Rebecca Tyberg, a junior at Piedmont High School, puts on her blindfold as she enters a ballroom for Dining in the dark at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

Boone Pickens, center, holds court for a group of past and present Holdenville, Okla. residents during game day of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the Grambling State University Tigers at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Stillwater, Okla. By Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoman Photo Department has been busy in the last seven days. Henry Bellmon’s funeral, OU vs. Miami football, a feature story about T. Boone Pickens and, of course, high school football are a few of the assignments we’ve photographed. Here are a few images that stand out over the last week.

Gov. Brad Henry and his wife Kim pay their respects at the casket of former governor Henry Bellmon as they remove it from the State Capitol on Friday, Oct. 1, 2009, in Oklahoma City, Okla. By Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman.

Miami's Thearon Collier (28) just misses catching a pass in front of OU's Quinton Carter (20) during the college football game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners and the University of Miami (UM) Hurricanes at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Saturday, October 3, 2009. Miami won, 21-20. By Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

Doug Hoke with his denim 1970's photo vest and retro look.

OSU coach Mike Gundy and OSU president Burns Hargis watch as Boone Pickens cuts the ribbon to officially open the new stadium before the college football game between OSU and the University of Georgia at Boone Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

When I started coming to Stillwater for The Oklahoman the stadium was not much more than rusty bleachers and now it is one of the finest facilities in the Big 12 if not the country. As I made my way through the press box and worked the sidelines there were only 5 faces I saw that had been around as long. Mike Holder who was golf coach back then is now the Athletic Director. Pat Quinn was the SID when I started, but long since retired. Dr. Cooper is still patrolling the sidelines as is Steve Ingram, an OSU campus police officer who I have seen just about every season. And John Biever with Sports Illustrated was at the game too.

Not many working peers left, but lots of athletes in front of the lens. A few stand out. The best receiver I ever covered was Hart Lee Dykes. The guy could catch anything thrown his direction. Speaking of throwing, another OSU player named Mike Gundy stands out. Don’t know if he’s the best, but I have covered him at MWC high school, OSU as a player and now a coach. That’s history.

Hart Lee Dykes is congratulated by teammates after a touchdown in 1988 against Texas A&M. Photo by Doug Hoke.

OSU head coach Pat Jones, left, talks with an assistant coach as quarterback Mike Gundy looks on Saturday. Photo by Doug Hoke

oach Mike Gundy talks with an official during the college football game between OSU and the University of Georgia at Boone Pickens Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman.

Thurman Thomas and a guy named Barry Sanders are near the top of the running back list. But my favorite all time running back to photograph was Billy Sims. I just like the way he glided around the field. Add two other Heisman winners, Jason White and Sam Bradford and that’s four Heisman players I’ve covered.

A couple of others who stand out are Brian Bosworth and Adrian Peterson. Bosworth played with passion and Peterson is, well, AD. I’m horrible with names, so I’m sure there are others I should mention, especially members of OSU’s swarming defenses over the years that I made iconic images of.

Barry Sanders 89 yard TD, outruns the Miami of Ohio defense. Staff Photo by Doug Hoke

1/2/79. Orange Bowl. OU-Nebraska. Oklahoma halfback Billy Sims outruns Nebraska's Jim Pillen on his way to his first Orange Bowl touchdown as the Sooners downed the Huskers 31-24 in Miami. Staff photo by Doug Hoke

University of Oklahoma vs Baylor University in Norman, Okla. on Saturday October 20, 2001. OU quarterback Jason White scrambles looking for a receiver late in the game. Staff photo by Doug Hoke.

Sam Bradford, Putnam City North, high school football. Staff photo by Doug Hoke.

Sam Bradford throws a pass during the first half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008, in Stillwater, Okla.

After a week off for a wedding, I’m back in Stillwater today covering the game with Rice. Please, no rain! I’m starting to feel old.

-Doug Hoke

Brianna Zenzen, 8, looks up at her dad Todd as they wait in line during the Daddy Daughter Dance in Midwest City, Okla., Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. By Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The Great Plains Journalism Competition, which is sponsored by the Tulsa Press Club, had their first awards ceremony on Saturday night in Tulsa. This competition was different than most of the ones we enter. Instead of awarding a first, second, third and honor mentions in each category, the Great Plains Journalism Competition awards only Finalists and Winners. Here’s how we did and some of the winning photos.

