Today was the one year anniversary of the shootings at Northern Illinois University which took the lives of 6 students, including the gunman. So far in my three months of being a photographer here in DeKalb, I have been on NIU’s campus numerous times. It is possibly the strongest focal point of the city’s community.
I was not here last year for the actual shootings. Instead, I get to cover the tail end of one year’s worth of asking “why?”
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 50 ISO, f2.8 at 1/640 of a sec
I was assigned the last third of the day which included events such as the laying of the memorial wreaths, and the candle light vigil.
At the beginning of my day, a huge line of mourners processed past the planned memorial site outside of Cole Hall, the building where the shootings occurred.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 24mm f1.4, 50 ISO, f1.4 at 1/3200 of a sec
From right, the president of NIU and the chairwoman of the board of trustees lead the procession of the memorial wreaths.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 125 ISO, f2.8 at 1/2500 of a sec
The parents of one of the victims walk past the 5 crosses during the procession of the wreaths.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 125 ISO, f2.8 at 1/2000 of a sec
The president of NIU takes some personal time with the memorial site.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 125 ISO, f2.8 at 1/1000 of a sec
Governor Pat Quinn walks past the memorial site after laying down a wreath.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 125 ISO, f2.8 at 1/1600 of a sec
Pastor Diane Dardon held a small prayer vigil at the Lutheran Campus Ministry Center. The cross behind her was set on fire by unknown assailants last year. Dardon started controversy when she put up 6 crosses on the center’s lawn (1 extra cross in remembrance of the shooter), instead of the typical five crosses for the five victims.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 2500 ISO, f2.8 at 1/80 of a sec
The candle light vigil is where the 5D Mark 2s began to shine.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 24mm f1.4, 1600 ISO, f1.4 at 1/60 of a sec
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 70-200mm f2.8, 5000 ISO, f2.8 at 1/80 of a sec
Roses were stuffed into the door handles to Cole Hall, the location of last year’s shootings.
Canon 5D Mark 2 with 24mm f1.4, 50 ISO, f1.4 at 1/400 of a sec
Comments 7
Such beautiful images of healing, Beck. Good job!
Nancy, NIU ‘72
Posted 15 Feb 2009 at 11:12 am ¶hahaha. those are your shots? i just pulled those last night from ap. i figured they were ap’s and didn’t bother to look. guess you’re back in the DI slideshow. high five. and that one shot of the pres. is the same as wesley’s- did u see him there.. ?
Posted 15 Feb 2009 at 1:04 pm ¶I really liked the candles one, but i was like- why did spencer tilt it… I shoulda known it was you.
Posted 15 Feb 2009 at 1:06 pm ¶That 5k ISO noise is still a bit distracting, but the first candle image is just of a superb quality. Not that I haven’t been sold on that camera before, but now I see how much better that 1.2 can make that camera…just outstanding combo of glass and sensor.
Posted 15 Feb 2009 at 1:59 pm ¶Yeah 5K is not as good as the D3 or D700, but at 21MP it doesn’t really show in print.
My favorite combos so far are the 5D with the 24 1.4 or the 5D and 85 1.8.
Posted 15 Feb 2009 at 2:03 pm ¶From my generation, looking at the image of the parents walking “between” the two crosses, I can’t imagine the pain they have suffered in this past year. But the photo captures it, with just a hint of healing after time has passed….Dad
Posted 16 Feb 2009 at 12:04 am ¶Beck, Beautiful pictures, there was a real sense of comfort to see you that night and exchange an embrace. You captured the hope and the warmth we felt that night. I was especially moved when the crowd began to spontaneously chant “red and black.” Matt and I continue to enjoy your fine work. We need to have you over soon,
Posted 01 Mar 2009 at 12:36 am ¶Thanks for sharing your gifts, Judy
Trackbacks & Pingbacks 1
[...] My first major story with some really great play was the 1 year anniversary of the shooting at Northern Illinois University. [...]
Post a Comment