Stephen Brashear | Photojournalist

Photos from Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass

sbrashear — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:35:25 +0000

Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain, center, Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, left, and Alexander J Brunett prepare for the recessional during Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral in Seattle Saturday Dec. 10, 2011.

I photographed the Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral. Simbang Gabi is a series of masses leading up to Christmas Eve celebrated by Roman Catholic Filipinos. Parols suspended from the ceiling of St. James Cathedral. Participants also bring parols as part the commissioning mass. Another colorful event. I also captured a nice imag, below, behind the scenes in the sacrisity as the Archbishop and other prepared for Mass. More pictures can be found after the break.

Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain, second from left, Bishop Alexander J Brunett, center, and Bishop Eusebio Elizondo before Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral in Seattle Saturday Dec. 10, 2011.

Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain blesses the Simbang Gabi coordinators during Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral in Seattle Saturday Dec. 10, 2011.

Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass at St. James Cathedral in Seattle Saturday Dec. 10, 2011.

JBLM: Soldiers Returning from Iraq

sbrashear — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:09:31 +0000

Three-year-old Emma Cox helps her father Specialist Scott Cox of the 47th Combat Support Hospital, 62nd Medical Brigade after a redeployment ceremony December 6, 2011 upon returning to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington from Iraq. The return marks one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

The chartered aircraft carrying soldiers returning from Iraq arrived at Joint Base Lewis McChord this week. The remaining troops will return via commercial airliners. We covered the troops as the got off the plane and wen through processing and when the were redeployed and reunited with their families. As always, I cannot imagine being away from my family for as long as these soliders did, and have enormous respect for their commitment. It was also a bit eerie to think there will be no more deployments or homecomings from Iraq after about eight years. Here are some pictures with more after the break.

Soldiers from the 520th Medical Company, 1-94 Field Artillery Regiment and 47th Combat Support Hospital deplane after returning December 6, 2011 to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The return marks one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

First Sergeant Larry Ramos, center, of 47th Combat Support Hospital is greeted by, from left, wife Crissy, son Luke, 3, daughter Taylor, 8, and niece Trinity Forrey, 12 after a redeployment ceremony to mark the company's return from Iraq December 6, 2011 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The return is one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

Cork, left, Madsen and wife Monica wait for their son Tyler, a member of the 47th Combat Support Hospital, before a redeployment ceremony December 6, 2011 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Tyler Madsen was among one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

- An audience member cheer the return of the 47th Combat Support Hospital during a redeployment ceremony December 6, 2011 after returning from Iraq to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The return marks one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

Specialist Tyler Madsen speaks with his wife before a redeployment ceremony December 6, 2011 from a processing center Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington after returning from Iraq. The return marks one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

Specialist Tyler Fleckenstein of the 1-94 Field Artillery Regiment takes a moment to relax after returning his weapon December 6, 2011 upon returning from Iraq to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The return marks one of last large groups of soldiers and last charter flight to return to the base from Iraq.

Houston Baptist University vs. University of Washington Basketball

sbrashear — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:36:33 +0000

Tyler Russell of Houston Baptist University drives to the basket against the Abdul Gaddy during play at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle Friday Nov. 25, 2011. The University of Washington won the game 88-65.

I photographed Houston Baptist University basketball against the University of Washington. HBU, smaller school, played well against an opponent of much bigger stature. They never quit nor did they back down. It was my first basketball game in several years. I always like shooting basketball. So many opportunities at good action pictures. And now my cameras have less noise at higher ISOs. I’m able to shoot at higher shutter speeds. Here are some pictures. Two after the break.

Anthony Hill of Houston Baptist University dives for the ball in front of Aziz N'Diaye of the University of Washington during play at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle Friday Nov. 25, 2011. The University of Washington won the game 88-65.

Marcus Davis of Houston Baptist University shoots the ball as Terrence Ross of the University of Washington during play at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle Friday Nov. 25, 2011. The University of Washington won the game 88-65.

Joe Latas of Houston Baptist University pulls down a rebound during play against the University of Washington at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle Friday Nov. 25, 2011. The University of Washington won the game 88-65.

