Thanks for the support and well-wishes.
Thanks, everyone for your words of encouragement and support.
It's been overwhelming and much-appreciated.
Now, if you'll each just send me a box of macaroni-and-cheese or a package of ramen noodles, I'll be able to eat through the winter…
Kidding, of course.
There was a little farewell gathering at the paper on Thursday, and each of the departing staffers was given a small gift along with some kind words of thanks.
Some of them turned into a roast of sorts. Certainly mine did, as my photo editor noted all the things I'd left behind in the office over the years (wallets, keys, sunglasses….cameras!). At least when I'm based out of my house, if I leave stuff around, it will already be in my home, I guess.
For some people, it was pretty emotional. Some had worked there nearly 40 years, and tears flowed. Others had worked there far less, yet had speeches prepared as if they'd won the Heisman Trophy or an Academy Award. I guess one never knows the emotions one will feel as they leave a work place.
Certainly, the factors of why each was leaving (buyout or layoff) had something to do with it.
For me, it wasn't emotional at all. I think that is partly due to the fact that photographers, especially sports photographers, are rarely in the office.
Because everything is now electronic and digital (from photos to expense reports) there is no real need to be in the office. I didn't have an assigned desk (find a table, shove some old newspapers out of the way and grab an ethernet cord), and so sometimes it would be almost a week between my visits there.
From the Times, I received a photograph shot by our own John Lok, and a small gift in a box. I was there with my wife and kids, and when my nine-year old daughter opened the box, she said (pretty much louder than she should have), "A PEN?! LAME!".
It caused titters all around us and she was embarrassed, and another staffer sitting near me cackled, "I'm surprised they could afford a pen!".
Such is the mood at the Times and papers all around the country. Gallows humor abounds as layoffs and bankruptcies are daily events in the industry.
I'm sad to leave, sadder that the industry is struggling so mightily.
Monday is my last day, and as soon as I get off the plane returning from St. Louis (where I will be shooting the Seahawks game against the Rams), I have been instructed to go straight to the office to drop of my cameras, keycard, computer, company credit card and parking pass.
Strange days, indeed.
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Rod,
Sorry to see you are leaving the Times…. you are an idol to all us guys out here with a camera that strive to take photos like you do…. I’m so glad I got to meet you that one night at French Field… I’ll link to your new site.
“Mick” White
http://kentvalleysports.org
Rod,
The Times will lose another reader with your departure. The good news is I’ll help drive up traffic on your website. Keep doing what you love.
Steve
Rod,
I hate to see you leaving the Times, but I`m looking forward to see whats happening in the second half.
Lennart
http://www.sportographer.de
Rod, it was a pleasure to work with you at the Times. Your photographs made me a better page designer. I wish you all the best.
so how in the world does one find you now that you’ve left the Times, anyway? email address doesn’t work. cell phone doesn’t work. all i can do is find pictures of how fat you look refereeing last night’s beach-prep game! Tom Fuller
I see you switched to Nikon at the Times, but it sounds like you have to leave all of that equipment behind. What will you be shooting with now?
I have the same question…though I would think, that after all that time, you might have some hardware of your own…good luck to you. Your blog at the Seattle Times inspired me to do one at my paper. Thanks!
Go get them Rod! I’d say you just ended the first quarter – you have a lot more to offer with your talent, attitude and drive -V
Rod,
I hope that you find a way to make money in photojournalism. I have always enjoyed your photos and I thoroughly enjoyed the Best Seat In The House. I will be keeping up with your new blogsite.
I have been a newspaper reader since I could read, and this is the worst time for journalism that I can remember. The wrong people are leaving, and those that remain are looking over their shoulders.
Ed
Between your blog and Geoff Baker’s, you made the Times worth reading. I’ve already set up the RSS feed on this blog, and look forward to following what you do!
Rod…it seems like just yesterday you were shooting for “Inside the Seahawks”.
Knowing you, this new venture will be a rousing success…and give you more time to referee!
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
~ Hairy ~
Rod-
Talent is talent, and you’ve got it in spades. You’ll be fine. It’s got to be a strange feeling to undergo such a big change; I’ve got a similar one coming up, and I hope I can deal with it as gracefully as you.
Tim
Hi Rod,
(VERY) Late to the party, as I have been too busy lately to even look at the original Best Seat in the House blog to realize that you were no longer with the Seattle Times. I too am transitioning careers while supporting a family and it makes for an interesting ride. Best of luck with your new venture!
Thank you so much for taking the time to introduce yourself last night and for the assistance – that ladder does not inspire much confidence. I think with a little fine tuning (and a lot of tape to keep cables in place) the fish will produce some interesting in game images so I will risk life and limb (or at least a pocket wizard, a prosumer body, and a fish) again at the last home game.
Best regards,
Andy