Ben McKeown

A few weeks ago, I did a cover shoot for a new magazine, VYPE (stay tuned for the new local web page; I’ll let you know when it’s up and running), a franchise publication which covers high school sports in the Triangle area.  So far, it has been an absolute thrill to work with the folks at VYPE, including editor Teri Saylor and owner Richard Williams.  Their enthusiasm for this new project is palpable and contagious.

This particular shoot featured three local athletes from different area schools: Chris Ettson, a football player at Northern Durham High (my mom’s alma mater), Courtney McKim, a golfer from Wakefield High School (my alma mater), and Taylor Gilland, a cross-country runner from Chapel Hill High School.  Each of these athletes excel at their respective sports, hence, of course, their being featured in the magazine.

We shot these photos at Northern Durham High School in Durham, NC.  I wanted to get everyone out early in the morning in order to capture the magic morning light.  Unfortunately, however, we shot these photos on June 21, the longest day of the entire year.  By 8am, the sun was already extremely high and the light was quite harsh.  In hindsight (as is the case with pretty much every shoot I’ve ever done), there are quite a few things I feel I could’ve done a lot better, though I’m decently satisfied with these results.  In particular, I absolutely love the individual shots of Chris (football).

I’m completely psyched about continuing to work with VYPE.  My love for high school sports runs deep (as indicated here), and the opportunity to meet and get to know local high school athletes and coaches makes me giddy.  Next on tap for the cover of VYPE - Cheerleader vs. Volleyball Player: Who is tougher?  This one’s going to be fun.