Photos: Red Sox Legends Attend Johnny Pesky Memorial.

“David Ortiz, Tim Wakefield, and Jason Varitek attend a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.”

“Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Pedro Martinez, Dustin Pedroia, and David Ortiz share their memories about Johnny Pesky at a public memorial service at Fenway Park for Pesky Sunday, September 23, 2012, who passed away earlier this year.

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens speaks at a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, August 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.

“Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez speaks during a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.

“Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine signs Pesky’s Pole during a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.”

“Current and former Boston Red Sox players lay down roses around a number ’6′ on the infield dirt during a public memorial service at Fenway Park Sunday, September 23, 2012 for Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this year.”

Here are a some images from Sunday evening’s public memorial service for Boston Red Sox great Johnny Pesky, who passed away earlier this season. This was an interesting event to cover, as it brought together multiple generations of players and members of the Red Sox organization.

It’s difficult not to get good pictures when you have so many legends sitting in one spot together. It’s always good when you get Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Tim Wakefield, Carlton Fisk, Jim Rice, and Reggie Smith to name a few at the same time. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 vs. New York Yankees.

“Boston Red Sox third baseman Pedro Ciriaco celebrates after scoring the game winning run against the New York Yankees Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Ciriaco scored from second base on a walk-off single by Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox won 4-3.”

“Boston Red Sox teammates crowd center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury after Ellsbury hit a walk-off single against the New York Yankees Tuesday, September 11, 2012. The Red Sox won 4-3.”

“An American flag is dropped over the Green Monster at Fenway Park during a pre-game ceremony honoring the 11th anniversary of September 11, 2001.”

I felt like I photographed two different baseball games last night. After a tribute to lives lost on September 11 during the pre-game ceremonies, Fenway Park was as quiet, subdued, and peaceful as I’ve ever seen it for the first couple innings. 

Yet by the end of the game, the park was well alive as Jacoby Ellsbury hit a walk-off single to beat the New York Yankees 4-3. 

It was one of the better walk-off wins I’ve shot, and we got some really nice reaction out of the players. I’m quite satisfied with the first image I posted above. I love the umpire’s “SAFE!” gesture. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: I’m starting to really like shooting wide rather than tight for these walk-off wins. From my angle last night, shooting with long glass wouldn’t have worked well. 

Photos: Boston Red Sox Honor Death of Johnny Pesky.

“The entire Boston Red Sox lineup wears Number 6 jerseys to honor the death of Red Sox great Johnny Pesky Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

“The number ’6′ is cut in the outfield grass at Fenway Park to honor the death of Johnny Pesky Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

“An American flag is flown at half mast to honor the death of Johnny Pesky Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

“The sun sets over Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Tuesday, August 21, 2012.”

Here are a few shots from the ceremonies honoring Johnny Pesky, former Boston Red Sox great who passed away last week. 

Fenway Park couldn’t have caught a more beautiful night to recognize him. 

Photos: Futures at Fenway.

“A guest dressed as Chewbacca from ‘Star Wars’ walks around the warning track at Fenway Park during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“Guests dressed as Darth Vader and a Death Star Guard from ‘Star Wars’ walk around the warning track at Fenway Park during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“Kids dressed as ‘Star Wars’ characters parade around the warning track at Fenway Park during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“Members of the 6th Middlesex Regiment prepare to present the colors during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“A member of the Lowell Spinners turns a double play during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash the Frisbee Dog’ catches a frisbee in his mouth during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

“A girl poses with her umbrella during Futures at Fenway Day Saturday, August 18, 2012.”

On Saturday, I shot Futures At Fenway Day at Fenway Park. This day gives baseball fans a chance to see game action from the Boston Red Sox’ minor league affiliates. This year’s double header included games between the Lowell Spinners and the Hudson Valley Renegades and between the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Buffalo Bisons. The event was also paired with a futuristic “Star Wars” theme, so the park was filled with both baseball and “Star Wars” fans alike.