Winner in Sports Photo — Chris Landsberger

Winner in Web/Slideshow Photos –John Clanton

Winner in Spot News–Steve Gooch

Winner in Feature Photo, single — Jim Beckel

Winner in Photography Portfolio — Bryan Terry

Winner in News Photo –Paul Hellstern

Finalist in Feature Photography Multiple –Jim Beckel
Finalist in General Photography–Sarah Phipps

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford (14) is flipped upside down as he leaps over Oklahoma State's Orie Lemon (41) during the second half of the college football game between the Sooners and Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

President George W. Bush shares a laugh with a supporter, as he prepares to depart from Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, OK, after a brief trip to the state, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. Photo by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman

Ryan Baker, 9, grimaces while he get his hair shaved during St. Baldrick's on Sunday, March 30, 2008, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Tressie Gilmore, 25, walks past the remains of her family's home on May,11, 2008, following a tornado that hit the area on Saturday. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman

-John Clanton

Kansas' David Narodowski steals home on a wild pitch during the college baseball game between the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

OU right fielder Kaleb Herren (18) makes a diving catch during the college baseball game between the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

OU right fielder Kaleb Herren (18) throws to the cut-off man after making a diving catch during the college baseball game between the University of Kansas and the University of Oklahoma at L. Dale Mitchell Park, Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Norman, Okla. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

-Nate Billings

The OU bench takes the floor as Purdue's Jodi Howell leaves the court after OU's win in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The Sooners are through to the Final Four. The OU women’s basketball team earned a trip to St. Louis by beating Purdue, 74-68, last night in the Ford Center. Here are some of the photos Bryan Terry and Steve Sisney took of the victory. To see a gallery of more photos from the game, click here.

OU's Ashley Paris looks to the basket between Purdue's Lakisha Freeman, left, and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton during the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Courtney Paris blocks a shot by Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton in the first half as the University of Oklahoma (OU) plays Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

OU's Courtney Paris blocks the shot of Purdue's Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton during the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Courtney Paris reacts after her basket in the first half as the University of Oklahoma (OU) plays Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

The OU team celebrates after their win in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals between Oklahoma and Purdue at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. OU won 74-68. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Sooner head coach Sherri Coale holds up the net after her team's 74-68 win over Purdue in the NCAA women's college basketball regional tournament finals at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

To see a gallery of more pictures from the game, click here.

-Nate Billings

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin walks to a post game interview after the 72-60 loss to North Carolina in the Elite Eight game of NCAA Men's Basketball Regional between the University of North Carolina and the University of Oklahoma at the FedEx Forum on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in Memphis, Tenn. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Well, with the help of Blake Griffin the University of Oklahoma men’s basketball team had a great run to the NCAA Elite 8. I missed out on covering them in Kansas City, but was able to pick up with them in regional action played in Memphis. The Sooners had an impressive win over Syracuse, but just did not have the fire power to keep up with a North Carolina team with weapons that could score at will.

Below are a few of my favorite photos from the week in Memphis.

To see a gallery of photos from the loss to North Carolina, click here.

To see the win over Syracuse, click here.

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin (23) looses the ball under the defensive pressuer of North Carolina's Ed Davis (32) and Wayne Ellington (22) during the first half in the Elite Eight game of NCAA Men's Basketball Regional between the University of North Carolina and the University of Oklahoma at the FedEx Forum on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in Memphis, Tenn. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin (23) drives past the defense of North Carolina's Deon Thompson (21) during the first half in the Elite Eight game of NCAA Men's Basketball Regional between the University of North Carolina and the University of Oklahoma at the FedEx Forum on Sunday, March 29, 2009, in Memphis, Tenn. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Oklahoma's Austin Johnson (20) reacts during a time out against Syracuse during the second half of the NCAA Men's Basketball Regional at the FedEx Forum on Friday, March 27, 2009, in Memphis, Tenn. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Oklahoma's Blake Griffin (23) trips over Syracuse's Rautins (1) during the second half of the NCAA Men's Basketball Regional at the FedEx Forum on Friday, March 27, 2009, in Memphis, Tenn. PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

-Chris Landsberger

OU won the game, 80-70, and history was made that night. Courney Paris’ streak of 112 consecutive double-doubles came to an end when she fouled out of the game with 38.2 seconds left with nine points and 12 rebounds.

I have to give it up to the OU fans. The atmosphere was loud and crazy in the arena.  I also think that the game made more good reaction pictures from the players than any in recent memory.

Some of the photos from the game are below. And you can check out a full gallery from the game here.

