Archive
Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 11.

“Juan Martin Del Potro reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic in three in the semifinals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the first set of his semifinal match against Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Fans show their support for Novak Djokovic Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during his semifinal match against Tomas Berdych Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Tomas Berdych serves during his semifinal match against Rafael Nadal Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Tomas Berdych and advancing to the finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Tomas Berdych and advancing to the finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“A ball boy holds an umbrella during a semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Bill Gates watches a semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Elena Vesnina serves during the women’s doubles finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina kiss the trophy after winning the women’s doubles championship Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Mike Bryan lunges for a shot during the men’s doubles championship match Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Bob and Mike Bryan pose with the trophy after winning the men’s doubles championship match Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
We’ve arrived at the final days of the tournament, so here are the best photos from yesterday’s men’s semifinal matches and men’s and women’s doubles championships.
There was so much drama on court, which made for great emotion and energy. Today, we’ve got the men’s and women’s singles final, so be sure to check back for the winning photos!
Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 10.

“Caroline Wozniacki reacts after defeating Angelique Kerber in the semifinals Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Angelique Kerber returns a shot from Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Andy Murray serves to Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarterfinals Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro shake hands after their quarterfinal match Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Juan Martin Del Potro reacts after defeating Andy Murray in the quarterfinals Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“The sun begins to set of Main Stadium at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Kirilenko reacts during her semifinal match against Maria Sharapova Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Sharapova hits a backhand during her semifinal match against Maria Kirilenko Friday, March 15, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
Here is a selection of photos from quarterfinal and semifinal action on the men’s and women’s side of the 2013 BNP Paribas Open. We’re deep into the tournament now, so at this point, the photos become more about emotion and reaction rather than straight about straight tennis action.
Additionally, I’ve posted a video from an incredibly unique opportunity I had to follow Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as they were escorted from the locker room to the court before their quarterfinal match two days ago.
What I love best about the work that I do is the experiences it allows for. These intimate moments before a sporting event of international interest are rarely seen, and it was incredible to witness that first hand. The entire journey took about three minutes, but it seemed to all happen so quickly. A memorable assignment for sure.
This video I shot and edited follows their journey.
More to come from all of today’s action!
Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 8.

“Rafael Nadal reacts after defeating Ernests Gulbis Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal hits a backhand during his match against Ernests Gulbis Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal returns a shot from Ernests Gulbis Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Ernests Gulbis returns a shot during his match against Rafael Nadal Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Roger Federer reacts during his match against Stanislas Wawrinka Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Roger Federer hits a backhand during his match against Stanislas Wawrinka Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Roger Federer hits a backhand during his match against Stanislas Wawrinka Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Kirilenko reacts after defeating Petra Kvitova in three sets Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Petra Kvitova serves during her match against Maria Kirilenko Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Jo-Wilfried Tsonga serves during his match against Milos Raonic Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Milos Raonic serves to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Gilles Simon returns a shot from Kevin Anderson Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Richard Gasquet reacts during his match against Tomas Berdych Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Bob and Mike Bryan sign autographs Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“The Indian Wells Tennis Garden Corona Plaza is shown Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Actor Kevin Spacey takes in a tennis match Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Novak Djokovic returns a shot during his match against Sam Querrey Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
Yesterday was one of those whirlwind days. One minute you’re running around the grounds shooting what seems like every match at the same time, and then the next you’re camped in the photo pits to shoot Nadal celebrating after an epic three-set match.
It’s that kind of up and down that make this job so great.
I don’t have much time to post, so the photos will have to do the talking here. Another huge day of tennis today!
Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 7.

“Maria Kirilenko reacts during her match against Agnieszka Radwanska Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Kirilenko reacts during her match against Agnieszka Radwanska Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Novak Djokovic serves during his match against Grigor Dimitrov Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Grigor Dimitrov returns a shot from Novak Djokovic Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns a shot from Mardy Fish Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson poses with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Birds fly over Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Grigor Dimitrov balances tennis balls on his racquet during his match against Novak Djokovic Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Petra Kvitova serves during her match against Klara Zakopalova Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Marin Cilic follows through on a serve during his match against Milos Raonic Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Sharapova serves during her match against Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”
Yesterday was another hectic, long, crazy day out here in California, but a great day nonetheless.
I had the pleasure of meeting NBA Hall of Famer, David Robinson, who, with his two sons, got to meet Jo-Wilfried Tsonga following his match. Also got to take in some good tennis throughout the day.
Enjoy the photos! Another big day today!
Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 3.

“Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer shovel dirt Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer chat Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal autographs construction helmets Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

“Novak Djokovic addresses the media at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California Friday, March 8, 2013″

“Ball kids await the start of a ‘Salute Our Heroes’ ceremony on Stadium One court at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California Friday, March 8, 2013.”
Day three was a crazy day for me, but I was able to shoot some pretty unique things. After editing video from the Player Party in the morning, I shot a Q&A with former World No. 1 and eight time Grand Slam champion, Jimmy Connors, which you’ll see up top.
The questions come from fans of the tournament on Facebook and Twitter, and Jimmy was great for the camera. I shot this quick hit on a Canon 7D DSLR and recorded with wireless lavaliers.
I then rushed over to the outskirts of the Indian Wells Tennis Center, where I shot stills at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium that will be built and ready for play by next year’s tournament. Present at the ceremony were Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, and Victoria Azarenka. It’s difficult to screw up the photos when you have all those people in one place.
After that, I shot a Djokovic presser, and in the evening, a ceremony on the main stadium court honoring the military. I’m wiped, but I’m proud of all this content. We’re set for an exciting weekend of tennis.
Photos And Reflections From The Championships Wimbledon.

“Roger Federer falls to the ground on Centre Court after winning match point against Andy Murray and claiming his seventh Wimbledon championship title Sunday, July 8, 2012.”

“Roger Federer poses on Centre Court with the championship trophy after winning his seventh Wimbledon title Sunday, July 8, 2012.”

“Roger Federer waves to fans on Centre Court after winning his seventh Wimbledon championship Sunday, July 8, 2012.”

“Serena Williams celebrates on Centre Court after winning match point against Agnieszka Radwanska and claiming her fifth Wimbledon title Saturday, July 7, 2012.”

“Serena Williams and Agnieszka Radwanska play the Ladies’ singles final on Centre Court at the All England Club Saturday, July 7, 2012.”

“Venus and Serena Williams hug each other on Centre Court after winning the Ladies’ doubles championship Saturday, July 7, 2012.”

“Roger Federer is escorted by security to No. 9 Court for a practice session before his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic Thursday, July 5, 2012.”

“Roger Federer’s shoe is shown on No. 9 Court before his practice session Thursday, July 5, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“Roger Federer practices on No. 9 Court before his semi-final match against Novak Djokovic Thursday, July 5, 2012.”

“Roger Federer walks off the set of ‘Live At Wimbledon’ after an interview Friday, July 6, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“Roger Federer signs autographs for fans after a practice session Monday, June 25, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“Andy Murray jokes with his coach, Ivan Lendl, during his practice session at the All England Club Thursday, July 5, 2012.”

“Fans cheer on a packed Henman Hill at the All England Club as they watch the semi-final match between Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Friday, July 6, 2012.”

“Fans cheer on a packed Henman Hill at the All England Club as they watch the semi-final match between Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Friday, July 6, 2012.”

“Fans cheer on a packed Henman Hill at the All England Club as they watch the semi-final match between Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Friday, July 6, 2012.”

“Rafael Nadal hits a volley during his practice session Monday, June 25, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“A fan from Spain shows her support for Rafael Nadal as he practices Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“Rafael Nadal chats with pro golfer Sergio Garcia before his practice session Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“Qualifier Camila Giorgi of Italy shakes hands with the chair umpire after winning her match Wednesday, June 27, 2012.”

“Maria Sharapova takes a drink during her practice session Monday, June 25, 2012 at the All England Club.”

“Serena Williams walks through the Aorangi Practice Park at the All England Club Monday, June 25, 2012.”

“Former World No. 1 tennis player Mats Wilander smiles while on set of ‘Live At Wimbledon’ Wednesday, July 4, 2012.”

“ESPN NCAA Basketball commentator Dick Vitale smiles while attending The Championships Wimbledon Wednesday, July 4, 2012.”

“Legendary professional golfer Jack Nicklaus waves while attending The Championships Wimbledon Thursday, June 28, 2012.”

“Dustin Brown serves to David Ferrer on No. 18 Court at the All England Club Tuesday, June 26, 2012.”

“A ball boy stands on court at the All England Club at the conclusion of a match Tuesday, June 26, 2012.”

