I can’t wait for the introduction.
My name is Adam Surley, Mitchell Republic photographer. I think he’s seen me walking around aimlessly with a giant camera lens. Many readers introduce themselves and comment on my photos. Thank you very much.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
I examined a folder of approximately 15,000 images captured during the period of activity in the Mitchell Republic that began on March 7, 2022. Here are some of my favourites:
I rarely get a picture I like, so it was tough being asked to pick the best photo of the year, but it’s this cowboy from the Bark Rodeo that always keeps coming back. I couldn’t catch his name as he passed in front of a herd of other cowboys, but to me there’s something about his look that captures the perfect image of a cowboy.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
I will never forget the time spent at Gronseth’s Ranch. I experienced all sorts of weather that day, but I wouldn’t have been able to capture these images if my family hadn’t lent me a new gator. is. It was shot with a film camera and I had to wait months to develop it.
An image I’m sure many of our readers are familiar with is this image of Jenny Buber being comforted by her mother after the vote to impeach Jason Labnsborg. I remember other photographers around me turning to the MP. I focused on Jenny.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
Realize your dream as a “professional”
baseball. It was there that I found what I really wanted to do with my life. After seeing pictures of Minnesota Twins photographer Brace Hemelgarn, I started going to my cousin’s baseball games and taking pictures. Now I’m taking pictures of these exact kids in high school. I love baseball and I love taking pictures of it, so it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite. I chose blurry and out of focus images because they show that even being a “professional photographer” still has a lot to learn.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
October 13, 2022 was the worst day at work. I got a call from my boss to inform me that I didn’t think I could cover it. The fear and anxiety that hit me will remain with me for the rest of my life. After the reports of the hoaxed high school shooting, I returned to the office and after reviewing the photos of the incident, I sat down and thought about how different the gallery I would create would be. It didn’t give me any breathtaking images, but the great relief from false alarms makes them important to me.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
Aftermath of Castlewood Tornado
This summer I saw the extraordinary storm damage caused by the Derecho in eastern South Dakota, but I will never forget my walk around Castlewood. EF-2 It was a very sad and eerie feeling to see homes completely uninhabitable after the tornado landed. I was speechless when I saw the roof of the school gymnasium all gone and the debris covering the floor. I believe I was sent there to take pictures of the storm damage, but I felt compelled to sit down and ask the overseer a few questions.
worst christmas gift
The recent house fire on December 18th was the worst I have photographed. Most building fires I had to photograph were already under control or extinguished by the time I arrived. I saw a column of black smoke from where I was editing the photo, and ended up visiting the source of the fire again. It was amazing to see our firefighters work endlessly in sub-zero temperatures.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
As I understand it, my job is to capture the event, whether it’s a happy moment or a sad moment. , having a camera pressed to your face is something no one wants. In this moment with Caden Hinker, I paused for a split second to consider whether I should take a picture. But I thought, “This is part of the story.” My boss sent me a text message with a link to his gallery of photos and said, “This is why I hired you,” which was somewhat reassuring.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
Where The Mitchell Republic Will Take You
I remember trying to take pictures of anglers preparing for the National Walleye Tour as they climbed up and down the Missouri River. I also remember sitting there thinking about how amazing South Dakota is and how my job allows me to travel and see more of the state that I don’t normally get to see.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic
This image of Joseph Pekas standing with his trumpet at a Memorial Day celebration stands out. It would have been nice without the foreground flags, but you have to work around the perimeter. The colors of the American flag in the background, the flowers around the tombstone, and the green trees look harmonious. An event like this, with less action than a sporting event, was scary at first, but now you can actually sit back and observe and compose your image.

Adam Surley / Mitchell Republic