Alternate Crop » nate billings

Trip to Tener’s for the Jim Thorpe winner

nate billings — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:25:51 +0000

Jim Thorpe Award winner Morris Claiborne, left, is fitted for a cowboy hat by Tener's Western Outfitters general manager Heath Jones in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 6, 2012. Tener's gives the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award a pair of cowboy boots and hat each year. Photo By Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

While the banquet for the Jim Thorpe Award is tonight, maybe the coolest part of the winner Morris Claiborne’s trip to Oklahoma City happened yesterday when he visited Tener’s Western Outfitters to receive his cowboy hat and pair of boots. Staff photographer Steve Gooch was there for the annual tradition.

Jim Thorpe Award winner Morris Claiborne looks for a pair of boots at Tener's Western Outfitters in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 6, 2012. Tener's gives the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award a pair of cowboy boots and hat each year. Photo By Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…

Border Collies in Norman

nate billings — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:47:31 +0000

Here’s a nice weather feature from Steve Sisney in Norman:

Lester Seat exercises his two border collies, Scout, 3, and Kitt, 18 months, as they take advantage of sun and moderate temperatures at Andrews Park on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…

Oklahoma National Guard homecoming

nate billings — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:02:38 +0000

Spc. Adam Nicely, Wagoner, is greeted by his girlfriend Shae Bellis, 20, as members of the Oklahoma National Guard are welcomed by family and friends on their return from Afghanistan on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Steve Sisney covered the return of members of the Oklahoma National Guard from Afghanistan on Thursday.

Click here for a gallery with photos from this homecoming.

Richard Higgins greets his son Bryson, 4-months, as he and other members of the Oklahoma National Guard return from Afghanistan on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

Spc. Galen Scott is greeted by his six-month-old son Benjamin and his wife Jennifer at a ceremony where he and other members of the Oklahoma National Guard were welcomed by family and friends upon their return from Afghanistan on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…

Fiesta Bowl Champions

nate billings — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:52:18 +0000

Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (3) celebrates with fans following the Fiesta Bowl between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Stanford Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

I was looking back through the photos taken at OSU’s victory over Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl a few days ago, and these are some of my favorites.

And, in case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s a gallery with even more pictures from the game.

Oklahoma State's Markelle Martin (10) tackles Stanford's Ty Montgomery (88)during the Fiesta Bowl between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Stanford Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and coach Mike Gundy celebrate after winning the Fiesta Bowl between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Stanford Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (3) scores a touchdown during the Fiesta Bowl between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Stanford Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…

I root for good pictures.

nate billings — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:33:34 +0000

Kendrick Perkins (5) celebrates along with fans and head coach Scott Brooks, right, after Kevin Durant (35), left, hit the game-winning shot as time expired in an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Oklahoma City won, 104-102. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

I’m often asked when photographing sports who I’m rooting for. I always give the same selfish answer, “I’m rooting for good pictures.” It’s nice to see the local teams I cover do well because it’s good for our community and our business here at The Oklahoman and NewsOK, but what I really want are exciting plays that make compelling pictures.

Last night’s game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks put me through the typical thought process I have during a close game that would probably seem completely foreign to most sports fans. With 1.4 seconds left, Vince Carter hit shot to give the Mavericks the lead. At this point, things looked grim for the Thunder and fans were probably not feeling too great about the team’s chances, but I felt good because I had a nice shot of the Mavericks celebrating. If the Thunder go on to lose, I’ve made a compelling picture of the key moment of the game. If Oklahoma City pulls out a win, I’ve got a chance for more exciting photos.

Vince Carter (25) and Jason Terry (31), right, of Dallas celebrate a shot by Carter with 1.4 seconds left to give the Mavericks a 102-101 lead in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Kevin Durant hit a shot as time expired to give Oklahoma City a 104-102 win. In the background is Jason Kidd. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Kevin Durant’s buzzer beater made the above photograph worthless for the next day’s paper, but provided some nice reaction too.

Oklahoma City fans react after Kevin Durant (35) hit the game-winning shot as time expired in an NBA basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Oklahoma City won, 104-102. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Part of being a sports photographer is sometimes making good pictures that end up being worthless because of the outcome of the game. Sometimes what we wish could be the play of the game just turns out to be another dunk, turnover or touchdown, a nice shot graphically without much meaning to the story of the game. Lucky for me, in the process of ruining the need for my Dallas celebration shot, Kevin Durant gave me the opportunity for some new nice pictures.

If you’ve got the time, check out this photo gallery from the game.

-Nate Billings

…

Afternoon at the Oklahoma City Zoo

nate billings — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:45:46 +0000

A cormorant takes flight with a white pelican in the background at the Oklahoma City Zoo lake during its migration south in Oklahoma City, Thursday December, 8, 2011. Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman.

We’ve been a little behind on posting here lately. I hope this will start things back up.

Steve Gooch spent some time at the Oklahoma City Zoo earlier this month and made some nice pictures of birds at the lake. Here’s some of his shots, and you can see more in this photo gallery.

