January 12, 2014 - AFC Divisional Game - Chargers at Broncos

I carried a small camera around as I ran cards for the Getty team. Got a couple of miles in as I circled the field a few dozen times. I enjoyed the experience and would do it again. Didn't need the camera but had fun with the single fixed-length lens and the great light.

April 5, 2013 - Red Wings at Avalanche

Exciting game for all in attendance, though the Red Wings were never behind and ended up scoring the game winner in OT with less than a minute to play. Datsyuk and Zetterberg had some of the niftiest goals I've ever seen. Red ings fans always bring the noise, though the home crowd had a very nice "Red Wings Suck" chant going in the third period. These games always have way-above-average energy and I enjoy that. Thanks for looking.

March 22, 2013 - U.S. Men's National Team v Costa Rica

My mode changed from sports-mode to journalist-mode the second or third time the "Zamboni" lawn-tractor pushed snow towards us on the sideline. If the weather people were right, this would be a spectacle.

Early on I knew I needed to get weather photos to the editors, and I made my way to the center of a crowd of die-hard American fans in the south end who were cheering like mad even though the game was an hour from starting (first photo).  I made a couple of pictures and sent them.

During the game I was hoping for some snow-affected collision or something, but didn't have great luck. I transmitted another 11 images at halftime, including some interesting "jube" after the goal - I say "jube" parenthetically because it was more a scene photo with the crowd in the background celebrating what would be the lone goal and game-winner, occuring fairly early in the first half.

 I hustled all over the stadium, alternating between wide and tele since three bodies would have been too much to handle in those conditions, and the wide providing better overall images than a mid-zoom would have. Later I would regret not taking a few more pictures with the 70-200 but it ended up OK.

The snow was as heavy as I've ever been in; it was snowing a half-inch every 10 minutes. The last picture above was my long lens covered in snow for the 10th time; every time I would blow all the snow off it would just accumulate again. My gear was soaking wet after but besides the batteries, all functioned well during the game. I was actually really impressed with the accuracy of the focus of my newer body in those conditions; my excuse definitely wasn't gear performance, even though the gear was a challenge. Plenty of times my view of the action or scene was completely fogged up in the viewfinder, but generally I was pleased to see that the picture was made, even though I could barely see what I was framing.

I am sure that is one of the craziest sporting events I will ever cover, and I am glad for some during-the-game advice from a buddy and post-game props from some other people. I wish I would have done better yet but overall I'm happy I made the pictures I did. Thanks for looking.

All photos copyright Getty Images 2013.

January 12, 2013 - AFC Divisional Game - Ravens at Broncos

A game that was predicted to be a tidy home win for the Broncos, featuring two teams known for their sound defensive play, ended up being an offensive blowout for both teams. The Broncos had help from their 169-lb, 5' 5" kickoff returner Trindon Holliday's two return touchdowns, while the Ravens took advantage of the Broncos poor ball handling including a Manning fumble and two interceptions. For me personally the game was a challenge due to the temperature and the crowded sideline, and I had a mix of good luck and not as good. Demaryius Thomas' fourth quarter touchdown (which could have been the game winner) came right to me, while I ignored my hunch about Trindon Holliday's return prowess and missed his record-breaking second return of the game by traveling to the wrong side of the field at the start of the second half. Equipment and finger function were negatively affected by the freezing temperatures. Between the three of us working the game we did make some nice pictures and it was a very cool experience. All photos copyright Getty Images 2013.

July 18, 2011 - Braves at Rockies

Fan with a purple mohawk.


Freddie gettin ready.

Freddie slappin five.

Rookie Freddie Freeman was on a tear in July, hitting 6 homers in 105 at bats, including one at Coors on thie fine Thursday. He went 3-5 on the day with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Nice!