Week 3 at The DMN

Lonice Bell and Charles Stoker pictured on June 22, 2013 in Duncanville. The couple were high school sweethearts in Desoto's class of 2003 who reconnected eight years later. In high school they spent a lot of time playing basketball and attended the basketball banquet and prom together. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Lonice Bell and Charles Stoker pictured on June 22, 2013 in Duncanville. The couple were high school sweethearts in Desoto's class of 2003 who reconnected eight years later. In high school they spent a lot of time playing basketball and attended the basketball banquet and prom together. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Ke$ha performs on June 23, 2013 at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

The crowd cheers during Ke$ha's set during the Pitbull & KeSha concert on June 23, 2013 at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Pitbull performs on June 23, 2013 at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

(l to r) Brycen Chew, 3, Cedric Benford, 9 and Uchenna Hall, 11, play in the bouncy house at the city's Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2013 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Dallas. Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of when Texas slaves learned they were emancipated in 1865. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Rene Ramos, left, and Sara Johnson paddle down the river at the river cleanup on the Trinity River on June 23, 2013 at California Crossing Park in Irving. The team used canoes and kayaks to pick up litter along the river. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Beth Caldwell, 6, left, Meredith Beamer, 6, center, and Alexandria Caldwell, 8, right, climb in a tree at the Summer Solstice Family Celebration on June 21, 2013 in Fairview. The event was sponsored by the Robert Muller Center for Living Ethics. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

 Families pick vegetables that were planted earlier in the year during the Summer Solstice Family Celebration on June 21, 2013 in Fairview. The event was sponsored by the Robert Muller Center for Living Ethics. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Tim McGraw performs at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Fair Park on June 22, 2013 in Dallas. (Sarah Hoffman/The Dallas Morning News)

Making My Daughter Stronger

I met the Boggs/Burnett family while exploring Franklin, Missouri for a text story on small town post office closings. I spent two years photographing the family as my focus changed over time. When I met Shelia, the mother, she had just finished cancer treatment. She had returned to work and her life carried on as normal.

I initially photographed Lauren, the teenage daughter of the family, as she took on more responsibility at their family business Boggs Auto & Salvage. I didn't know I was shooting a cancer story until I noticed that Lauren and the rest of the family became anxious as time went on. Lauren was still making up school days from earlier that year and working extra hours at the junkyard while Shelia was avoiding doctors appointments until after the holidays. The type of cancer Shelia had was likely to reoccur when it did the family wanted me there to document it.

Working on this project really taught me how unpredictable stories can be because people's lives are unpredictable. It was such a privilege to spend time and get to know the Boggs/Burnett family.

Shelia Burnett works in her office at the family business, Boggs Auto Salvage & Sales, in Franklin, Mo. 

Story Summary:
They missed it. She had an eight-pound tumor on her kidney and they missed it. Shelia Burnett of New Franklin, Mo. was diagnosed with stage IV Renal cell carcinoma in May of 2011. Shelia's cancer reoccurred in her liver and is no longer curable. Burnett is preparing her family for her death.

“There’s a lot of times I ask myself why am I having to go through this? I don’t know why I am going through this other than making my daughter a stronger person.” said Burnett. Shelia Burnett’s daughter Lauren Burnett, 17, has stepped up to help her mother with chores at home and at their family business Boggs Auto Salvage and Sale.

According to a study by Kathryn E. Weaver, assistant professor at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, rural cancer survivors reported more psychological distress, were more likely to be in fair or poor heath and unable to work because of a health condition than urban cancer survivors.

Burnett fears burdening her family with her emotion and she wishes there were more resources and support groups for people living in rural areas. “That’s part of a rural community we don’t have the resources a big city would have so you learn to use your family.”

Shelia Burnett and her daughter Lauren Burnett joke around in front of Boggs Auto Salvage and Sales in Franklin, Mo. “I don’t know why I'm going through this other than making my daughter a stronger person," Burnett said.

Shelia Burnett gets her temperature taken at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Mo. After she found out that her cancer had returned she went in to find out the severity of the results.

Shelia Burnett holds her husband Nelson Burnett's hand after receiving the news about the severity of the tumor. Burnett found out she would have to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. "We don’t have the resources that a big city would have so you learn to use your family and you use your network and support that you have around you," Burnett said.

Lauren Burnett folds laundry for the family at their home in New Franklin, Mo. Since her mother's illness has progressed Lauren picks up additional chores around the house. “Poor little Lauren I told her you’re going to have to step up to the plate because I don’t know what’s going to happen and she did. She just does an amazing job. She worked and she took on a big responsibility and I knew at that point she’s going to be ok if something does happen,” Burnett said.

The day after Lauren and her boyfriend break up she decides to perm her hair. Lauren's friend and the family sit in the living room together and help put curlers in her hair.

