Rain, rain go away...or not?

Muddy uniforms can add additional interest to sports images.

As a sports photographer I have been cold, baked, drenched, and even cold and drenched while on assignment at an event.  Yet, while being wet on a late fall, or winter, evening is no ones opinion of fun, I have captured some rather unique moments in--to quote a former high school assistant marching band director of mine--passing moisture moments.

2020 (and in to 2021): Photography During a Pandemic...Continued

Swimming action taken from the stands due to Covid restrictions.

The winter and spring sports seasons brought much of the same challenges as the fall season did.  While there were a few exceptions, there was still a lot of photography from the stands, or from outside the courts, or playing fields, flexibility required, and mask wearing was still a must.  So, while not a whole lot changed one sport stuck out.

2020: Photography During a Pandemic

Army vs. Georgia Southern game action taken from the upper deck
 of Michie Stadium due to Covid-19 restrictions.

2020 certainly has been an interesting year.  

As a sports photographer, 2020, and the Covid-19 pandemic, has provided unique challenges, but also unique opportunities.  As the year nears it's end, I'd like to take a minute to reflect on some of the experiences, challenges, and unique learning opportunities that 2020 provided for me.

PIAA District 6 Softball Championships

Central’s Olivia Smith and Marissa Snyder celebrate a Smith’s game tying run during the Lady Dragon’s District 6 AA championship victory.

On May 27, the PIAA District 6 softball championships were held at Penn State's Beard Field.  After an hour and a half rain delay to start the day, eight teams played in four games to decide the district champions for the four classifications.  The championship winners were West Branch (A), Central (AA), Bellwood-Antis (AAA), and Mifflin County (AAAA).

PIAA District VI Track and Field Championships

Bellefonte’s Bryce Steiner, and Central Mountain’s Bryce Mansfield, compete in the 300-meter hurdles during the PIAA District 6 AAA Track and Field Championships in Altoona on May 14.

On May 12 and 14, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association's (PIAA) District 6 held their track and field championships at Altoona's Mansion Park Stadium.

A Top-5 Wrestling Matchup: PSU vs. Iowa

The scene inside the Bryce Jordan center for the PSU/Iowa wrestling match.

On Feb. 8, the Penn State wrestling team took on Iowa in a top-5 showdown inside the Bryce Jordan Center.  15,967 fans packed the BJC to watch what promised to be an entertaining dual match, and the two teams did not disappoint.  The Nittany Lions stayed with the Hawkeyes through the final match, but PSU eventually fell to Iowa 18-12.

Are Camera Phones the Death of Photography?

Have Instagram and Snapseed replaced knowledge of shutter speeds, f-stops, and ISOs?  Are people with cell phones replacing trained photographers?  Check out "Are Camera Phones the Death of Photography?" an article on LinkedIn by yours truly.