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UFC Fight Night

nate billings — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:14:45 +0000

Melvin Guillard rests between rounds during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Bryan Terry photographed the UFC Fight Night, a mixed martial arts event, in Oklahoma City on Wednesday. I think fights in general can be pretty tough to photograph. I imagine a fence between the photographers and the participants doesn’t make it any easier (although the fence does add to the ambiance of some pictures, I think). Below are some of the shots Bryan took.

If you’d like to see a gallery of even more pics from UFC Fight Night, click here.

Blood drips from the face of Justin Buchholz after his loss to Jeremy Stephens during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Justin Buchholz reacts after his loss to Jeremy Stephens during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Nate Diaz, left, celebrates after beating Melvin Guillard during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans reach out to Roger Huerta as he enters the arena before his UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Melvin Guillard, left, fights Nate Diaz during UFC Fight Night at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

For more UFC Fight Night photos, click here.

-Nate Billings

The Fair, Football and Rain

nate billings — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:50:04 +0000

Usually the start of the Oklahoma State Fair brings rain to Oklahoma City. This year the rain showed up a week or so early. I managed to get soaked at the Mustang at Edmond North football game last week. It took about two days to get my equipment dried out properly (even with protective gear) just in time for the OSU vs. Houston game. And since the fair began yesterday, something tells me we may have to deal with more weather on the sidelines the next two weekends.

Here’s a few pictures I like that we didn’t have space to put in the paper that are of the State Fair, football and rain.

Members of the Edmond North band cheer in the rain with other students and fans before the high school football game between Mustang and Edmond North at Wantland Stadium in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 10, 2009. The game was eventually postponed until Saturday due to the weather. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

A man climbs on a ladder up the face of a video board before the college football game between the University of Houston Cougars and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, September 12, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

OSU's Dez Bryant (1) stands on the gate in front of the team before taking the field for the college football game between the University of Houston Cougars and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, September 12, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Chandler Hardy, 2010 Miss Oklahoma State Fair's Outstanding Teen, talks with Kylie Hart, 4, and Kylie's mother, Jana Hardy, of Oklahoma City, during the Oklahoma State Fair at State Fair Park in Oklahoma Ctiy, Thursday, September 17, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Regan The Entertainer, right, tries to get a reaction from eight-month-old William East, of Luther, Okla., as his parents, Rebecca East and Billie East, looks up during the Oklahoma State Fair at State Fair Park in Oklahoma Ctiy, Thursday, September 17, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Football time in Oklahoma

nate billings — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:53:18 +0000

The Langston band performs during a college football game between Langston and New Mexico Prep at Langston University, Saturday, August 29, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

This week marks the official launch of football season in Oklahoma. Last week we had a warm-up with a couple of real games that we covered, courtesy of Langston University and Casady School. However, this week things are full speed ahead with a full slate of high school games and OU and OSU beginning their seasons. We’ll have updates from the college openers later this weekend and some more high school photos in our galleries too.

Here’s some photos shot during the games last night and another I liked from Casady’s first game last week. To see a gallery of more of our photos from last night, click here.

Casady quarterback Cale Shivers (9) dives for a touchdown in the second quarter during the high school football game between Casady and Fort Worth All Saints at Casady School in Oklahoma City, Friday, August 28, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Norman High School players take the field to play Norman North in high school football at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium§on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (OU) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Putnam City's N.J. Ape (18) makes a touchdown catch in front of Choctaw's Dylan Sigman (2) during the high school football game between Choctaw and Putnam City at Putnam City Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, September 3, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

The Putnam City pom squad dances during the high school football game between Choctaw and Putnam City at Putnam City Stadium in Oklahoma City, Thursday, September 3, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Edmond Memorial's Blake Umberham throws the ball past Southmoore's Mason Myers, left, and Kimes Gilbert during the high school football game between Southmoore and Edmond Memorial at Wantland Stadium at UCO in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Edmond Memorial fans cheer for their team during the kickoff before the high school football game between Southmoore and Edmond Memorial at Wantland Stadium at UCO in Edmond, Okla., Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Timberwolves' Jamar Harrison loses the ball as he is tackled near the end zone by Rashad Parker (4) as Norman High School plays Norman North in high school football at Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium§on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (OU) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