Lauren Burnett stands in front of the junkyard at Boggs Auto Salvage & Sales.

Shelia Burnett lays in a hospital bed with Lauren at her side awaiting surgery. The surgery will determine how long she has to live depending on how much of the tumor can be removed. "I just wish there was more support out there for people to go through this. I don’t want to burden my family with the emotion. I try to be strong for my family," Burnett said.

Shelia, Lauren and Nelson wait in the hospital before Shelia goes into surgery. Shelia finds out from the anesthesiologist that because of her type II diabetes and other health problems that the surgery is riskier. "I’ve got a really rough challenge ahead of me but I’m hoping that I can survive it and see my daughter graduate. I want to see her get married. I want to see her grandchildren,"
 Burnett said.

Shelia Burnett reaches into her bucket of pills. The surgery successfully removed her tumor but because of the nature of the cancer it could reoccur. Her hours working at the family business have dropped to less than once a week as she recovers . Shelia was able to see Lauren graduate from New Franklin High School in May. 

Click here to view the multimedia version of Making My Daughter Stronger

Supermoon

I took a picture of supermoon from the parking lot of a Tim McGraw concert.

Week two at The DMN

Here are some images from the past week at The Dallas Morning News. It was a busy and fun week! Everyone I have met on assignment has been so welcoming. It's fun getting to know new parts of the state. This week took me to West, Hutchins, all parts of Dallas and DFW Airport (the airport is jointly owned by several cities so it has its own board of directors, weird).

Milo Managan, 4, watches the demolition of The West Terrace Apartments on June 13, 2013 in West. The Managan family has moved closer to West for the summer to assist in relief efforts. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in April when the fertilizer plant exploded. 

Phil Immicke, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in West,  watches the demolition of The West Terrace Apartments with Vaughn Managan, Milo Managan, 4, and Lily Managan, 7, on June 13, 2013 in West. The Managan family has moved closer to West for the summer to assist in relief efforts. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in April when the fertilizer plant exploded.

Volunteer Blake Johnson, 15, of Joshua takes a break in the back of a truck while working on houses on June 13, 2013 in West.  Across the street demolition has begun on The West Terrace Apartments led by West First Baptist Church. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in April when the fertilizer plant exploded.

Tanya Kwini Souleimane, Murdine Berry, Melody Afi Bell and Nicole White pictured at the Old Town Juneteenth Celebration that celebrates the life and culture of free African Black women and men in honor of Juneteenth on June 15, 2013 at the Berry-Morney Farm in Hutchins. Berry is the great-grandaughter of owners of the Berry-Morney Farm which was purchased by her family in 1876.

Allie Stevenson, 5, along with Jim Edmonson watch Dr. Rodney Stapp, Chief Executive Officer, joke around during the ribbon cutting at the Grand Opening of the The Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas on June 14, 2013 in Dallas. The center provides medical, dental care, job training and education to Native Americans in the area and has moved after 42 years from Oak Cliff to a new location in Dallas. 

Philip Kingston takes a phone call outside during the election night watch party for Dallas City Council District 14 on June 15, 2013 at The Pour House in Dallas.

Outgoing City Councilmember Angela Hunt congratulates Philip Kingston at his election party for Dallas City Council District 14 on June 15, 2013 at The Pour House in Dallas.

The Texas Music Teachers Association holds its 99th annual convention on June 15, 2013 at the Hyatt-Regency at DFW Airport. Several children played pianos simultaneously in front of a large audience

The Texas Music Teachers Association holds its 99th annual convention on June 15, 2013 at the Hyatt-Regency at DFW Airport. Several children played pianos simultaneously in front of a large audience

People attend the Father's Day Special at the Frontiers of Flight Museum on June 16, 2013 in Dallas. 

Christa Medrano poses with a car at the DUB Show Tour, featuring hundreds of show cars, on June 16, 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas.

Ama Ka Tura: People of The Land

Anthony Sul, a 22-year-old artist, is part of the Ohlone nation and identifies as Ama Ka Tura one of the “people of the land.” The tribe is indigenous to parts of California including San Francisco. Over the years, the landscape of San Francisco has changed and Sul works to advocate for indigenous people, educate and carry on cultural traditions. He proves that the Ohlone exist and carries on a living breathing culture.

I took a class this year at Missouri called Indigenous Geography. The course explored indigenous groups from all over the world and the connection to land, culture and intangible elements. However, I wanted to know more about Native Americans in present day as modern people who carry on cultural traditions.

For the Hearst Journalism Awards National Championship we were given the topic "What is the real San Francisco?" I started looking into the history of who lived in San Francisco before the land was built on. I talked to many members of the Ohlone tribe, which can be a loaded term as everyone identifies differently, and tried to learn as much as I could.

I met Anthony Sul, a 22 year old artist, and began photographing him. Anthony helped me understand and communicate that the indigenous people of California still exist.

