How we photographed a Northwestern football player with one hand
This week’s top photo comes from Visual Journalist Zubaer Khan. Follow him on Bluesky and Instagram.
What makes this photo great?
Albert Kunickis III was born without a right hand or forearm, yet the Lemont native is a running back for the Northwestern Wildcats. It’s a dynamic and inspiring portrait that showcases his skills.
How did you get the shot?
When I first saw Albert, he was out on the field playing catch with a staff member. Watching him move, I knew that I had to get photos of him in action. So after his interview, Albert continued to toss the ball around while I photographed him. After what must have been 10 passes, he turned to me and politely said, “You know, I’m not a quarterback. I catch the ball.” I had been so stuck on trying to get a good photo that I forgot to get the right photo. Thankfully, it only took a few more throws before I was able to catch this shot.
Fireworks explode over the Chicago Cultural Center during the 112th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Mercedes Wells, whose baby was delivered by her husband Leon Wells after she was discharged by Franciscan Health Crown Point in Indiana despite being in labor, leans on her husband during a news conference at the Lester Long Fieldhouse in Dolton on Tuesday.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
A snowy owl rests on a post along the Montrose Harbor beacon pier, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams #18 hugs and celebrates with wide receiver DJ Moore #2 after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson hugs defensive coordinator Dennis Allen after the Bears took possession of the ball at the end of the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson #29 runs onto the field before the Bears take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Protesters block the sign of a counter-protester in the roadway on Beach Street near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Audrey Luhmann and her children hold signs near the protest barrier on Beach Street meters away from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A customer pushes a cart loaded with a large television outside the Target store entrance on Black Friday in Cicero, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Jimmy Murray, a tenant of Harrison Courts in Garfield Park, shows his apartment, which has a leaking bathtub and a broken stove, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. Murray’s stove emits gas but does not fire up. Murray’s apartment, which he says is infested with roaches and has mold from the wet floors caused by the leaking tub, is not equipped with a fire alarm.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Jimmy Murray’s apartment at Harrison Courts in Garfield Park is not equipped with a fire alarm, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Friends of Armani Floyd set up a small memorial for him in a basketball court outside Gary Comer College Prep Middle School in the Grand Crossing neighborhood, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Floyd was shot and killed Friday night in the Loop near the Chicago Theatre.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Author Mia P. Manansala pours mocha “mamon” batter into cups at the Miele Experience Center Chicago at THE MART in River North, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Chicago police investigate the scene where multiple people were shot outside the Chicago Theater in the Loop, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A truck unloads food waste into the pit at Green Era Campus in Auburn Gresham, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Women take a selfie as dozens skate around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink ahead of the 112th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
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