Aaron Asp looks to pass the ball during play against the University of Washington at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle Friday Nov. 25, 2011. The University of Washington won the game 88-65.

Microsoft Annual Shareholders Meeting

sbrashear — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:44:57 +0000

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is silhouetted by a video presentation during the annual Microsoft shareholders meeting at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash., Tuesday Nov. 15, 2011.

Microsoft held its annual shareholders meeting in Bellevue. Here are some pictures of CEO Steve Ballmer and Chairman Bill Gates. Not sure if the silhouette of Ballmer works, but it was worth a shot. Just trying for something interesting at an otherwise visually dull assignment. There was also a nice moment of Gates laughing during the meeting. At assignment like this in addition to the the stand pictures of a person behind a podium, I try to find nice emotion and something that is visually interesting.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates laughs during the annual Microsoft shareholders meeting at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash., Tuesday Nov. 15, 2011.

NFL: Seattle Seahawks defeat the Baltimore Ravens

sbrashear — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:13:20 +0000

Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes the ball as linebacker Jameel McClain #53 of the Baltimore Ravens pursues. at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The run set up a one yard touchdown run for Lynch.

Here are some pictures from Sunday’s gamea between the Seattle Seahawks and the Baltimore Ravens. It was a nice day for football. The Seahawks defense played well. A few photos after the break.

Defensive back Kam Chancellor #31 of the Seattle Seahawks collides with wide receiver Anquan Boldin #81 during a game at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. Chancellor was flagged for a helmet-to-helmet hit on the play. The Seahawks won the game 22-17.

Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes the ball during play against the Baltimore Ravens at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks won the game 22-17.

Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field after failing to convert a third down during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 22-17.

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson #7 of the Seattle Seahawks acknowledges the fans while walking off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 22-17 at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington

Defensive lineman Cory Redding #93 of the Baltimore Ravens pressure quarterback Tarvaris Jackson #7 of the Seattle Seahawks during play at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 22-17.

Linebacker Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens runs on to the field before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington

Wide receiver Mike Williams #17 of the Seattle Seahawks cannot bring in a pass defended by defensive back Lardarius Webb #21 during play at CenturyLink Field on November 13, 2011 in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Archdiocese Youth Convention

sbrashear — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:42:34 +0000

Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain leads mass during the on the final day of the Archdiocesan Youth Convention at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Wash., Sunday Nov. 6, 2011.

I was assigned to cover the Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain’s visits to the Archdiocese’s Youth Convention in Bellevue. I’m always trying to find moments away from what everyone at the event might see. I still get photos of the what is happening up front on stage. Here are some pictures from the event. There are two more photos after the break.

Archdiocesan Youth Convention at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Wash., Sunday Nov. 6, 2011.

Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain leads mass during the on the final day of the Archdiocesan Youth Convention at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Wash., Sunday Nov. 6, 2011

Seattle Archbishop Peter Sartain lead the recessional after mass the on the final day of the Archdiocesan Youth Convention at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Wash., Sunday Nov. 6, 2011.

Liturgy at Plymouth Congregational Church

sbrashear — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:31:32 +0000

Father William Treacy and Father Paul Magnano celebrate liturgy at Plymouth Congregational Church in Seattle Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011.

I photographed liturgy at Plymouth Congregational Church. It was a Catholic liturgy hosted by the Congregational Church in downtown Seattle. It was started by Father William Treacy more than 30 years and still goes strong. Father Treacy also happens to be the most senior priest in the Seattle Archdiocese. Joining him was Father Paul Magnano. The interior of the Church is wonderful and makes for great photos. Here are some pictures.

Liturgy at Plymouth Congregational Church in Seattle Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011.

Father William Treacy celebrates liturgy at Plymouth Congregational Church in Seattle Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011.

Father William Treacy and Father Paul Magnano celebrate liturgy at Plymouth Congregational Church in Seattle Tuesday Nov. 1, 2011.

