Jacked about Dak...

I always kinda hoped we'd land this guy.

Turns out, we did.

I've been doing Dakotah's baseball pictures since the time he was in t-ball. And every year, without fail.. it's been the biggest order.

Dude's family likes pictures.

And in the business I'm in... that's a very good thing.

So when his session was booked this summer, not only was I excited to photograph another one that I watched grow up from the time he was knee-high... but I know they appreciate my work... BIG time.

There was really three main areas of focus with Dak's session.

Baseball... given.

The family pond... naturally.

And we talked Hawks... sweetness.

Dakotah is coming off another fine season for Denny Allen's Mustang baseball squad. A Times-Republican all-area performer, there could be no doubt that the tributes to hardball were gonna be done up.

Often imitated... never duplicated.... just another 20 layer sports collage for Mr. Wolken to commemorate a four year career that has one more season to go. Don't be surprised if next season ends at Principal Park.

He's slight of build... but don't let that fool ya... dude has a whip. His honors were gathered in the outfield.. but Dak packs the heat on the mound as well. I was at several games this summer in which Dakotah took the hill for the Mustangs, and no one was better for a team that came within a couple innings of making the state tournament.

I had been to the Wolken family pond a couple of times over the past decade to photograph cousins of Dakotah... but it was his turn to be shot around the locale that he spends alot of his free time relaxing at. We had our work cut out for us with a high sky and barely a cloud to be found, but with the skilful help of his Aunt Darla, we overcame.

Finally... I learned that Dak is a HUGE Hawkeye fan. In fact... he and I will be sitting just one section apart at all the games at Kinnick this fall. He's in section 109... I'm in 110. How cool is that? I'm not so sure we might not have to tailgate together at some point in what will be our first ever Big 10 Legends Division Championship season. Right, Dak?

It's great to be a Hawkeye.... and your photographer.

Thanks, Brutha.