Arson, the Pleasant Grove Fire Department's dog, poses for a portrait in the arms of firefighter Shawn Sandberg on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 at the Pleasant Grove Fire Station. Arson is a 1-year-old goldendoodle, and he occasionally tags along with firefighters on calls.

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December was a pretty neat month for me. I had my first work trip and celebrated both Christmas and New Years far away from home for the first time. Spending major holidays like Christmas in my new Utah home is pretty different for me - it signals that my life has fully entered uncharted waters. Which, is a good thing. 

To begin with, the Daily Herald was amazingly generous and sent me to San Diego to photograph Brigham Young University's bowl game in San Diego. I showed up at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego a few hours before kickoff to photograph fans having a good time before the Poinsettia Bowl matchup against the Wyoming Cowboys. At first the weather was beautiful, but once kick off came, it changed to a downpour. I thought "sunny San Diego's" weather would be kind to me for the game, but fortunately I brought along rain gear and my cameras and I survived and I walked away with in-focus pictures. Success. Despite the rain, my first work trip rocked, and I hope I get the chance to travel on assignment again. The six pictures following all this text are a few of my favorite from the bowl game.

I also had the opportunity to work on a Monday Close Up with a man who is a third-generation Santa. The men of his family (beginning with his grandfather in 1936) have dressed up to play Santa for local families and events. David Carter (the man I followed) is the latest generation in this "Santa" family tree and he also serves as the assistant principal at a local high school. Those photos are at the end of this blog (after both the BYU bowl game and my daily assignments). If you'd like to read the full story I wrote, check it out here: http://provodh.com/caded.

Other than a trip to California and a quick photo story, the holidays weren't too busy. That breathing room has allowed me to step back and think a bit. This past year has given me so much change. Graduating from college and saying goodbye to the groups and friends I loved there (for now), working in Minneapolis for a summer internship, and finally landing a full-time gig here in Provo at the Daily Herald. I won't be running from semester to semester or internship or internship this year: I'll be here, in Utah. I think that's good for me. I've been seeking a constant place in my life ever since I left for college, and now I have it. Though I won't be here forever, I'm glad to wade into the still mysterious lands of Utah and learn what I can while the Beehive state will have me.

Brigham Young University fans mill about in the parking lot of the stadium during pregame festivities before the Poinsettia Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 outside of Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

A Brigham Young University drummer performs with the band for fans during pregame festivities before the Poinsettia Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 outside of Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Tanner Mangum (12) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the matchup between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Wyoming Cowboys in the Poinsettia Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

A member of the Brigham Young University Color Guard helps another member pick wet eyelashes out of her eye during the matchup between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Wyoming Cowboys in the Poinsettia Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Kai Nacua (12) celebrates his interception late in the fourth quarter with defensive back Troy Warner (11) to seal BYU's victory during the matchup between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Wyoming Cowboys in the Poinsettia Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Harvey Langi (16) accepts the Defensive Player of the Gtame award from Ted Tollner, a member of the Board of Directors for the San Diego Bowl Game Association, after defeating the Wyoming Cowboys in the Poinsettia Bowl on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.

Fire fighters and community members work together to create a dam to block water from flooding a resident's yard after a water line burst along Caveman Boulevard near the intersection of E 300 N on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 in American Fork.

Kathryn Kenney, of Springville, browses through the selection of poinsettias in a greenhouse Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at McCoard's Garden Center in Provo. A repeat customer, Kenney was picking out poinsettias for her family and herself.

Kane Davenport, 6, from Eagle Crest Elementary School, covers Alex Palmer's eyes as they shop for gifts during the Bear Hugs for Kids event Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at Walmart in Saratoga Springs.

Springville senior running back Payton Kelepolo poses for a portrait Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at Springville High School's football field. Kelepolo was chosen as the Daily Herald's football player of the year.

Members of the altar party make their way onto the altar as Timothy Yanni lays prostrate on the floor during a priest ordination ceremony Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Provo.

From left, triplets Navy, Indi, and Livia, all 4, try to pose for a friend's picture with their mother Celeste Erickson and family friend Ryder Hill, 13, during Cocoa, Candy Canes and Conversation on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 at the Pleasant Grove Fire Department. The event brought in community members to meet with fire fighters and police officers to chat over hot chocolate and treats and also learn more about the roles of public safety departments.

Brent Taylor wheels a cabinet fitted with sliding mechanisms for drawers towards other unfinished pieces Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016 at Taylor Cabinet Inc. near Lake Shore. Taylor's father started the cabinetry business in 1971, and Brent began taking up his father's craft in 1979.

Hadley, 6, and her sister Ada, 4, peek out their family's front door as Timpview students sing Christmas carols for them Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016 in Provo. Timpview students went from door to door singing carols to raise money for Sub for Santa.

