Daniel Brenner Photo Blog

A Story of Pink, Orange, Yellow, and Blue

Daniel Brenner — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:44:37 +0000

The morning dawned brisk, with a long line of traffic to get even remotely close to the starting line. Upon arrival, people huddled together for warmth in suspense for what the next five kilometers would have in store for them.

The typical electronic and popular hip hop songs wear thumping. Infants and adults, bicyclists and strollers, people with neon green hair and others with ordinary black, blond and brunette styles were all set to start.

The countdown finished and the participants were off at a leisurely pace down North River Street. Off in the distance, the runners approached the first “color station” where a cloud of powder rose into the air. It was pink. There was a barrage of sprays, pours, throws, and dumps of colored powder.

The fun wasn’t over. Three color stations and a trek down Michigan Avenue later, the runners crossed the finish line and entered Riverside Park for refreshments, merchandise, and a bright, loud concert. But you couldn’t go home until a quick trip to the leaf blower.

Not having vast experience with airborne colored powder, I was pretty skeptical about my gear for shooting this event. Especially after reading a recent PetaPixel article about how color runs are death for cameras. I took necessary precautions (a rain sleeve and a sh*t-ton of gaff tape), everyone survived. In fact, the most important piece of equipment I brought was a cloth to wipe down my lens, eyes, nose, etc. See full gallery here

Color Run participants look up hoping to grab free merchandise before the start on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Color Run participants are bombarded with colored powder on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Color Run volunteer sprays participants with orange powder on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Color Run participant makes her way through colored powder on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A runner is sprayed in the face during the Ypsilanti Color Run on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A young participant on the ground during the Ypsilanti Color Run on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Runners toss powder in the air as they cross the finish line during the Ypsilanti Color Run on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Color Run participants kiss near the finish line on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A participant uses her teeth to tear open a powder packet during the Ypsilanti Color Run on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Participants throw yellow powder at each other during the Ypsilanti Color Run on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Color Run participants scream as powder flies through the air on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Ypsilanti Color Run participants enjoy a concert after the 5k on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A concert in Riverside Park during the Ypsilanti Color Run on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A young participant sits on shoulders during the Ypsilanti Color Run concert on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A concert after the Ypsilanti Color Run 5k on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Color Run participants enjoy music and color on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Ypsilanti Color Run participants are given bumper stickers for collecting trash on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A leaf blower is used on a Color Run participant on Saturday, May 11. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Thanks a lot for looking, now go take a shower.

H2O Polo

Daniel Brenner — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:27:31 +0000

I have little to none experience shooting water polo, in fact, I barely know all the rules. With that said, it was a pretty good time covering the Collegiate Water Polo Association tournament in A2. The 4th seeded Wolverines did much better than expected and put on quite a show. Michigan played Princeton in the final and took 2nd overall. I pushed the boundaries of where I could and couldn’t shoot from and got pretty wet. Too bad I didn’t bring my floaties.

Michigan senior Katie Hazelrigg warms up before the game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan senior Alex Adamson is shot on during warm ups before the game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Michigan player reaches for a ball in the game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Presley Pender looks to shoot in the game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Presley Pender swims and pushes off a Brown player on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon watches the water polo game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan junior Kelsey Nolan defends in the game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan senior Kiki Golden pushes the ball forward while swimming in the game on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan players defend the net in the game against Brown on Friday, April 26. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The Michigan warms up before the game against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Michigan player reaches for head ware before the game against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan senior goalie Alex Adamson is scored on in the second quarter of the game against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan junior Hathaway Moore after a scoring attempt in the game against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan junior Kelsey Nolan elevates to pass in the game against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan junior Audrey Pratt celebrates defeating Indiana 6-5 on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan team celebrates the victory against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan team huddles together after beating Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman goalie Nikki Baron embraces her mother Elsy after the game against Indiana on Saturday, April 27. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Bryce Beckwith shoots and scores in the first half of the game against Princeton on Sunday, April 28. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Ali Thomason fights for control of the ball in the game against Princeton on Sunday, April 28. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The ball is knocked out of the hand Michigan sophomore Danielle Robinson in the game against Princeton on Sunday, April 28. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan senior Kiki Golden shoots while defended in the game against Princeton on Sunday, April 28. No penalty was called on the play. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Princeton head coach Luis Nicolao celebrates winning the CWPA Final in the pool with his players on Sunday, April 28. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Michigan storm trooper walks in a hallway after the game against Princeton on Sunday, April 28. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Team of the Week: Skyline Lacrosse

Daniel Brenner — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 22:02:49 +0000

AnnArbor.com recently began a new installment of Team of the Week. Readers vote on high school teams ranging from any spring/summer sports, boys or girls, and we cover the hell out of them. It works out great because it allows us to spend more valuable time with a team we wouldn’t normally be used to. Last week, we featured Skyline boys lacrosse. I look forward to getting more in-depth moments. Hopefully attending early morning work outs, studying film, and more. Thanks a lot for looking.

