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Cole Blasko

@coleblasko

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🌎🌍🌏 Everyday is Earth Day!

Special thanks to @cosmicecilia for lighting assistance and painting🌱 by @coleblasko

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2 years ago

🐟 by @coleblasko

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3 years ago

Street Light Rendezvous🦇 by @coleblasko

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2 years ago

I recently took a trip from Tennessee to Springfield, Ohio, where Cece and I created some of images of roadside attractions. Much of my extended family still lives there and it’s where I was born. I hadn’t been back since the ole covid, and before that, I can’t quite remember the last time I visited.

Springfield has always lived faintly in the back of my mind as endless rolling cornfields. And for the most part, it was that. “Knee-high by the Forth of July!” my mom noted, even though it looked taller than me. But as my mom, Cece, and I made our way through the state, I found myself pointing out places I didn’t even realize I remembered.

Many of the photographs here were made at a local flea market. It wasn’t a place I knew of, but one my mom recalled passing all the time. She was raised here and seemed to have a bit of info on whatever we pointed out. Listening to her tell stories about a place I barely knew gave the trip a different kind of nostalgia. It reminded me that memory isn’t only built from what we can recall ourselves, but also from the stories we’ve been told.

Before this trip, I hadn’t thought of Springfield as part of our ongoing Hometowns series. Looking back at the photographs now, though, it feels like one of its most fitting additions.

#kodak #35mmfilm #mediumformatfilm #mamiyarz67 #filmphotography by @coleblasko

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3 months ago

Hometowns / 2025 by @coleblasko

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5 months ago

Hometowns/ 2025 by @coleblasko

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5 months ago

Since moving to Chinatown, I’ve had the chance to witness so many incredible parades and performances right outside my window. The sound of drums echoing down the street would send me flying off the couch and down five flights of stairs, hoping to catch the moment before it disappeared. Huge thanks to @cecekirksey for always bringing me more film whenever I ran out. Its a big commitment to to leave our bird nest, especially in flip-flops.

Over time, documenting these moments became an obsession. Most of these images were made during Midnight Madness, Super Saturday, and Lunar New Year celebrations.

This project became something I loved working on during my off time. I hope you all enjoy these images as much as I’ve enjoyed making them. Happy year of the horse 🐎 taken in China Town, Manhattan, New York City by @coleblasko

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5 months ago

2025 / Pell St by @coleblasko

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5 months ago

Year of the 🐎!!! by @coleblasko

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8 months ago

Thank you all so much for the support on the Goalball images! That wraps up the photos for now 🤲🏻 not the last you will hear of the project though! by @coleblasko

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a year ago

Batch two is here! This one’s focused on the most recent Southeast Regional Goalball Tournament. I got to see some of the USA Paralympic players in action, among them was Calahan Young, the U.S. captain. He’s 6’7”, which stood out to me since I’m a tall guy myself. Watching him play was just as awesome as getting the chance to chat with him. In the second image, you can see how he wraps his fingers around the ball for extra grip. Later on, there’s a shot of one of his pitches, he can really put an insane amount of power into it.

Then there’s Matt Simpson, son of Coach Hal Simpson, who I’ve been following for a while. We’ll be focusing on their story for part of the documentary. Both Matt and Calahan played in the last two Summer Games, and we’re sure to see them again at the upcoming one in Los Angeles. Chris, a player I followed during previous games, is now playing alongside them. Super exciting!

Watching professionals at this level feels like seeing a whole new version of the game. Their athleticism has been drawing more eyes to the sport. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics even brought expanded TV coverage, and for Calahan, that visibility made a real impact. In a Team USA article, he shared:
“Someone came up to me and they’re like, ‘Oh I saw you on TV. You’re Calahan Young. You play goalball,’” he said, still sounding surprised.
In more recent news, the new horror movie Bring Her Back features a bit of goalball representation—and it even cast Sora Wong, a visually impaired actor. While it’s not the main focus of the film, it’s really cool to see Goalball getting some limelight. by @coleblasko

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a year ago

The Savannah/Atlanta Goalball Team 🥅

I’m excited to share the first batch of photos from my time following the Savannah Goalball Youth Team. They’re coached by the one and only Hal Simpson, who has been so gracious in letting us get up and close with the team during the last few months.

My longtime best friend Jackson and I are currently working on a documentary about the team. We’ve attended a few events so far, and each time we’ve come away more inspired. The people and the heart behind this game have made us even more fascinated with this one of a kind sport. I would say for both of us that its become a little bit of a hyper-fixation.

So, what is Goalball?

Goalball was originally created to help rehabilitate World War II veterans who had lost their vision. Over time, it became one of the only sports designed specifically for blind and visually impaired athletes. It has no Olympic predecessor and wasn’t adapted from another game.

The game is played on a court the size of one you would play volleyball on. Two teams of three compete while wearing blackout blindfolds to ensure equal vision levels. The goals stretch across the entire width of each side of the court. Each team must work together to block a ball from crossing their goal line that is thrown by the other side. Players use sound to track the ball with the help of bells that are incased in it.

These goalballs are no joke. They’re heavier than you’d expect. I’ve had a few close calls while filming on the sidelines, and even took a direct hit. Players wear serious padding, but by the way these kids play you wouldn’t think they need it. They are tough and it’s incredible how instinctively they throw themselves in front of the ball to defend. The speed and confidence they play with is unreal.

Of course this is a general summary of the game and there’s a lot more to be said. Thats why Jackson and I will be putting out a fundraiser soon to continue creating our short-doc on the team. This project is about celebrating their abilities and giving them the recognition they deserve.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned 🏅 shot on 120 by @coleblasko

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a year ago