Pictures of the Year 2024
Delvern Diller, left, 14, John Horst, 13, and Delbert Horst,15, of Bokoshe, Ok. volunteer to clean up a home destroyed by a tornado Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Barnsdall, Ok. The time I spent in Barnsdall after an EF4 tornado in May was shocking. I photographed unbelievable sadness and grief. This moment, while also incredibly sad, is also a nice moment. Kids showing up from out of town to help. They salvaged items from a leveled home. They worked selflessly and with great care and compassion.
In 2024 I photographed over 450 assignments for the Tulsa World. On those assignments I made over 315,000 photos. These 18 images are the ones that stuck with me. There were others, but some were just too sad that I didn’t feel right posting them again. Photojournalists go from the most wonderful moments in a person’s life to the most devastating; sometimes in a single day or a few hours. I photographed 7 tornadoes this year, and while I saw heartbreak in Sulphur, Morris, Holdenville and Barnsdall I tried to include photos of the moments of good from those horrific events. I appreciate everyone who let me photograph them this year.
Oklahoma's Kinzie Hansen celebrates after scoring the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 6th inning against Miami (Ohio) in the inaugural softball game at Love's Field Friday, March 1, 2024 in Norman, Ok. Like a lot Oklahomans, I have a new fondness for softball. It is without a doubt my favorite bat and ball sport to photograph, and second only to football for me to photograph and watch! The exuberance and excitement makes it fun. When Hansen scored there was dirt everywhere, but just in case there wasn’t enough, she grabbed a couple handfuls and threw them into the air as part of her celebration.
The University of Tulsa Track and Field Team practices at the Simon Greiner Track and Field Complex on campus Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. I love long shadows and good light. This look is my favorite part of photographing aerials. I like when the viewer’s eye is drawn to the shadows instead of the people.
Stella Atom Space Cowgirl is transported on 11th Street, Route 66, as she arrives at Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios On 66 Friday, June 28, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. On the roof of the car is an axe for the Meadow Gold Mack statue coming to Route 66. Since Buck Atom was installed at the shop I’ve been thinking about this photo. I wondered what he looked like rolling up Route 66. Thanks to store owner Mary Beth Babcock keeping me updated on Stella’s travels I was able to make the photo!
Daja Pizana talks about her brother who she says was the victim of an apparent homicide at a shopping center on Peoria Ave. at 58th Street Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. As I photographed a homicide on South Peoria Ave. I could see Pizana was quite upset. I apologized for having to be there for the incident. Pizana explained to several journalists that she wanted to speak about her brother Clifford Pizana. When she did tears rolled down her face. This is a hard photo to look at, but when people are murdered there are countless people changed forever and in pain. Pizana wanted people to know about her brother and the pain his murder would cause. I don’t think I would have made this photo and certainly wouldn’t have posted it had she not wanted that.
Aidan Lauer helps carry a large rainbow flag in the Tulsa Pride Parade Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. The Tulsa Pride Parade was held in October instead of June this year. As Lauer walked down the street helping to carry a rainbow flag, he laughed and cheered with excitement. Parade spectators cheered him and others along from the parade route.
Neighborhood kids cliimb on a downed tree to help clean up storm damage Tuesday April 2, 2024 in Barnsdall, Ok. Leaving Barnsdall after covering the first tornado that hit the town this year I spotted a bunch of neighborhood kids trying to clean up what debris they could. They were working, but also having fun doing it. A month later, when I arrived in the town to cover a much larger tornado that hit the town, and the area all around where this photo was taken, all I could think about were these kids. I hoped they were all ok.
Kary Stackelbeck with Oklahoma Archaeological Survey hugs descendant Joi McCondichie during a memorial service for C.L. Daniel and others exhumed in the search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. Daniel is the first victim identified from remains exhumed at Oaklawn Cemetery. McCondichie was upset at first when she arrived at the cemetery because whe wasn’t on the guest list. She was welcomed into the ceremony with a hug by Stackelbeck. I have covered the search for victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre at Oaklawn Cemetery since the 90’s. It is always moving to be there, and I believe it is incredibly important for journalists to be there to document this process.
Vanessa Adams-Harris, left, and Brenda Nails-Alford cover a tempoarary casket containing human remains before carrying them to an onsite lab in Oaklawn Cemetery as they search for victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. Whenver remains are exhumed during this process, what follows is a very moving procession.
Tulsa County Election Board employee Taylor Gutierrez wears protective equipment opens mail at the Tulsa County Election Board Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. After so many threats and suspicious pakages to election boards, this is how our Tulsa County Election board employees opened mail before the 2024 presidential election.
Owasso celebrates after defeating Choctaw to win the 6A State Softball championship Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Ok. I love the dogpile at the end of bat and ball sport championships. I always wonder what it must be like to be on the bottom. Seems painful, but no one ever seems to mind.
Jack Miller, standing, prays over volunteers that showed up to help clean up his home that was destroyed by Monday night's tornado Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Barnsdall, Ok. "They're a blessing," Miller said of the volunteers.
First grader Mihlonna Montgomery jumps rope during the Husky Olympics at Hamilton Elementary School Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. This photo just screams the last day of school to me!
An Owasso fan questions a call from the stands as they play Jenks in their football game Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 in Jenks, Ok. The baby’s face was just priceless as this father hollered about what he thought wa a bad call in the game. One of my favorite sports photos of the year!
Waiting for the school bus, Pharaoh,9, punches family friend Mike in the stomach as hard as he can. Mike told him to do it to show Pharaoh how strong he was. Mike never even winced.
Geraldine Sharp, left, talks with Samuel Brown outside of his room at the the Holiday Motel on Charles Page Blvd. Thursday, April 11, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. Sharp is currently homeless and slept in the spot overnight. She stays in motels sometimes when she has the money. Samuel is homeless, but is currently staying in the room. In a phone call the motel quoted a price of $55 per day, $250 per week and $795 per month for a room. I appreciate Sharp and Brown speaking with me and allowing me to take their photo. I think motel living is a story that needs to be told.
Billy Ray McGee and his cockapoo Sassy Mae seek shade under an overpass on 11th Street and Norfolk Ave. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 in Tulsa, Ok. McGee, who has been homeless since July, says he is worried if he goes to shelters he’ll lose the dog. “She’s the only thing I got,” he says.
Rejoice Christian coach Brent Marley is doused with Gatorade as time expires in their win over Hooker in the Class AI state championship football game at Chad Richison Stadium on the campus of UCO Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 in Edmond, Ok. I’ve covered other stories involving head coach Brent Marley. He always seems so nice. When they won, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so happy. It was wonderful to witness. A great way to close out my photos of the year! I’m looking forward to 2025.