This is the End

I’ve never once had the urge to be involved in journalism, in any way. But, in a galaxy far away, a long
time ago, I let Jeremy Smith talk me into starting what was supposed to be a sports blog. The idea was
that we would follow the Demopolis Tigers football team around, with Jeremy writing game stories and
me taking the photos. We hoped that we would be able to appeal to the generous side of some of the
parents and get gas money to travel to away games.

That idea blossomed when Danny Smith approached Jeremy with a legitimate business plan, not
knowing that Jeremy and I had already started the blog. A full blown news business was not really what I
had envisioned, but I was good with going along for the ride. Shooting football games in the fall turned
into all kinds of photos – sports, not sports and everything in between.

By far, my favorite subject matter has been sports – probably because I played football, basketball and
baseball in my youth. I’ve watched a lot of athletes “grow up and move on” to other phases of their lives
– college, getting married, having kids and, well, other things that could have turned out better. (Yes, I’m
kinda honest about what I see – if you ask me.)

I’ve taken a lot of photos over the last 10 years. After Jeremy wandered off, it was necessary that I start
writing and not just photographing. I learned more than I never (yes, never) wanted to know about AP
style and I still fight myself when I know I need to use it. I’ve been able to cover/photograph things I
never thought I would and I’ve had to cover/photograph things I wish I hadn’t. I’ve made friends that I
never would have, being in the places that I’ve been because of WAW.

To cut to the chase, here I am ten years later, staring at the end of what started in the early days of
August 2012. It’s been a pain in the rear sometimes, but rewarding most of the time. I’ll leave you all
with these words of wisdom that I’ve shared with many parents over the years – keep your finger out of
your nose, because if I have my camera and I see you, I’ll definitely get a shot of it.

“I regret to announce — this is The End…” –Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of the Ring