American Fork guard Rob Crowther (30) grimaces as guard Bronson Barron (10) misses a foul shot late in the fourth quarter with the Cavemen ahead 56-52 during a game between the Provo Bulldogs and the American Fork Cavemen on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at American Fork High School.

Brigham Young Cougars guard TJ Haws (30) dribbles the ball behind his back while guarded by Santa Clara Broncos guard Jared Brownridge (23) during a game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Santa Clara Broncos on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 at the Marriott Center in Provo.

Maple Mountain center Dawson Beutler (13) pumps up his teammates before a game between the Maple Mountain Golden Eagles and the Corner Canyon Chargers on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 at Corner Canyon High School in Draper.

American Fork forward Zach McWhorter (44) looks up after falling to the floor on a play as Provo's Steffan Briggs (23) steps over him during a game between the Provo Bulldogs and the American Fork Cavemen on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at American Fork High School.

David Carter, dressed as Santa Claus, exits a Christmas party Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at the Quarnberg's home in Lindon. Carter has been dressing up as Santa for holiday parties the past 21 years.

David Carter holds Breckon Wood, 3, of Spanish Fork, during a holiday party Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at the LDS Church located at 114 S 400 W in Orem.

David Carter dresses up as Santa Claus on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 in a camping trailer outside of his home in American Fork. He dresses in the trailer so that his six young step children don't see him.

David Carter, center in blue, talks with a student Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at Pleasant Grove High School. Carter has worked at Pleasant Grove High School for 13 years and spent the last three years as assistant principal.

Tom Carter, David's father, puts pictures of himself dressed as Santa Claus back on a shelf Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at his home in Orem. Tom is a part of the second generation of the three generations of Santa Clauses in the Carter family.

Casey, left, and Kayci Treu practice during a dance lesson Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at Strictly Ballroom in Orem. The duo met out of a mutual need for a dance partner, and eventually became romantically involved after many practices together and a first date. They married on March 26, 2014, about a year after their first date. “Essentially a ballroom partnership is like a marriage in every form except the romance: you have money, scheduling, you have to learn how to communicate, work through conflict, pursue a common goal,” said Kayci. “It’s a great preparation for marriage actually.” 

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November was much like October, except a bit colder in spots.

Other than a stabbing that involved a sixteen-year-old boy and five other students at a high school (which was a bit of a rush and brought all three of us photographers to the school early in the morning straight out of our beds), Utah County remained pretty quiet through the second-to-last month of 2016. This month I got to work on a quick story about two ballroom dancers at Brigham Young University for a Monday Close Up. I've pulled out a few pictures from that story to kick off this blog post (the one above, and four following below).

Though I shot the story in just two days, it was refreshing to hang around people for extended periods of time again and think through all the things that come with a photo story. Monday Close Ups take me back (not far at all) to my days in college searching for projects to work on, except now I have daily assignments between each story instead of just a story every few weeks. It's been a challenge finding new stories every month to work on, but I'm glad I have the opportunity to spend more time on Monday Close Ups and get a healthy mix of shorter and longer assignments at work. Though making a good photo story is obviously dependent on finding a unique story in the first place and planning ahead, having subjects that understand what it is you're trying to do is just as crucial. In the case of Kayci and Casey Treu (the ballroom dancers), they were the epitome of wonderful subjects - happy to let me into their lives whenever, accustomed to a quick turnaround, and knew how to forget I was there photographing. For more from their story, take a look here: http://provodh.com/7feg2.

One thing I've begun to notice in my work is my tendency to "shoot at" people when photographing. I gravitate towards always having a face in a photo, and usually hangout in front of my subjects. Though that's commonplace in most newspaper images, I want to use body language and non-facial/pictures of backs more effectively. When I shot the picture of the rock climber (eighth picture in this blog post) it felt solid, but something outside what I'd typically shoot (and admittedly inspired by my homie Dominic Valente). I feel the picture expresses what needs to be communicated about climbing, and it doesn't need a person's face to help relate that feeling. I'm in the process of how to actively work on that style of shooting, but like most things, it'll take some time to get used to. 

Springville forward senior Anna Smith (3) and Skyridge midfielder junior Sage Gentry (30) compete for the ball as Springville defender senior Diana Sanchez (4) helps up Skyridge midfielder senior Breesa Nawahine (10) during the first round of the division 4A state tournament between the Skyridge Falcons and the Springville Red Devils on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at Springville High School. 

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Aside from seeing a surplus of pumpkins and a few trick-or-treat assignments, October was a relatively regular month for me.

I started off the month photographing the LDS Church's semi-annual General Conference, which was something unlike I've never experienced before. Since moving to Utah I've learned about the Mormon faith (being that 89% of people in Utah County are Mormon), and getting to photograph the largest gathering in the Mormon Church (with the church's president and most of the higher-ups present) was a first for me. 

