Tennessee...
posted by Gameshots, 11/03/2008 07:52:00 PM
Prior to the game, I was able to capture the intensity in Philip Fulmer's face as he studied the Gamecocks during the pre-game warm ups. When we have opportunity to get pre-game pictures of the coach's, I always find it interesting to study their faces, demeanor, and body language. This is definitely not always an option though as some coaches will remain focused on their teams (or at least away from the center of the field).
On Saturday, both coaches chatted for, what was to me, an unusually long period of time. Who knows, or cares, what was talked about but they both know football, coaching, and each other in depth and have for quite some time. I am not as familiar with Phil Fulmer as I am with Steve Spurrier, but it never ceases to amaze me how Steve can remember the details of such-n-such of a play in a game that was played MANY years ago. Specific details. But the pictures recorded the event of them chatting during pre-game at mid-field , and as happens so often in life, the event will not happen again.
How about those new Palmetto Tree's and Crescents on the field! As soon as I arrived in the Press Box, two and half hours, or so, prior to the game and looked at the field I immediately noticed them and thought "Wow!". I do not know whose idea it was, but it seemed to be very well received. I could have taken the picture from above with a telephoto but decided that a closer perspective would appear better. For those who were unable to see the game, I captured this image that was painted on the field. There was one on each side of the field balanced with the SEC logos beside them.
Now to get into some of the photography part of the photo blog. As many of you know, all during August we took pictures of the team practicing over at Bluff Road and scrimmaging at Williams-Brice, and then the games began. Occasionally (?) we take pictures of the guys as they warm-up and stretch. How to keep it interesting and provide a fresh perspective? In this case, I was able to lay the camera on the grass (Canon makes a 'Right Angle' viewfinder that makes this so much easier than other methods of obtaining the same picture). During this time of the day, I was able to get the proper lighting on Ryan (and NOT too much back lighting behind him) by aiming towards the corner and use the light that was being reflected back onto the field from the stadium that was basically behind me.
Whatever works...
I decided to take a moment and shoot those shooting around me. Hey it sounds like war but it's not! If you are watching the game on television the photographer's are usually right out of the camera's view. If we are 'above' the field/picture then that area on the television is where the network puts the 'details' at the top of the screen (time, down, score, etc.). So I included a couple of pictures to give you a general idea. Remember that I mentioned previously in the blog that at Williams-Brice Stadium we cannot shoot from the end-lines? Well, that is one of the reasons why the photographer's are packed in so tightly next to each other.
There is always much discussion amongst photographer's as to which is best. Nikon or Canon? Both are very good and the results can be outstanding with either. At USC there seems to be more Canon equipment than Nikon by a fairly good margin. The Canon telephoto lenses are the cream colored lenses in the pictures. However, not all black lenses are Nikon. You will see a variety of other cameras and lenses on the field (Fuji Cameras, Sigma Lenses, etc.). I have three different Canon wide-angle lenses that are all black lenses. Also, lenses perform differently on various camera bodies. Without getting too technical, depending on the size of the sensor on a particular camera, a telephoto could be much stronger on one camera than on another camera body. Likewise, a wide angle could become almost a super wide angle, in effect, if it were changed from one camera body to another.
However, if you are thinking of investing in some camera equipment, it is worth some very serious research. Before I committed to Canon or Nikon, I did my due diligence. One of the people that gave me good information was Ken Rathe (Mike Rathe's, late father). We had many good discussions on the sideline as Mike would play and Ken would come from California to watch. I really appreciated his input. I talked to many people and did lots of reading before committing and I am glad that I was thorough.
But remember, a good lens will likely last a lifetime or decades. Cameras get passed by with new technology regularly so you will probably be replacing a camera much sooner than you will be replacing a lens. Prior to the game Saturday, I had fun with one of the players that is redshirting this year. He was interested in watching me take pictures. So I let him use one of the cameras to try and get a picture, he was blown away with the technology and the fun part of it. We both enjoyed that experience!
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Changes in Knoxville...
