In Sight

Today I spent the morning at the Mianus River Trout Management Area in Stamford, Conn. for opening day of fishing season.  The overcast, gray sky provided perfect light for my fishing photos and a few scenics as well.  It was a beautiful morning for a walk in the park.  Check out Wynne Parry’s print exclusive story and more images in Sunday’s Advocate.

A Barbie doll styling head sits on the street as kids ride bikes on Scofield Avenue during school break in Stamford, Conn. on Friday April 16, 2010.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

This was one of those “must turn around and take a second look” moments.  I was in the car with Advocate editorial intern Olivia Just, returning from an assignment at Stamford Hospital, when we spotted the lone head.  I jumped out to grab a shot when a group of kids bolted by on their bikes.  The first rider warned the others that “there was a head in the road.  It’s kind of scary but don’t run it over.”  Just another normal day in the life of an Advocate photographer.

Ethan Morris, 5,  finishes off a bag of popcorn outside his house at Ursula Park Townhouses in Stamford, Conn. on Tuesday April 13,  2010.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

A line forms around Dairy Queen on Summer Street on a unseasonably warm day in Stamford, Conn. on Thursday April 8, 2010.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

Nothing represents the return of spring more than the opening of Dairy Queen, which is conveniently located right down the street from my house.  The minute I see those windows open and a smiling teenager inside, I know summer is right around the corner.  I think it’s time for a Blizzard…the kind that comes in a cup.

Parishioners gather for the traditional Polish Easter blessing of the food at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stamford, Conn. on Saturday April 3, 2010.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

According to the website, annhetzelgunkel.com, Swieconka is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions.  Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday.  The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood, the typical Easter evergreen.

Although today I saw Peeps, chocolate bars and jelly beans in many baskets.  It was a sweet Swieconka.  Happy Easter!

TOP: Parishioners and residents participate in the Good Friday Stations of the Cross procession from Cummings Beach to Our Lady of Montserrat Church in Stamford, Conn. on Friday April 2,  2010.  ABOVE: A cable repairman tends to some wires as the procession makes its way down Soundview Avenue.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

I always find that this event offers some of the best photo opportunities of the season.  It attracts a large crowd and for as long as I can remember, the weather’s been beautiful.  But this year the calm, solemn mood of the day was interrupted as a cable repairman got stuck in the middle and an angry neighbor was demanding that he finish quickly.  With little regard for the peaceful nature of the procession, the neighbor declared that he didn’t need to be quiet and we were on his property.  It was a good Friday for all, except one.

SLIDESHOW: A collection of photos from over the years.

4/01/2010

After nearly seven years in the Advocate’s photo department, I’m moving on – though not very far.

Monday I began a new job as the web producer for the stamfordadvocate.com and greenwichtime.com. Making the decision to hang up the cameras and take a desk job was a difficult one, but I’m excited about the new job and the responsibilities that come with it.

Through my job at the newspaper, I’ve come to know a lot of people around town – a true cross-section of our city – and this is what I’m going to miss most. It’s true that I won’t be on the road anymore, but I still live and work in town, so I’ll see you guys around…If anybody even recognizes me without a couple of cameras around my neck.

-CP