“The sun sets over the All England Club on Day Three of The Championships Wimbledon Wednesday, June 27, 2012.”
All images above Billie Weiss/AELTC ©2012.
It’s great to be back on the blog after a few weeks away. I’m currently in South London, where I just finished working as Photographer and Social Media editor for www.wimbledon.com at this year’s Championships Wimbledon. I was extremely lucky to have this opportunity, which came as a follow up after working as a photo editor for www.usopen.org at last year’s US Open in New York City.
I worked all thirteen days of this incredible tournament, shooting photographs of players on the practice courts, Wimbledon matches, visiting celebrities, fans, events, and features around the grounds. I wrote captions for thousands of photographs from wimbledon.com’s team of amazingly talented photographers, as well as built and published 27 galleries for the website. Additionally, I helped manage Wimbledon’s Facebook and Twitter accounts by publishing photos and galleries, responding to online comments and questions, and monitoring audience engagement and activity. In my free time (what free time?) I watched a lot of really good tennis.
Wimbledon is the most important tennis tournament in the world, so it was thrilling to be able to reach out to an audience of approximately one million Facebook fans and 300,000 Twitter followers. Working with such a huge audience, I learned how to effectively increase an online fan base, witnessed first hand how people react and interact on social media, and got a better feel for which types of content people want to see most.
It was definitely a grind over the last two weeks. It was long hours, long bus rides to and from the grounds, and long walks to the bus (complete with many terrifying encounters with some mangy looking foxes). It was being told every morning that my credential wasn’t good enough to get me into the press centre (even though it was). It was hours of sitting in the “bunker” and the same chicken, potatoes, and butternut squash dinner in the same cafeteria every night.
But it was also having access to shoot pictures of the best tennis players in the world. It was watching your photos get 5,000 “likes” on Facebook in one hour. It was exploring the pubs in Wimbledon Village. It was being on Centre Court to witness Roger Federer win his 17th grand slam, Serena Williams win her fifth Wimbledon singles title and her 13th doubles title alongside her sister Venus.
But most importantly, it was the people I met and worked with. It was an honor to work alongside a crew of talented and hardworking journalists, and I’m so happy to have made the connections I did.
Above is just a small sampling of the photo work I shot over the past two weeks. Click each photo to enlarge if you’d like. As always, thank you for reading!
Now, I’m off to Italy for some rest in the Mediterranean sun.
The 2011 US Open through Photos

"2011 US Open men's singles champion Novak Djokovic (SRB)(1) poses with the US Open trophy atop the Empire State Building in New York City Tuesday, September 13, 2011."

