It's that time again!!!

The London games may still be weeks away, but behind the scenes at Signal, the SML 2012 Staff Olympics are in full force! Staff members are grouped into teams by department and compete in events like running, chess, horseshoes, volleyball, and more! It's a great bonding time for everyone and something our returning staffers look forward to every summer.

At right, Lodging Manager Todd and housekeeper Dan celebrate their bocce ball victory.






Below: racers and spectators from the running relay

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Ann Jens





Ann is often inspired by small details and interesting textures.



For this week's post, we'd like to shine our online spotlight on one of our newest staff members, busser Ann Jens. Ann is a gifted photographer and has made it her project to show us a side of SML life we might otherwise miss. I sat down with her recently to learn more about her passion for photography and what we can expect from her in the coming months.

SML: Where are you from?

AJ:    Sheboygan Falls, WI, but I was born in India.

SML: What brought you to the Tetons?

AJ:    One of my oldest friends from back home (since 6th grade!) has worked here for the past few summers and convinced me to come out.

SML: How did you get interested in photography?

AJ:    Way back in 2007---I think it was 2007; I was about 14---I was taking pictures at my cousin's wedding. The pictures were just for fun,

         but the bride's family ended up using most of them.

SML: Did they pay you for them?

AJ:    No.

SML: What inspires you to take photographs?

AJ:    It's a way for me to express myself. I like to try and find a different way of seeing something and share that view with others.



SML: You seem to like to experiment with a lot of different subjects. Is there a difference between your approach to photographing people and

          photographing scenery or still objects?



AJ:    Well, you need to get permission from people to use their photographs. You don't need permission from mountains and fences.

SML: What would you say is your biggest challenge as a photographer?

AJ:    The biggest challenge is getting people to take a second or third look and see what you're trying to portray in the picture. If someone is

         moved to look again or look longer, I know I've succeeded in showing them what I saw.

SML: Is there a  particular goal you're working towards right now?

AJ:    I'm studying photography in college right now. My dream is to one day shoot for National Geographic.





Ann has a unique ability to capture bodies in motion. We rely on her to document all of our athletic adventures. Unfortunately she's a bit camera shy herself!