Jaison Sterling takes it to another level
Jaison Sterling takes it to another level
A Total Eclipse of the News: Blackout on the Boulevard a hit and Totality didn't disappoint; Jazz at the Lake this Saturday plus headlines and sports
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The Headlines
Meetings: The Maumelle City Council meeting will meet next Monday.
Events: Jazz at the Lake is this and for more details, keep scrolling.
Jazz concert this Saturday
It may seem like the eclipse was the only thing that happened this past week but there’s local news on the horizon as Maumelle High School will be hosting “Jazz on the Lake” this Saturday at Lake Willastein.
An inaugural event, the concert will have jazz bands from 12 high schools across the state, including Maumelle Charter and Central Arkansas Christian, along with a jazz ensemble from Arkansas Tech.
The concert will start at 11 a.m. and conclude around 7 p.m., so it will be a full day of music at the lake.
Food trucks and other vendors will be on hand as well, so don't worry about packing lunch.
For more, check out the flier below.
In other music news, schools in the Pulaski County Special School District performed well in fine arts assessments.
In March 7 and 8 assessments at Sylvan Hills, Maumelle High School, received Superior Ratings and Maumelle Middle School received Excellent Ratings
In March 11 and 12 assessments at Maumelle, Maumelle High Band received Superior Overall Ratings on stage and Superior in sight reading, while the Maumelle 8th Grade Band received Excellent Ratings on stage and Superior in sight reading and the Maumelle 7th Grade Band received Superior Overall Ratings on stage and Excellent in sight reading
Ratings were based on judges’ scores and sight reading is when a band gets a new piece of music they haven’t performed and are given seven minutes to practice before playing it for the judges, who then rate the performance.
Jaison Sterling takes it to another level
Thanks Mark Buffalo!
No, really. Thanks Buff.
More than a decade ago, Buff came to me at the North Little Rock Times and said he knew a guy who could take some good sports pictures.
Desperate for freelancers, I asked who, and he said, “Jaison Sterling,” and, “he’s the one who got the Tenpenny photo.” I immediately knew who he meant.
Jasion had taken a picture the previous football season of North Little Rock’s Altee Tenpenny high-hurdling a defender that had caught the state’s attention, and mine too.
From that point, he was my go-to photographer for sports, and Callie, his wife, a talented writer and photographer herself, churned out some excellent and award-winning copy. I can’t recall how many awards they won, but it was a bunch, from the Arkansas Press Association and national awards as well.
Jaison still continues to be a contributing photographer to ArkansasNewsroom.com while running his own photography business, Rock Town Sports.
He uses smoke and lighting and scale-altering effects in his shoots to make athletes look like superheroes. Some, like Caitlin Clark, actually are.
I’ve somehow managed to be doing this for three decades now, and Jaison is the most talented photographer I’ve worked with, or around.
His skills were on display last week when ESPN hired him to shoot the Women’s Final Four Media Day featuring South Carolina, Iowa, UConn and North Carolina State.
Some of those images went viral, but that’s old hat for Jaison. His work now has a global reach, thanks to his relentless social media efforts.
What follows is a Q&A with Jaison that has been lightly edited and formatted for publication.
Some of his images from that day, as well as videos, are embedded as well.
>> How did you make the connection with ESPN to shoot the Women’s Final Four Media Day?
They initially reached out on Instagram and asked for my email. They said they have several projects they would like to work with me on!
>> How long did the shoot take?
Let’s start from the beginning!
My assistant (Jaris Johnson aka DJ Jellybean) and I left Arkansas at 11:30 p.m. on Monday night and arrived at the Cleveland convention center by 2:30 p.m. We had everything set up and ready by 5 p.m. when the convention center closed.
Next day we were there from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and took photos from 10:30-3. We had anywhere from 2-7 minutes with each player, depending on the production needs for those players (there were three other rooms for TV production the teams had to be in). NCAA strictly mandates how much time each team/player can be with the media.
