Boston Red Sox Photography: Saturday, August 25, 2012 vs. Kansas City Royals.

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles dives for a ground ball during the seventh inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, August 25, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco is tagged out at home plate during the tenth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Saturday, August 25, 2012.”

Another long one last night! A few blown leads, lead changes, game tying hits, and twelve innings later, I actually got a few nice action images.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Stay focused in the late innings! Pictures are waiting to be made.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Friday, August 24, 2012 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

“Boston Red Sox left fielder Scott Podsednik kneels during a pitching change in the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Friday, August 24, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco kneels during a pitching change in the eighth inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals Friday, August 24, 2012.”

Not too much action from this game, but as I went through my edits, I found that these two work nicely as a pair.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Always keep an eye out during pitching changes. There are often some good candid moments like these waiting to be shot.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Thursday, August 23, 2012 vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia tags out Mike Trout at home plate during the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Thursday, August 23, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run during the second inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Thursday, August 23, 2012.”

Here are a few photos from what I can honestly say felt like the longest game I’ve ever worked. It was only 10 innings, but somehow it felt longer than the 17 inning game from earlier this year or any rain delay filled game that I can remember. It was a really, really slow 10 innings.

That’s life, though! This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Patience is a virtue. If you sit and wait long enough, you’ll get a nice photo or two.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Sunday, August 5, 2012 vs. Minnesota Twins.

“Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine sits in the batting tunnel before a game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox Center Fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and Shortstop Mike Aviles sit in the batting tunnel before a game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“A vendor sells popcorn during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“The Boston Red Sox play the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox Outfielder Cody Ross pats Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the back during a game against the Minnesota Twins Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox hats are shown in the dugout of Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

Sunday games are always busy, and this Sunday was no exception! Over the course of the game, I found myself in just about every part of the stadium at one point – from Yawkey Way and Lansdowne Street outside to the concourses below the stadium to the highest points of the upper deck to the first base photo pit on field level. 

It made for a long day of climbing and running around in the heat, but I got what I hope is a nice variety of images. 

I’m particularly liking the first two photos of this post. We don’t shoot in the clubhouse much, so it was good to get some “behind the scenes” type of features of players and coaches hanging out before the game.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: It’s good to keep yourself active and not stay in one spot for too long. Although it can be more tiring, it keeps your eye sharp and keeps you from becoming complacent.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Sunday, July 22, 2012 vs. Toronto Blue Jays.

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia prepares for a play at the plate during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Two Boston Red Sox fans chest bump each other on top of the Green Monster at Fenway Park Sunday, July 22, 2012 during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.”

“Fans take in a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“A father dances with his daughter between innings of a game between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“A view from the Boston Red Sox bullpen is shown during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

It’s really a shame that the Sox played so poorly yesterday and got swept by the Toronto Blue Jays, because yesterday was one of those irreplaceable summer days at Fenway Park.

There wasn’t much action to cover from a Red Sox perspective, so I tried to capture the festive fan spirit throughout the park.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Bleacher seats and the Budweiser Roof Deck are the best spots to camp out and find fan features. There are some real characters up there. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Thursday, May 31, 2012 vs. Detroit Tigers.

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia blocks the plate during the first inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hits a home run during the second inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Fans sit atop the Green Monster at Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Thursday, May 31, 2012.”

“Fans sing Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ during the eight inning of a game between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park Thursday, May 31, 2012.”

I had a good night shooting on Thursday, which I was happy about after what I thought was a bit of a sub-par game for me the night before. I was a bit frustrated at the time, but looking back at those shots now, they really aren’t so bad after all. Maybe that was just me being burnt out near the end of a long homestand, or maybe it was the horrible spring-time allergies that I’ve been having that made me feel so “blah” about those pictures.

Sometimes while you’re in the moment, it’s easy to get frustrated with yourself and/or your work. For photographers – or perhaps within any profession – I think it’s healthy to step away from your work for a bit from time to time and let it breathe. That’s certainly helped me the past couple of days. 

