Austin Shoot-out: Texas Our Texas

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Photographers had to contend with a soggy shoot in Austin


By Bradley Wilson
CMR Managing Editor

The assignment was rather straightforward. “Texas, Our Texas.” Give the judges a feel of a piece of the story of Texas, Our Texas. Routine life. Daily life. Work. Play. Offer an analysis of the state that goes far beyond the superficial.

Then came the rain. Lots of it. More rain that Austin had ever seen in a single day — 16 inches.

Then came the tornadoes. Damaged a school south of Austin. Closed the airport.

But the 60 or so students who indicated they wanted to participate in the Shoot-out and the 47 who finally participated persevered and documented a little slice of life in Texas during the College Media Association / Associated College Press convention in Austin over Halloween weekend.

RECOGNITION

  • First place and class favorite | Taylor Slifko, Austin Peay State University (Jake Lowary. adviser)
  • Second place | Jack H. Taylor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Wesley Lewis & Caitlyn Zhang, advisers)
  • Third place | Scott Robert Williams, Youngstown State University (Dave Davis, adviser)
  • Honorable mention | Violetta Valeeva, Missouri Western State University (James Carviou, adviser)

THE ASSIGNMENT: Give your friends an opportunity to learn something about Texas too. Your images should show them something about Texas, your visit to the state capital and maybe even your visit to the State Capitol. Make it memorable. Tell me a story. Give me a feel for the great state. Go beyond the superficial. Get out of the hotel and experience what it means to be in Austin and in Texas.

JUDGES: Amy Zerba, Carole Babineaux, Deborah Cannon, Eric Thomas, Griff Singer, Jamie Gilbert, Jeff Grimm, Jim McNay, John Beale, Kathleen Flores, Kelly Glasscock, Lauren Roberts, Mark Zeltner, Matt Stamey, Mickey Osterreicher, Nell Carroll, Nils Rosdahl, Park Street, Pat Gathright, Ralph Barrera, Sam Oldenburg, Shawn Kaplan, Sherri Taylor, Steve Sweitzer, Tara Haelle, Tom Hallaq

MORE ON THE SHOOT-OUT

FIRST PLACE AND CLASS FAVORITE: Taylor Slifko Austin Peay State University) Jake Lowary, adviser) An Austin Starr: Aspiring musician and Austin, Texas native, Katy Starr performs at local venue while attracting an obscure fan from Sixth Street Oct. 30. When the stranger appeared in the window Starr was startled but kept playing “Hotel Yorba” by The White Stripes. “I had always grown up playing but it wasn’t until recently I figured out I wanted to do music… It’s my passion,” Starr said.
SECOND PLACE: Jack H. Taylor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Wesley Lewis and Caitlyn Zhang, advisers) Raising Spirits in Austin. The Givers performing live at Austin’s famous BBQ joint Stubb’s. The band attracted dozens of fans new listeners alike. “We love you Austin!”
THIRD PLACE: Scott Robert Williams, Youngstown State University (Dave Davis, adviser) To the left, a machine filled with hard-earned money, so easily accessible to those who have had the opportunity to save.  To the right, a man in his dog sitting on the dirty, wet ground, hoping someone will share some of that money.  Life on 6th Street in downtown Austin is thriving, exciting, and a happy place for most.  For “Pockets,” 26, however, 6th Street is his place to beg. “Praying for a dry place to sleep,” he said.
HONORABLE MENTION: Violetta Valeeva, Missouri Western State University (James Carviou, adviser) Proud to be a Texan. Boots is more than just a symbol, Andrew told me the story of his life, being born and raised in Austin, Texas in the traditional family. He believes that the most important thing in our life is remembering the roots and keeping the traditions. “I would never change this state with any other. I am proud to be a Texan.”
James Healy, University of Minnesota (Liam James Doyle, adviser) Bartender Hannah Hollibaugh prepares a round of Flaming Dr. Peppers, an Austin staple, at Big Bang Bar on Thursday night. After eleven years of bartending in Austin, the explosive drinks are just part of the job. “The hardest part is getting everyone to stand back far enough,” Hollibaugh said.
Josephine Norris, Delta College (Crystal McMorris, adviser) Musician Will Southern warms up before his music set at the Thirsty Nickel in downtown Austin. Austin is known for its vibrant live music scene. With numerous bars and venues, live music isn’t hard to find.
Jack H. Taylor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Wesley Lewis and Caitlyn Zhang, advisers) Givers deliver the gift of music. Singing into the microphone, Tiffany Lamson excites the croud with her powerful voice. The local Austin BBQ joint Stubb’s delighted a packed audience with the talents of the Givers on Halloween’s Eve. “The night is young! Go to 6th street, regret everything!”
Rebecca M. Dietrich, Slippery Rock Univeristy (Mark Zeltner), adviser) A contortionist performs in the middle of 6th Street for Austin’s night life. The town was covered with party goers dressed up for Halloween as the contortionist performed. The man goes by the “The 6th Street Snake.”
Rebekah Hedges, John Brown University (Marquita Smith, adviser) Admiring the art in the city they have called home for the past five years Sarah Dickard and her husband hold each other downtown on Oct. 30. Holding more than four different jobs since moving to Austin in 2010, Sarah said the main goal was to be in this city and the job came after. “I’m currently unemployed again, but we’ve made a life for ourselves here.”
Scott Robert Williams, Youngstown State University, (Dave Davis, adviser) The men dedicated to keeping “Our Texas” safe. “I love my job,” said Pedro “Pete” Amador Jr, captain with the Texas State Highway Patrol to his boss, Steven McCraw. McCraw is the director of the Texas Deptment of Public Safety and also serves as the governor’s Homeland Security Adviser.
Josh Zytkiewicz, Madison College (Doug Kirchberg, adviser) Stubb’s Bar-B-Q at 801 Red River Street in Austin features award winning barbecue along with local and national music acts.
Yunuen Bonaparte. California State University Fullerton (Jeffrey Brody, adviser) Busser at the Chilli Parlor. Alberta Sanic Catel cleans tables at the Texas Chilli Parlor in Austin, Oct. 30. She’s been working at the parlor for two months now and believes this is the most authentic Tex-Mex restaurant in the area.
Michael James Nisip; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Wesley Lewis and Caitlyn Zang, advisers) Givers lead vocalist Taylor Guarisco belts into his microphone while percussionist Tiffany Lamson throws a drum stick at the crowd. The band performed at Stubb’s BBQ restaurant in Austin, Texas on the eve of Halloween prior to resuming their nationwide tour.