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Sportraits
Amari Smith poses for a portrait in Moore Hall on Monday, Nov. 18, 2025. Hannah Smith poses with lacrosse stick in Moore Hall on Monday, Nov. 18, 2025. Elliot Talsma, left, and Amari Smith, right, pose in their boxing gloves in Moore Hall on Monday, Nov. 18, 2025. SETUP REFLECTION This assignment was kind of challenging for me, especially when trying to come up with ideas for the models. Even though I was looking up poses online, I feel like none of them were really working h
Fashion
Central Michigan seniors Dylan Clifford, left, and Zach Hausbeck, right, pose for a photo in Moore Hall on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. Central Michigan senior Dylan Clifford poses for a photo in Moore Hall on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. Central Michigan senior Zach Hausbeck poses for a photo in Moore Hall on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. Central Michigan senior Dylan Clifford poses for a photo in Moore Hall on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. SETUP REFLECTION This setup for this in class was kind of di
Portable Studio Portrait
Zoey Morse poses with a bag of flour and a loaf of sourdough in Moore 424, on the campus of Central Michigan University, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Zoey Morse poses taking a bite out of a sourdough loaf in Moore 424, on the campus of Central Michigan University, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Zoey Morse poses with all of her baking ingredients surrounding her in Moore 424, on the campus of Central Michigan University, Oct. 20, 2025. SETUP REFLECTION Setting this up was pretty easy as I h
'Bonecoming' Brings Early Morning Wake-Up Call to CMU
Central Michigans Chippewa Marching Band trombonists practice during a sectional on the Jack Saunders Marching Band Field, Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. This was the last sectional the section had together before the homecoming game. (Photo by Alivia Cranick) Central Michigan senior and trombone section leader of the Chippewa Marching Band Collin Miller sits down in the Park Library on the campus of Central Michigan University, to assemble the schedule for the morning of ‘Bonecoming’
crani1al
2 days ago4 min read
Thought Piece #4
One of the biggest things I took away from these pages is that being a good photojournalist is not just about having a camera when something happens. It is about being curious enough to notice things other people might overlook. A lot of photography happens before I ever press the shutter. I have always thought about finding the right moment while taking photos, the composition and the emotion, but these pages made me think more about putting myself in situations where those
crani1al
Sep 283 min read
Thought Piece #3
One thing I learned from pages 34-57 is that being a photojournalist is about more that taking pictures when something happens. It is about knowing how to find stories, being curious about the people around me and putting in the effort to create meaningful photographs. As well as not just taking photographs of what is in front of me and looking deeper into what is going around me and capturing those moments as well. As a person who would like to work in a newsroom, I think th
crani1al
Sep 173 min read
Thought Piece #2
After reading these sections, I started thinking about how much of being a photojournalist happens before I even press the shutter. I have always focused a lot on getting the settings right and making sure I get a usable photo, but this reading made me realize that a strong photograph comes from paying attention to what is happening around me. As a photojournalist, I want to get better a slowing down, observing people and situations and making decisions that help tell the sto
crani1al
Sep 103 min read
Thought Piece #1
After reading these sections, I realized that being a photojournalist is about much more than taking a good picture. It is also about having ideas, working with people, practicing, and making sure the story I am telling is honest. The reading made me think about my own strengths and the areas of photography that I still struggle with. One of my biggest struggles is coming up with ideas for photo assignments. I often feel like I need to have the perfect idea right away, which
crani1al
Sep 92 min read
"All Dogs Should Have Jobs"
Central Michigan University students pet Stella, a therapy dog, during the Central Paws Puppy Social in Biosciences, Friday, April 24, 2026. Margy Riemer has been training dogs since fourth grade and knew that was what she wanted to do for a career and has trained over 500 dogs. Margy Riemer gives her dog Stella a treat in the Bovee University Center's CSID on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 Riemer said that as a child she wasn’t an official trainer but started with positive reinfor
crani1al
May 64 min read
CMU Lego Club Builds Connection
Central Michigan University's Lego Club is giving students a simple way to relax, have fun and take a break from busy college life. The club, founded by president Sophia Laurain, began as an idea in a classroom and quickly grew into a recognized student organization. Its long-term goal is to work with middle and high school students with special needs, using Lego building to support motor skill development. While still in its early stages, the club currently focuses on raisin
crani1al
May 12 min read
Online Portfolio
Portfolio Link: https://aliviacranick.myportfolio.com/
crani1al
Apr 261 min read
A Closer Look at Hunger in the U.S.