The best rodeo in Oklahoma

nate billings — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:52:24 +0000

Austin Vincent, of Des Moines, New Mexico, jumps on his steer in the steer wrestling event during the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Friday, July, 17, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

We cover a lot of rodeos at The Oklahoman. The one that our photo staff looks forward to the most every year is the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee. The great thing about the IFYR is that most of the competition happens during the day. Rodeo can make great pictures, however, most of the rodeos we photograph happen at night or in dark, dingy arenas.

The beautiful atmosphere of this rodeo really comes through in the sun. The daylight allows us to use higher shutter speeds to stop the action better as well. So, the IFYR is the best rodeo, for pictures at least, in Oklahoma.

Here are some photos and galleries of pictures from the competition.

July 13, 2009.

July 14, 2009.

July 15, 2009 in the evening.

July 16, 2009.

July 17, 2009.

July 18, 2009.

Cody Carlton of Mims, Florida, gets thrown off a horse during saddle bronc at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla. Thursday, July 16, 2009. Photo by Ashley McKee, The Oklahoman

Tyler Taylor, of Stephenville, Texas., kneels down to say a prayer before his go in the bull riding event during the second day of competition in the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Tuesday, July, 14, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Landon Parrish, from Kayenta, AZ, holds on the shoot rail as the bull he was trying to ride gets out of the gate early at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Wednesday, July 15 , 2009. Photo By David McDaniel, The Oklahoman.

Cole Miller, Lahoma, Okla., wears a friend's hat while that cowboy competes in bull riding during an evening session of the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Bullfighter Rob Gann gets rammed by a bull at the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Thursday, July, 16, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps,The Oklahoman

Stetson Cravens of Eufaula, Okla., falls to the ground after being dragged by a bucking bronc during the bareback bronc at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla. Thursday, July 16, 2009. Photo by Ashley McKee, The Oklahoman

Taylor Hayes, of Bryan, Texas., tapes up his wrist as he prepares for his go in the bull riding event during the second day of competition in the International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Shawnee Expo Center on Tuesday, July, 14, 2009, in Shawnee, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Cody Tyler White, of Choctaw, Okla., competes in bull riding during the final round of the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Saturday, July 18, 2009. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Okie Noodling

nate billings — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 22:32:53 +0000

Marion Kincaid of Peru, Kansas, unloads a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Bryan Terry went yesterday to the weigh-in of the Okie Noodling Tournament, where people catch flathead catfish with only their bare hands, in Pauls Valley, Okla. Men with bloody knuckles heaving flatheads can make for some images you don’t see every day. Bryan said the event was saturated with professional photographers and video crews. No doubt some of this popularity is due to the “Okie Noodling” series of documentaries about this unique tournament. Here’s some pictures from the weigh-in.

Jon Bridges of Bartlesville, Okla., brings in a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Lee McFarlin of Stillwater, Okla., demonstrates noodling during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans watch as a catfish is brought in during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Marion Kincaid of Peru, Kansas unloads a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A catfish is unloaded before being weighed during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans watch catfish swim in tanks after their during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Jon Bridges of Bartlesville, Okla., brings in a catfish during the Okie Noodling Tournament in Pauls Valley, Okla., Saturday, July 11, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Fourth of July wrap-up

nate billings — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:39:52 +0000

Fans watch fireworks at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Saturday July 4, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

The photographers of The Oklahoman were out in force to cover Independence Day. The weather shifted from nice to muggy and then rain in the evening. I’m glad we got the rain, but just wish it had happened either the day before or the day after. The RedHawks didn’t play their baseball game, but did have fireworks. Other fireworks shows were postponed. Here are some of the photos from the day.

To see a gallery from events around the metro area, click here.