"2011 US Open women's singles champion Samantha Stosur (AUS)(9) poses with the US Open trophy in Times Square Monday, September 12, 2011."
I’m currently on the Bolt Bus on my way back to Baltimore from New York City after an amazing two weeks working as a photo editor and photographer for usopen.org at the 2011 US Open.
My main responsibility was to work alongside a photo team in editing images of US Open matches and events shot by our team of photographers. This involved cropping and resizing, as well as adjusting saturation, levels, sharpness, and curves. I also built organized, created, and produced a large collection of photo galleries. We were told last night that we had uploaded over 3, 300 photographs over the two week period. Given that high volume of photos, the work was monotonous and hectic at times, but after working for a website that gets approximately 35 million page views worldwide on each day of the tournament, I leave feeling very accomplished.
I also got to shoot more photographs than I anticipated, which I’m thrilled about. In the hours I wasn’t working, I spent my time on the courts or around the grounds, making pictures and adding to my portfolio. Life as a photographer can be pretty exciting sometimes. As you can see, yesterday I was in Times Square with the women’s champion, and this morning I was on top of the Empire State Building with the men’s winner.
That being said, the daily grind of the tournament definitely took a toll on me. Traveling an hour and a half to and from the National Tennis Center on the subway every day was grueling. I worked the night shift, which kept me there until midnight or later just about every night.
I was tired at times, but I’ll remember this experience most for the people I was around. I’m grateful for the incredible usopen.org staff for their help, advice, and inspiration. I was able to make lots of new connections, and got a taste of the New York City media lifestyle. I’m also thrilled to have met up with so many friends I haven’t seen in awhile I was there, and I’m glad to have yet again worked alongside Ben Snyder for another media adventure (also, thanks for the NYC pad!).
Tonight, it’s back to work at the O’s!
Below is a list of galleries comprised of photographs I took:
- Monday, August 29, 2011, Day 2: USTA Serves Night
- Wednesday, August 31, 2011, Day 3: Ivanovic/Zimonjic vs. Chan/Fyrstenberg
- Thursday, September 1, 2011, Day 4: A walk through the Grounds
- Sunday, September 3, 2011, Day 6: US Open From The Ground Up
- Monday, September 5, 2011, Day 8: Around the grounds
- Monday, September 12, 2011, Day 15: Olympus Photos of the Day
Below is a list of galleries I created or contributed to:
- Thursday, August 25, 2011, Qualifying Round: Nadal Tennis Clinic
- Thursday, August 25, 2011, Qualifying Round: Draw Ceremony
- Tuesday, August 30, 2011, Day 2: Night Matches on Ashe
- Wednesday, August 31, 2011, Day 3: Sharapova vs. Yakimova
- Thursday, September 1, 2011, Day 4: Djokovic vs. Berlocq
- Thursday, September 1, 2011, Day 4: Azarenka vs. Dulko
- Thursday, September 1, 2011, Day 4: King vs. Gajdosova
- Friday, September 2, 2011, Day 5: Blake vs. Ferrer
- Friday, September 2, 2011, Day 5: Roddick vs. Sock
- Friday, September 2, 2011, Day 5: Kirilenko vs. McHale
- Saturday, September 3, 2011, Day 6: Ivanovic vs. Stephens
- Saturday, September 3, 2011, Day 6: Tsonga vs. Verdasco
- Saturday, September 3, 2011, Day 6: Stars at the Open
- Saturday, September 3, 2011, Day 6: Djokovic vs. Davydenko
- Sunday, September 4, 2011, Day 7: Murray vs. Lopez
- Sunday, September 4, 2011, Day 7: Lisicki vs. Zvonareva
- Monday, September 5, 2011, Day 8: Federer vs. Monaco
- Thursday, September 8, 2011, Day 11: Federer vs. Tsonga
- Thursday, September 8, 2011, Day 11: Court 13
- Saturday, September 10, 2011, Day 13: Quarterfinal: Kerber vs. Stosur
- Saturday, September 10, 2011, Day 13: Semifinal: Murray vs. Nadal
- Saturday, September 10, 2011, Day 13: Men’s Doubles Final
- Saturday, September 10, 2011, Day 13: Semifinal: Wozniacki vs. Williams
- Monday, September 12, 2011, Day 15: Stars at the Open
- Monday, September 12, 2011, Day 15: Men’s Final: Nadal vs. Djokovic
- Monday, September 12, 2011, Day 15: Men’s Final Goes Into the Night
US Open Time!

"Novak Djokovic prepares to hit a forehand in the first set of a match against Rafel Nadal during the BNP Paribas Open in Palm Springs, California Thursday, March 18, 2010."
*In lieu of the so-called “Bolt” Bus arriving in Baltimore an hour late, and the so-called “Free Wi-Fi” they advertise not working at all, I’m posting what I wrote during that ride now that I’m settled here in New York.*
I’m currently on Interstate 95 en route to 33rd and 7th Ave. in New York City, where I’ll be for the next three weeks. I was hired as a Seasonal Photo Editor for the usopen.org media team for this year’s US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York!
I’ll have a better idea of what exactly it is I’ll be doing after tomorrow’s orientation, but I know that I’ll be editing, correcting and keywording images shot by the US Open team of photographers. I’ll also be writing captions, creating galleries, and updating the tournament website every day.
I really don’t know what to expect. I’ve never been to this tournament before, I’m not familiar with the tennis media world, and I’ve been surrounded by nothing but baseball for the past several months. I also don’t know what I’ll be able to post on this blog throughout the tournament, if anything at all.
As you can see, I don’t know much at all. The only thing I’m absolutely sure of is that I’m ridiculously excited. This will be a great opportunity to make new connections, get more professional experience under my belt, and add to my portfolio. It’ll also be interesting to compare the professional tennis world to the more familiar world of professional baseball.
Here’s a frame I shot last year in California of world number one ranked Novak Djokovic, who I predict will be this year’s champion.
My work starts bright and early tomorrow morning, so, here we go!
*Don’t forget to vote for “Billie with an I.E.” for Baltimore’s Most Valuable Blog! You can vote once per day per computer or smartphone until September 9, 2011. Click here to vote! Thank you so much for your readership!*

















