MONROE — Community journalism began for me in January 1978, a photography internship for The Morning Sun, as I was attending Central Michigan University. This is where it all started. I fell in love with photography, telling the story through the lens with images. To this day, I can remember covering the blizzard of 1978.
It was May of 1979 when I joined The Monroe Evening News, right out of school. I did not think I got the job, as they were looking for a photographer/writer. I knew I had a decent portfolio, but the writing, well, let’s say it needed improvement. Well, you know the outcome, the editors decided on photographs!
Kody Fitch, 11, of Maybee could not hold back the tears after he won his division 2 medium size steers in the 4-H steer show at the Monroe County Fair Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Held by his father Tobie Fitch and with his sister Jordyn Fitch. Kody is a member of the Barnyard Clovers 4-H in Maybee.
So, the career began.
This veteran of 46 years has seen the industry change over the years. It started with taking images in black and white film and processing in the darkroom to make prints. Then, it was onto scanning color negatives and slides. Finally, taking photographs digital, with the computer is the darkroom. To this day, I miss working with black and white prints in the darkroom.
River Raisin Ballet Company dancers Ashken Aaron, Emily Bellino, and guest Josh Mohler of Monroe and Jeff Boze of Holland, Ohio wait behind the curtains as they rehearse the ballroom scene of the production Cinderella. Mohler and Bose who are playing the role of the step sisters shaved their heads after rehearsal April 16, 2023.
My career has been with The Monroe Evening News, Monroe County Community College, The Observer and Eccentric Newspapers, freelance for the Monroe Magazine and back with The Monroe News.
These past 10 years, after rejoining The Monroe News, I feel has been some of my best work. I have made so many contacts that I feel this has made me a better photojournalist. I have had a lot of passion for my work, telling the stories with photographs and, at times, with words.
Tears flowed down Maricella Ramirez, 34, cheeks as she talks about her years of mental illness at the Oaks Homeless Shelter May 5, 2023. “I am putting my life together, I have goals,” said Ramirez.
My top three images are for 2023 that I have chosen:
Number one: The little boy who won with his steer in his division at the Monroe County Fair. It was a priceless moment.
Number two: The two men who played the step sisters in the ballet of Cinderella at the RRCA. Just loved the contrast of them waiting to practice with the girls in the show.
Number three: The tears of Maricella as she told her story of mental issues and alcoholism.
After the top three, I could not decide on which photograph would be next in my top 10. I picked out 20 news/feature images from 2023. You can decide as you can look at the online gallery.Well, thank you, Monroe County, for letting me into your lives, as a photojournalist it is much appreciated.
At this point, I am not sure what path I will continue to follow, but telling stories with images is my passion.
Juin Poineau speaks out against bulling at the “Justice for Gary” anti-bulling rally at Monroe Middle School Friday, April 28, 2023 directed at Monroe Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Shaw. Poineau daughter Mackenzea Coots is a seventh grader at Monroe Middle School.
The recent snow fall Sunday, January 22, 2023 with warmer temperatures created this pictorial image of the sledders having fun on the hill at Munson Park but also reflections in the pond that is not frozen.
Supporters of Pastor Heather Boone, the Oaks Homeless Shelter and the need for help of mental health individuals wore duck tape over their mouths to represent that they are suppose to be silent as they gather for prayer before attending the Monroe Community Mental Health Authority Board Meeting Thursday, March 2, 2023. “It represents the fact the CMH wants to silence us,” texted Pastor Boone.
Miss Monroe County Payton Perry-Radcliffe and Miss Monroe County Teen MaKayla Dickinson have a little fun taking a selfie photo while attending the Alzheimer’s Walk in Monroe. Payton and MaKayla competed in Muskegon for the Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Teen.
Artist Tony Wavy formerly from Monroe, now living in Lexington, KY has painted the mural on the fencing of the Selma Rankins Community Garden June 11, 2023 as part of the art, culture, community Monroe, Mi Summer 23 plnting seeds program.
Brad Booth as Santa waits for his turn to have his beard trimmed and a haircut by barber John Burden owner of JB’s Barbershop in downtown Monroe Dec. 1, 2023 as he cuts the hair of Alex Pierpoint.
Monroe County Sheriff Department Detective Josh Motylinski and Deputy Mike Stahl reflected in the computer screen of what was being seen from the new Kongsberg MS1000 360 degree SONAR for the first time being used at Lake Monroe (former quarry) in Monroe Twn. April 5, 2023.
Tom Hawley has been photographing high school sports for 46 years, above at Michigan State University for the softball state finals. Tom Hawley/The Monroe News
