Staff

Mike Yoder (Chief Photographer)

Staff photo of Mike Yoder

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Mike Yoder grew up in Kansas City, MO, where he attended Grandview High School.

He received a bachelor's degree in communication from Goshen College, IN. in 1978. With an FCC radio license in hand Mike considered a radio career, but a photo internship at the Elkhart Truth newspaper in Elkhart, IN. convinced him to pursue a career in photojournalism. In 1983 Mike received a masters degree in journalism from Ball State University, Muncie, IN. Several months later, portfolio in hand, Mike was offered a staff photography position at the Journal-World.

In his spare time Mike plays guitar and performs with two bands, The Alferd Packer Memorial String Band and Three Bean Salad. He enjoys traveling and reading and has completed a book of his own on the 100th anniversary of the Vinland Fair. He lives in East Lawrence with his wife Karen and their three cats.

Recent stories

Behind the Lens: Cameras can come in handy for more than just pictures
By Mike Yoder
July 5, 2009
Now that most cell phones have cameras, and many models of point-and-shoot cameras are pocket-size, many people are carrying one or the other throughout their day.
Behind the lens: Take your best Fourth of July photos
By Mike Yoder
June 28, 2009
The Fourth of July is this Saturday, so I want to provide a few tips on shooting fireworks displays.
Behind the Lens: Knowledge of different perspectives helps composition of photographs
By Mike Yoder
June 21, 2009
In my continuing series on visual devices for photography, we’ll look at linear perspective this week.
Behind the Lens: Fancy camera isn’t always necessary
By Mike Yoder
June 14, 2009
This week I’ll make a detour from exploring visual devices to reiterate a point about photography in general.
Behind the Lens: Juxtaposition can make a photograph
By Mike Yoder
June 7, 2009
I was driving through Lecompton looking for a feature photograph when I spotted a woman mowing her yard.
Behind the Lens: ‘Decisive moment’ drives photography
By Mike Yoder
May 31, 2009
In describing the construction of a silhouette photograph in last week’s column, I referred to the term “decisive moment” to describe a visual concept that contributed to the photograph’s success.
Simon Carrington Chamber Singers
By Mike Yoder
May 29, 2009
The Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, directed by Simon Carrington, rehearse Wednesday, May 27, 2009, for a performance in Lawrence Saturday, May 30, 2009, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Behind the Lens: Silhouettes give photos dramatic effect
By Mike Yoder
May 24, 2009
One of the great things about understanding visual devices in photography is finding ways to combine them to make creative images.
Behind the Lens: working with reflections
By Mike Yoder
May 17, 2009
The use of reflection as a visual device is not easily pulled from a photographer’s kit bag of tricks like other creative tools.
Free State’s ‘Encore’ opens today
By Mike Yoder
March 26, 2009
Junior Megan Bracciano, foreground, rehearses a performance of “Lift You Up” with other members of the cast Tuesday evening in preparation for Free State High School’s “Encore” musical performance this weekend.

Full story list

Recent photos

Small digital cameras and cell phone cameras give you a portable capture device capable of many unusual uses. See a book you’re interested in but not ready to purchase? Snap a photo and later you can refer back to it when at a library or another store.

People sit in Constant Park downtown to watch the annual fireworks display put on the Lawrence Jaycees. People also gathered in Watson Park for the Lawrence Originals Independent's Day Celebration which featured bands and food from local vendors.

A young boy from the crowd sings along with the band Truckstop Honeymoon during the Lawrence Originals Independent's Day celebration in Watson Park, Saturday, July 4, 2009. Crowds gathered early to dine at local vendors food booths, listen to music and wait for the annual fireworks show.

Christine Kennedy, Lawrence, cheers on cyclists during a Downtown Criterium event of the Tour of Lawrence Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Deborah Altus, Lawrence and her son Eli, cheer on Lawrence cylcist Madeline Finch during the Women's category 3 and 4 race during Downtown Criterium events of the Tour of Lawrence Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Full photo list

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