Boston Red Sox Photography: Memorial Day – Monday, May 28, 2012 vs. Detroit Tigers.

“An American flag covers the Green Monster during the Memorial Day ceremonies at Fenway Park Monday, May 28, 2012 before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.”

“Boston Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino talks with former Red Sox great Johnny Pesky during the Memorial Day ceremonies at Fenway Park Monday, May 28, 2012 before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.”

“Former Boston Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon throws out the ceremonial first pitch during the Memorial Day ceremonies at Fenway Park Monday, May 28, 2012 before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.”

“Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Felix Doubront delivers during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 28, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzales slides into home plate during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 28, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks throws to first during the eighth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, May 28, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Here’s a few from this year’s Memorial Day ceremonies and action at Fenway Park. We caught a beautiful day for baseball, and the Red Sox pulled through with a solid win.

When you shoot the same event every day, it’s important to constantly challenge yourself to find different ways to make it look interesting. I tried to mix things up a bit yesterday. This game’s “Thing I Learned”: I’m settling in to shooting from the seats more and more as the season goes on. There’s somer really interesting frames to be made. I like the juxtaposition of game action and fan activity. I think I’m going to try to explore that more going forward.

Photos: Red Sox’ Saltalamacchia Hits Ninth Inning Walk-off Home Run.

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia celebrates as he runs to first base after hitting a walk-off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox teammates run onto the field in celebration after catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit walk-off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox teammates crowd home plate in celebration after catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit walk-off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

It’s nights like these that remind me why I love this job. Not that I don’t love all other nights on the job, but these are particularly special.

There’s nothing like a walk-off win to lift your spirits and give you the opportunity for some really solid pictures, which have been few and far between so far this season in Boston. 

Here’s a few from Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s walk-off two run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to win it for the Red Sox. 

Click the photos to enlarge for the full effect.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: I shot these from the first row of seats behind the visitor’s on-deck circle. I was really well positioned for Salty’s reaction (first photo above), but I could have been better positioned for the celebration at home plate. Next time, I’ll locate myself further down the third base line so I’m not blocked by umpires and/or camera men.

Photos: Boston Red Sox Host Third Annual Run-Walk to Home Base.

“Racers cross the Yawkey Way start line during the 2012 Run-Walk to Home Base 9k Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Racers run down Van Ness Street outside Fenway Park during the 2012 Run-Walk to Home Base 9k Sunday, May 20, 2012.”

“Run-Walk to Home Base participants run along the outfield warning track in Fenway Park Sunday, May 20, 2012.”

“Run-Walk to Home Base participants run out of the tunnel and enter onto the outfield warning track at Fenway Park Sunday, May 20, 2012.”

Here’s a few images from the third annual Run-Walk to Home Base race. 

I wasn’t exactly thinking straight at 6:30 in the morning, so I really had no idea whether I got anything good or not until the next day. After looking through the edits, I think I did just okay. The finish line, where most real pictures would be made, definitely was not set up with a photographer’s eye in mind. I won’t go into details, but there were too many distractions for us photographers to have to work around. It made it just about impossible to get a nice, clean image at the finish line.

I guess it’s important to look at the larger picture, though: this is a great cause and the event as a whole was pretty neat. 

Photos: Boston Red Sox visit West Roxbury and Pittsfield VA Centers.

“Wally the Green Monster poses through the window of a trailer at the Veterans Administration center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts Friday, May 18, 2012.”

“A veteran poses with the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies at the Veterans Administration center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts Friday, May 18, 2012.”

“A hospital guest is greeted by Wally the Green Monster and the 200 and 2007 World Series trophies at the Veterans Administration hospital in West Roxbury, Massachusetts Friday, May 18, 2012.”

Here’s a few shots to conclude my week of traveling throughout New England documenting the Boston Red Sox visits to several VA hospitals. On Friday, we stopped at hospitals both in West Roxbury, just outside of Boston, and in Pittsfield, about two hours west of Boston. 

All the traveling made for a long week, but it’s gratifying to know that we were able to bring some excitement and joy to hundreds of hospital patients and workers alike.

Photos: Boston Red Sox bring World Series Trophies to Maine VA Hospital.

