Sniffing for Whale Scat | Recent Work for The Wall Street Journal

Education, Multimedia, My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography, University of Washington, Video

Conservation Canines invited Wall Street Journal reporter Joel Millman and I along for a whale scat collecting trip out in the San Juan Islands recently, and we were joined by Tucker, a black lab mix, who helps researchers find whale poo. His nose can catch whale scat that can be hard to find, and much smaller than you might expect.

The orca whale crew is affiliated with the University of Washington, and is part of a larger project that uses dogs for many different kinds of searches. The orca crew can use the whale scat to test for many things, like identifying individual whales, checking for stress, pregnancy hormones, diet, and more.

I shot photographs of the recent trip as well as footage for a short video, which is below and was edited by John Hubbell. Also, check out the article at WSJ.com. Thanks for looking.

Video:

Photos:

Deborah Giles, who goes by her last name “Giles,” searches for whale scat aboard a research vessel near San Juan Island, Washington on July 16, 2014. Giles works for Conservation Canines and searches with whale scat detection dog Tucker, a black lab mix, for elusive samples of whale scat for research purposes.

An orca whale surfaces nearby as whale scat detection dog Tucker, a black lab mix, sniffs for whale scat.

Elizabeth Seely holds binoculars and searches for whale scat.

Tucker follows a scent.

Liz and Giles scoop poop.

Whale poop can be tiny.

Tucker’s reward is a little bit of time with his green ball. He goes crazy for it.

The whales play, too.

Tucker takes a nap while locked back in the crate. He stays in here during any down time.

I’m telling you, whale poop is tiny.

Loading poop into plastic test tubes.

Liz holds a sample.

Into the centrifuge it goes. We’re doing science here, after all.

Dumping out some extra water (no pun intended).

A glorious sample shines in the sun.

Giles sports a wildly inappropriate shirt.

Giles and Liz catch sight of some more whale scat. Their own noses are good enough that Tucker may often stay in his crate.

Tucker is out this time, though.

The nose, at work.

Orca whales, presumably pooping, near a whale watching tourist boat.

There is the treasure.

A nice sample. Their notes include a list of the following description options: “snotty, wispy, mucusy/slimy, stringy, piecey.”

Liz passes a sample to Giles for storage in the cooler.

Giles, right, with Liz and Tucker on the dock.

V.A. Disability Claim Issues | Recent Work for The Wall Street Journal

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

Ben Kesling of The Wall Street Journal wrote an important article about the recent issues with the Veterans Affairs department, including the spike in appeals claims coming in the wake of the mismanagement and long waits at VA hospitals. I spent some time today with Air Force veteran Ethan Reeves in Puyallup, Washington, who has spent years trying to get a disability claim approved. Some pictures are below and Ben’s story is online here. It will be in print tomorrow, July 8, 2014. Thanks for looking.

Soccer, Made in America | Recent Work for The Wall Street Journal

Multimedia, My work, Published work, Seattle, Video

This was a fun one to work on, especially since I love soccer so much.

Matthew Futterman of The Wall Street Journal wrote a nice in-depth piece about the transformation of the U.S. men’s national team and the influence of coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s attacking style. I contributed by filming interviews with current Sounders coach Sigi Schmid, along with players Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans.

Have a look at the piece on the front page of today’s issue of The Wall Street Journal, or see it online with great interactive features, including my video work.

Thanks for looking.

Feeding the Homeless | Recent Work For NationSwell

Diversity, Multimedia, My work, Published work, Seattle

(Marvin Baker enjoys a hot meal at Seattle’s Outdoor Meal Site.)

I met some really cool people recently while contributing interviews and footage from Seattle for a short documentary film about the Food Recovery Network, produced and edited by NationSwell. The Food Recovery Network started as a project that took extra food from college campuses and fed that food to homeless populations. Now, the project has expanded to include restaurants, caterers, and dining halls, in an effort to further pursue the issue of hunger in the U.S.

See the short film below, which highlights the TASTE restaurant at the Seattle Art Museum and the local Seattle-area non-profit Operation Sack Lunch.

Washington State Pot Bans | Recent Work For Reuters

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle

(Tedd Wetherbee is pictured inside the planned location for The Gallery, his marijuana retail outlet in Gig Harbor, Washington May 7, 2014. Gig Harbor has enacted a six month emergency moratorium on retail marijuana, leaving Wetherbee in a difficult position. REUTERS/David Ryder)

Local pot bans and temporary moratoria are throwing a wrench in some folks’ cannabis business plans. Here’s an excerpt from Eric Johnson’s story:

Tedd Wetherbee spent months, and at least $30,000, setting up his marijuana shop in the Puget Sound hamlet of Gig Harbor, and planned a grand opening once his Washington state retail license was issued in July.

