Happy it’s here, sad it’s over

This is me after getting my copy of the seventh and last Harry Potter book just after midnight July, 21 at the Gadsden State Community College Bookstore! This was the third time I have covered a Harry Potter book release and the first time in costume, dressed as Professor Trelawney. As a fan of the books, it was a great thing to cover. I was joined by photographer Eric Wright, wearing a Slytherin green tie, covering parties at the Gadsden Library, Bookland and the GSCC Bookstore. I had a great time! Check out our multimedia show at www.gadsdentimes.com/assets/slideshows/potter/index.html

I finished the book, through a few tears, Sunday evening and was not disappointed! Feel free to drop me a line if you would like to share your thoughts on how it ended.
-Amy Wallot (Photo by Eric Wright)

Southside Bridge

SouthSide Bridge, originally uploaded by erictwright.

I was asked to make a photograph the Highway 77 bridge in Southside on Thursday for a story about some funding allocations. I shot some safe pictures and some fun ones, here is one I didn’t turn in, but I still like for its aesthetic qualities.

Eric T. Wrighthere is the story and original picture http://gadsdentimes.com/article/20070713/NEWS/707130330/1017/NEWS

Harry Potter Movie Premiere

On Wednesday night I decided to run by the movie theater at the Mall in Gadsden, because I knew the latest Harry Potter movie was set to have a midnight showing. I expected a few people to come because of the popularity of the series-maybe a dozen fans, but it was late on a weeknight. I clearly miscalculated the local fans and the popularity of the movie. Outside of the theater I was confronted with hundreds of fans, though only a handful were in costume. It was a very fun event; people were excited and buzzing about the movie and the imminent release of the final Potter book. They locked everyone out until 11:00pm and then they let in a rush of people to get food and buy last minute tickets. Here are some pictures from the event, that didn’t run in Thursday’s Times.

Eric Wright

After the Meeting

This couple attended the Mountainview council meeting last night in regards to a possible annexation of the town. But this picture has nothing to do with the meeting. I took it outside after the meeting had finished. I just liked their truck. The great red color against the cloudy sky really caught my eye. The way they are looking at each other and the hint of the gas station behind it adds a nice touch. Sometimes the best picture you take on an assignment has nothing at all to do with it.
-Amy Wallot

Stuck House

housemove_6_ew.JPG, originally uploaded by erictwright.

Sometimes you hear a call come across the scanner that is just too funny to resist. This call mentioned a house that was stuck in the road. The power company had to move poles and the house moves had to walk around on the roof trimming low branches. I never realized that moving a house involved so much work.

Gadsden Fireworks from the Broad Street Bridge

Gadsden Fireworks from the Broad Street Bridge, originally uploaded by erictwright.

It’s that time of year again, that’s right it’s the 4th of July where seemingly sane people spend their hard earned money for bits of paper and gunpowder so they can make some flashes and bangs. While it may seem silly, it’s a heckuva way to spend a holiday. As pointless as they seem, I too love my fireworks. Since this year was my first to see the fireworks in Gadsden I set up my camera and biggest tripod along the Broad Street Bridge. I didn’t quite know the precise location for the show but with all of the people lining the bridge I knew I couldn’t be far off. The show was short but nice and seeing it over the Coosa River made for some beautiful reflections. To those of you interested in settings or technical details: Nikon D2H, ISO 200, f 22, Timed Exposure between 15-45 seconds and a zoom lens at 17mm. Thanks for stopping by.

Eric T. Wright/ Gadsden Times