For those that don’t know I am a school teacher. This is my 13th year in the classroom. I spent my first few years teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades before my current role teaching technology. I’ve been at my school, Disney II Magnet, for four years. In that time it has expanded from one rather small K-5th school to two campuses with students in K-10th and is still expanding. As a sports photographer I’m excited for our ever growing athletics department giving me more opportunities to photograph my students. This past weekend I photographed our boys JV soccer team in action. I love the facial expressions the students make while competing. Photographically I usually use the 400mm f/2.8 whenever I can but decided to bring out the 200-400mm f/4 instead. Since getting the 400mm the 200-400mm hasn’t seen much action. I still prefer the 400mm for the backgrounds it produces, its sharpness, and the brighter viewfinder but there is something to be said for the versatility of the 200 -400mm, especially for field sports. It’s also about 3lbs lighter than the 400mm. If I know the light’s going to be decent I just might start reaching for the 200-400mm again. A link to all photos taken during this game can be found at the end of the post.

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Even though the USA had already clinched victory over Slovakia the third and final day provided the best tennis of the weekend. While John Isner defeated Lukas Lacko quickly 6-3, 6-0 it took Sam Querrey three sets to defeat Norbert Gombos 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Photographically I played with some in camera multiple exposures but will be sure to bring a tripod next time to control the camera shake on my big 400mm lens. A link to all photos from this day’s matches can be found at the end of the post.

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Day two brought a bigger crowd to the Sears Centre due to arguably the greatest doubles team ever to play the game, identical twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan of the United States. It wasn’t even close. The Bryan brothers won in straight sets against Norbert Gombos and Lukas Lacko 6-1, 6-2, 6-1. They entertained the crowd afterwards playing two little kids that were quite good while holding hands and then launching dozens of signed balls into the stands. After all this they still stayed on the court for close to an hour taking photos and signing autographs for every last fan. Classy guys. I ventured into the catwalk for some photos in this set. It’s a little scary up there but worth it. While up there I’m actually most nervous about the tremendous responsibility I have to keep all the patron below me safe. A link to all photos from this day’s match can be found at the end of the post.

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Day one of three of USA versus Slovakia Davis Cup tennis. My first time ever shooting tennis. USA dominated winning both matches is straight sets with John Isner 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-2 over Norbert Gombos and Sam Querrey 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-3 over Martin Klizan. I certainly would love to be outside on a bright, sunny day to play with the shadows a bit in my photos but the lighting in the Sears Center is consistent and decent enough allowing me to focus on the action. A link to all photos from this day’s matches can be found at the end of the post.

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I grew up playing baseball. Whether it was on an organized team or at the lot down the street I pretty much played daily. I was ten and remember walking with my buddy who lived across the street to the mall to see Field of Dreams. Twenty-five years later I made the seven hour round trip from Chicago to Dyersville, Iowa to visit the movie site and watch the ghost player game. I had never been there and didn’t really know what to expect. I had one photo in mind, get them coming out of the corn. Besides that, it was whatever was presented to me. The whole experience didn’t disappoint. Before the ghost player game fathers and sons played catch in the outfield, a constant kids’ pickup game happened on the infield, people explored the corn, and families enjoyed their pilgrimage. There was no don’t do this or don’t go there. There was no admission cost. It was hundreds of people and nothing but happiness. The ghost player game was basically the players pulling fifteen kids from the audience, letting each one bat, and making up new rules as they went along. There’s an announcer and a few players are miked up all telling stories and jokes throughout while interacting with the audience. Look at the smiles on the kids’ faces. It might just be heaven after all. My first child, a son, will be born in a few months and I can’t wait to bring him in a few years. A link to all photos taken can be found at the end of the post.

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I am always amazed by the athleticism when shooting a sport for the first time. I’ve watched every sport on television but it’s a whole new experience seeing it live. The grace, power, and coordination of these ladies is remarkable. There were medal winners from the 2012 London Olympics performing and many ladies with hopes for 2016 Brazil. From a photography standpoint, this event is a bit of a challenge to cover. Of course the USA Gymnastics photographer can go anywhere and move freely. All other photographers can only stand in a few predetermined spots and can only move between rotations, about every 30 minutes. This makes creating photos with creative angles and clean backgrounds much harder. A link to all photos taken during this event can be found at the end of the post.

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Day three of Boomers versus Slammers. Day baseball, sun, heat, shadows, and finally different uniforms. The pitcher’s sidearm delivery made for some interesting photos when explored from different angles. I appreciate the Schaumburg Boomers having me out all weekend. A link to all photos taken during this game can be found at the end of the post.

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Second night of minor league baseball. Doubleheader, two seven inning games. Jimmy Buffett night. Another kids dance team performing. A marriage proposal. Two teams in orange once again. I shot everything with big glass and teleconverters to get a little closer to the action. I also moved around a lot to change up the angles. Walking around a minor league park with a big lens causes the following things: tons of comments, lots of questions like who are you shooting for and how much does that thing cost, and people constantly looking over your shoulder at your photos. A link to all photos taken during these games can be found at the end of the post.

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Six years ago I drove to Georgia to shoot minor league baseball. I didn’t have the knowledge, game plan, or gear to take great baseball photos and ultimately my photos kind of sucked. I was totally disappointed but learned from the experience.  I drove to the suburbs of Chicago to once again photograph minor league baseball. This time I had a lot more photographic knowledge and slightly upgraded photo gear. It was Star Wars night, a local dance team performed, there were fireworks, and probably five other promotions going, too. My only gripe was both teams wore nearly identical uniforms but I can’t control that. I did however mention it to their manager and GM/president. Let me also say the Schaumburg Boomers are a great organization. Well run, family friendly, modest costs, and lots going on besides the game to entertain the fans and I appreciate them having me out for the weekend. A link to all photos taken during this game can be found at the end of the post.

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Cruz Azul and Pumas, two Mexican Liga MX teams, played a friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago. The game ended in a 1-1 tie after Cruz Azul scored very early in the game and Pumas scored on a penalty kick late in the game. The Professional Arena Soccer League team (now Major Arena Soccer League) I’ve been the team photographer for for the past two years, the Chicago Mustangs, hosted this event and showed off their championship trophy at halftime. A link to all photos taken during this match can be found at the end of the post.

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