Internet addiction for the Daily Telegraph of London
Last month, I got a call to shoot a story about an internet addiction treatment center, one of the first of its kind, for the Daily Telegraph of London. It was my second assignment for them; previously I did a story about medical marijuana patients in Washington.
After a thirty minute drive down bucolic country roads, I arrived at 9 a.m. sharp for what was supposed to be the start of the group’s morning meeting.
They had already begun, and as they described what they were hopeful for in the coming day, it became clear it was now my turn. What, really, was I hopeful for? Feeling visibly caught off-guard, I tried to explain that I was hopeful to get to know them, that it would be beautiful out — that I might get the chance to tell their stories. The residents didn’t owe me anything, but they were very welcoming. And unreserved. I didn’t want to parachute in and claim to know anything about what they are going through — so I just tried to sit, and listen, and shoot sparingly, only when the moment really felt significant.
Based in Fall City, Wash. not far from Microsoft headquarters, the reStart treatment program is three to six-months long and helps enrollees, who are overwhelming 18-24 and male, replace their unhealthy activities with physical fitness, human relationships and newfound intrapersonal skills. The residents live in a new and spacious home bordered by tall trees, plush lawns, a tree-house turned therapy room and a climbing wall. But for all the amenities, the hot-tub and the alike, this is serious business. The people in the program that I met spoke about their behavior, and what it cost them, what it did to their lives, in an identical manner and gravity as those with any other kind of serious addiction.
I met people who had been in the program for months, and others who had been there for less than a week. All had harrowing stories to share. Like Isaac, who lost a scholarship to American University in Washington, D.C. because his internet gaming had become so out of control, he no longer attended classes or went to work as a math tutor. And Mark, who spent days locked in his bedroom playing internet video games. He had lost his job, and was not going to be able to make rent — and on the day he was to move into a homeless shelter, his parents gave him the intervention that brought him to reStart.
Ultimately, being there and hearing each of the residents’ stories even gave me pause. We live in this digital age, where you can barely even pay your bills or get customer service without a computer — where navigating means entering point a to point b into Google. I can’t imagine trying to do my job without the technology I rely on. Driving away to my next job, I felt guilty turning my phone back on. I realized just how much the day had affected me. The phone began buzzing violently as a stream of alerts, texts, emails and notifications flooded the screen. Of course, I realized, I had to check them.

Stairs lead to the private resident of Cozette Rae, the clinical director and cofounder of the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

“For about five weeks, I didn’t leave my apartment. I didn’t see the light of day. I gained 40 pounds. I had 132 missed calls,” said Isaac Vaisberg, 21, from Washington, D.C., who played the computer game World of Warcraft to the point where he quit attending classes at American University and lost his job tutoring students in math. “The community I didn’t have outside, I could build in the online world. While I was gaming I was happy and the second I got off I thought ‘what do I have out there?’ ” Vaisberg is three months into the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Books sit in the living room of the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

“It got to the point where I wasn’t paying rent, spending 18 hours a day at the computer gaming,” said Mark Browning, 19, of Boulder, Colorado. “I was about to go to a homeless shelter and, that day, my parents gave me an intervention.” The former University of Colorado-Boulder student has spent about six months in the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. Now he plays indoor soccer on the weekends, commutes by bike to his 30 to 40-hours-per-week job in Fall City, sings in a choir and hangs out with new friends he has made. “The social stuff takes a while to come back,” he said. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Just one week into the program, Adam Tuttle, 18, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sits after a morning meeting at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

A sign displays a message written by a client in the living room of the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

A sign at the front entrance of the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. Clients may have cellphones without internet access, and may use the computer provided at the center for up to two hours per day for school or work-related activities, though their sessions are monitored through an internet site they check in and out of. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Clients Carlos Bustelo, 23, center, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, watches as Chris Sukle, 20, of Castle Rock, Colorado, prepares a meal around lunchtime at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. Sukle was able to obtain an internship as a prep cook at a the Fall City Roadhouse in town. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

“I just want my friends back home to be proud of me,” said Adam Tuttle, 18, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as he practices the piano at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Dakota, an Australian Shepherd, is a live-in therapy dog at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

The reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA is located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Chris Sukle, 20, of Castle Rock, Colorado climbs the outdoor bouldering wall at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Clients Isaac Vaisberg, 21, left, and Mark Browning, 19, walk around at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Chris Sukle, 20, of Castle Rock, Colorado, hangs out in the garage-turned-gym area of the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

Just about two weeks in, client Robby Hardy, 20, of Mukilteo, Washington, left, participates in a communications skills-building exercise with Adam Tuttle, 18, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about one week in, as therapist Linda Reed looks on at the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA, located about 25 miles (41km) southeast of Seattle Tuesday May 7. The three to six-month program, the first of its kind in the United States, works to help men and women over 18 suffering from problematic internet, video game and technology use by teaching positive lifestyle changes in a serene, rural environment surrounded by nature. Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.