Multimedia finalist Julia Wall finishing editing as the sun begins to rise.

During the championship "shootout" we had Monday evening, Tuesday and Wednesday to find a story, shoot and edit a multimedia. I wasn't able to start editing before Wednesday at 10 p.m. and the pieces were due at 8 a.m. Thursday. Thankfully, I had the support of the other multimedia finalists who hunkered down in a side room at the hotel. I felt so lucky to be surrounded by such a talented group who became teammates and friends.

You can watch the piece I produced below.



Ama Ka Tura: People of The Land from Sarah Hoffman on Vimeo.


Links to other pieces from Hearst:

Sam Wilson: Fit Me In
Julia Wall: The Lusty Lady Theatre

First Days in Dallas

It's been a crazy three weeks. Within the last few weeks I've graduated, moved to Dallas, started my internship, traveled to San Francisco to participate in Hearst and returned to Dallas to finish my first week. It's been incredible being surrounded by such a talented group of photographers and editors and I am so excited to learn from them. Here is a selection from the first part of my week.

Emma West pictured on May 30, 2013 under streetlights on William Dehaes Dr. in Irving. West has been lobbying the Irving city council for a year to install better streetlights outside her home.

Emma West pictured on May 30, 2013 under the streetlights she has been lobbying to replace outside her home on William Dehaes Dr. in Irving. West has been Irving city council meetings for a year and multiple city council members have toured her block. The city proposed spending $50,000 to change two light bulbs on her street but West told them she only wants the best lightbulbs. 

Emma West pictured on May 30, 2013 under brighter streetlights than the ones outside her home down the street on William Dehaes Dr. in Irving. West has been attending Irving city council meetings for a year lobbying to replace the streetlights on her end of the block. Multiple city council members have toured her block and the city proposed spending $50,000 to change two light bulbs on her street. West told them she only wants the best lightbulbs.

The next four portraits were for a section on local music producers. I brought Dynalites and a softbox with a fabric grid  (Thanks Gerry!) to have a little more control in the dark studios.

Music Producer Beau Bedford pictured on May 31, 2013 at Modern Electric Sound Recorders in Dallas. 

Record producer Paul Williams pictured on May 31, 2013 at Tomcast Studios in Dallas. 

Record producer Milo Deering pictured on May 31, 2013 at Acoustic Kitchen in Irving. Deering is known for playing several instruments including the guitar, mandolin, viola, dobro and the ukulele. 

Record producer Milo Deering pictured on May 31, 2013 at Acoustic Kitchen in Irving. Deering is known for playing several instruments including the guitar, mandolin, viola, dobro and the ukulele. 

Jennifer Libby, wife of the late officer John Libby II, is held by officers Ron Alexander and Sonia Henriques as the casket of officer John Libby II is carried out of the Family Worship Center on June 1, 2013 in McKinney. Libby was killed in a motorcycle accident on May 27, 2013

Rachel Stas leans on Vaden Todd Lewis at the KXT Summer Cut music festival featuring Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and The Avett Brothers on June 1, 2013 at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas. 

The Avett Brothers perform at KXT Summer Cut music festival on June 1, 2013 at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas. 

First week part II

Part II of my first week in Dallas.

Dale Robinson and Joseph Osbourn at Razzle Dazzle, a community festival in honor of LGBT Pride Month, on June 8, 2013 at Main Street Garden Park in Dallas.

Amy Henderson is fanned by Sidney Henderson at Razzle Dazzle, a community festival in honor of LGBT Pride Month, on June 8, 2013 at Main Street Garden Park in Dallas.

Ty Arois, Jake Tribianni, Topher Stone and Dante Micuccio attend Razzle Dazzle, a community festival in honor of LGBT Pride Month, on June 8, 2013 at Main Street Garden Park in Dallas.

The Rose Room cast performs at Razzle Dazzle, a community festival in honor of LGBT Pride Month, on June 8, 2013 at Main Street Garden Park in Dallas.

Kimberly Tran and Grace Salcido dance at Razzle Dazzle, a community festival in honor of LGBT Pride Month, on June 8, 2013 at Main Street Garden Park in Dallas.

David Rees cleans his 1966 Mustang Fastback at the Father’s Day Car & Truck Show featuring collector's automobiles, with the owners competing for cash prizes and other trophies, on June 9, 2013 in the parking lot of Town East Mall in Mesquite. 

KrisSandra Demus stands outside the auditorium with her daughter Leesa Demus, 6, at the closing ceremony for Pearl C. Anderson Middle Learning Center on June 9, 2013 in Dallas. 

Evelyn Morales is presented with a backpack for receiving one of the top three GPAs in the eighth grade class at the closing ceremony for Pearl C. Anderson Middle Learning Center on June 9, 2013 in Dallas.