Prior to the game, I was able to capture the intensity in Philip Fulmer's face as he studied the Gamecocks during the pre-game warm ups. When we have opportunity to get pre-game pictures of the coach's, I always find it interesting to study their faces, demeanor, and body language. This is definitely not always an option though as some coaches will remain focused on their teams (or at least away from the center of the field).
On Saturday, both coaches chatted for, what was to me, an unusually long period of time. Who knows, or cares, what was talked about but they both know football, coaching, and each other in depth and have for quite some time. I am not as familiar with Phil Fulmer as I am with Steve Spurrier, but it never ceases to amaze me how Steve can remember the details of such-n-such of a play in a game that was played MANY years ago. Specific details. But the pictures recorded the event of them chatting during pre-game at mid-field , and as happens so often in life, the event will not happen again.
How about those new Palmetto Tree's and Crescents on the field! As soon as I arrived in the Press Box, two and half hours, or so, prior to the game and looked at the field I immediately noticed them and thought "Wow!". I do not know whose idea it was, but it seemed to be very well received. I could have taken the picture from above with a telephoto but decided that a closer perspective would appear better. For those who were unable to see the game, I captured this image that was painted on the field. There was one on each side of the field balanced with the SEC logos beside them.
Now to get into some of the photography part of the photo blog. As many of you know, all during August we took pictures of the team practicing over at Bluff Road and scrimmaging at Williams-Brice, and then the games began. Occasionally (?) we take pictures of the guys as they warm-up and stretch. How to keep it interesting and provide a fresh perspective? In this case, I was able to lay the camera on the grass (Canon makes a 'Right Angle' viewfinder that makes this so much easier than other methods of obtaining the same picture). During this time of the day, I was able to get the proper lighting on Ryan (and NOT too much back lighting behind him) by aiming towards the corner and use the light that was being reflected back onto the field from the stadium that was basically behind me.
Whatever works...
I decided to take a moment and shoot those shooting around me. Hey it sounds like war but it's not! If you are watching the game on television the photographer's are usually right out of the camera's view. If we are 'above' the field/picture then that area on the television is where the network puts the 'details' at the top of the screen (time, down, score, etc.). So I included a couple of pictures to give you a general idea. Remember that I mentioned previously in the blog that at Williams-Brice Stadium we cannot shoot from the end-lines? Well, that is one of the reasons why the photographer's are packed in so tightly next to each other.
There is always much discussion amongst photographer's as to which is best. Nikon or Canon? Both are very good and the results can be outstanding with either. At USC there seems to be more Canon equipment than Nikon by a fairly good margin. The Canon telephoto lenses are the cream colored lenses in the pictures. However, not all black lenses are Nikon. You will see a variety of other cameras and lenses on the field (Fuji Cameras, Sigma Lenses, etc.). I have three different Canon wide-angle lenses that are all black lenses. Also, lenses perform differently on various camera bodies. Without getting too technical, depending on the size of the sensor on a particular camera, a telephoto could be much stronger on one camera than on another camera body. Likewise, a wide angle could become almost a super wide angle, in effect, if it were changed from one camera body to another.
However, if you are thinking of investing in some camera equipment, it is worth some very serious research. Before I committed to Canon or Nikon, I did my due diligence. One of the people that gave me good information was Ken Rathe (Mike Rathe's, late father). We had many good discussions on the sideline as Mike would play and Ken would come from California to watch. I really appreciated his input. I talked to many people and did lots of reading before committing and I am glad that I was thorough.
But remember, a good lens will likely last a lifetime or decades. Cameras get passed by with new technology regularly so you will probably be replacing a camera much sooner than you will be replacing a lens. Prior to the game Saturday, I had fun with one of the players that is redshirting this year. He was interested in watching me take pictures. So I let him use one of the cameras to try and get a picture, he was blown away with the technology and the fun part of it. We both enjoyed that experience!
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
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Paul Collins. Paul has been a GamecockCentral photographer since 2005, with a focus on Gamecock football, men's basketball and baseball. He may be reached by email at paul(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.