“It’s as if we are standing on a ledge and see a tsunami coming and we’re yelling ‘hey gotta be careful,’ and the rumble is so loud our voices are drowned out,” said Cozette Rae, the clinical director and cofounder of the reSTART Internet Addiction Recovery program at Heavensfield Retreat Center in Fall City, WA. “You have to manage your use or your use will manage you.” Photo by Daniel Berman for the Daily Telegraph of London.
May Day protests Seattle | Seattle editorial photographer
Tonight was just about the craziest night I have ever documented. Police were well-prepared for protestors connected to May Day events here in Seattle, and the expected violence got underway pretty early in the evening. It was incredibly intense to be in the middle of this developing news story, as smoke grenades were going off and police were shouting at everyone to “Get back,” as they pushed at the crowd with their bikes. Just as I was walking all over the city with the crowd and protestors and media, it was all I could do to just keep moving, and trying to keep my head on a swivel. My big fear going in was that an anarchist might try and grab my camera or assault me, as happened last year to other media shooters, and so atleast I was fortunate in that regard. All in all, a damn crazy night. Even if it was nice to see the 20 photojournalists from around Seattle doing great work all afternoon. And an enormous thank you to Matt Mills McKnight, Erika Schultz and Ted S. Warren for loaning me some cards tonight when I realized I left my card wallet in the car with the laptop!
Thanks for looking,
Daniel
Shooting at Denver 4/20 pot rally
Gunfire erupted while I was photographing an enormous 4/20 marijuana rally at Civic Center Park in Denver today. Two attendees were shot, and have non life-threatening injuries, and the gun shots sent the packed crowd scattering quickly. There was no question what had happened. According to the image file timestamps, I was in the shooting area 1 minute and 40 seconds before the shots rung out (by that time I was beyond the park, heading to another shoot. I turned around and began photographing the crowd running away towards me. Ambulances, Denver Police offers and SWAT units were immediately on the scene to tend to the victims. What a scary situation that I hope to never be so close to again.

Two were injured in a shooting Saturday April 20 during a marijuana rally at Civic Center Park in Denver. Crowds scattered as five distinct gun shots were heard, and police and SWAT units surrounded the ampitheater area of the park immediately. The annual event attracts tens of thousands of marijuana users to the park for what is billed as one of the largest 4/20 events in the nation.

A view of the area of a shooting Saturday April 20 at a marijuana rally at Civic Center Park in Denver. Crowds scattered as five distinct gun shots were heard, and police and SWAT units surrounded the ampitheater area of the park immediately. The annual event attracts tens of thousands of marijuana users to the park for what is billed as one of the largest 4/20 events in the nation.

A woman who said she was shot gets the attention of Denver Police after a shooting Saturday April 20 at a marijuana rally at Civic Center Park in Denver. Crowds scattered as five distinct gun shots were heard, and police and SWAT units surrounded the ampitheater area of the park immediately. The annual event attracts tens of thousands of marijuana users to the park for what is billed as one of the largest 4/20 events in the nation.

Two were injured in a shooting Saturday April 20 during a marijuana rally at Civic Center Park in Denver. Crowds scattered as five distinct gun shots were heard, and police and SWAT units surrounded the ampitheater area of the park immediately. The annual event attracts tens of thousands of marijuana users to the park for what is billed as one of the largest 4/20 events in the nation.
Daniel
Snoop Lion performs in Denver 4/19
I got into Denver at 10:30am Friday after leaving my house at well before 5 a.m. Seattle time to cover 4/20 weekend in the Mile-High City for Northwest Leaf. One crazy event I never thought I would get to shoot would be a smoker’s VIP party featuring none other than Snoop Lion. Making the event even more historic, the fact that Amendment 64 passed in Colorado, legalizing recreational use of marijuana. Washington state and Colorado are the first states to do so.
After a bit of back and forth to get the credentials squared away, I was lead into the beautiful Fillmore Auditorium. Soon, hundreds of medical Cannabis patients and recreational enthusiasts from across the country streamed in, having paid hundreds for access to the concert and film screening. They settled in and took a seat to watch Snoop’s new documentary, Reincarnated. The film explores Jamaica, rasta and Snoop’s work to make an authentic reggae album, and was pretty entertaining, from the glimpses I caught during the evening. Many of the attendees were smoking pot, passing joints and blunts from row to row. Sharing is caring.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Bryan Stoutenberg and Caiti Beckwith of Ann Arbor, MI smoke up before Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening. “Your state legislators deserve a street named after them for legalizing marijuana,” Snoop told the crowd.

Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening. “Your state legislators deserve a street named after them for legalizing marijuana,” Snoop told the crowd.

High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening, and he wasted little time smoking from his trophy.

With two blunts in-hand, Snoop Lion picks up a Cannabis-infused brownie thrown onto the stage. “How you about to throw something up here with a bite out of it?” he joked.

Bags of Cannabis, joints and blunts are seen after being thrown on stage as Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Smoke fills The Fillmore Auditorium as Snoop Lion performs Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend celebrations at the High Times Medical Cannabis Cup. High Times gave Snoop Lion a lifetime achievement award during the raucous, smoke-filled evening.

Balloons are dropped from the ceiling as the clock strikes midnight and 4/20 was officially welcomed.

Balloons are dropped from the ceiling as the clock strikes midnight and 4/20 was officially welcomed.

Ricky Powell from Omaha, Neb. watches as Snoop Lion performs at The Fillmore Auditorium Friday April 19 in Denver to kick off 4/20 weekend. “I feel like I’m a part of history right now,” Powell said.
As the clock struck midnight and 4/19 became 4/20 (the much-vaunted marijuana smoker’s holiday), a new year’s eve worthynumber of balloons fell from the ceiling and the party raged on. Today’s 50k+ strong celebrations in the shadow of the Colorado state Capitol should be even more interesting to cover.
Daniel
APAD Front 4/15/13 — Seattle editorial photographer
APhotoADay.org is an amazing community of photographers from all backgrounds who share their daily photographs. It’s a chance to get feedback on new work and projects, or to compare notes on topics like freelancing. Every day, one of the thousands of pictures shared on the discussion list previously is displayed on the front page of the website. And today, one of my favorite pictures from BunnyCon was featured, and that just kind of makes my day. Don’t forget to browse the archives, it’s full of stunning work.
Thanks for looking,
Daniel
Seattle Mariners Opening Day photos | Seattle editorial photographer
The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 to win their home opener at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. I had seats in the first few rows of the 300 level with my brother, and was able to make a few frames while at my seat and exploring the park.

Fireworks are launched during the national anthem. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Seattle Mariners fans wait in line before entry gates opened three hours before gametime. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Phil Andruss, known as Mohawk Guy, drinks beer in the Pyramid Breweries beer garden a few hours before gametime. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man tries to drink down the tops of some of his four beers so they don’t spill while enjoying the Pyramid Breweries beer garden a few hours before gametime. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Golden light shines on Beacon Hill and the old PacMed Center in a view looking east from Safeco Field. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

An usher helps direct the flow of people moving through the home plate entrance to Safeco Field. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Fans work to find their seats in the 200 level of the outfield before the start of the game. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

The memorial to former Seattle Mariners play-by-play announcer Dave Niehaus was a popular photo opportunity for fans. Niehaus died in 2010 of a heart attack. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A man eats some Shiskaberries, chocolate-covered strawberries on a stick, during the fourth inning. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

At the end of the game, a fan celebrates the team’s victory. The Seattle Mariners defeated the Houston Astros 3-0 during Opening Day at Safeco Field Monday April 8, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com
Thanks for looking,
Daniel
BunnyCon Seattle 2013 photos | Seattle editorial photographer
We are blessed, here in the Northwest, to have an abundance of events that unite everyday people around something silly. On Saturday March 30 in Seattle, dozens dressed like bunnies for BunnyCon Seattle 2013 and went on a pub crawl around downtown. They started off their journey in Pioneer Square, wandered over to Fado Irish Pub, (literally) hopped next door to Contour, then surprised people visiting Pike Place Market, drank in the sun on the roof of the Hard Rock Café, flash mobbed the anime convention Sakura-Con happening nearby at the Washington State Convention Center and ended the night with drinks back at the Alibi Room. I followed along on their furry journey on the nicest day yet of spring, and it was an absolute blast. I don’t think I have heard quite so many dirty rabbit jokes, which I will leave to your imagination.

Nora Robertson embraces her boyfriend, Rusty McClellan, at Fado Irish Pub, as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Sam Trout gets his face painted at Fado Irish Pub as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013, which included a stop at Contour on 1st Avenue.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013, which included a stop at Contour on 1st Avenue.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013, which included a stop at Harbor Steps for a group photo.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

It’s time for the dozens dressed like bunnies to continue on their cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Not all were in on the joke as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013.

