First Sports Photos from My Nikon D5

BB160331 0293Well, today I had the opportunity to put my new Nikon D5 through a real test. I photographed the Millersville v. ESU baseball game for the university today. The sky was partly so I did have to keep adjust some of the camera settings and I am still learning the new camera, too.

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Overall, I am extremely happy with the results. The frames per second speed is phenomenal. I still prefer to time many of the shots, but having the rapid fire ability is helpful to capture the ball in the frame a little more consistently.

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I still have a ton to learn about the settings on this camera. The learning curve will be a little slower than I’d like at first. The focus settings, for example, are extensive with a variety of options. I need to narrow down what will work best when tracking a player through a play on the field. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with the functionality and performance of this new D5. So far, it is even passing my exponentially high expectations!

My New Nikon D5!

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Today I received delivery of my Nikon D5 from my good buddy, Dave, at Stroudsburg Foto Shop! I am now charging its battery and hoping to have some photos from the D5 posted soon. I am so psyched!

I also had the privilege of meeting Jason Farmer when I picked up my new camera. He is a great photographer from Scranton, PA and is doing things I only dream of with wildlife video and sports photography!

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Winning Ways

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Steve Harris dunks home two points for East Stroudsburg University against Lock haven on Saturday, February 20, 2016. I love the expression of total intensity in his face as the ball went through the hoop. ESU’s basketball teams, both men and women, are continuing their winning ways, as they are both headed to the PSAC playoffs!

This reminds me of the wonderful opportunities I have as a sports photographer to follow in their footsteps. A winning sports photograph should show action, have the ball in the frame, and tell a story. I believe this photo does all three.

I played sports and now keep close to the games and players through my photography. I’ve always believed that lessons learned on the court or field are helpful in life, too. We learn a lot about life from winning and even losing. One of my goals in life is to continue winning ways!

2016 Great American Outdoor Show

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I had the privilege of attending The Great American Outdoor Show this past week and it was awesome! This is the biggest sportsman’s show in the world and it lived up to the billing this year to be sure. I attended several instructive and informative seminars, watched the 3-D Archery Shoot, met four TV personalities, talked to several outfitters and guides, and visited booth after booth of hunting and fishing equipment. I have to say, my favorite booth sold lightweight backpacking saws to carry for your camping, I bought several of them to gift to the family. Words do a poor job of describing the excitement and enthusiasm around this show, so I am hoping my photos will help. Here a few to whet your appetite. I will be posting a slideshow on my website with more photos and will post another blog with that link once it is ready. In the meantime, check out these photos and let me know if you attended the GAOS, too.

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Pleasant Valley Wins in the Purple Pit!

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It might have been close at the beginning, but PV got stronger as the game clock clicked down. East Stroudsburg South connected on some early passes, like the one in the photo above. Quarterback, Jakob Cirillo, made some quality and accurate passes to keep PV’s defense on its heels early in the game.

in East Stroudsburg on Friday, October 9, 2015.

Penalties were costly for both teams at times and the referees had to consult on several occasions to sort it all out. The game actually took a lot longer due to all the penalties and especially because of the time it took the refs to get it all figured out along the way.

in East Stroudsburg on Friday, October 9, 2015.

PV’s quarterback, Mikey Brown, was a double threat with his arm and his legs. He connected on some crucial passes but also gained some positive yards against the Cavalier’s defense.
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Even though the Cavaliers got behind on the scoreboard they didn’t give up. Cirillo kept throwing to his receivers and made the game more interesting.

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These high school athletes certainly can put a great game on the field! It is a privilege to have the opportunity to photograph them and try to capture their athletic skills with my cameras!

The Kickers

in Brodheadsville on Friday, October 2, 2015.

The place kickers and punters in a football game can become heroes or goats in an instant. Just look at the fate of the NFL kickers this past Sunday and how many kicks missed their mark. It is not easy being a football kicker. The pressure and conditions can all take a toll on the psyche of any kicker. Last Friday night the weather in Brodheadsville for Pleasant Valley was terrible. It was raining steadily and the wind was whipping. Consider this: being a high school kicker is hard enough in good conditions let alone these terrible conditions!

in Brodheadsville on Friday, October 2, 2015.

Photographing a kicker can be equally frustrating! A lot of action happens on every place kick, punt, and kickoff. Players and referees appear all over the field and oftentimes right  in front of the kicker! Timing is imperative, too.

I think of capturing the kickers during the game as a game within the game for us sports photographers. Newspapers, magazines, and news wires want the touchdown scores and sometimes the celebrations after the score. But then, immediately after all this exciting action, is the point after attempt. We need to get into the proper location right away or we will completely miss the extra point attempt.

Here is one more of my favorite shots I captured of a high school kicker. Kickers do not have it easy and yet win many games!

at  in Stroudsburg on Friday, September 4, 2015.

 

 

Faces in Sports Photography

in Brodheadsville on Friday, September 25, 2015.

Sometimes in sports photography it is difficult to capture the players’ faces, especially if they are wearing a helmet. Faces show emotions and passion. Last Friday night, Pleasant Valley showcased their Cubs Football Players and Cheerleaders.

in Brodheadsville on Friday, September 25, 2015.

They were introduced onto the field prior to kickoff, as parents, families, and fans cheered and supported them. It was much easier to capture some of these incredible faces!

in Brodheadsville on Friday, September 25, 2015.

in Brodheadsville on Friday, September 25, 2015.

Following the introductions of the PV Cubs, it was time for the National Anthem and the High School Alma Mater. It was during this last song that I captured this photo of a game-ready face before he strapped on his helmet for the game.

in Brodheadsville on Friday, September 25, 2015.

Faces show a lot and we should try our best to capture the athletes’ faces in sports photography!

Borre Runs Wild!

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Austyn Borre had a big night for Pleasant Valley as they faced off with William Allen. Both teams entered the game looking for their first win of the season. PV’s schedule was incredibly tough in those first three games and the team played well at times but not enough to secure a victory.

Tonight was different. Borre had three big pass receptions and ran wild all over the field. He even had a blocked punt that he recovered for another touchdown! At times he ran down the open field but there were other times when he gained tough yardage.

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PV and Austyn Borre were about to have a big night. It was a just a matter of time. I believe Borre is going to have another big night very soon!

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ESU Wins Big as Head Coach Douds Coaches His 500th Career Game!

in East Stroudsburg on Saturday, September 19, 2015.

Not just kudos to Head Coach Douds for his longevity; he still gets it done and with class!

Congratulations, Coach Douds!