Otherwise, I've been pushing myself to find more off-moments in everyday assignments. The sort of off-moments that don't necessarily make for a solid newspaper picture, but something weird. I consider myself a relatively straightforward photographer when it comes to style, so I'm trying to photograph the weird moments I usually wouldn't consider as picture-worthy to try and break out of my own mold. In that spirit, I recently sold a Nikon mirrorless camera I won in a contest and bought a Fujifilm X-T2, which I've been using to revive my Instagram account. I'm using it in tandem with my typical DSLR setup to spur me to shoot a bit differently. It's also a trusty (and silent) secondary camera to take with me on assignments.

Now winter's beginning to set in. Snow hasn't fallen, and it hasn't gotten freezing cold yet, but winter in Utah will be something unlike the Ohio winters I've experienced my whole life. I look forward to what the chillier months have to bring at the Daily Herald.

Trick-or-treaters make their way along the candy route along the track during Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 at Mountain View High School in Orem.

Michael Graf, left, holds hands with his fiancé Sarah Baker as they head towards their seats before the afternoon session of the 186th semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 in Salt Lake City.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cover themselves as a rain storm quickly moves through the area while they make their way towards the Conference Center from Temple Square before the afternoon session of the 186th semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 in Salt Lake City. 

Mak Oberg, 3, swings on a rope swing while his brothers Zak, 3, front center, and Kaydon, 4, play on the trampoline next to their grandmother Laura Oberg outside the Oberg's home Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 in Santaquin. The three boys moved in about two years ago when their father ran into personal issues and are now taken care of by their grandparents, Laura and Blain Oberg.

Wendy Asay, right, and McKay Ahping stand with signs during a sidewalk rally for independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 at the intersection of University Avenue and Bulldog Boulevard in Provo. Ahping organized the event, and encouraged people to bring copies of the U.S. Constitution and signs to support Evan McMullin.

Independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin looks out from a side room to Brimhall Room 302 as he's introduced before speaking at the Provo City Library on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016.

Miley, 6, and Lola Meng, 4, wait for independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin as he takes pictures with audience members after he spoke at the Provo City Library on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016. 

Springville defender senior Jensena Warren (11) lays on the field in frustration just after after Springville fell to Skyridge 2-1 in the first round of the division 4A state tournament between the Skyridge Falcons and the Springville Red Devils on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 at Springville High School. 

Salem Hills' Kaden Stewart's face paint runs after a sweaty first half during the first round of the state football tournament between the Timpview Thunderbirds and the Salem Hills Skyhawks on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 at Timpview High School in Provo. 

Timpview players celebrate around senior Mikayla Powell (28) as she hoists up the championship trophy after shutting out East 2-0 in the girls soccer state championship Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. 

Utah Valley University forward Isaac Neilson (22) poses for a portrait during media day Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at the UCCU Center in Orem. 

Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams high-fives fans as he makes his way through the Cougar Walk on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Springfield outside linebacker Vili Kolomalu (92) takes a moment to himself at halftime during the first round of the state football tournament between the Orem Tigers and the Springville Red Devils on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Springville High School. 

Draft horse teams circle the rodeo grounds before being judged during the draft horse show at the Fall Festival at the Young Living Lavender Farm on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 in Mona.

Peyton Smith, 6, of Eagle Mountain, relaxes as she watches "Horton Hears a Who!" after a celebration in honor of the school becoming a National PTA School of Excellence on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at Pony Express Elementary School in Eagle Mountain. 

Amanda Lauret, center, holds her son Rexton, 4, in her lap as she and her family claps along with the rest of the crowd during a celebration in honor of the school becoming a National PTA School of Excellence on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at Pony Express Elementary School in Eagle Mountain.

Chris Palmer, role playing as a judge, covers his face while the Bountiful Metro SWAT Team secures the courtroom during an active-shooter scenario Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 at the Fourth Judicial District Court in Provo. 

Andrew Smith secures a suspect with a riot shield as the rest of the Bountiful Metro SWAT Team secures the courtroom during an active-shooter scenario Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016 at the Fourth Judicial District Court in Provo. 

Byron Burwell, center, shovels mulch with other volunteers for the playground at Geneva Elementary School on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 in Orem. 

Angalee Bodell, 3, dressed as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid' covers her eyes from the sun as she stands with her sister Alexis, 6, dressed as a witch, as their parents take a picture of them at the Trick-or-Treat Village held at Nolen Park on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 in Eagle Mountain. Roughly 2,500 people came out to the event on the sunny afternoon.

Landon Coones, an event tech with UVU, smiles as he holds a lightsaber somebody offered him after a meeting of the Lightsaber club Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 at Utah Valley University in Orem. 

Julie Tamez, 11, and other performers head towards the stage during a Day of the Dead celebration Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

Remi Toolson, 2, checks her elbow as Asher Toolson, 5, shouts with excitement while coming down the slide with other kids at Hee Haw Farms on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 in Lindon.