It bothers me a bit that this is such a random assortment of photos with no real order or coherency to them as a set, but as I think back, they definitely show the quirkiness of the day as a whole. When Darth Vaders, Chewbaccas, and Storm Troopers are walking around while dogs are catching frisbees between innings of really good Minor League baseball, it’s difficult to expect that the photos are going to make a whole lot of sense. 

It was also nice to get a taste of Minor League baseball again, as I hadn’t shot it in a long time. Every once in awhile, it’s refreshing to shoot. The players are so young and hungry, and show a level of energy that I find contagious as a shooter. 

Photos: Red Sox host Picnic In The Park.

“A clown makes balloon hats for kids during ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“A family enjoys dinner during ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

“Burgers and buns are shown during ‘Picnic In The Park’ at Fenway Park Sunday, August 5, 2012.”

A few from the annual ‘Picnic In The Park’ event, which happened after yesterday’s day game. 

It was a nice, relaxing way to unwind after a long day of shooting. What’s better than eating dinner in the bullpen?

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: Saturday, August 4, 2012 vs. Minnesota Twins.

“A crowd applauds as a couple kisses each other after becoming engaged on the field at Fenway Park Saturday, August 4, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox shortstop Pedro Ciriaco gives a curtain call after hitting his first career home run in the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins Saturday, August 4, 2012.”

I had a few hours to rest and clear my head after my extremely tolling and difficult (jokes) shoot with Darth Vader the morning of this game, so I came out with lots of energy and had a good night shooting. 

Despite the Red Sox managing to lose after being one strike away from winning the game, I was down low when Boston’s new spark plug shortstop Pedro Ciriaco hit his first Major League home run. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Never assume the game is over until the last out is recorded. 

Also, does anyone have any thoughts about proposals at pro sports stadiums? Romantic? Overrated? Really corny?

Photos: Darth Vader visits Boston’s Fenway Park.

“Darth Vader poses in front of the facade at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, August 4, 2012.”

“Darth Vader poses in front of the facade at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Saturday, August 4, 2012.”

Here are a few outtakes from a recent video shoot with Darth Vader at Fenway Park.

I have to say, this was the most fun I’ve had shooting in a long time.

Boston Red Sox Photography: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 vs. Detroit Tigers.

“Gate B is shown at Fenway Park during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, August 1, 2012.”

“The Big Concourse under Fenway Park’s bleacher seats is shown during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit TIgers Wednesday, August 1, 2012.”

I decided to roam the stadium last night and focus on shooting some good features. We were lacking in shots of the ‘Big Concourse’ area under the center field bleachers, so I spent a good amount of my time stalking those corridors. 

I got some nice looking stuff. That’s definitely the most “old-fashioned” part of the stadium. Walking through kind of feels like a throw back to the early 1900′s – as if I know what being in Fenway Park back then felt like.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Slow down, get a tripod, and stay in one place every once in awhile. That’s what I did last night, and it was a nice change from the normal fast paced routine. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Monday, July 30, 2012 vs. Detroit Tigers.

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is congratulated after hitting a go ahead two run home run during the sixth inning of a game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, July 30, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Not much to say about this game, except that it’s always nice when your team comes through with a really solid, strong, convincing win. The pictures are always better, and so are your spirits while shooting. Last night was full of hits, home runs, and high fives – seen above.

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: During games like these with lots of runs and action, it’s good to voice tag your key photos to save you time when captioning later on. It’s something I’ve done plenty of times, but did for the first time in awhile last night.

Photos: Fenway Park hosts Liverpool FC and AS Roma.

“Francesco Totti, Captain of AS Roma, prepares for a corner kick during a friendly football match against Liverpool FC at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 25, 2012.”

“Liverpool FC and AS Roma play a friendly football match at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 25, 2012.”

“Liverpool FC and AS Roma are introduced on a transformed football pitch before a friendly match at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 25, 2012.”

“Liverpool FC and AS Roma play a friendly football match at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 25, 2012.”