Then, with no word of warning, the local city council voted unanimously last month to enact a 6-month emergency moratorium on pot businesses, citing concerns they could violate a buffer zone between marijuana sales and schools.

“I was just shocked. I’ve signed a 5-year lease here. I’ve got $6,000 worth of tile arriving next week,” said Wetherbee, standing in his unfinished shop, The Gallery. “It’s dead now.”

Have a look a the full story here at Yahoo News.

One Year After BSA Bans Gay Leaders | Recent Work For The New York Times

Diversity, My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

Today’s issue of The New York Times features a nice story by Kirk Johnson highlighting the Boy Scouts of America about a year after their historic vote to allow gay scouts while banning gay leaders. I contributed some photos here in Seattle, while the main character – a gay Eagle Scout who will be banned after he turns 18, was photographed by Drew Angerer in the DC area. My job in Seattle was to document Troop 98, whose gay leader was banned and whose sponsoring church was also banned after it refused to remove that leader, Geoff McGrath.

Pictures are below; thanks for looking. You can read the story online here.

Seattle Troop 98 members Adrian Benitez, right, and Angel Arvizu, second from right, joke around while they wait for their father, Kevin Reed, center, who adopted the boys with his husband, while he chats with the Rev. Dr. Monica K. Corsaro, left, after a troop meeting at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014. The Boy Scouts of America recently revoked the church’s charter and banned the troop’s leader, Geoff McGrath, because he is gay, and this meeting was the first to take place since the church’s charter was revoked.

Seattle Troop 98 member Jon Mimura stands for a portrait with the logo for the troop, which he designed, at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014. The Boy Scouts of America recently revoked the church’s charter and banned the troop’s leader, Geoff McGrath, because he is gay, which leaves an uncertain future for Troop 98.

From left, Seattle Troop 98 Assistant Scoutmasters Andrew Vose, Adrian Cowens, and Donovan O’Brien are pictured after a troop meeting at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014.

A rainbow illuminates the sky during a meeting of Seattle Boy Scout Troop 98 at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014.

Seattle Troop 98 members Adrian Benitez, left, and Angel Arvizu wait for their father, Kevin Reed, who has adopted the boys with his husband, while leaving a troop meeting at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014.

The Rev. Dr. Monica K. Corsaro stands for a portrait at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014.

Badges adorn the uniform of Seattle Troop 98 Assistant Scoutmaster Donovan O’Brien after a troop meeting at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014.

The Rev. Dr. Monica K. Corsaro, center, stands for a portrait with Seattle Troop 98 Assistant Scoutmasters Adrian Cowens, left, and Donovan O’Brien, right, at Rainier Beach United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington on April 24, 2014.

Robot Turtles board game | Recent work for The New York Times

Education, My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography, Tech stuff

“Dan Shapiro sold a company to Google and worked at Microsoft. His name is on nearly a dozen technology-related patents. But when it came time for his latest venture, Mr. Shapiro turned to technology to produce something decidedly low-tech: a board game for children. Technology, by all rights, should have killed old-fashioned games, which can never equal the eye-popping graphics, visceral action and immense online communities of today’s video games. Yet the opposite has occurred.” That’s an excerpt from the story that ran on A1 in today’s issue of The New York Times, by Nick Wingfield. Shapiro’s game is Robot Turtles and it’s designed to covertly teach kids basic computer programming skills. I hung out with Shapiro and his kids while they played the game.

This was a fun little assignment, with nice people. Have a look at one image that ran with the story and some outtakes below. Read the story here.

Dan Shapiro, center, plays Robot Turtles with his kids, both 5, at his home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014. Robot Turtles, created by Shapiro with help from his kids, is a board game designed to subtly teach players aged 3-8 basic computer programming skills.

Robot Turtles cards are pictured during game play at the home of Dan Shapiro in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

Dan Shapiro, left, plays Robot Turtles with his daughter at his home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

Dan Shapiro’s son, left, plays Robot Turtles with his dad and sister at their home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

A Robot Turtles board is pictured during game play at the Shapiro home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

Dan Shapiro, center, plays Robot Turtles with his kids at his home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

Dan Shapiro moves pieces on a Robot Turtles board during a game with his kids at his home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

Dan Shapiro, top, plays Robot Turtles with his kids at his home in Mercer Island, Washington on April 28, 2014.

