Justin Ketchem Photography » News

Memorial for a Baseball Legend

Justin — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:10:50 +0000

On March 31, the eve of the Cleveland Indians’ home opener, there was a memorial service held for Hall of Fame pitcher, Bob Feller at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights.

Last year I had the opportunity to meet and photograph Mr. Feller. He was so nice and accommodating. It was such an honor to spend a little time with him.

As a pitcher, he is still a standard-bearer. Year after year he lead the league in wins. Six times! He also lead the league in ERA, and strikeouts seven times! He pitched three no-hitters, including the only one to be pitched on opening day. Bob was routinely clocked at more than 100 mph, and holds the second fastest record of 107.6 mph. He was an eight-time All-Star and inducted into the Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible. The best part is that he was a Cleveland Indian.

But what really made Feller an amazing person wasn’t what he did on the baseball field, but on the battlefield. In 1941, Feller gave up his successful career to volunteer in the Navy. He was the first professional baseball player to do so following the attack on Pearl Harbor. While serving as a gun captain on the USS Alabama, he missed four baseball seasons. It’s hard to imagine what his stats would have looked like if he could have played those four years. The year he returned to baseball, he still won an amazing 26 games.

Bob Feller could have lived anywhere, but he chose to make Cleveland his home. He died on December 15, 2010. He’ll be missed by baseball fans and Clevelanders, but the big bronze statue of him outside Progressive Field will keep his memory alive.

Visit my booth at Bridal and Beyond

Justin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:53:21 +0000

Bridal and Beyond is a fun bridal fair with a bunch of fantastic vendors. Personally, I like this fair because it’s the perfect size. You can get a complete list of participating vendors and show details at the Bridal and Beyond website. Please come visit my booth to chat and check out my sample albums, prints and slide show. I look forward to seeing you there.

Sunday February 20th, 2011
Special Guest

Sign ature of Solon
39000 Signature Drive
Solon, OH
11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Admission – $6 at door – $3 online.

Josh Mandel Sworn in as Ohio Treasurer

Justin — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:20:36 +0000

On January 10, I had the pleasure of photographing the inauguration of my friend Josh Mandel as Ohio’s 48th Treasurer. Josh is the hardest-working, most dedicated (to whatever he does) and honest person I’ve ever met. He has accomplished more at the age of 33 than most people do in a lifetime, including a law degree from Case Western Reserve, holding three elected offices and serving two tours in Iraq as an intelligence specialist. He inspires everyone who knows him. I could go on and on. Here’s a short clip about Josh that was on the news some time ago.

I’m really excited for Josh, but I still wish I didn’t have to write him a check every time I pay my sales tax. Oh well. At least I know it’s in good hands.

While waiting for Josh’s swearing-in ceremony to start, I noticed a bunch of press hanging out in the hall of the State House, so I decided to hang out with them and photograph whatever they were waiting for. It turns out it was Governor Kasich’s first press conference as Governor. Lucky timing.

If this guy looks familiar, it’s because he played the know-it-all mail carrier Cliff Clavin on Cheers. His name is John Ratzenberger. Even if you couldn’t see him, you may still recognize his voice because he has played a roll in every Pixar movie ever made, Including the voice of the piggy bank Hamm in all three Toy Story movies. He was also the host of a show called “Made in America,” which featured manufacturing companies that produce in the US. He and Josh have become friends and share a common interest in revitalizing America’s manufacturing industry.

This is Josh’s Marine Drill Instructor, Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin Akins. This man gave one of the most inspiring speeches I’ve ever heard. It’s easy to see why he’s a big influence on Josh’s life.

Join me at the Bridal and Beyond Bridal Fair this Saturday

Justin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:41:42 +0000

I really excited to once again participate in the Bridal and Beyond Winter Bridal Fair on Saturday, March 7. Bridal and Beyond has 35+ vendors, live music, designer gowns on live models, delicious treats, a complimentary chair massage and fantastic prizes, including a free engagement session from yours truly.

I love this show because it’s big enough to have a great selection of vendors in every category, but it isn’t so big that it’s overwhelming. I especially enjoy having the opportunity to sit down with brides and show them my custom albums and discuss their wedding plans.

Here are the show details:

Bridal and Beyond Winter Bridal Fair

Signature of Solon, 39000 Signature Drive, Solon, OH 44139

11:00 am – 3:00 pm