Food insecurity remains a persistent issue across the United States, affecting millions of households each year. Defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food, the issue is closely tied to income, employment and cost of living. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce hunger, recent data shows that food insecurity continues to impact communities nationwide. Looking at where it occurs and how it has changed over time helps provide a clearer understanding of the issue. Sourc
crani1al
Apr 211 min read
37th Annual CMU Pow Wow
Central Michigan University hosted its 37th annual "Celebrating Life" Pow Wow on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2026, in McGuirk Arena, bringing together culture, community and tradition. Organized by a student-led committee, the weekend-long event celebrating Native American heritage through music, dance, food and crafts, drawing thousands of attendees each year. The pow wow serves as a gathering space for Indigenous communities and visitors, an opportunity to reco
crani1al
Apr 162 min read
Where Doughnuts Bring Community
What began as an effort by nine police officers to save a historic bakery in Clare has grown into a beloved gathering place in Mount Pleasant. Cops & Doughnuts blends small-town charm with a strong sense of connection, drawing in students, early risers and longtime locals, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. At its Mount Pleasant location, the shop has quickly become more than a stop for coffee and pastries. Regular customers fill the space daily, forming routines and rel
crani1al
Apr 141 min read
Behind The Racks: The Daisy Mae Boutique
The Daisy Mae Boutique opened in November 2024 and is owned by Raquel Villella, who runs the shop with the help from her mom. The boutique offers trendy, affordable clothing with a focus on size inclusivity an body positivity. Villella and her mom spend their days organizing the racks, preparing and tagging clothes, while assisting customers on a daily basis. The boutique aims to create a welcoming environment where customers can find clothing that makes them feel comfortable
crani1al
Apr 21 min read
Inspiration For Generations
The Newman School of Dance continues to build a legacy rooted in family, resilience and community, as described by owner and director Jackie Harrison. Founded more than 60 years ago by Harrison's grandmother, Claudia, the studio began as a small, home-based operation after she returned from military life with her husband. At a time women face significant barriers in business, including access to loans without a cosigner, Claudia pursued her vision despite doubt from others. O
crani1al
Mar 282 min read
Posing for Portraits
When Elliana Johnson and I received this assignment we thought the Central Michigan Health Professions building would be a good spot to shoot as it has a lot of windows that let in natural light as well as very many options to take photos. With clear skies that day, we were able to take advantage of the sunlight and walk throughout the building to find areas to take photos. While shooting with my Nikon Z5 II, Elliana and I talked about our paths at CMU and where we hope they
crani1al
Mar 231 min read
Feeling the Music
Central Michigan freshman violinist Karol Lepe-Perez shares how nearly eight years of playing violin have shaped her discipline, time management and connection to music. From quiet practice rooms to emotional performances, each note reflects both hard work and feeling.
crani1al
Feb 281 min read
Carrying The Chippewa Legacy: CMU Wrestling
At Central Michigan University, wrestling is more than wins and losses. It is a legacy built over decades. When Ben Bennett became head coach, he stepped into a program shaped by 33 years under longtime coach Tom Borrelli. But Bennett is not a stranger to that tradition. He wrestled at CMU, returned as an assistant coach and spent 16 seasons learning what the Chippewa standard truly is. “It was bittersweet,” Bennett said about taking over. “But it was an honor.” In his first
crani1al
Feb 272 min read
The Competitive Distance Runner
Reflecting on his years of being a competitive distance runner, Clayton Kuiper shares how running has shaped his college experience, influenced his creativity and how he has found his community.
crani1al
Feb 201 min read
Interview with Clayton Kuiper
I was able to sit down with Central Michigan University senior Clayton Kuiper to talk about his favorite hobby or recreation. Being a competitive distance runner since sixth grade, Kuiper enjoys the feeling of the challenge.
crani1al
Feb 151 min read
Thought Piece #5
Through these last chapters the book really highlights how much responsibility falls on the editor to make intentional choices. Editing isn’t just about putting clips together, it is about constantly asking whether what is on the screen is clear, necessary and actually serving toward the story. It made me realize that a lot of my past editing decisions have been based on what I think looks good or attachment rather than clarity. Moving forward, I want to be more in the mindse
crani1al
Feb 132 min read
Thought Piece #4
Reading this part of HTSVTDS has really changed how I think about videos, especially when it comes to projects that are supports to feel read and engaging instead of overly produced. Storytelling really comes down to your intentions and restraints. A lot of the advice in the book wasn’t about doing more, it was actually about doing less and being more thoughtful about what you choose to shoot and display. That mindset is something I really want to carry into my own work, espe
crani1al
Feb 133 min read
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