Los Angeles Photographer - Kelvin Kuo » North Carolina

Appalachia Backpacking

Kelvin Kuo — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:09:33 +0000

My brother wanted to organize a backpacking adventure a few weeks ago so I decided that we should hike the Smoky Mountains National Park. 40 miles, lacerated shin, bummed knee, lack of sleep are all the major events within our trip. The first day we started out at the Big Creek trailhead and took a dip into the Midnight Hole.

Here is Marvin half submerged.

The gorilla shoes, which I use for base camp.

And Marvin’s goofy jump in.

Me posing, right before I jump into the chilly water.

And getting ready to leave, for our long 20 mile hike that day.

It’s great to hike a forest with tons of water sources, just a lot easier to carry less water while embarking on a long hike.

The 2 mile ascent up to Mt Cammerer created an exhausted state as well as leading Marvin to count his steps for the rest of the day. He didn’t know what he was in for.

Another break for some high energy snacks.

Me enjoying myself.

An example of the cool trails we hiked.

Cooling off with another dip in the water. And trying to clean my sweat drenched shirt.

My actual hiking shoes.

Same situation as before, different area.

Fording the river, but actually just crossing without getting our shoes wet.

The damage on my leg, doesn’t look bad here but I should have gotten some serious stitches.

This is the next day at Laurel Gap Shelter. We arrived at the shelter just in the knick of time, right before it was completely dark so I couldn’t get photos earlier.

The shelter is closed off with a fence to prevent bear attacks.

Potty break, mountain style.

GORP.

Forest, and poison ivy infested areas that we didn’t know about.

Break again.

Log bridges required to stay on path through some of the Smoky Mountain trails.

Lunch was only one can of tuna each, and one tortilla.

Checking our directions.

I like this view of the log bridge.

Exhausted during our second day of hiking, this was totally around 12 miles and full of thunder storms.

Making dinner.

Jerk chicken and rice.

Bear rope to prevent those forest thieves.

Our camp, which was setup right when we got there since a thunderstorm was hurling down rain. We took a little nap at 4 in the afternoon, since we ended the day early.

Camp 40.

Loving the light bark on these trees.

Nature’s fireworks, or that’s what I saw out of them.

Funghi.

Cool red salamander, the only cool animal we saw during our long trek.

Marvin happy that we finally finished our last hike. Exhausted and hungry, we decided to walk up to the top of Hemphill Bald, which added another 2 miles round trip to our itinerary.

Next two are from the top of the mountain. Gorgeous views.

ACC Tournament Finals: GT Vs. Duke

Kelvin Kuo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:36:44 +0000

No on really predicted for Georgia Tech to get into the ACC championship game, with other teams in the ACC with a higher seed. But this young and talented team decided to step it up when it mattered the most, with the NCAA tournament on the line. With the season already at 1-1 against Duke, Georgia Tech had a chance in their minds to finally overcome their underdog status. But unfortunately the game ended up going the other way, with Duke yet another championship with a final score of 61-65. I decided to take a few pictures of the cheerleaders before the game, since I think I should be documenting everything.

And Dick Vitale was here, from ESPN, as well as Erin Andrews. And they were making jokes for Dancing with the Stars.

I’ve been trying to get a cool way to show the team entering the court, but never got a good one. I think this one is pretty typical but still good.

Duke guard Jon Scheyer (30) talking to Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell (13) going up for a layup.

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) upset with a call, which would foreshadow the game to be.

Duke center Brian Zoubek (left) acting a foul with Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (right)

A typical picture of Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (31) being fouled on the shot by Duke forward Lance Thomas (42).

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt upset with something, just a good image in general.

Interesting defensive play by Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell (right) against Duke forward Kyle Singler (left).

Another foul but by Duke center Brian Zoubek (back) against Georgia Tech forward Glen Rice Jr. (41).

Great block by Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14).

Press by Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) against Duke guard Jon Scheyer (30).