A Skyline lacrosse player scoops up a ball during practice on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Skyline lacrosse players run drills during practice on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The Skyline lacrosse lacrosse team watches drills during practice on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Skyline lacrosse players take time to rest in between drills on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Skyline lacrosse player Dan Lee runs back on the field after taking a water break on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Skyline lacrosse players watch practice drills on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The lacrosse game between Skyline and Okemos on Tuesday, April 9. AnnArbor.com I Daniel Brenner

The Skyline lacrosse teams listens to coaches at halftime on Tuesday, April 9. AnnArbor.com I Daniel Brenner

Skyline John Crowley handles the ball in the game against Okemos on Tuesday, April 9. AnnArbor.com I Daniel Brenner

Skyline John Crowley watches a play from the sidelines during the game against Okemos on Tuesday, April 9. The Eagles won 9-2. AnnArbor.com I Daniel Brenner

A Skyline player in the locker room after defeating Okemos 9-2 on Tuesday, April 9. AnnArbor.com I Daniel Brenner

A Roller Coaster of A Night

Daniel Brenner — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:07:14 +0000

So, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past month, you would know the Michigan Wolverines made it to the national championship. Believe you me, I fought my tail off trying to make it to Atlanta to shoot the Big Dance. Unfortunately, the stars did not align. Granted, I was frustrated, but it’s important to stay positive because there were still photos to be made in Ann Arbor. The university held a watch party in the Crisler Center and pretty much everyone and their mother showed up. It was a roller coaster of a night. I think you can really tell by the reaction of the crowd how the game went. Started strong, was looking pretty good at halftime, but came up short in the end. Michigan fans took to the street lighting everything on fire, including couches and mattresses. I found one scene where police were investigating because they found a Molotov cocktail. I shutter to think what would have happened if the Wolverines had actually won.

A long line to enter Crisler Arena for a watch party wraps around The Big House on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan sophomores Yasmin Omrani and Siobhan Aldridge cheers during a promotional video before the game against Louisville on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Radhi Gohil celebrates a score with friends at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan fans lift a flag at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan sophomore Simon Rivers lifts his friend Brenae Smith after a Michigan basket during a watch party at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner and other players celebrate at Crisler Arena during a watch party on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan juniors Colleen Doyle reacts to a play during a watch party at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan juniors Colleen Doyle and Whitney Hansen react to a play in the game during a watch party at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan fans hold zebra costume masks in the crowd during a watch party at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Sarah Lyyski and Chris Reynolds react to a play at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan sophomore Shannon Maloney sits on the steps of Crisler Arena during the final minutes of play on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan fan and eight-year-old Robert Davis Jr. shields his eyes with Rebecca Kam’s hands at Crisler Arena on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan sophomore Tom Idzkowski takes a moment after a watch party at Crisler Arena where the Wolverines lost to Louisville on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The Ann Arbor Fire Department extinguishes a mattress set ablaze on White Street in Ann Arbor on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Emergency responders search the area for dangerous or flammable materials on White Street in Ann Arbor on Monday, April 8. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Festival for Fools

Daniel Brenner — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 22:07:44 +0000

Festifools is a holiday in Ann Arbor enjoyed by many people. Young and old, artistic expert and novice, sane and not so much. Locals and college students spend about two months preparing larger-than-life, paper mache creations and then dance them about on the busiest street in town. I decided to check out the event, along with some of the prep work.

Festifools Creative Director and Founder Mark Tucker speaks to a group of Lloyd Hall Scholars Program students about prep work and scheduling on Friday, April 5. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

University of Michigan freshman Ebony Williams walks outside with a pole to rehearse for Festifools on Friday, April 5. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Festifools guest artist Alex Kahn beats a bucket during rehearsal on Friday, April 5. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan freshman Tyler Lemieux installs lights to his Festifools creation on Friday, April 5. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

University of Michigan freshman Megan Hullman paints her paper mache creation on Friday, April 5. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

University of Michigan senior Sabrina Palombo paints eyes on her Festifools “prince” creation on Friday, April 5. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

: Kids enjoy bubbles before the Festifools street party on Main Street on Sunday, April 7. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Festifools street party spectator points toward an art creation on Main Street on Sunday, April 7. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Festifools street party performer uses hula hoops on Main Street on Sunday, April 7. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A performer moves with a Festifools street party creation on Main Street on Sunday, April 7. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Festifools street party performer embraces one of her “robots” on Main Street on Sunday, April 7. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Ann Arbor resident Eric Bassey directs the crowd during the Festifools street party on Main Street on Sunday, April 7. This is his first time participating. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Festifools street party performer and sculpture Erin Garber-Pearson exits the Circus Gallery Project she co-curated on Fourth Street on Sunday, April 7. She says the gallery opened last weekend and she wanted to see how it was going. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Controlled Burn

Daniel Brenner — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:18:19 +0000

Tis the season for controlled burns in Ann Arbor. Apparently it’s also the season for uncommonly cold weather. I’m sure this won’t be the last controlled burn I shoot.

