InsidetheHouse.

Last week I worked on a project with one of the steepest learning curves I've ever come across. Being hired by USA Curling to cover the 2025 Olympic and Paralympic Trials meant photographing a sport — and a pace — I had zero experience with.

But that unfamiliarity turned into one of the most rewarding weeks of my photography career. I met people I won't forget and learned a sport from the inside out.

When I move around venues — especially the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — I like to talk with people as I go. Early last week I came across a really cute family sitting in the front row and asked the little boy what he was watching on his phone. He showed me in the cutest way, but didn't say much. I tried a couple more times and he stayed pretty quiet. His family asked me to get some good photos of Laura Dwyer, one of the Paralympic athletes, and told me they were her family.

The next day, I walked by again and that mostly non-verbal little guy saw me and held up the back of his hand. He had drawn on it with a pen that morning to mimic all of my hand tattoos. In his incredibly intelligent little mind he connected those dots and flattered me greatly in the process. I don't cry often, but that one got me.

The first day of actual coverage was Media Day. I met all of the athletes and their coaches for the first time while taking individual portraits, group photos, and creating intro videos. To say these guys and girls are nice is the understatement of the year. They all had great personalities and even better smiles.

Madison, of Team Strouse, asked me right away if I was taking photos all week. When I said yes, she seemed genuinely excited — and we had only just met.

Employees and representatives of USA Curling were very complimentary all week, especially Jenna and Aaron, who gave me this opportunity in the first place. Their trust genuinely boosted my confidence in the work we were doing.

The competition in this new sport I was learning was intense, with both the men and women pulling off dramatic wins. I got to visit with every team throughout the week, and I sincerely appreciate each one of them for making my week so special. Thank you to every athlete and every coach on every team — you made this such a memorable experience.

Along the way, I got to meet some well-known people, including Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie, Cleo Abram from the YouTube channel HUGE*, and Kira Brown from NBC Sports.

And I have to acknowledge my friends at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — Doria, Mike, Jim, Cory, Derek, Tara, Blake, and the many others I'm probably forgetting. The way they say my name, support me, and open doors for me is a big part of why opportunities like this happen.

I walked in not knowing much about curling and left feeling connected to a community I didn't expect. I'm grateful for every minute of it.