Ball tipped up for grabs with Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (left ) and Duke forward Lance Thomas (right) going for the ball.

A lot of pressure was put on Duke while Georgia Tech was trailing, trying to regain some composure. Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) defends Duke guard Nolan Smith (2).

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock is injured during a play.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) attempts the shot against Duke guard Jon Scheyer (30) and forward Kyle Singler (12).

Georgia Tech forward Glen Rice Jr. right steals the ball away from Duke guard Nolan Smith (left).

Duke guards Nolan Smith and Jon Scheyer hug after a big 3 point play by Scheyer.

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) tries to drive to ball in and make something happen, while down by 4.

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) shoots the lay up for a shot and a foul.

Duke forward Kyle Singler and guard Nolan Smith celebrate the victory.

Duke guard Nolan Smith shows off his flair.

Duke, the ACC champions.

My only really good shot of the net being cut down by freshman Duke guard Andre Dawkins.

ACC Tournament: GT Vs. NC State

Kelvin Kuo — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:00:30 +0000

Georgia Tech was matched up with NC State for the semifinals game of the ACC tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina. I really didn’t know what to expect today, since Georgia Tech had already beaten NC State at home. I knew there was going to be a lot of action, since the last match up ended up very close. Now with more on the line, each team would be giving their all to get to the finals game against Duke. First picture is the tip off, a little wide angle action.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors with the slam dunk. (this is what happens when a strobe is caught in your exposure.)

NC State forward Tracy Smith (23) taking a shot out of the reach of Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (right).

NC State forward Tracy Smith (23) shooting past Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14).

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) running the ball in.

Georgia Tech guard Mfon Udofia (0) retrieving the loose ball with Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell (13) and NC State forward C.J. Williams out of reach.

NC State Farnold Degand (right) fouled by Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14)

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) shooting above NC State forward C.J. Williams (21).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) with the slam dunk.

NC State guard Scott Wood (15) and Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) going up for the rebound.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) fouled while going up for a shot, or is it? Not officially.

Georgia Tech forward Brian Oliver with a funky face.

NC State guard Javier Gonzalez (10) goes up for a layup past Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14).

Lovely photo of Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt.

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) hurt during a play.

Georgia Tech forward Brian Oliver (11) attempting to steal the ball away from NC State guard Scott Wood (left)

NC State head coach yelling some plays out.

NC State guard Javier Gonzalez (left) talking to NC State forward Richard Howell (right).

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) jumping up for a layup.

NC State guard Julius Mays (24) gets a screen off on Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1).

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock (35) shooting the jumper.

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (31) trying to hold on to the rebound as NC State forward Tracy Smith and forward Dennis Horner try to steal the ball away.

NC State guard Javier Gonzalex (left) is pressured by Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (right) into a time out.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) is fouled during a break away play by NC State guard Javier Gonzalez.

Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell upset with the previous play with NC State guard Javier Gonzalez.

ACC Tournament: GT vs. Maryland

Kelvin Kuo — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:43:13 +0000

A close win yesterday brought Georgia Tech to the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament against Maryland. I have just been going day to day with my travel and hotel arrangements so we’ll see what comes out of it. Well it was another exciting game today, with Georgia Tech upsetting Maryland. The final score of 69-64. What a crazy comeback by the Terps, when the Yellow Jackets were up by 16 going into the second half. Well we should start from the beginning, when I saw this cool puppet that this one guy was holding in the stands.

The game started as every other had begun, with the physicality of any tournament. Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (31) attempts to make a shot between Maryland guard Eric Hayes (5) and Maryland Forward Jordan Williams (20).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (left) blocks Maryland forward Jordan Williams’ shot.

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) loses the ball while being defended by Maryland forward Landon Milbourne (1).

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (31) takes a shot past Maryland forward Dino Gregory (33).

Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell (13) upset after a play.

Maryland head coach Gary Williams upset during the game.

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (31) driving the ball to the basket.