“A retired Army veteran poses for a picture behind the Boston Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies during a visit to the VA hospital in Augusta, Maine Wednesday, May 16, 2012.”

“A World War II veteran poses for a picture behind the Boston Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies during a visit to the VA hospital in Augusta, Maine Wednesday, May 16, 2012.”

I went along for another Veteran’s hospital visit yesterday, this time to one outside Augusta, Maine. 

It made for a long day, but the event went well. Again, it was really neat to see how lifted some of these patients were at the sight of the trophies and Red Sox mascot.

As for me, I tried to mix it up a bit and shoot differently than I did on Monday in New Hampshire. I thought these two tell the story of the day well. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 vs. Seattle Mariners.

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield salutes the crowd after being introduced during the ‘Tim Wakefield Day’ pre-game ceremony Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“”Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield greets kids from the Pitching In For Kids organization during the ‘Tim Wakefield Day’ pre-game ceremony Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield throws out the ceremonial first pitch to former catcher Doug Mirabelli during the ‘Tim Wakefield Day’ pre-game ceremony Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Fans sit under umbrellas as they watch a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Here are some shots from Tuesday’s pre-game ceremonies honoring former Red Sox pitcher, Tim Wakefield, who retired before the start of this season. 

They’re some nice images, I think, which is good because the rest of the game was miserable (even though the Sox won) and I didn’t make a single picture I was happy with. Something about roaming Fenway Park in the pouring rain had me down. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Don’t forget to go photograph kids in the Fenway Park family room playing with sea creatures from the New England Aquarium. That’s what I did! Luckily I got a reminder call and went and got some nice stuff.

Photos: Red Sox visit New Hampshire VA Hospital.

“Boston Red Sox mascot Wally The Green Monster displays the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies for a patient in the VA Medical Center in Manchester New Hampshire Monday, May 14, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox mascot Wally The Green Monster is shown in front of a wall honoring New Hampshire residents who have died as a result of conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan Monday, May 14, 2012.”

In honor of Fenway Park’s 100th Anniversary, the Boston Red Sox have put together a “100 Acts of Kindness” program with various non-profit organizations throughout the season. As part of that initiative, various Red Sox alumni, as well as the Red Sox mascot Wally, will be visiting various Veterans  hospitals throughout New England this week.

I rode along on yesterday’s visit to Manchester, New Hampshire.

This assignment was certainly different in tone than most of what we shoot, but an important reminder of the emotion, compassion, and excitement that professional sports can sometimes bring out in people. Lots of the patients were struggling, some of them terminally ill even, but it was incredible to see their spirits lift so quickly  at the sight of those two World Series trophies and the big, smiling, furry green guy. It’s days like these where I’m reminded of the bigger picture.

More to come this week as we continue our visits.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Sunday, May 13, 2012 vs. Cleveland Indians.

“Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart salutes the crowd at Fenway Park before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch Sunday, May 13, 2012.”

“Fenway Park is shown during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians Sunday, May 13, 2012.”

“A mother and father celebrate Mother’s Day at Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians Sunday, May 13, 2012.”

“A girl looks through a railing at Fenway Park during a Mother’s Day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians Sunday, May 13, 2012.”

“A mother and son celebrate Mother’s Day at Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians Sunday, May 13, 2012.”

“A Boston Red Sox fan poses with her son in front of the Green Monster during the Mother’s Day walk through Fenway Park Sunday, May 13, 2012.”

Sunday was exactly what all of us at Fenway Park needed: A beautiful, sunny day, a stadium full of happy families celebrating Mother’s Day together, and and old-fashioned 12 to 1 beatdown by the Red Sox. It lifted everyone’s spirits.

It’s amazing how much of a difference good weather has on one’s work during the game, or at least on mine. I’m always enthusiastic about my work, but it gets taken to a different level on days like Sunday. 

Being patient while shooting is a perfect example. I found myself really slowing down all day, and doing much more waiting than actual shooting. That brings me to this game’s “Thing I Learned:” I’m really proud of the final shot here of the mother and son in front of the Green Monster. I sat there for about twenty minutes, just waiting for that some tiny moment to happen, and I got one. I should do that more often. It’s a good exercise in patience and would likely lead to better pictures. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Friday, May 11, 2012 vs. Cleveland Indians.

