Pardon This Meaningless Interruption

28 Jun, 2024

I have some extremely non-noteworthy news to share! It is objectively stupid how excited I am about this, but here we are.

Three Colorado Buffaloes were drafted in the 2024 MNBA draft, a record number of draftees in a single year for the program. They were a great group to root for. They didn't have an ounce of quit in them¹². I can't wait to see all three of them progress in the league.

Anyway, now that Mr Williams, Mr da Silva, and Mr Simpson are bona fide NBA players, Wikipedia editors are furiously working to improve their previously meager entries. I realized this morning that someone used photographs I shot for all three of their articles³. And I know, it's Wikipedia. It literally don't matter at all, and they'll all be changed in the next few weeks with their team headshots regardless.

But you know what? I'm not that good of a photographer. I can count on one hand the number of times anyone has asked to use one of my photographs. Photography is just a hobby, and I've never really gotten feedback from anyone besides family and friends. Goddamn if it doesn't feel good and give me motivation to get out there and keep taking photographs, even if it is just because my photos are good enough for Creative Commons work.

If anyone out there (in Colorado) wants a photographer for your rec or beer league team, backyard wrestling, or LARPing in Confluence Park, hit me up. I'd love to learn more about sports/action photography and keep chasing that elusive decisive moment. I can't guarantee quality, but the photos will be Creative Commons licensed and free to use in almost any way imaginable (as long as I'm credited).

Thanks for letting me brag about something inconsequential. Now back to our regularly scheduled program of self-deprecating humor and shitting on venture capitalists and Alex Jones.

Cody William's French language Wikipedia page featuring a photograph I took on Feburary 24, 2024 vs Utah — Cody William's French language page uses my photograph, but not his English language page for some reason

Tristan da Silva's Wikipedia page featuring a photograph I took on Feburary 24, 2024 vs Utah — Between Cody in Utah and KJ in Charolette, I think Tristan in Orlando is the best fit. I can't wait to see that two man game with Paolo Banchero

KJ Simpson's Wikipedia page featuring a photograph I took on Feburary 28, 2024 vs Cal — Tristan and Cody are elite, but KJ is the guy I most wanted on the Nuggets. Between his off ball movement, elite reads of both the defense and his teammates on offense, and outstanding decision making I need to see him with Mal and Jokić. Here's to hoping he doesn't stay in Charlotte for long, if god's willing and the creek don't rise.

And a Flickr album with a few more:

I made a thread about KJ's mind blowingly clutch game against Utah. The guy dropped 14 points in 3 minutes. Can't teach that.
if you’ll so indulge me, let’s look at cu at utah from feb 3. the buffs lost 68-73, but kj was clutch af, putting up 14 in the last 3 minutes.

first, he makes a fadeaway over a 7 footer off a nice feed from lampkin, then forces a turnover with outstanding half court defense. pic.twitter.com/PiAtLLlhPM
— Jef Leppard (@jefbrr) May 24, 2024
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Jaylyn Sherrod has that same mindset. I can't wait until she gets her chance in the WNBA.
with buffs on the mind. i'm thinking about the most incredible effort play i've ever seen. down 22, 3 minutes left, CC shooting like she does. does jaylyn sherrod give up? absolutely f'ing not. i will remember this play for the rest of my life. she’s legitimately an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/zx20c39z72
— Jef Leppard (@jefbrr) June 28, 2024
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I did not edit those pages or upload those photos to Wikimedia Commons, scout's honor.↩

#personal #sports #writing