Standard stock photo of Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez (21).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) going up for a shot defended by Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez (21).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) turns over the ball, with 8 total in the game, defended by Maryland guard Sean Mosley (14) and forward Landon Milbourne (1).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) shoots the ball past Maryland forward Landon Milbourne (1).

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) being tripped up by Maryland guard Eric Hayes (5).

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock (35) shoots the ball over Maryland forward Dino Gregory (33).

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller loses the ball after he was fouled during a break away play.

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock (35) shoots a hook shot over Maryland forward Landon Milbourne (1)

Georgia Tech forward Glen Rice Jr. (41) slam dunk.

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) calling the play, I just like the how this photo looks for some reason.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) shoots a tough shot defended by Maryland forward Landon Milbourne (1)

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) attempts to strip the ball away from Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez (21).

Another shot by Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) and fouled by Maryland forward Jordan Williams (20).

Maryland forward Landon Milbourne (1) handles the loose ball away from Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14).

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) squeezes through the Maryland defense for a shot.

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (31) shoots a jump shot defended by Maryland forward Dino Gregory (33)

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) with upset with the ref’s call regarding the outbound ball.

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) shooting a layup.

Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez (21) trying to get rid of the ball defended by Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) and forward Derrick Favors (14).

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt talks to the team during a time out.

Maryland head coach Gary Williams tries to orchestrate a play.

Georgia Tech mascot Buzz celebrating with the Georgia Tech cheerleaders.

ACC Tournament: GT vs UNC

Kelvin Kuo — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:52:21 +0000

Georgia Tech was facing University of North Carolina for the third time this season due to their low seed in the ACC standings. I didn’t really know if I could afford driving so far and missing class, but I guess it is my last semester as an undergrad, so I might as well make the most of it. Well it was a 5 hour drive till we arrived in Greensboro, welcomed by the Greensboro Coliseum. I was pretty excited to be able to shoot such a highly publicized event, and was ready to get on the court. Since I wasn’t back at home, there were tons of new things, such as all these remotes put on the goal post.

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) shooting the jump shot over UNC defense.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) gets fouled trying to go for a shot by UNC forward John Henson (31).

Buzz doing his handstand.

Just a cool shot that I liked of Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) avoiding the block UNC forward Tyler Zeller (44).

Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell shooting the jump shot past UNC guard Leslie McDonald (15).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) blocking the shot from UNC forward Tyler Zeller (44).

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock (top) trying to get away from UNC forward Tyler Zeller (bottom).

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock shooting the tough shot.

The pumped up UNC bench after leading ending the first half.

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) getting ready for the second half.

Funny shot of Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) and guard D’Andre Bell fouling and blocking the shot.

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt calling a play.

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller (3) going up for the layup.

Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock (35) fouled after a pump fake by UNC forward John Henson (top).

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal (center) trying to get past the UNC defenders Deon Thompson (21) and Marcus Ginyard (1) during a foul shot.

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt talking to Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) shooting over UNC forward Tyler Zeller (44).

The Georgia Tech bench getting amped up after leading UNC during the final minutes.

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (14) going up for a jump shot.

Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell (13) trying to guard UNC forward John Henson (31).

Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors (right) trying to block the shot of UNC forward Tyler Zeller (44).

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt talking to Georgia Tech forward Glen Rice Jr.

Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert (1) being fouled by UNC guard Dexter Strickland (5) while time is expiring.

#21 GT vs. #10 Duke

Kelvin Kuo — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:07:50 +0000

Georgia Tech revisits ACC conference opponent Duke, but this time at their home stadium in Cameron Indoors. The game seemed to be really well matched during the first half with Georgia Tech trailing only by 6 points, but that deficit increased during the second half where Georgia Tech was unable to recover. The game ended with Duke beating Georgia Tech 86-67. Duke forward Kyle Singler guarded by Georgia Tech guard Iman Shumpert ended the night with career highs of 30 points and 8- three-pointers.

Duke guard John Scheyer added to the offensive attack guarded by Georgia Tech forward Zachary Peacock with 21 points for the night.

