Hot Shots

Just two weeks ago, I was shooting in the area around Duluth, Minnesota. And it was cold. Forty-five degrees. For a high. In June. Today, I shot a Little League All-Star baseball game and girl’s softball game in Warner Robins, Georgia. And it was hot. Very hot. My car said it was 102 when I pulled out of the parking lot.

I must admit, I had never shot much sports action before—kayaking, soccer, and some church league softball. So when a friend asked me to shoot their all-star softball team, I made time. Even better, the umpires at both games said, “do what you want, just don’t get on the playing field during the game.”

This was also my first chance to try out my 70-200mm f2.8 in action shots. At f2.8, I was able to really isolate the players against the background. This lens just has incredible bokeh, and in full sunlight—it’s not like they let me pick the game times to accommodate lighting—I was shooting at 1/1000 to 1/2000 most of the day. It’s not great for saturation, but it does an amazing job of freezing a bat and pitched ball in mid-swing.

Chances are, Sports Illustrated will not be calling any time soon. But I had a good time, learned a few things, and with any luck, I might actually sell a print or two. You can check out a few of the images here. I'll upload more as I get them processed.

It Must Be Spring

After one last cold snap, complete with a hard frost, Spring seems to have the dreariness of winter in a stranglehold. What are the signs, you might ask? Perhaps they are not all that I could hope for, or not even what many might imagine. Nonetheless, signs are here.

Last Sunday, the Atlanta Braves started off the 2009 baseball season with a win over the Philadelphia Phillies. And Thursday, the roars of patrons filled the air once again at Augusta. If it’s Master week, it must also be Easter. And today, the University of Georgia once again managed a victory in their Spring Game.

On Wednesday, my latest photography purchase was delivered. No longer will I need to rent a Nikon 70-200, f2.8. And today, I had an opportunity to put this magnificent lens to work at an Easter Egg Hunt. Despite harsh sunlight, deep shadows, snapshot seeking parents, and kids swarming like sugar seeking sharks in full frenzy, I managed to capture a few nice shots that convinced me of the value of this lens. (entire set) Ruggedly built, tack sharp, and delivering beautifully smooth bokey, this is a serious lens.

In the deep South, the wonderful days of Spring are fleeting, giving way quickly to the uncomfortable and unceasing heat and humidity of Summer. So armed with a bit more photography hardware, I’m going to bask in the glow of Spring’s sunshine and seek out a few more shots like these.