I took the weekend off so this post is a few days late now, but I think I finished off the homestand and the month of May strongly with these images above. I shot a good mix of action and features, and had a great time doing it. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: I’m continuing my quest for game action juxtaposed against fan reaction. It’s starting to feel a bit more normal working alongside fans and shooting from the seats, which admittedly has been a challenge for me so far this season. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 vs. Detroit Tigers.

“The Boston Red Sox play the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Fans do the wave during the seventh inning of a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“The Boston Red Sox play the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Not too much to say about this one. Kind of a blah game with blah action and, for me, blah pictures.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Blah.

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, May 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.”

“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.”

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!

Boston Red Sox host Open House at Fenway Park.

“Kids are greeted by a giant baseball player during an Open House at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Thursday, April 19, 2012.”

“Handprints made of warning track dirt are shown on the centerfield wall at during an Open House at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Thursday, April 19, 2012.”

“Fans walk around the warning track during an Open House at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Thursday, April 19, 2012.”

“A girl looks through a railing during an Open House at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Thursday, April 19, 2012.”

The last several days have been a whirlwind for baseball in Boston, so I’m just now finding the time to post everything I’ve documented recently. I apologize for the delay!

I’ll start with these images from last Thursday, when Fenway Park welcomed all fans in for an open house in honor of the 100th anniversary celebration planned for the following day. I think it was a really neat idea, and it certainly provided lots of opportunities for good pictures. 

It was an extremely busy day in which I found myself shooting nonstop from 9 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. To keep sane between photographing autograph session after autograph session, I went out periodically and shot features. The interactions between people, both young and old, and the architectural elements of Fenway itself, made for the most interesting photos, so that’s what I tried to focus on. 

Here are a few from the day. Click the photos to enlarge, if you’d like!

Boston Red Sox Photography: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 vs. Texas Rangers.

“The field is shown through the rafters at Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers Tuesday, April 17, 2012.”

“The Fenway Park ’100 Years’ logo is shown on a security guard’s jacket during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers Tuesday, April 17, 2012.”

Last night was rough for Red Sox Nation. What started out as a close game quickly took a turn for the worst, ending in an 18-3 rout by what looks to be a very strong Texas Rangers ball club.

So, for a Red Sox photographer whose job is to capture the team and the environment in the most positive light possible, that score made for a long night. Obviously, there was no Red Sox action on the field to shoot, and my usually lively fan photos were anything but that. And how can I blame the fans? It was painful to watch. 

The only option left was to hunt for generic, stock images of the stadium – ones that could be used for any type of publication or in any situation. I was happy with these two.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Find the security guards who take an interest in photography and who are most willing to help you out, and shoot near them. I’m quickly learning the spots where I can work with a “personal bodyguard” of sorts near me at all times. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Monday, April 16, 2012 vs. Tampa Bay Rays.

“Fenway Park is shown during the third inning of an 11:05 AM day game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 16, 2012.”

“The press box at Fenway Park is shown before the start of an 11:05 AM game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 16, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia flips to shortsop Mike Aviles in the fourth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 16, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Boston Red Sox center fielder Cody Ross loses his bat after fouling off a pitch during the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Monday, April 16, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Here’s something that rarely happens: A professional baseball game that begins at 11:05 in the morning. Such was the case yesterday in order to accommodate huge crowds in town for the annual Boston Marathon. 

It was highly entertaining. I wasn’t aware that so many people could drink so much alcohol before noon. The whole stadium was particularly rowdy.

The game itself was very slow, and there really wasn’t much action to shoot. Sometimes baseball is like that. I did like these two action frames above, though, as well as the two stadium shots.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: The NESN television camera deck hanging behind home plate is a great spot to shoot from. It provides both great views of the entire ballpark (see picture #1 above) and clean sight lines to shoot infield action. I also fooled around with a LensBaby for this first time (picture #2), which I’ll definitely continue to use as the season goes on.