Living the (American) Dream

I’m back to the ‘Cuse to finish my junior year and I’m excited for another semester of a lot of hard work and photographing. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected and I’m eager to see what these next few months bring.

That being said, I had an eventful “break” for which I am very thankful. I did get rest and a lot of quality family time but I also got to pick up my camera and shot a couple of assignments for The Miami Herald as I prepare to intern there this summer. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and everything they have already allowed me to do.

I’d like to share with y’all some of my favorite images from my time in Miami during winter break:

First, I was able to shadow Miami Herald photojournalist for a day. We covered a press conference right before New Years and you can find that story here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article123543304.html

I was also able to go to his studio and make this portrait:

Miami Herald photojournalist Carl Juste in his studio in Little Haiti, Miami, Florida.

That same weekend, I attended and photographed my first NFL alongside Miami Herald photojournalists Charles Trainor Jr. and Al Diaz. Here's my take:

Miami Dolphins tackle Jermon Bushrod makes his entrance into the game versus the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

The Miami Dolphins hosted the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 1, 2017.

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) breaks loose of a tackle by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90). Blount rushed for 44 yards on 9 carries against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) intercepts a pass intended for Miami Dolphins tight end Dion Sims (80) as the Patriots sideline celebrates at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) attempts to complete a pass at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017. Brady finished with 273 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 35-14 win over the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins fans make some noise as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) gets ready to snap the ball at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Tony Lippett (36) gets blocked by Patriots receiver Michael Floyd (14) as Julian Edelman (11) breaks free for a touchdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount argues with the Miami Dolphins defensive line after a play at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

A Miami Dolphins cheerleader performs at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore (8) attempts to complete a pass while being hurried by the New England Patriots pass rush at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands it off to running back Dion Lewis (33) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, January 1, 2017. Lewis finished with 42 yards on 10 carries.

The Miami Dolphins hosted the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 1, 2017.

and lastly, I photographed the professional boxing event at Hialeah Casino Park that feature many bouts including the main event of Cuban boxer Erislandy "The American Dream" Lara vs Yuri Foreman:

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara poses for a portrait after his press conference today. Lara defended both his WBA and IBO Light Middleweight titles against Yuri Foreman.

Dennis "The Surgeon" Galarza connects with a jab during his fight with Edgardo Rivera.

Robert Daniels Jr. defeats Antonio Alicea by knocking him out early in the first round.

Alex Martin throws a jab in his fight against Robert Daniels Jr. at Hialeah Casino Park.

Alex Martin throws a hook in his fight against Robert Daniels Jr. at Hialeah Casino Park.

Alex Martin receives a hard punch by Robert Daniels Jr. during their bout at Hialeah Casino Park.

Robert Daniels Jr. is hit by an uppercut as he attempts to throw a punch in his fight versus Alex Martin at Hialeah Casino park.

Anthony Dirrell (right) misses with a power punch during his fight against Nobert Nemesapati at Hialeah Casino Park.

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara moments before his fight with Yuri Foreman in Hialeah Casino Park.

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara is introduced before his fight versus Yuri Foreman at Hialeah Casino Park.

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara attempts to connect with a jab during his fight against Yuri Foreman at Hialeah Casino Park.

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara dodges a punch from Yuri Foreman during their fight at Hialeah Casino Park.

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara attempts to connect with a jab during his fight against Yuri Foreman at Hialeah Casino Park.

Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara knocks out Yuri Foreman with a left hook in the 4th round.

Erislandy "The American Dream" Lara celebrates with knockout win against Yuri Foreman.