“A fan shows his support for AS Roma during a friendly match against Liverpool FC at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 25, 2012.”

“Young fans show their support for Liverpool FC during a friendly football match against AS Roma at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 25, 2012.”

Here’s a selection of images from Wednesday’s “Football At Fenway” friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Roma. 

Baseball and football don’t normally add up, so it was quite interesting to watch one of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums go through this huge transformation. I think the park looked really good, and the atmosphere was completely different than it is during a normal baseball game. 

I tried to keep that in mind while shooting. From a photographer’s perspective, it was actually very refreshing to have a break from baseball at Fenway Park. I was energized by it, and I roamed every inch of every corner of the stadium to capture the scene. 

Coincidentally, I just spent time in England and Italy, so having these two teams in Boston served as a nice reminder dosage of British and Italian sport and culture.

Football At Fenway Park: Liverpool FC practices before Friendly against AS Roma.

“Members of Liverpool FC practice on a transformed Fenway Park pitch Tuesday, July 24, 2012 before a friendly against AS Roma.”

“The scoreboard on the Green Monster is shown Tuesday, July 24, 2012 before a friendly football match between Liverpool FC and AS Roma.”

“A football net is shown on a transformed pitch at Fenway Park Tuesday, July 24, 2012 in preparation for a friendly football match between Liverpool FC and AS Roma.”

“Steven Gerrard of Liverpool FC and Francesco Totti of AS Roma pose on the pitch Tuesday, July 24, 2012 before a friendly football match at Fenway Park.”

“Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard signs autographs for fans at Fenway Park Tuesday, July 24, 2012 before a friendly match against AS Roma.”

Football is back at Fenway Park after a two year hiatus! As part of Fenway’s 100th Anniversary celebrations, Liverpool FC will take on AS Roma in a friendly match on the baseball field turned football pitch tomorrow evening. 

Today, Liverpool took a few hours to have a light practice, appear for a few photo ops, and sign autographs for fans. 

The fans at the park were amped up today, which has me really excited to shoot tomorrow. The park looks great, so I know the atmosphere will be electric and will make for some good looking, unique images.  

Be sure to check back for shots from the game! In the meantime, here are some more images from today, courtesy of the one and only Mike Ivins.

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: Friday, July 20, 2012 vs. Toronto Blue Jays.

“The Boston Red Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays as the sun sets over Fenway Park Friday, July 20, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia prepares to field a ball during the first inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Friday, July 20, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

“Sun shines on the Prudential Center in Boston, Massachusetts Friday, July 20, 2012.”

“Boston Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury takes off his batting gloves at the end of an inning during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Friday, July 20, 2012 at Fenway Park.”

Here’s a few from Friday night’s game, in what proved to be the beginning of a rough series for the Red Sox against the Toronto Blue Jays. 

The show must go on for pictures, however, so I did my best to make some good images despite the bad baseball. 

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: I Played around with the 400 mm lens for the first time at Fenway. It was nice to shoot with some longer glass and get some good, tight action shots. 

Boston Red Sox Photography: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 vs. Chicago White Sox.

“Boston Red Sox right fielder Cody Ross hits a double during the eighth inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Fenway Park. Ross also hit two three-run home runs earlier in the game.”

“Young Boston Red Sox fans hold up a sign during the seventh inning stretch of a game at Fenway Park Wednesday, July 18, 2012.”

Here’s a few from Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately, anything I had originally hoped to write about this game is now overshadowed by the fact that I wasn’t working the game after this, when Cody Ross hit a walk-off home run and was showered with an icy bucket of blue gatorade as the team crowded him at home plate. 

I couldn’t even bear to watch it on TV because I was so upset I wasn’t there. Talk about missing a great photo. 

Oh, well. We all need a night off, right?

This game’s “Thing I Learned”: Right now, it’d be wise to only take photos of Cody Ross, because he essentially hits a home run every time he steps to the plate.