John Scheyer forcing a layup between Georgia Tech center Brad Sheehan and forward Gani Lawal.

Duke guard Nolan Smith with the hook shot over Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal.

Duke fans complaining to the refs.

Duke center Brian Zoubek taking a shot over Georgia Tech center Brad Sheehan.

Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell complaining about a foul made on Duke forward Lance Thomas.

Duke forward Mason Plumlee overpowering Georgia Tech center Brad Sheehan with a dunk.

Duke guard John Scheyer trying to avoid Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell, who is screaming in his ear.

The Duke crowd trying to distract Georgia Tech guard D’Andre Bell as he inbounds the ball.

Georgia Tech forward Gani Lawal forces his way up for a point. He ended the game, as a leading scorer with 9 points.

Georgia Tech guard Maurice Miller trying to make something happen as the Yellow Jacket’s deficit lingers at 25 points.

Georgia Tech forward Glen Rice Jr. tries to lift up team with his showy efforts.

Georgia Tech forward Glen Rice Jr. ended the game with 10 points, and a second straight loss in Cameron since 1996.

#7 GT vs Duke

Kelvin Kuo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:35:37 +0000

Georgia Tech needed a win to claim a spot in the ACC championship game in Tampa. With a lot on the line, it was up to Tech to write their own history in Durham. The game started off with the Blue Devils gaining a notable lead of 10-0 with the first touchdown pass to RB Re’quan Boyette over Georgia Tech’s Mario Edward’s head.

But this would be the only opportunities for Duke to score, with Georgia Tech dominating the last three quarters. Here is the Blue Devil looking on after their first two possessions leading to some points on the board.

B-Back Jonathan Dwyer runs through the defensive line for some positive yards. Dwyer finished the day with 14 carries, 110 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Duke wide receiver Johnny Williams returns a kick off with only Kicker Scott Blair to stop him.

Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas catches a clutch pass over two defenders but is ruled back to be incomplete.

Corner Back Jerrard Tarrant runs a punt return back for a few yards. He ended the day with 4 punt returns for 44 yards.

Georgia Tech’s wide receiver Stephen Hill’s first touchdown pass. He ended the day with 2 receptions for 38 yards with 32 of them being from this one reception.

Another one of Georgia Tech’s three headed beast, but soon becoming more. A-Back Anthony Allen ended with 5 rushes and 37 yards. He also had 1 reception for 37 yards.

Line backer Brad Jefferson has a big hit on Duke’s offense. The defense seemed to step it up after the first quarter of play.

Dwyer grinding through the line for some extra yards to decrease Duke’s time of possession.

Would be epic shot of Demaryius Thomas catching the ball at the apex, but I decided to stick with the 300 instead of switching to the 80-200. Well the next two shots were better, but not as interesting.

Thomas’ touchdown pass for 75 yards.

Demaryius Thomas ended the day with 2 receptions and 89 yards. The Georgia Tech air attack is becoming potentially more dangerous to future opponents.

The celebration after the TD.

Just a great shot of Scott Blair getting stiff armed. I know I go to tech, but this is still an epic shot.

Duke wide receiver Conner Vernon fighting for extra yards during the fourth quarter of play.

After a huge lead, up 42-10, Jaybo Shaw was placed in to replace Nesbitt as the QB. Allowing him to showcase his talents.

A-Back Marcus Wright, running alone with his lead blocker. Wright ended the day with 5 carries, 47 yards and a touchdown.

Wright breaking through tackles, wearing down the Duke defense.

B-Back Richard Watson scored his first ever collegiate touchdown with the dominating performance from Georgia Tech as a whole.

I think this sums up the day, with Georgia Tech’s defense not allowing Duke any yards. It was a slow and one sided battle.

With this win, Georgia Tech is now off to the ACC championship game in Tampa, Fl. The Jackets will now focus on theirr biggest game against the University of Georgia bulldogs, trying to to finish the season 11-1.