Cancer Research Doctor David S. Terman

A few weeks back I was assigned to shoot a photo of cancer research Doctor David S. Terman. Terman is studying a theory that sickle cells can be used to choke a tumor. 

I shot a few frames of Terman speaking on his couch and then asked if he had any items that he uses in his research that I could photograph him with to help illustrate what he does. At first he couldn't come up with anything, as we were away from the lab. So I just shot a few more portraits of him on the couch. 

Then he remembered the overflowing piles of paperwork on the desktop of his home office and we ran downstairs to take a look. I made some frames of the doctor surrounded by the same clutter that filled some of my former professors' offices... which must surely be the sign of genius. 

Cancer researcher David S. Terman M.D. stands amongst piles of research and patent work paperwork in his home office in Pebble Beach, Calif. on Friday January 11, 2013. Terman runs the Jenomic Research Institute in Carmel. (Photo David Royal/ Monterey County Herald)

Focusing on the Small Stuff

I was given the assignment to cover the Veterans Day Parade in Salinas, Calif. on November 11, 2012. The amount of participants in the parade was amazing as a variety of groups made their way down Main Street in Oldtown Salinas. The crowd of people lining the sidewalk cheered as veterans of varying ages passed, some walking and others riding on the back of old military vehicles. With the sheer number of people at the event, the scene was a little overwhelming. In these types of situations I find that slowing down and looking for small elements that come together to convey the story is key.    

Near the end of my time making photographs I came across a group of young kids on the sidewalk waving flags. I made some frames of the three of them from behind as the parade passed by. Then the young boy covered his ears as the Patriot Guard Riders roared by on their Harleys. The background, with construction going on in the empty lot behind them, could have been a little cleaner, but I like the way the frame came together. (Photo David Royal/ Monterey County Herald)