A controlled burn at Buhr Meadows Park on Tuesday, April 2. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Colorful Eggs and Chocolate Bunnies

Daniel Brenner — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:16:26 +0000

Kids will pretty much elbow each other in the face during easter egg hunts, and they did. I raced around town taking as many pictures as I could until I finally caught up to the easter bunny. Fun day, Hop on.

Burns Park resident Maia Rivette, seven, dumps out collected eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast at Ann Arbor Vineyard Church on Saturday, March 30. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

One-year-old and Ann Arbor resident Brielle Himich plays at the Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast at Ann Arbor Vineyard Church on Saturday, March 30. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Children’s Ministry intern Katrina Barrett helps disperse eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast at Ann Arbor Vineyard Church on Saturday, March 30. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Participants search for eggs in the Ann Arbor Jaycees Easter Egg Scramble in Buhr Park on Saturday, March 30. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Colorful eggs at the Ann Arbor Jaycees Easter Egg Scramble in Buhr Park on Saturday, March 30. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Participants search for eggs in the Ann Arbor Jaycees Easter Egg Scramble in Buhr Park on Saturday, March 30. Prizes included candy and toys. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A bunny at the petting zoo at the Ann Arbor Jaycees Easter Egg Scramble in Buhr Park on Saturday, March 30. Animals were provided by the Whispering Pines Mobile Zoo. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The Easter Bunny outside Mickey’s Dairy Twist during the the 11th Annual Saline Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 30. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

A Warm Welcome in Cold Weather

Daniel Brenner — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:13:13 +0000

Hundreds of fans braved adverse weather to support their boys in maize and blue last night. Michigan basketball returns home after their 79-59 domination over Florida and heads to the Final Four next week. The Wolverines haven’t made it this far in the tournament since 1993. The overwhelming feeling of the night was extreme joy. Freshman Mitch McGary’s voice was cracking because he was screaming so loud and head coach John Beilein was making jokes about his players being eligible bachelors.

The event was intended to start at 9:30. Due to delays at the airport, typical, the bus didn’t arrive until close to 11:30. Still, most of the fans stuck around. Beilein’s last words of concern were, “I want everyone to behave tonight”.

It was absolute chaos when those bus doors opened. I lucked out to get a spot right under their noses for the speeches. Thanks for looking and Happy April Fools.

A young Michigan fan waits outside Crisler Center to welcome home the Michigan basketball team on Sunday, March 31. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan dance team junior Amy Domino talks with fans outside Crisler Center on Sunday, March 31. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan fifth-year senior Corey Person lifts the NCAA South-Region trophy on Sunday, March 31. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan head coach John Beilein uses a megaphone to speak to a crowd of fans outside Crisler Center on Sunday, March 31. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan head coach John Beilein smiles after referring to freshman Spike Albrecht as “the most eligible bachelor” on Sunday, March 31. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Michigan junior Tim Hardaway Jr. uses a microphone to talk to fans on Sunday, March 31. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The Bird Guy

Daniel Brenner — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:19:10 +0000

I’ve always appreciated the value of an in-depth, personal story. There is no substitute for spending extended time with a person to accurately portray their perspective. It allows comfortability in front of the camera, more unique, private moments, and a higher quality final product. While on assignment shooting a feature in November, I bumped into a gentleman who suggested I talk to a falconer named Craig Perdue. I gave Craig a call and he began to tell me what he is all about. He has a fantastic story and is currently sharing experiences with an 11-year-old and cancer-survivor Celeste Gosselin. Celeste is a very articulate and well-spoken young lady. I spent a good amount of time with these people, but I struggled with another issue.

I work for an online-first publication. They value speed and relevancy. Not exactly the principles or ingredients for this type of project. I’m usually working on multiple photo stories all at once but they often end up on the back-burner when assignments pick up. I think a magnification of a member of the community will always have a place in the journalism world.

The story ran last week and I’m very pleased with the final video. Thanks to Melanie Maxwell and Austin Kim for your notes. Now on to the next story.

I added a couple images for gits and shiggles.

McGary for Two

Daniel Brenner — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:52:42 +0000

I was looking through my archives from the NCAA tournament last week and found this image. I guess if one of them is in focus, that counts right? Two points.

Michigan freshman Mitch McGary shoots in the first half of the game against South Dakota State on Thursday, March 21. The Wolverines defeated the Jackrabbits 71-56. Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com