Seattle May Day Photos | Recent Work for Reuters

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

A woman picks up a sign during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

Araceli Jaime dances in a traditional Aztec costume during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

People march down Jackson Street during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

A demonstrator, who accidentally tripped and fell, receives help from a friend during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

Participants chant during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

A spectator watches participants march during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

Itzel Santiago (C) carries her daughter, Yaretzi, 3, during a May Day demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Sponsored by El Comite and the May First Action Coalition, this is Seattle’s 14th annual “May Day March and Rally for Workers and Immigrant Rights.” REUTERS/David Ryder

A protestor marches during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

Protestors march during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

Protestors tussle with men dressed in costumes during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

A counter protestor (C, white shirt) tackles an anti-capitalist protestor during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made.

Protestors surround a motorist during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made.

Police target protestors with pepper spray during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

A protestor reacts to being hit by pepper spray and then treated with a milky liquid during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

A protestor taunts a police officer during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

Police yell during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

A protestor gets treated with a milky substance after being hit by pepper spray during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made.

Protestors add garbage, signs, and other fuel to a fire in the middle of an intersection during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets and demonstrated late into the night, with intermittent violence and at least seven arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

A flag is pictured near a fire in the middle of an intersection during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets and demonstrated late into the night, with intermittent violence and at least seven arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

As a bonfire burns, police rush into an intersection and arrest a protestor during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets and demonstrated late into the night, with intermittent violence and at least seven arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

Police arrest a man during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets and demonstrated late into the night, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

Police secure the street near a statue of Seattle icon Jimi Hendrix during an anti-capitalist demonstration in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2014. Hundreds marched through the streets and demonstrated late into the night, with intermittent violence and at least nine arrests made. REUTERS/David Ryder

Bikini Skiing Photos | Recent Work for Reuters

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Sports, Still photography

Snowboarders prepare to compete in the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014. Skiers and snowboarders competed for a chance to win one of four season’s passes. REUTERS/David Ryder

Skiers prepare to leave the starting line during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Skiers and snowboarders brave the cold while riding a chairlift during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Skier Ken Dam enjoys the cold but sunny weather while riding a chairlift during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

(L to R) Natasha Aslani, Annie Kearby, and Megan Craft prepare to compete in the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Skiers leave the starting line during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

A skier crashes during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Spectators drink and enjoy the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

A snowboarder attempts to keep up with his competitor during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Snowboarders leave the starting line during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

A skier braves the cold while riding a chairlift during the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Skiers compete in the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Claire McGuire (C) is all smiles after winning the women’s snowboard division of the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Claire McGuire (L) gets a hug after winning the women’s snowboard division of the Bikini & Board Shorts Downhill at Crystal Mountain, a ski resort near Enumclaw, Washington April 19, 2014.

Front page of The Wall Street Journal

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Still photography

A devastating mudslide struck near Oso, Washington and at least 39 lives were lost. It has been a treacherous time for the community and a difficult two weeks covering the tragedy.

Video: Prison Pet Partnership | Recent work for The Wall Street Journal

My work, Published work, Video

Some recent video work of mine was recently published in The Wall Street Journal, telling the story of the Prison Pet Partnership at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, Washington. The program allows inmates to learn job and life skills while providing kennel and grooming services to clients from the surrounding community. In addition, unruly dogs from other programs (who might otherwise be put to sleep) are able to have a second chance by entering the prison’s training program.

There is also a great article by Joel Millman and photos by Stuart Isett. Robert Libetti edited the video very well, as usual. See the package here online, or watch the video embedded below.

Photos: Starbucks shareholders meeting | Recent work for Reuters

My work, photojournalism, Published work, Seattle, Still photography

Attendees are pictured inside McCaw Hall during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)

Howard Schultz (L), CEO of Starbucks, is pictured on stage with surprise guest Oprah Winfrey (R) during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. The two announced the new Teavana Oprah Chai Tea product. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)

Attendees cheer inside McCaw Hall during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)

Starbucks employees hand out gift bags to attendees of the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, speaks during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)

Members of the Playing for Change band, including Elliott Small (C), known as “Grandpa Elliott,” perform during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)

Debbie Harlow takes pictures with her phone, which bears a Starbucks logo, during the company’s annual shareholders meeting in Seattle, Washington March 19, 2014. REUTERS/David Ryder (UNITED STATES)