I did have a twinge of camera envy at some of the staff photographers of such newspapers as the Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun, among others, who were covering the game. They have the gear to really get anything from anywhere. I priced a comparable Canon lens and it's not in my budget; especially for something I'm not getting paid for! A 400mm 2.8 lens (for those in the know)auto-focus, image stablizer lens is $6800. Now, Sigma has the perfect lens: a 200 - 500 auto-focus 2.8 lens, for a bargain price of $22,049 (that's with the current rebate). I like the flexibility the Sigma offers - zooming in and out with a wide aperture but that's not going to happen : ) Staff photographers are fortunate in that their employers provide their gear. Those of us who are team parents providing a service at every game, not just the "big" ones are self sponsored and are actually providing a labor of love, so we use what we have. Now, my lens isn't anything shabby, I just don't have good coverage for action on the opposite sideline - it's too far away. But, for the plays in the center and on my side of the field, I don't do too badly. It's been a learning process and I hope you enjoy.
The first picture is during practice (hence the mouthguard hanging out). I love the moment just before the catch and I like seeing the Raven logo to the side. Very clean background and simple composition.
This next one I love - the Cheerleaders had prepared a handmade banner for the team to run through as they were introduced at the beginning of the game. Usually, at home games, we have an inflatable entry the players run through. Apparently, we couldn't bring that, so they made one and here the players have just broke through and you can see the banner just starting to fall as it's torn apart.
This next one is of our quarterback, Luke Hostetler. Luke is a great player and person. During his four year football career at River Hill he has never lost a game. Pretty impressive. His mom, Lisa, is also one of our team photographers and she does a fabulous job. This show is Luke getting off a pass - always tricky to capture.
This next shot is also of Luke handing off the ball to #2, Malek Redd, who had a great game as well. What I like about this image, is not only all the action, but it really shows the peak of the snowstorm and what it was like for the players on the field.
This last shot is the kind I love to get. A player, #32, Thomas Neuberth, suspended in the air as he makes a tackle. Again, a clean image - uncluttered background and simple composition.
My family finds it kind of amazing that I'm shooting football. I did not grow up watching football and I never really played any team sports growing up. I was not adverse to sports, I just was never on a team - gym was about the extent of my participation. I don't know what most of the positions actually do in the game and I don't usually recognize a penalty unless I see someone jump offside. The support staff and volunteers on the sidelines have been very kind in trying to explain things to me this year and I appreciate it. I have to say, I haven't always noticed it during the games, but the one thing I've noticed consistently in the images is the player support these young men provide each other. I have image after image of a player running with the ball with a teammate right in front of him blocking and clearing the path. Or, a player going for the tackle and his teammate right there to back up or assist. They worked so well as teammates and pairs that even I saw it! It's been pretty impressive. There are a lot of life lessons to learn in sports and it's been a pleasure to be a small part of the team experience and watch these players grow over the past several months. I appreciate the coaching staff and their time and dedication in leading and teaching these players not only how to play excellent football, but how to be excellent people as well.