We had anywhere between 15-30 minutes between teams, just long enough for me to import my images, quickly edit a few and upload to ESPN. Talk about a tight deadline!! They wanted the photos ASAP to share on social media, and a few were even on the broadcast!!
After we broke everything down and packed up, I had to have Jaris at the airport by 6 p.m. to catch a 7 p,m, flight home. He had a DJ gig on Thursday he couldn't miss.
Dropped him off at the airport and I drove 5 hours to Louisville, Kentucky. Stayed the night there and drove 8 hours home on Thursday.
Friday I photographed a Little League baseball team and Saturday, 80 cheerleaders!!
>> Besides yourself, how many helpers did you take with you to get everything done?
Just one, Jaris or DJ Jellybean.
>> What was your favorite moment at the shoot?
Honestly the entire shoot was my favorite. I enjoyed getting to meet all the players and coaches who have had such a huge impact on women’s sports.
Seeing their reactions to my images was also great!
>> What was your favorite image from that day?
I have about 50 images of (South Carolina Coach) Dawn Staley dancing that are hilarious! She went on for about two minutes just dancing with a rim and mini basketball.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
>> How active are you on social media?
I post on four different platforms daily, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. I’d say I’m pretty active on social media!
>> What has short-form video, like TikTok and YouTube reels, meant to your business, and also, what seems like your global reach?
It’s completely changed my business. I would not be where I am today without starting a TikTok three years ago.
I’ve been doing this style of photos since 2014, but it’s just recently gained national popularity thanks in part to my social media presence.
>> What was the most popular video, so far, that you've done?
Two videos I’ve shared have hit 100 million views!
One is a compilation video of high school girls basketball, the other is high school volleyball.
>> As I recall, you started taking pictures for the Times in 2012 and I remember a ton of awards, but do you remember how many and what was your favorite photo that was published?
Honestly, I have no idea! Callie keeps them in a drawer somewhere. [Editor’s Note: After this article was published, Callie noted on Facebook, “I would like to note that Jaison Sterling has lied on the record. I do not keep our APA awards in a drawer. They are placed neatly in a closet on a shelf, waiting to be hung in the new studio when it opens.”]
>> What's next?
I’m teaching two photography workshops in San Diego next weekend. I also have workshops scheduled in Chicago, Virginia and Arkansas for the summer.
In between the workshops I’ll continue my normal team and individual sports photos.
>> Anything else you'd like to add?
Can’t think of anything. You’re the best!! Wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for the NLR Times!!
Eclipse rundown
Blackout on the Boulevard a hit
Maumelle’s Blackout on the Boulevard enjoyed good weather and big crowds for the four-day festival at Lake Willastein.
A joint production of the city of Maumelle and the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Blackout was well attended, said Kellie Wall, the executive director of the chamber.
“Still trying to nail down some numbers,” she wrote in an email, “ but my best guestimate is 1,000 attendees on Friday, 5,000 on Saturday and Monday and 3,000 on Sunday for a total of over 14,000 visitors over the weekend with many from different states and several from other cities in Central Arkansas.”
Indeed, on a breezy and sunny Saturday, the crowds appeared to be in the thousands, or at least it seemed that way as the midway also known as the street that runs on the backend of the lake, had been closed with vendors and food trucks lining both sides, giving it a state fair kind of vibe.
Wall said that Blackout had a total of 40 vendors and 13 food trucks dishing up everything from full meals to sno-cones.
It was also another appearance by Sarge’s Famous Pickles and is a cousin of my wife’s. A grateful visitor left with two bottles.
Blackout also had a stage and plenty of entertainment going as well.
Spread out over four days, there were plenty of highlights, but a couple in particular stood out to Courtney Dunn, the city’s Economic Development Director.
“The eclipse was definitely the highlight of the event,” she wrote. “The moment we hit totality, the crowds yelled and cheered – it was emotional and heartwarming.”
She added, “another highlight would be the free Kids Zone- hosted by Lions Club, it was full throughout the four days, the kiddos LOVED the sand pile and cotton candy!”
