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.

Snoop Lion threw pre-rolled blunts into the crowd.

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

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

Guns Across America Rally at Washington state Capitol in Olympia | Gun owner portraits | Seattle editorial photographer

I had no idea what to expect when I made the long, early morning drive to Olympia on Saturday for the Guns Across America rally. I knew this is would be an important event to document given current events and the incredible fervor surrounding gun rights in this country.

I decided to focus on making portraits in front of a portable studio setup of some of the 1,500 people to attend the event. About half of the people I asked to photograph were interested and allowed me to do so, the rest rebuffed me, mostly citing their privacy and concerns of how the images might be used. I understood. That is all part of the environment these gun owners live in, and I respected their wishes and moved on. Still, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with passionate people involved in something they care about and believe deeply in.

A gun supporter raises their gun through the passenger window while heading down Capitol Way as approximately 1,500 gun owners and enthusiasts attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Former NFL player Clint Didier addresses some of the 1,500 gun owners and enthusiasts attending the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Didier told the crowd they should bury food, resources, ham radios and everything you will need to survive independently in an uncertain future. “This president is not my president,” he said. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

About 1,500 gun owners and supporters attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Joining a boisterous crowd, Jonathan Swezey, Angela Wilcox, Olivia Perry, 10, Sydney Perry, 13, Abigale Haynie, 13, and Ellie May Haynie, 10, cheer on honking cars driving on Capitol Way past the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. About 1,500 people attended the event, to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

About 1,500 gun owners and supporters attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Kris Roadruck, of Olympia, sits with his AR-15 and stepbrother Kris Reeves, of Seattle, near the end of the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “This is a bigger crowd than I expected, but I’ve spent time in the military so I’m used to being around this many guns,” Roadruck said. “I think showing up says it all.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I just think that the 1st and 2nd Amendments are equally important,” said Matt Richardson, of Sumner. The Navy professor of philosophy and ethics was one of about 1,500 people to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “I hope we change the laws as they affect mental illness,” Richardson said. “But 99.9% of Americans who own guns do so legally and they should be left alone.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I’m here because this was a chance for the people, the law-abiding citizens who don’t have much of a voice, to have their voice heard,” said Seth Guyer, 23, one of about 1,500 people to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Carrie Mann and her husband, Craig, of Belfair, were two of about 1,500 gun owners and supporters to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Carrie brought her 380 Millenium Taurus .380 ACP Pistol, and Craig brought his .357 S&W Magnum. “We just support open carry laws and want to support the rights of this state’s constitution and our country’s constitution,” said Craig, a member of the Washington state Constitutional Party. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Craig Mann, of Belfair, was one of about 1,500 gun owners and supporters to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Craig brought his .357 S&W Magnum. “D.C. is handing down something that doesn’t agree with Washington, and we want to apply pressure to the state of Washington to preserve state’s rights,” said Mann, a member of the Washington state Constitutional Party. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“They say no one needs an AR-15, but I needed one to protect myself from overly aggressive poachers on a camping trip last year,” said Darcy Rohde, of Federal Way, who holstered her boyfriend’s handgun during the rally. “Our government is making hasty decisions and we should not be spending money we don’t have.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I just want people to know that our gun rights are important,” said Kirk Parker, of Tacoma, during the Guns Across America rally that brought about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “I liked what our state Constitution had to say on the matter,” he said, of the sign he brought. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I was in Vietnam,” said Rudy Pries, of Mossy Rock, “and I watched what happens when people lose their guns; whenever people lost what they had to fight with they lost their freedom.” Pries brought along his 1100 12-guage shotgun to the Guns Across America rally, which drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “Sometimes you feel like your alone in the world,” Pries said. “Then you come to something like this and it does you right.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“The 2nd Amendment is why I am here,” said Marc Hokoana, 25, who brought his AR-15 to the Guns Across America rally that drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “It’s important to have this exposure and for the public to see people with guns that don’t fit the stereotype of old white racists who own guns,” he said. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“There are a lot of politicians who don’t know handguns,” said Lily Hokoana, 25, carrying a Glock 26 9mm pistol, as approximately 1,500 gun owners and supporters attended the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The organization held events at capitol buildings in many states to show support for the 2nd Amendment and opposition to new gun control measures. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“We just wanted to stand in solidarity with people who share our same belief system regarding the 2nd Amendment,” said Cathleen Lombard, of Puyallup, while holding the .357 S&W Magnum she received as a 50th birthday gift from her husband, David, three years ago. The Lombards were two of about 1,500 gun owners and supporters to attend the Guns Across America rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“I own guns for my enjoyment, for my protection and for the protection of our liberty,” said Gary Ehrheart, of Anacortes, wearing a constitution shirt he paid $2.99 for at a local Value Village thrift store recently. The Guns Across America rally drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

Gary Ehrheart, of Anacortes, speaks with his daughter Ellamina, 4, while attending the Guns Across America rally that drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. “I own guns for my enjoyment, for my protection and for the protection of our liberty,” Ehrheart said while wearing a constitution shirt he paid $2.99 for at a local Value Village thrift store recently. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“They are going to try and take these things away, but they prevent evil on a scale that people cannot even comprehend,” said Jesse Maxwell, of Yakima, who works for the gun supply store, Tactical Supply. In his backpack, Maxwell brought along a .416 Barrett, a 30-pound rifle that can propel bullets up to 3,050 feet per second, according to the manufacturer’s website. The Guns Across America rally drew about 1,500 people to the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

“My friends and I walked into the Capitol today with our signs and our AR-15s and someone told us we can’t have protest signs inside,” remarked Tim Carson, of Spokane. “I told her, ‘Umm, we have semi-automatics on us.’ That’s liberalism for you.” Photo by Daniel Berman/www.bermanphotos.com

The photos are available for license.

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

A snowball fighter takes cover from behind his fort. 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

The snowball fight comes to a close. 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

Washington legalizes marijuana photos — Seattle Dec. 6

Just after midnight, Washington legalized possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use for those over 21 under Initiative 502, which took effect Thursday, Dec. 6. 2012. A public celebration hailed as Legalization Day in Washington State attracted about a hundred people to toke up at Seattle Center’s International Fountain Thursday evening, after a similar event at 12:01 a.m. near the Space Needle. Public smoking is still against the law, and marijuana remains counter to federal law. Colorado passed a similar measure.

All photos available for licensing at http://seattlephotographer.photoshelter.com/gallery/Washington-legalizes-marijuana-photos/G0000..eNFpzfHOc/C0000fzMTw_NAP.c

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Legalization Day in Washington State photos:

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12:01 AM celebration

Click to view

Tulalip Tribe member Dennis Boon

I had a recent assignment for Northwest Leaf to photograph Tulalip Tribe member Dennis Boon, who uses medical marijuana to control his seizures. The seizures were debilitating, and used to leave him out of commission and unable to attend school or work. The only thing that helps this condition, Dennis said, is medical marijuana, and he hasn’t had a seizure in years. But his Tribe does not recognize legal medicinal marijuana, even though the state does. Last year, local authorities acting on a tip that a felon was living at his home, confiscated his authorization to have cannabis and took his collection of pipes. He’s still fighting the possession and paraphernalia charges, he said. In the mean time, he said he knows that this is the only thing that works and he will continue to use it — whether the Tribe recognizes his state status remains unclear. Check out this compelling story by Ray Flores.

Thanks for looking,

Daniel