Shooting Booze on Short Notice

sbrashear — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:00:45 +0000

Employee Teresa Stafford stocks shelves at a Washington Liquor Store in Seattle Tuesday Oct. 25, 2011. For the second time in two years an initiative has been put on the ballot that would privatize liquor sales in the state.

I was running an errand across town when I got a call from an editor needing pictures for a story about the Washington state ballot initiative to allow hard liquor to be sold in stores other than state-owned liquor stores. I had two hours to meet my deadline. Costco was a major backer of the initiative, but shooting at a Costco was probably not going to happen. Fortunately, I got permission to shoot at a Washington State liquor store and fortunately it was delivery day. Once I arrived at the liquor store, I had 45 minutes to shoot before I had to start transmitting to meet my deadline. I say fortunately it was delivery day because, I prefer to get shots of people in action, doing stuff. Getting employees stocking shelves certainly qualifies as that. If not for delivery day, I would have been trying to get photos of customers shopping for liquor, which, in my experience, does not go very well as most people do not want to be photographed shopping for booze. I made my deadline and the editors were please with the pictures. Here are some of them.

Employee Sam Meas stocks shelves at a Washington State Liquor Store in Seattle Tuesday Oct. 25, 2011. For the second time in two years an initiative has been put on the ballot that would privatize liquor sales in the state.

Employee Lidia Giusti pushes a hand cart with cases of liquor while stocking shelves at a Washington State Liquor Store in Seattle Tuesday Oct. 25, 2011. For the second time in two years an initiative has been put on the ballot that would privatize liquor sales in the state.

MLS: Sounders Win Playoff Game, Eliminated From Playoffs

sbrashear — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:24:04 +0000

Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Erik Friberg and forward Lamar Neagle react to a miss during play against Real Salt Lake in a Major League Soccer Wester Conference Semifinal match at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Wednesday November 2, 2011. The Sounders won the match 2-0, but lost the series.

The Sounders FC had to score three goals in their playoff game at home against Real Salt Lake. This because the first rounds of MLS playoff are a two game series in which goals from both games are aggregated to determine the winner of the series. The first game, for whatever reason, was played on the lower seed’s home field. The Sounders lost that game in Salt Lake City 3-0. It was a bit strange to photograph a playoff game in which the team that won the game was eliminated. The Sounders had more than their fair share of chances to score enough goals. For a while it looked like they were going to be able to do it, but could not get the third goal. Oh and did I mention it rained.

Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert, left, hugs goalkeeper Nick Rimando after playoff match against the Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Wednesday November 2, 2011. The Sounders won the match 2-0, but lost the series.

Seattle Sounders FC forward Mike Fucito triews to score in front of Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert, left, and goalkeeper Nick Rimando during play in a Major League Soccer Wester Conference Semifinal match at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Wednesday November 2, 2011. The Sounders won the match 2-0, but lost the series.

Seattle Sounders FC defender Zach Scott and Real Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales battle for the ball during play in a Major League Soccer Wester Conference Semifinal match at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Wednesday November 2, 2011. The Sounders won the match 2-0, but lost the series.

Portraits of a President

sbrashear — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:11:38 +0000

Newly inaugurated Cornish College of the Arts President Dr. Nancy Uscher poses for photos at the college in Seattle Friday Oct. 15, 2011.

I photographed the newly installed president of the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Despite the busy weekend Dr. Uscher gave me about and hour and a half of her time, so I was able to get pictures of her at three different locations in the college’s main building. I must say I’m a sucker for symmetry, though symmetrical photos are really tough. No matter how much I watch out for it it seems that I have one leg longer than the other as many of the images seem to be slightly tilted. For the pictures in her office and in the classroom, I shot almost wide open to blur shorten up the depth of field as much as possible. The photograph in the classroom is a bit more effective than the one in her office at doing that. For all of the photos I used my small light kit which features a speedlights, a beauty dish and a pair of saberstrip strip lights.

Newly inaugurated Cornish College of the Arts President Dr. Nancy Uscher poses for photos at the college in Seattle Friday Oct. 15, 2011.

Newly inaugurated Cornish College of the Arts President Dr. Nancy Uscher poses for photos at the college in Seattle Friday Oct. 15, 2011