“The sun sets over Fenway Park Friday, May 11, 2012 during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians.”

“Fans watch a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians Friday, May 11, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Finally, a bit of nice weather in Boston. I felt like I hadn’t seen the sun in about three weeks before it finally came out for Friday’s game. 

This sunset didn’t turn out to be as great as I thought it would as the game started, but there will be plenty more to come as we head into the summer months.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: As the light continues to get better as the season goes on, it’ll be smart to stay outside and roam the park for the first few innings, rather than going inside immediately after the pre-game ceremonies to print those photos. Fenway Park will look too good to be sitting inside during that time. 

Photos: Red Sox Outfielder Darnell McDonald visits Fort Devens.

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald speaks with the Commander of Fort Devens Army Base in Devens, Massachusetts during a visit Friday, May 11, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald drives a tank at Fort Devens Army Base in Devens, Massachusetts during a visit Friday, May 11, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald is given a tour of Fort Devens Army Base in Devens, Massachusetts during a visit Friday, May 11, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald drives a tank at Fort Devens Army Base in Devens, Massachusetts during a visit Friday, May 11, 2012.”

I was sent to Fort Devens Army Base in Devens, Massachusetts this morning to photograph a visit from Boston Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald.

I really had no idea what to expect going into this. I’ve shot lots of player appearances, but I had never done a military related one up until now. 

I had a great time shooting, and it was interesting to listen to some of the conversations that took place. I realize the “athletes as soldiers” metaphor is cliché and probably overused, but there’s no doubt that there are some similarities between the two, particularly within the realm of team sports. The camaraderie, the travel, and the grind kept coming up as topics of conversation throughout the morning. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Sunday, May 6, 2012 vs. Baltimore Orioles.

“Bases are shown before the start of a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Sunday, April 6, 2012.”

“A Boston Red Sox fan smiles before the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia signs autographs before the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks rounds the bases after hitting his first Major League home run, a grand slam, during the fifth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park. The Orioles won 9 to 6 in 17 innings.”

“Baltimore Orioles second baseman Robert Andino hits a line drive during a game against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Fenway Park is shown during the thirteenth inning of a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park. The Orioles won 9-6 in 17 innings.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Marlon Byrd is tagged out while sliding into home plate during the sixteenth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park. The Orioles won 9 to 6 in 17 innings.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDconald was called in to pitch during the sixteenth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park. The Orioles won 9 to 6 in 17 innings.”

“Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis was called in to pitch during the sixteenth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park. The Orioles won 9 to 6 in 17 innings.”

“Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones hits a three run home in the seventeenth inning to beat the Boston Red Sox Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

I apologize for posting so many photos, but that’s what happens when a baseball game goes 17 innings. When I stumbled into Fenway at 11:00 on Sunday morning for a 1:30 p.m. game, I never thought nor hoped I’d be there until 10:00 that night.

You know it’s a bizarre game when Will Middlebrooks casually hits a grand slam to tie the game at 5-5 for his first Major League home run, fans get up for a seventh inning stretch and a fourteenth inning stretch, outfielder Darnell McDonald pitches for the Red Sox, infielder Chris Davis pitches for the Orioles (and records the win), Adam Jones hits a three run home run in the seventeenth inning, and the Orioles sweep the Red Sox at Fenway Park to take the best record in Major League Baseball. I’ve never seen anything like it. 

As for my shooting, I don’t really know what to say. I was all over the stadium for the first seven innings, which I could barely even remember after the last ten. 

During the eighth, I moved down to the photo pit, where I shot from for the first time this season. This game’s “Thing I Learned:” If there was any saving grace to shooting 17 innings of ball, it was that it gave me lots of time to get a feel for working in the pit at Fenway. It’s certainly different from Camden Yards, and it took me an inning or two to get adjusted to the angles and sight lines from my spot beside third base. I’m really looking forward to shooting from down there lots more throughout the season. 

Click the photos to enlarge, of course!

Boston Red Sox Photography: Friday, May 4, 2012 vs. Baltimore Orioles.

“A Boston Red Sox fan smiles during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Friday, May 4, 2012.”

“Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis hits the game-winning single in the thirteenth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox Friday, May 4, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox outfielder Cody Roses loses his bat during the fifth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, May 4, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

My hometown Baltimore Orioles were in Boston this weekend for a three game series against the Sox, and boy was it interesting. Who would have predicted an O’s sweep to give them the best record in Major League Baseball?

Two of three games went to extra innings, and I shot them both. I thought this 13 inning game was long, but I was proven wrong two days later (more to come soon). 

The Red Sox had their chances to close this one out, but couldn’t get it done. Orioles’ first baseman Chris Davis did the job instead, producing what proved to be the game winning hit (above) (more to come on him as well). 

As for the other photos, I’ve recently been on a kick of photographing kids at the game. Some of them have just been too darn cute. Otherwise, I made my second image of the year of Cody Ross losing his bat into the stands. The first is here. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned:” It’s dangerous to to anticipate a walk-off win for the home team. So far this year, every time I’ve “felt it coming,” it’s never happened. I’ll get one one of these days.  

Boston Red Sox Photography: Tuesday, May 1, 2012 vs. Oakland Athletics.

“A Boston Red Sox fan grins before the start of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”

Well, the kid’s face says it all. Last night was one of those nights.

Cold, raw temparatures, wind, and whipping rain/mist combined with a Red Sox loss made for a pretty rough outing overall. I wasn’t really happy with any of my images either. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: ‘fuhgeddaboudit’ and come out fresh on Friday!

Boston Red Sox Photography: Saturday, April 21, 2012 vs. New York Yankees.

"The sun begins to set over Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees Saturday, April 21, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts."

"Fans cheer as Boston Red Sox outfielder Cody Ross hits a double in the fifth inning of a game against the New York Yankees Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."

A return to normalcy.

After a hectic week of planning for the 100th Anniversary game, it was really nice to come in on Saturday to a slow, easy day and a regular Saturday night game. 

Even though the Red Sox blew a 9-0 lead and sent Red Sox Nation into an early season panic, I really enjoyed shooting this game. I perched in the Monster Seats for a few innings, and had some great conversation with some very interesting people as I shot. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Make friends with the right fans. It’ll help you out sometimes. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Fenway Park Celebrates 100th Anniversary.

"Fighter jets fly over Fenway Park during the 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Former Boston Red Sox left fielder and first baseman Carl Yastrzemski salutes the crowd after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Annivesary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona salutes the crowd after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

Former Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra salutes the crowd after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner salutes the crowd after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and pitcher Tim Wakefield escort Johnny Pesky and Bobby Doerr through the infield after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Mo Vaughn greets other alumni after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Boston Red Sox alumni salute the crowd after being introduced during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Millar and former pitcher Pedro Martinez lead the crowd in a toast to break the record for World's Largest Toast during Fenway Park's 100th Year Anniversary ceremony Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buccholz throws the first pitch of the Fenway Park 100th Year Anniversary game against the New York Yankees Friday, April 20, 2012."

"Shadows creep across the Green Monster at Fenway Park during the 100th year Anniversary game against the New York Yankees Friday, April 20, 2012."

Last Friday, Fenway Park celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary with an elaborate pre-game ceremony followed by a game against the New York Yankees. The game itself was quite anticlimactic, ending in a pretty bad loss for the Red Sox, but that was definitely overshadowed by the magnitude of the milestone this ballpark had reached.

I was honored to be a small part of the day, and I was thrilled to witness this important moment in baseball history. Johnny Pesky, Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Doerr, Jim Rice, Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, and Terry Francona were just a few of the over 200 Boston Red Sox alumni from all generations that were on hand to celebrate at Fenway. What a sight.

I shot the pre-game ceremony from the first base photo pit, and had a blast. It’s easily one of my best memories from my time working in baseball. 

And as chaotic and busy as the day was leading up to the ceremony, I learned a lot about the logistics of shooting big-time events like these. There’s lots of planning that goes into organizing a huge corral of pro photographers on hand, and being part of that planning process was a valuable experience for me. 

There’s so much more I could say, but I think I’ll let the images do the talking. Click the photos to enlarge, if you’d like! And, check the Boston Red Sox Facebook Page to view their Timeline cover photo shot by yours truly.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this milestone, the ceremony, the recent Red Sox performance, these photos, or anything else!