White pelicans make a stop at the Oklahoma City Zoo lake during its migration south in Oklahoma City, Thursday December, 8, 2011. Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman.

A group of white pelicans make a stop at the Oklahoma City Zoo lake during their migration south in Oklahoma City, Thursday December, 8, 2011. Oklahoman Photo by Steve Gooch

A cormorant takes flight at the Oklahoma City Zoo lake during its migration south in Oklahoma City, Thursday December, 8, 2011. Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman.

-Nate Billings…

Bedlam Football Overhead

nate billings — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:09:34 +0000

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon (81) celebrates with the crowd following the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

During the celebration after yesterday’s Bedlam football game, Bryan Terry took a different angle from the rest of our team and photographed from the roof of Boone Pickens Stadium. He took some shots of the Spirit Walk from up high before the game as well. Here’s some of Bryan’s pictures from overhead.

Also, check out this gallery with other pictures from The Oklahoman of OSU’s 44-10 win over OU.

Oklahoma State fans rush the field after the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma State fans celebrate following the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The green arms holding a camera off to the left in the above photo belong to me, by the way.

Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (3) celebrates with fans following the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert (4) celebrates with fans following the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

A stretcher is passed down to the field as Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (3) makes his way out of the crowd following the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The OSU team makes their way to the stadium during the Spirit Walk before the Bedlam college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the University of Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

And remember to check out more Bedlam football pictures in this gallery.

-Nate Billings

…

OSU Memorial Service

nate billings — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:55:26 +0000

Oklahoma State women's interim basketball coach Jim Littell lowers his head as he speaks during the memorial service for Oklahoma State head basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 in Stillwater, Okla. The two were killed in a plane crash along with former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula while on a recruiting trip in central Arkansas last Thursday. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

On Monday, Oklahoma State held a memorial service for head women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda Serna, former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula who were killed in a plane crash the week before.

View photos from the service here.

Below are links to our other galleries related to the crash:

OSU reacts to the crash.

Miranda Serna at OSU.

Head coach Kurt Budke.

Alex Budke comforts his mother Shelley as she wipes a tear from her face while with her son Brett and daughter Sara during the memorial service for Oklahoma State head basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 in Stillwater, Okla. The two were killed in a plane crash along with former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula while on a recruiting trip in central Arkansas last Thursday. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

ormer Oklahoma State women's basketball player Megan Byford is overcome by emotion during the memorial service for Oklahoma State head basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 in Stillwater, Okla. The two were killed in a plane crash along with former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula while on a recruiting trip in central Arkansas last Thursday. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Texas A&M women's basketball coach Gary Blair signs the memory banner during the memorial service for Oklahoma State head basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 in Stillwater, Okla. The two were killed in a plane crash along with former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula while on a recruiting trip in central Arkansas last Thursday. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Coach Kurt Budkey's orange blazer hangs from a seat on the sideline during the memorial service for Oklahoma State head basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 in Stillwater, Okla. The two were killed in a plane crash along with former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula while on a recruiting trip in central Arkansas last Thursday. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Members of the Oklahoma State family join arm in arm to sing the alma mater during the memorial service for Oklahoma State head basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 in Stillwater, Okla. The two were killed in a plane crash along with former state senator Olin Branstetter and his wife Paula while on a recruiting trip in central Arkansas last Thursday. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…

OKC Boathouse District at dusk

nate billings — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:42:27 +0000

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower at dusk on the Oklahoma River, Friday, November 11, 2011. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman

Doug Hoke made some beautiful photos of Oklahoma City’s growing Boathouse District last Friday evening before a society assignment he had there.

Check out more of his photos from the Boathouse District in this gallery.

Devon Boathouse at dusk on the Oklahoma River, Friday, November 11, 2011. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…

Veterans Day in Oklahoma

nate billings — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:45:19 +0000

John Marshall High School Air Force JROTC Kahlil Denson presents the colors during the 45th Infantry Museum's Veterans Day ceremony in Oklahoma City , Friday November, 11, 2011. Photo by Steve Gooch

More important than being 11-11-11, Friday was Veterans Day. Across the country, communities honored our veterans, and photographers hoped color guard members would be wearing polished helmets at the ceremonies (it always makes a pretty picture).

Thank you, veterans. We appreciate your service and sacrifice.

Here are more of our Veterans Day photos.

William D. Trumbly, Norman, stands at the Cleveland County Veterans Memorial wearing his World War II uniform with his Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals during the Veterans Day ceremony in Norman Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. Trumbly was a 1st Lieutenant in the 2nd Infantry in Europe and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. Photo by Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman

Retired Air Force SSgt. Brown Hudson (left) and Dr. Calvin Turpin, retired Army PFC, salute during the presentation of the colors, as the University of Central Oklahoma Veteran Support Alliance honors veterans with a ceremony on Veterans Day at UCO's Plunkett Park in Edmond, OK, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. By Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings…