to take photos at is basketball with baseball being very close to being my favorite too.
Something I accomplished this year: I was able to complete an online Photography class through Sinclair Community College to enhance my skills as a photographer and editor. I plan on taking more courses in the future.
The biggest obstacle that I faced while being an employee of Champine Photography is taking pictures at football games. When I first started taking pictures at football games, I did not know much about the game of football; however, over the past six years, I understand the game more, and this allows me to take better pictures!
Average number of photographs taken at events: I usually average around 3,000 to 3,500 per event depending on the type of sport activities or number of games.
Favorite skill or technique that I picked up this year: increasing my editing skills and being able to edit while at home. Also, being able to use different types of cameras.
My least favorite sport to shoot is probably wrestling. This is mainly due to the fact that I am still learning the sport.
Something got me through this year: With all of the uncertainty of the current pandemic, I really relied on my family, friends, and co-workers to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the year. To be back in the schools taking photographs of students and student athletes and seeing fans in the stands again really made me happy and to be fortunate enough to be working again helped me get through the year.
Something looking forward to in 2022: I am looking forward to continuing to grow as a photographer and expand my duties and responsibilities with Champine Photography. I look forward to taking photographs at more schools and events. Also, I look forward to taking more photographs of babies and children.
Best of 2021 | Megan
As most of you know, over the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting everyone on our staff and their favorite images of 2021. This week, I (Megan) get to share a little insight with you all on my year working with our seniors, couples, and our PS and TCN students!
Here are some of my yearly favorites!
Most Frequently listened to song or album: song - Infinite by Coby James, artist - Jeremy Camp
Favorite candy while editing: watermelon Jolly Ranchers
Most Watched TV Show: CSI re-runs! Miami, Crime Scene Investigation, or NY, I spent more time watching crime shows this year then I care to admit.
The Fennell Wedding / Oct. 16. 21
Favorite Moment this Year: There are wayyy too many to count, but some of my favorites include; photographing our first destination wedding, late nights at the studio with the rest of the team (and all the laughs), working with my senior rep team, and really getting to know the people at the schools I’m so lucky to be able to work with.
Favorite sport to shoot this year: Football! After this many season of football, you think I would understand the sport, but I’m still clueless (ha ha). Even so, I loved every minute of watching the PS Varsity boys go so far in the season!
An obstacle you've overcome this year: The biggest obstacle I faced this year was finding balance. Like so many people, I had to walk through so much at the end of 2019- the beginning of 2021 and I’ve been so critical of myself. This year, I really tried to focus on healing and recovering from some of that and it hasn’t always been easy - but it’s definitely been worth it.
Second Shot for Shiloh Photography / April ‘21
Average # of photographs per game/event: 2,500 per game, 500-750 posed session
Favorite new skill or technique you picked up this year: This year, I really focused on finding consistency in my editing techniques, which has been really great! We also started working with digital medium format cameras at the studio. I started incorporating this into my senior sessions at the studio - which has been amazing!
PS Varsity Football / Playoffs Round 2 / Nov. ‘21
Senior Rep / Logan G.
Least favorite thing to photograph this year: I don’t necessarily have a least favorite thing to photograph this year. Instead, I would say I have a ‘hardest to photograph”. That would be the graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021. When I started with the company, last year’s seniors were freshman. I had the chance to honestly kind of watch them grow up and become the amazing and strong individuals they are. It was so special to watch them graduate, but so bittersweet at the same time!
Senior Rep / Gracie L.
Something that got you through this year: I had three things that got me through 2021. The first being my faith and church community. My Bible verse of the year was Matthew 11:28, and it has really helped keep me going this year. Secondly, my coworkers! the four of us honestly spend so much time together we’re basically family - sometimes this job can be extremely stressful, but I’m so thankful that I have such a great group of people who are always there ready to laugh off the little things with me. Lastly, I could not have gotten through this year without my senior clients and their families. If any of you are reading this, thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart for entrusting me with your senior portraits. You all are some of the most genuine people I have ever met and working with each of you makes the tough days worth it!
PS vs DHS Varsity Baseball / Day Air Stadium / April ‘21
And lastly, we asked everyone one last question - what are you looking forward to most in 2022?
There’s so much to look forward too next year, but the thing at the top of my list is getting to work with my ‘22 + ‘23 senior rep team. This year’s group has been such a fun and exciting bunch that I have loved working with. Next year’s reps are an outstanding group of individuals and getting to work with them is going to be absolutely amazing!
Second Shot for Cori Dianne Photography / Dayton Art Institute / August ‘21
PS Homecoming / September ‘21
Senior Rep / Brett W.
Senior / Megan C.
First Destination Wedding / Kentucky / June ‘21
TCN Varsity Football / Homecoming Game / October ‘21
I have had a really exciting 2021 and am so looking forward to everything that 2022 will bring!
Stay tuned for next week when we will be highlighting the next member of our staff!
Best of 2021 | Maddie
Here at the studio, we can’t believe there are only a couple weeks left of 2021. So we thought we’d celebrate by asking each of our photographers to find their favorite images from this year and reflect on what all we’ve done! This week, we’re taking a look at Maddie's year in review.