OU’s Courtney Paris (3) waves to fans after fouling out of the game with 38.2 seconds left in the second half of the women’s college basketball game between Oklahoma and Tennessee at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 2, 2009. OU won, 80-70. Paris finished with 9 points and 12 rebounds, breaking her streak of 112 consecutive double-doubles. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’s Whitney Hand (25) reacts after a play in front of Tennessee’s Alex Fuller (2) and Glory Johnson (25) in the second half of the women’s college basketball game between Oklahoma and Tennessee at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 2, 2009. OU won, 80-70. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

Tennessee’s Glory Johnson (25), middle, steals the ball from OU’s Jasmine Hartman (45), right, next to Carlee Roethlisberger (10), left, as Tennessee’s Briana Bass (1) looks on in the background in the first half of the women’s college basketball game between Oklahoma and Tennessee at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 2, 2009. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU fans hold signs referencing Pat Summitt’s attempt at 1,000 wins in the women’s college basketball game between Oklahoma and Tennessee at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 2, 2009. OU won, 80-70, keeping Summitt’s record at 999 wins. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’s Danielle Robinson (13) reacts in front of Tennessee’s Alicia Manning (15) after a play in the first half of the women’s college basketball game between Oklahoma and Tennessee at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 2, 2009. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU head coach Sherri Coale, left, and Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt hug before the women’s college basketball game between Oklahoma and Tennessee at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Monday, February 2, 2009. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

To check out the full gallery of photos, click here.

-Nate Billings

OU’s Sam Bradford gets hit by Florida’s Dustin Doe, center, and Carlos Dunlap during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

Originally I planned to do a post about the BCS Championship football game directly after the game. When we didn’t get finished working until 3 a.m., plans changed a bit. The more I talked with Sooner fans, the more they didn’t want to talk about it. I figured waiting until Monday to post some pictures would work out best for everybody. If readers of this blog were frantically looking for photos here directly after the game, I apologize to both of you.

If you’re a careful reader, you will notice a common visual theme in coverage after a big loss: the pictures of the team walking off of the field.  I think it is much easier to find good pictures of a team that has just won. There are many ways to show the joy of winning. Photos that show losing are not as plentiful. A great and unique picture of a dejected player is much more rare than a great celebration shot. Consequently, dejection pictures tend to involve players on the bench looking at the scoreboard or players walking off of the field. Below are some different pictures from the game, including the players walking off the field.

So, Sooner fans, I don’t expect you to enjoy these pictures. But now that the dust has settled a bit, I hope you can take a look.

OU’s Jermaine Gresham leaps over Florida’s Major Wright during the first half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.  PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’ Mike Knall flies through the air after being hit by the Florida defense on a punt attempt during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

A Sooner fan reacts to OU’s 24-14 loss to Florida during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow celebrates after the Gators scored the final touchdown in the fourth quarter during the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Florida Gators won, 24-14. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

A Sooner fan reacts after Oklahoma fell behind against Florida during the second half of the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’s Chris Brown (29) walks off the field as photographers swarm Florida players after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Florida Gators won, 24-14. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU walks off the field as Florida fans celebrate in the stands after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU head coach Bob Stoops walks off the field after OU’s 24-14 loss to Florida in the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow celebrates with fans after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Florida Gators won, 24-14. PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN

OU’s Sam Bradford walks off the field after the BCS National Championship college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Florida Gators on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Oklahoma lost the game 24-14 to the Gators.  PHOTO BY CHRIS LANDSBERGER, THE OKLAHOMAN

To see even more photos from the game, click here.

-Nate Billings

OU football fans travel along I-75 from Fort Myers to the Miami area. By Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoman’s photography crew touched down in Florida yesterday to cover today’s BCS National Championship game between OU and Florida. For the trip we’ve brought three still photographers, Bryan Terry, Chris Landsberger, and myself, along with videographer Damon Fontenot. We ended up flying into Fort Myers and then driving across Alligator Alley on I-75 for two hours to get to the Miami area. I was disappointed that I did not see any actual alligators. Maybe we’ll get lucky tomorrow on the drive back to the airport. Yesterday it was overcast and raining. So far today the weather is sunny and beautiful.

I have photographed every OU bowl game since 2002. After the last couple of Fiesta Bowls, I hope the team can win this one. As I’ve written before, I think a winning team makes better photos. And everybody back home will be a lot happier if the Sooners get their 8th national title. I will update this blog with photos of fans before the game and then will have another update from the game after it is all over.

-Nate Billings

Here is the page that featured the flip.

-Nate Billings