Regular patrons at the Hard Rock Café mixed with those dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Some parted ways to flash mob at Sakura-Con at the Washington State Convention Center.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Some parted ways to flash mob at Sakura-Con at the Washington State Convention Center.

Dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Some parted ways to flash mob at SakuraCon at the Washington State Convention Center.

A pair of bunny ears was stuck to the infamous Pike Place Market Gum Wall, as dozens dressed like bunnies for a cross-town pub crawl during Bunnycon 2013 in Seattle Saturday March 30, 2013. Daniel Berman 2013
Thanks for looking,
Daniel
Seattle Snow Day photos | Seattle editorial photographer
This was a crazy event to cover. On Saturday, Seattle Snow Day trucked in 162,000 pounds of snow from the mountains and dumped it at Seattle Center, where organizers expected around 6,000 people to participate in “The World’s Largest Snowball Fight.” 5,387 snowball chuckers over 18 years old ended up attending Seattle Snow Day — enough to break the Guinness Book of World Records, organizers said. The day started with about a dozen teams building elaborate (and sometimes strikingly not so) forts to protect themselves from the snowball onslaught to come.
A few hours later, and it was a free for all. With the sunny weather earlier in the day, followed by quickly plummeting temperatures by the time of the fight, there was a lot of ice in the snow. And it was dark. Brave people tried to cross through “enemy” lines, but that was a perilous mission. Many, this photographer included, got hit all over (hard) by snowballs flying through the freezing air, but nearly everyone seemed to have a smile on their face. It’s just not every day that an event can bring people together in this city. And if it allows us all to play like kids for a moment, well, all the better.

Participants walk past a fort during Seattle Snow Day Saturday Jan. 12 at Seattle Center. 5, 837 people came together for a snowball fight that broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the event. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

People dance as the final minutes of the snow fort competition wind down during Seattle Snow Day Saturday Jan. 12 at Seattle Center. 5, 837 people came together for a snowball fight that broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the event. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Claire Todd of Tacoma helps pack snowballs for the Attendible team during Seattle Snow Day Saturday Jan. 12 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“It’s like running through a sprinkler of ice,” Jeremiah Hughes from Hoquiam said as he helped shovel snow for a team he he didn’t know during Seattle Snow Day Saturday Jan. 12 at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Anton Sobolik runs through fresh snow powder coming from a snow blower. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Louisa Diaz, center, and friend, Anton Sobolik, react to a large amount of snow falling on them from a snow blower near by during Seattle Snow Day Saturday Jan. 12. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Participants mug for the camera as the snow fort building competition winds down. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Brad Kellagher works on the fort for Copious Love Productions, a local theater group, as friend Meg Philips, center, takes a break. “Everyone out here is going all out to win,” Kellagher said. “We just came to have some fun. Win or lose.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com
” width=”720″ height=”477″ class=”size-full wp-image-3458″ /> Event participants take in the view of Seattle Snow Day from the steps outside of the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com
The PCF Management Team colored their fort with apple juice and Kool-Aid to mimic Seattle Seahawks’ colors, volunteer Palina Tsaryk said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

The snowball fight began a few minutes before 5 p.m. with no official recognition or start signal. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Brave people running between the various snow forts try to protect their head and face from incoming snowballs. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Brave people running between the various snow forts try to protect their head and face from incoming snowballs. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Brave people running between the various snow forts try to protect their head and face from incoming snowballs. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Brave people running between the various snow forts try to protect their head and face from incoming snowballs. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A participant cheers as he recovers their team flag from another team’s fort while running through the grounds. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A participant cheers as he recovers their team flag from another team’s fort while running through the grounds. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

A participant cheers as he recovers their team flag from another team’s fort while running through the grounds. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Brave people running between the various snow forts try to protect their head and face from incoming snowballs. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Many people were all smiles as snow hurtled through the air, even if it did hurt as it struck them. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Many people were all smiles as snow hurtled through the air, even if it did hurt as it struck them. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Icy conditions lead many to slip and slide around, sometimes into their friends or fellow participants nearby. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Event participants look on as officials from the Guinness Book of World records certify that 5,387 people took part in Seattle Snow Day, enough to break the record for biggest snowball fight. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

An event participant makes a snow angel after officials from the Guinness Book of World records certified that 5,387 people took part in Seattle Snow Day, enough to break the record for biggest snowball fight. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com
Thanks for looking!
Daniel
Golden Gardens sunset | Seattle editorial photographer

Visitors to Golden Gardens Park in Ballard admire the sunset on a brisk evening Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com






























































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