This was really the first year that each of us took on our own school and spent time getting to know the students and communities. Maddie covers National Trail and her images are a great representation of her year at Trail!
We also asked everyone to give us a little insight into their yearly favorites, too!
Most Frequently listened to song or album: Heroin by Badflower
Favorite snack while editing: Maddie's favorite thing to snack on is a variety of candy!
Most Watched TV Show: Trailer Park Boys
Favorite Moment this Year: Maddie said her favorite moment this year was vacationing with her family.
Favorite sport to shoot this year: Basketball
An obstacle you've overcome this year: Maddie's biggest obstacle this year was dealing with mental health. Once again, this applies to all four of us. Being a photographer takes a lot of mental toughness, and sometimes finding the balance of dealing with the pressure of this job and other can be a lot.
Average # of photographs per game/event: at least 4,000 per game
Favorite new skill or technique you picked up this year: Maddie's favorite new skill from 2021 was taking up cross stitching!
Least favorite thing to photograph this year: Tennis
Something that got you through this year: Maddie said the two things that got her through 2021 are her cat and listening to music!
And lastly, we asked everyone one last question - what are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Maddie said next year, she is most looking forward to warm weather and the hiking adventures she is planning!
Maddie has had a really exciting 2021 and is very much looking forward to everything that 2022 will bring!
Stay tuned for next week when we will be highlighting the next member of our staff!
Best of 2021 | Mike
Here at the studio, we can’t believe there are only a couple weeks left of 2021. So we thought we’d celebrate by asking each of our photographers to find their favorite images from this year and reflect on what all we’ve done! This week, we’re taking a look at Mike’s year in review.
This was really the first year that each of us took on our own school and spent time getting to know the students and communities. Mike covers Dixie High and his images are a great representation of his first year of covering that school.
We also asked everyone to give us a little insight into their yearly favorites, too!
Most Frequently listened to song or album: Operation Mindcrime by Queensryche
Favorite snack while editing: Sour Patch Kids
Most Watched TV Show: The Office
Favorite Moment this Year: welcoming a 2nd new grand baby! Little Shelby was born this past year and Mike said spending time with his grandchildren have been amongst his favorite moments this year.
Favorite sport to shoot this year: Football
Something you’ve accomplished this year you’re really proud of: Adding several new schools to the Champine Photo family! This is something that not just Mike, but all of us are extremely proud of! This is just one of many physical rewards of how much work and dedication the four of us have put into the company this year :)
Biggest Obstacle you’ve faced this year: This year, Mike said the biggest challenged he faced was truly finding enough time in each day to get everything done that needed done!
Average # of photographs per game/event: at least 2,000 per game
Favorite new skill or technique you picked up this year: Mike said his favorite new technique this year was learning to use a medium format camera (and more importantly, adding one to our equipment list!)
Something that got you through this year: Mike said his go to tactic to getting through this past year has been keeping busy!
And lastly, we asked everyone one last question - what are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Mike said that next year, he’s mostly looking forward to is the release of our preferred camera’s brand’s latest models, the X-T5 and the XH2. Well, and our next adventure as a team - building a new studio, which has been a long awaited dream come true for the four of us!
Mike has had a really exciting 2021 and is very much looking forward to everything that 2022 will bring!
Stay tuned for next week when we will be highlighting the next member of our staff!
Fall Sports | Image of the Week | Week 8
If any of us are being truly honest, this was a heavy week. Usually, fall sports bring with them a sense of lighthearted competition that surrounds a group of high school students participating in an activity that they love. This past week, though, was a bit different. These past seven days have presented us with an opportunity to evaluate why we do what we do, and what we are doing it for. This week brought more school portraits, a Pink Out for Cancer night, a homecoming dance, and one really, really difficult evening.
Week 8.
Mike
Mike's image of the week comes a sporting event and features Charles! Charles is a manager for the football team, and we (and the DHS students) are really thankful for him and his wisdom! Dixie Football wouldn't be the same without him! :)
Debbie
Debbie's image of the week comes from her Friday night game at Dixie High School. This past Friday, the students participated in a Pink Out in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Maddie
Maddie’s image of the week comes from her homecoming game Friday night! Congratulations to the entire NT Homecoming Court, especially King Martin Cubilla and Queen Rylee Minner. We hope you all had a truly unforgettable evening on Saturday!
Megan
This week has been extremely rough for not just me, but the entire Lewisburg community, while we grieve the loss of one of their students. While I didn't know him personally, I saw him at different events, and I can't help but feel this heavy-hearted weight of sadness. Friday night should not have happened. That's why I want to take this opportunity to tell every single student that we see on a weekly basis - that we are not just there to take pictures. If you are struggling with anything and need to talk to an adult, but can't place who - please come talk to one of us. While we might not entirely understand your situation, we will do everything in our power to sincerely listen and help you in any way we can. I am encouraging each of you that reads this to be thoughtful with your words and actions this week and every week. If you see someone being put down or belittled in any way - stand up for them. Fight for them. Let them know that they are worth so much more than how they feel. Your words and actions impact the people around you, more than you could ever know. The world is stressful enough, so always be kind, and be intentional about it. Our deepest sympathies go to the family, know you are in our thoughts and prayers. - Megan