For former President George W. Bush’s Independence Day visit to Woodward, click here.

A gallery of photos from Edmond’s LibertyFest parade is here.

And Bryan Terry did a cool time-lapse video from the LibertyFest parade that we highlighted in this blog entry.

Jesse Hardiman and Ava Welch, 1, walk during Bethany's Centennial Freedom Festival, Saturday, July 4, 2009, at Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Boy Scouts carry a huge American flag in the LibertyFest Parade in downtown Edmond, OK, Saturday, July 4, 2009. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

Trent Nondorf, 4, left, and Ethan Nondorf, 2, wait for the start of the Quail Creek Fourth of July parade in Oklahoma City, Saturday, July 4, 2009. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Kristen Gregory sported a festive Fourth of July headband during LibertyFest at UCO campus in Edmond, Okla. Saturday, July 4, 2009. Photo by Ashley McKee, The Oklahoman

Former President George W. Bush and wife, Laura, were given a warm reception when they arrived at Woodward's July 4th celebration and re-dedication of Crystal Beach Park. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Lauren Atkins, 9, from Norman, eats free watermelon at the Norman Independence Day Celebration at Reaves Park in Norman, Okla., on Saturday, July 4, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Darren Ransley slides on the tarp during a rain delay of the Oklahoma City RedHawks and Omaha Royals at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Saturday July 4, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall

nate billings — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:23:11 +0000

Bryan Terry just turned in this photo from the traveling recreation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial known as the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall. The Wall arrived in Piedmont, Okla., tonight and will be there until Sunday, July 5.

A person is reflected in the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall as it is assembled at Piedmont High School on Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Sparks America Bikers Week

nate billings — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:21:37 +0000

I don’t think this photo by Jim Beckel will make it into the newspaper. However, it works perfectly well here. To see a photo gallery of other pictures from bike rally, click here.

A man reclines on his motorcycle while waiting to participate in bike games at the Sparks America Bikers Week in Lincoln County, June 19, 2009 . He is not identified, but people at the rally called him Nature Man. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Lawn mower racing

nate billings — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:18:44 +0000

Here are some pictures and a video of the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower races by staffer Bryan Terry. This looks like entirely too much fun.

Kyle Ramos races during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

ndrew Barrow races during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Fans watch as riders line up to enter the track during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Mark Hall, left, races in front of Jordan Macias, and Jim Petit during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A mower is pictured before the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Jessica Shatto bumps fists with her father Jack before a race during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower races in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Jessica Shatto races during the El Reno Grascar Association lawn mower race in El Reno, Saturday, June 6, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

Your AP monthly contest results

nate billings — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:03:59 +0000

I have gotten behind on posting our department’s winning images from the monthly AP photo contest. Here are our winners from recent months. Congratulations to all.

FIRST PLACE, FEBRUARY: Residents work to clean up damage to a home in the Oak Tree housing addition on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, after a tornado hit the area on Tuesday in Edmond, Okla. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

THIRD PLACE, FEBRUARY: Firefighters work to extinguish flames in a barn that was set ablaze by a grass fire near SE 108th and Maguire Road in Slaughterville, Oklahoma, on Friday February 20, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

SECOND PLACE, ARPIL: Flames leap out of a broken gas line in Midwest City, Okla., Thursday, April 9, 2009. Fire crews in Oklahoma and Texas raced Thursday to control wind-whipped wildfires that destroyed dozens of homes, forced evacuations and shut down parts of a major highway. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

THIRD PLACE, APRIL: Iowa Tribe volunteer firefighter David Milby with his wife Bonnie Milby at the Integris Baptist Burn Center in Oklahoma City Monday, April 13, 2009. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman

FIRST PLACE, MAY: Oklahoma City public school students swim during the Wacky Water Wahoo water safety class at White Water, on Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Oklahoma City. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

SECOND PLACE, MAY: Graduates watch fireworks following the 2009 University of Oklahoma Commencement at the Gaylord Family -- Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Friday, May 15, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings