valentine's day barbershop quartet... and a quintet.

On Valentine's Day, I got to follow not one, but two singing Valentine's groups. Hardcore!

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

munshkins in training.

A local kids dance class learns the moves so they can play munshkins when "The Wizard of Oz" comes to Rapid City.

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

ropers.

this image is © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

wrestling under the spotlight.

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

cutting like a buffalo.

Black Hills Buffalo Classic Sale.

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

x-treme bull riders... after the ride.

I wanted to do a portrait series to get the ball rolling in 2011. I decided upon the x-treme bull riders after they ride the bull because it would give a different look for the readers. Usually we photograph the bull riders while riding and from the sidelines (or at least from a distance). Yes, these pictures too are from the sidelines. However, I hope they bring out more of the riders' personality on an individual level... rather than the usual visuals where they are accompanied by a bull.

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

bustin' muttons.

Can't go wrong with mutton busting. For you city folk, thats where kids ride sheep.

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

these images are © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.

snowfall.

While the rest of country received significant snowfall this week, Rapid City only got a small trickling. I found this outside the Stock Show.

monogenic neonatal diabetes.

Jacob used to have six to eight insulin injections a day. Now he gets to take two pills a day.

this image is © 2011 Rapid City Journal and may not be reprinted or used without permission.