My wife has had season tickets for a number of years now. While I have always wanted to know what it would be like to photograph a professional football game from the sidelines, she has always wanted to know what it would be like to host an NLF playoff game at the Redskins’ home stadium. A few seasons ago, I got my chance. Today, we get to experience hers! The Seattle Seahawks will come to play the Washington Redskins in a Wildcard game. We’ll be in our usual seats for a most unusual occasion. As a native of northern Virginia, the Redskins have been the only football team I have rooted for both from my dad, and of course, the media coverage through playoff and Superbowl runs in the 80’s and 90’s.
Season tickets
After going to many games, it becomes easier to observe some of the other details during the game other than the on-the-field action. I noticed the photographers, how they moved to cover the game, and tried to match what they were doing to the images published in the paper and magazines afterwards. I looked into how I could get access to the sidelines, and with enough exposure to my portfolio of photos, I was able to get a credential!
Beyond the First Row
After a season on the sidelines, I have the utmost respect for photographers that are there every week trying to capture photos in one of the most challenging situations. The action in professional football is so fast, and the the field is so large. Additionally, the lenses are only built so long, that to get these images take luck, practice, and skill. For action sports, the photos can never be too close to the action.
Tilted lines in photos were a no-no if you wanted any hope of getting published. Video cameras had much higher priority on the access scale for games, so don’t cross that painted line! And whatever you do, don’t get caught up watching the game – keep your eye in your viewfinder! The action can go from being 60 yards away, to so-close-you’re-passed-the-minimum-focusing-distance length in one 5 second play! I was grateful for the opportunity, and I hope to get the chance again.
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