This past weekend I photographed my first wedding. Stressful, yes; Fun, absolutely! I was really nervous going in to it because I knew that I was in charge of documenting what could be a couple’s happiest day together. I haven’t really been to too many weddings before and the last one I can remember was when I was in first grade and the ring bearer at my aunt and uncle’s wedding.
The bride is my second cousin so that brought a lot of my extended family to the wedding. It was nice to be able to see people that I don’t get to see that much at such a happy occasion. Unfortunately, there was one person missing: the bride’s father. He passed away several years ago but the father-daughter bond is still very strong. Appropriately chosen, the wedding date was her father’s birthday and the first dance with her step-father was to the tune of “Dance With My Father.” Based on the sunny day and beautiful sunset, it was clear that he was looking down on her and shaking his head with approval.
June 25, 2012 01:33
By Evan Zimmer
Just three years ago I walked in the same shoes as the 2012 eighth grade graduates of the St. Margaret School in Bel Air. This time next year, I'll be graduating high school. As a rising senior I can say that the time I've spent in high school has flown by.One piece of advice I would give to any incoming freshman is to take advantage of every opportunity you get in high school. Meet new people, join the various clubs offered at your school, try your best, and be yourself. High school has taught me many things about myself. I discovered that I have a great passion for service. I didn't really seem interested in going on service trips until I tried a school sponsored trip to the eastern shore of Virginia for a Habitat for Humanity build the summer of my sophomore year. Because of that experience I applied and was gifted the opportunity to go on a service trip to the De La Salle Blackfeet school in Browning, Montana. I'll be a peer minister next year, assisting with sophomore and junior retreats as well as participating in other religious and service related functions.
To elementary and middle school students: enjoy your time in primary and middle school. Become friends with your peers because chances are you'll see them again throughout high school. I saw over 10 students I went to school with at St. Margarets at this year's 8th grade graduation, some that I have not seen too much over the past three years. Also, work hard and do the best you can with your academic work. It will make your high school search less stressful.
Watch a slideshow of St. Margaret's graduation below.
June 08, 2012 04:02
By Evan Zimmer
For the past 11 years, I have attended an annual fishing camp with my father. The Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock gathers annually in Thurmont for a weekend long event. The organization teaches boys ages 8-18 about preservation and conservation of natural resources using the fundamentals of fishing, and primarily fly fishing, as the medium.
Starting on Friday, kids start by fishing in two ponds well stocked with trout. Friday night after dinner the boys attend a class tailored to their age and angling experience. The education program typically takes at least six years to complete.
Saturday the boys receive fly casting, fly-tying and streamside instruction. Streamside instruction goes on for several years and includes basic casting, advanced casting, entomology and “Fishing with the Masters.” On Saturday night we gather around a campfire where the first year boys receive their official Jungle Cock patch symbolizing their initiation into the organization. After the campfire everyone heads over to an outdoor amphitheater for a presentation by a guest speaker and some lucky kids will receive prizes ranging from hats and polarized sunglasses to fishing rods and reels.
This is a great opportunity for boys to spend a weekend with their fathers, grandfathers and other friends who sponsor to build bonds and appreciate a weekend experiencing nature and the outdoors.
June 04, 2012 03:05
By Evan Zimmer