Both said Blackout was a success because it was a community effort.
“We really had an amazing team of volunteers, city employees, MACC team and business leaders, entertainment, and vendors,” Dunn said. “I don’t think I can thank all of them enough. The partnership with the city and chamber proved to be stronger than ever throughout the planning and executing of this event. We are excited for the future & moving Maumelle forward.”
While another eclipse won’t happen until 2045, it did seem that the Blackout might have been a good dry run for Maumelle’s 40th birthday next year.
“The city has already started discussions on the planning for Maumelle’s 40th birthday celebration,” Dunn said. “Stay tuned for more information!”
First person
Totality didn’t disappoint
It felt strange looking for the sunscreen to go to an event where the sun would completely disappear but we still lathered up anyway for Monday’s total solar eclipse.
The sunscreen proved to be useful as we waited for roughly an hour at North Little Rock’s Dickey-Stephens Park for the total solar eclipse.
It was a bright, warm day, or at least started that way, when we got there a little after 12:30 p.m. and, as promised, the concession stands were open, which meant lunch, while we waited for the show to start.
The Travs had already fired up a team trivia contest and the music was pleasant enough.
The crowd was on the smaller side. A few hundred spread out across the park with most choosing to sit in the shade, while others braved the berm or beer garden as we all waited.
Helpfully, the Travs had synced the pitch clock in the outfield as a countdown to the eclipse, so we all had an idea of how much time was left.
As the clock got closer to 00:00, the partial solar eclipse had already begun and the temperature started to fall. It was maybe 85 degrees when we got there but dropped by maybe 15 degrees when the total eclipse happened.
It also got dimmer. Like a child playing with the dimmer switch, and slowly adjusting the light down. It was odd. And a bit surreal.
I covered the partial solar eclipse in North Little Rock oh so many years ago for the Times, but it wasn’t like that, where the partial filtered through the trees at Laman Library, casting half moon shadows covering the ground like fish scales.
Dickey-Stephens is treeless, so that wouldn’t have happened anyway, but even trying to make the attempt, it didn’t work.
The eclipse glasses did, and it was fascinating to see the eclipse grow and grow.
When the pitch got to 10 seconds left, the crowd started to countdown to the totality and, it turned out, the pitch clock sync wasn’t exact, so when the crowd got to “zero”, it was still a partial.
A few seconds later, the totality kicked in and it was wild. The downtown skyline lit up as it wasn’t quite night but it was darker then, say, dusk.
A completely unfamiliar experience, at least for me, and looking up at the sky, sans eclipse glasses, taking in the totality was really something.
It makes sense now, or at least it helps inform, why some people chase total solar eclipses around the world. It also helps one understand why they were completely terrifying to ancient people who didn’t understand the solar system’s orbital mechanics.
All they knew was that the sun, the familiar, daily presence, suddenly wasn’t there. Dragons and such.
Will this experience make some in Arkansas eclipse chasers? Maybe. Everybody needs a hobby and travel like that would certainly be something.
As for me, I can wait until 2045 for the next one that will pass through. Because, unlike those ancients, we have science and eclipses can be more accurately forecast then the weather.
Highlights
Probably should have played the trivia. Would have left with sweet Travs merch because the questions weren’t particularly hard.
Shoutout to Snapple as they were running a buy one, get one deal and it turns out the Elements Sun flavor was pretty good.
Can’t beat free, as admission was exactly nothing, but the Travs did charge $10 to park in the good lot. They were also handing out Travs-branded eclipse glasses when you walked through the gate.
Lowlights
The clock not being exactly right, wasn’t the worst thing, more hilarious than anything else.
After seeing the spectacular eclipse-themed game jerseys, it was hopeful that there would be better merch, and that wasn’t the case.
The Smartphone Solar Imaging, Enhancing Photo Lens 2 Pack ordered from Amazon was a complete bust and a waste of $12. The filter, much like the eclipse glasses, could be used to cover up your phone’s camera lens and they just really didn’t work.
