So as many of you know, in between weddings and engagement pictures I occasionally take on some fun assignments. This week I got to shoot at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and yesterday was the final. My sports fix was being met in full.
I envy sports photographers for their amazing shots and ability to think fast. The only thing I don't dig about them is the smug attitude they can some times possess towards those who either:
1. don't shoot with a Canon
or
2. don't have a fast enough camera
All week my NIKON D90 got some funny looks from the other photographers. Yesterday was different. I was fortunate enough to borrow my father's NIKON D3.
That's right... my little buddy brought his big brother along to ward off the Canon bullies. My Nikon friends along the court side and in the stands seemed to make room for "big poppa" and it felt great.
Despite the amazing weather we had for most of the week, the familiar Washington D.C. humidity returned to set the stage for yesterday's Men's final.
The Challenger: the All American boy, Andy Roddick
The Defending Champion: 2008 Legg Mason Champ Juan Martin Del Potro
Andy Roddick was favored to win the title and put on a great show for us all week. Sunday's match seemed to be a challenge for the tennis superstar who, despite putting up a good fight, could not take down the defending champion.
I had so much fun this week and hope to get other opportunities to do some more sports stuff... especially a REDSKINS GAME!!! We'll see.
For now, it's back to reality... no more D3 (sad face)... for now. Don't worry "little buddy" (aka Nikon D90) I still love you!
Need I say more? Amazing tennis player and a tremendous showman to say the least.
Among the many things I have learned this week I will leave you with this: Taking part in the Legg Mason Classic this week has really helped me to think really fast about how I am going to set up my shots. I have learned that the world of sports photography is very similar to the wedding photography world for the following reason: YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO GET THE SHOT. There is no "redo" or "practice run". I can't wait to apply this and some other things I have learned when I go to shoot wedding #3 with Peter Bang this weekend.
Though I am mainly focusing on weddings and engagement pictures, I still like to take on special projects to keep me sharp. This week I have been invited by a good photographer friend of mine, Christy Bowe, to shoot the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. This was definitely cool to take part in for the sheer fact that I love sports and having the opportunity to shoot an event like this is a nice treat for any sports fan. I must admit, I was a little nervous coming into this event as a photographer. "Why?" you may ask... well... in the world of sports photography you are judged by the gear you bring to the table. My Nikon D90 (fabulous camera!!!) sure got some funny looks by all of the Canon Mark II users and Nikon D3 users in atendance. Never one to back down from a fight, I found that what I lacked in speed I sure made up for in the form of my nifty Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8f AF-S VR II zoom lens. That's right, my little buddy and I were not going to be mocked easily. We'll see how the rest of the week goes.
Here is a sample of the Young vs Hewitt match.
