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Posts Tagged ‘NFL’

Personal, Photography, Sports | 0 comment

Goals and Reaching the Top – Super Sunday

What is your goal?

Today is the last day for American football fans around the world to see teams compete on the field. It is clearly defined after a 7-month season which teams overcame the most obstacles to win. After today a best team will be crowned champion, and they will enjoy that feeling for the next 6 months before they start a new season. This clear black and white demarcation of sports defines the parameters, and gives the competitors the ultimate goal for which they strive to accomplish.

American professional football player

Benchmarks

What trophy, status, or accomplishment would define you at your best? Luckily as entrepreneurs, we define that for ourselves. It is one of the lessons I have learned as I continue to work as a photographer. There are those that make more money, or shoot cooler assignments. Are projecting what they want us to see? Maybe they have the same insecurities as you. Maybe they have set different goals for themselves at different rates or times. This is very personal and unique to each individual, so it would be impossible to know. 

Parade of colonial patriots

Parade of colonial patriots

Going Forward

Do i pretend to know that this is the case for everyone? Of course not. But in talking with other photographers and business owners, this is a hot topic of discussion. Watching any documentary on championship sports teams, you will see that it is not a straightforward, walk-in-the-park for them either even during a Championship run! You may think this discouraging that even the best team did not have an easy road. However, it is comforting knowing that I share the same feeling as I find my way. There are ups and downs, but having photos to review over time, i can see my progress, and I am more than proud of what i have done. Considering I have come from making my own assignments to now being more choosy on what jobs I take, i am satisfied with what I have done so far. Now, I just continue the hunt for more challenging assignments, more visionary collaborators, and happy clients!

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Event, Photography, Sports | 0 comment

The Big Sunday

Washington Redskins Buffalo Bills action photo on the Big Sunday - www.timelinedc.com
A Washington receiver on a route in a preseason game against Buffalo

Almost forgot to post something up today – sorry! I have a big game on my mind today. My team isn’t in it this year. Unless you are a Baltimore or San Francisco fan it should be entertaining just to watch.

Since I had a little experience on the sidelines, I wonder what the photographers are doing to prepare. Regardless of who they are covering for, the stakes to get amazing photos is higher than for any other game. This Big Sunday game will be watched and analyzed the world over for months and possibly years to come. With this in mind, I wonder if I would have some performance anxiety from a photography perspective.

At the time I was on the field, it was very difficult for me to follow anything that was going on. With the noise, the large field of play, and the size of the players, it was a bit overwhelming to follow. This is undoubtedly why coaching staffs for football teams are so large!

So who do you have in the big Sunday game today? I am just hoping for a competitive game, and a great halftime show. Now that I am definitely experienced in photographing! See you Monday!

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Personal, Photography, Sports | 0 comment

Washington Redskins photography

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!

Image showing Washington Redskins game action

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.

Image showing Washington Redskins game 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.

Image showing Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan

 TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

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