What to do with those eclipse glasses?
If you still have your eclipse glasses, don’t throw them away!
Keep Arkansas Beautiful says that an organization in Utah is collecting the glasses from around the country and will then ship them to South America for use by children there.
The address is:
Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC
PO Box 50571
Provo, UT 84605
The South American eclipse will be later this year.
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
This week, the Travs are at Tulsa through Sunday.
Opponent – Frisco RoughRiders
Tuesday, April 16, 11:05 a.m.
School Day amd Senior Day
Wednesday, April 17, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day. Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at DSP Box Office). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Rock N Roll Sushi
Malmö Oat Milkers Night: The 121st team of Minor League Baseball takes the field in a game like no other this season. This one will be unforgettable. | Presented By Oatly
Thursday, April 18, 6:35 p.m.
Ticket Offer: $3 Thursday | Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer!
Friday, April 19, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Pop Dance Party | Presented By Metro Disaster Specialists
Saturday, April 20, 4:05 p.m.
Wrestling Night: Time for the Main Event! Stick around after the game for post-game matches featuring Memphis Wrestling. | Presented By Midtown Billiards | More Info
Sunday, April 21, 1:35 p.m.
Brunch at the Ballpark: Get a special Brunch ticket that comes with a Field Reserved seat! Pre-game buffet will include select breakfast foods, juice, coffee, and soft drinks. (Alcohol will be available for purchase separately.) Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday: Get $2 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin (only available at DSP Box Office)
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! | Presented By Hog Wash
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game!
At Springfield, April 23-28
Fidelity accepting fund applications
Fidelity Communications began accepting spring 2024 applications on Monday, April 1, for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted through April 30.
Charitable Giving Fund grants will be made available across communities served by Fidelity and the other Cable One family of brands (Sparklight, Hargray and ValuNet Fiber) and will concentrate support in the following priority areas:
Education and Digital Literacy
Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity
Community Development
Last year, the company awarded grants to more than 50 nonprofits, including organizations devoted to the above priority areas as well as teen suicide prevention, homelessness resources, poverty disruption, child advocacy and more.
“We are honored to support nonprofit organizations helping those most in need in the communities we serve,” said Julie Laulis, Cable One President and CEO. “Being a strong local partner is central to our values and we are proud to help make a positive difference where we live and work.”
The Charitable Giving Fund is an extension of the company’s existing corporate social responsibility efforts, which include:
Supporting national organizations dedicated to advancing education and diversity, including the Emma Bowen Foundation and the National Diversity Council.
Supporting the mission of Special Olympics, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition, as well as health, arts, leadership, and advocacy programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Planting trees through the Arbor Day Foundation on behalf of customers who switch to paperless billing. Since 2015, the company has planted 140,000 trees in its markets and national forests within the company’s footprint.
Supporting the mission of Keep America Beautiful in cleaning up and beautifying communities across the U.S.
Fighting hunger in local communities through volunteerism and donations, as well as supporting organizations such as Feed My Starving Children. Since 2018, Cable One has donated more than 51 tons of food and nearly $500,000 to address food insecurity.
For more information about the Fidelity Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.fidelitycommunications.com/charitablegiving.
Camp Healing Hearts set for May 17
Methodist Family Health’s Kaleidoscope Grief Center is currently accepting applications to attend its free overnight grief camp, Camp Healing Hearts.
It will be held at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock and will start at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17 and conclude the next day.
The camp is available to any Arkansas family who has experienced a death in the last three to six months.
Grief can be a terrible thing and the camp is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is for children from 5 to 18 and an adult caregiver is also required to attend with the child.
There’s 100 spaces available and to apply for the free camp, go to MethodistFamily.org/Camp-Healing-Hearts and complete the form online.
Application deadline is Sunday, May 5.
For more information, call Dao Ward at 501-537-3991 or toll-free at 800-756-3709.