Photos: Boston University Men’s Soccer vs. Holy Cross.

“Boston University forward Mac McGuire (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against Holy Cross at Nickerson Field in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Boston University won 4-0.”

“Boston University midfielder Evan Nadaner (right) jumps for a header during a game against Holy Cross at Nickerson Field in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, September 18, 2012. Boston University won 4-0.”

“Members of the Boston University ROTC division stand at attention during the National Anthem before a men’s soccer game between Boston University and Holy Cross Tuesday, September 18 at Nickerson Field in Boston, Massachusetts.”

I decided to take some time last Tuesday evening to shoot the men’s soccer match between Boston University and Holy Cross. This was the first sporting event I’ve covered at BU, so I thought this would be a good chance to break myself in. 

The light was pretty bad, and tough to work with given the lenses I had. Sometimes, though, you’ve got to work with what you’re given, so that’s what I tried to do here. I overexposed on purpose quite a bit. That gave some of my frames a nice graphic, almost comic book feel to them.

I’m sure I’ll be shooting plenty more athletic events as the year goes on!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 10.

“Andy Roddick (USA)[20] looks toward the sky as he addresses the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium after losing to Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)[7] and retiring from tennis Wednesday, September 5, 2012.”

“Andy Roddick (USA)[20] looks toward the sky on a changeover minutes before losing to Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)[7] and retiring from tennis Wednesday, September 5, 2012.”

“Andy Roddick (USA)[20] runs down a ball minutes before losing to Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG)[7] and retiring from tennis Wednesday, September 5, 2012.”

It’s hard to believe, but my ten days of photographing the 2012 US Open are over! I shot a lot of matches throughout the day today, but decided to only post photos from the most important one here. 

Andy Roddick lost in four sets to Juan Martin Del Potro, signifying his retirement from professional tennis. It was an emotional afternoon in Arthur Ashe Stadium, and I was thrilled to be on hand to shoot it. 

Here are our galleries from Day 10.

I had an amazing experience at the Open this year, and I want to thank the team at usopen.org for making it so special. I added a few solid additions to the portfolio, got to attend some exciting events around the grounds, and shot lots of really good tennis.

I was also very happy to make some wonderful new connections, and, most importantly, to see old friends from many different parts of my life.

Back to Boston this morning!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 9.

“Victoria Azarenka (BLR)[1] celebrates after defeating Samantha Stosur (AUS)[7] in a tie breaker 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(5) in quarterfinal action at the US Open Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

“Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)[19] serves to Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)[8] on Day 9 of the US Open Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

Richard Gasquet (FRA)[13] hits a volley against David Ferrer (ESP)[14] on Day 9 of the US Open Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

“Olympic Gold Medal sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross speaks with guests at the ICON Awards Ceremony Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

“Former University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summitt attends the ICON Awards Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

“Former University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summitt poses with Billie Jean King at the ICON Awards Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

“A ball boy watches a point on court in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Day 9 of the US Open Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

“A Rubber Ducky delivers a press conference during a rain delay on Day 9 of the US Open Tuesday, September 4, 2012.”

Despite rain delaying play throughout the day, I still found myself quite busy on Day 9. I shot a really pleasant mix of tennis, features, and events happening around the grounds.

Besides shooting pictures of our rubber ducky for our rubber ducky rain photo gallery, my highlight had to be shooting the 2012 ICON Awards ceremony, during which former University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summitt was honored. I have to say it was pretty neat to be up close with one of the best coaches of all time. Here is a gallery with the rest of my photos from the ceremony.

I also got some nice action and player reaction today, including the above shot of Victoria Azarenka celebrating after her three set win over Samantha Stosur in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Here are our photo galleries from the day. 

Day 10 tomorrow!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 8.

“Angelique Kerber (GER)[6] reacts after losing a point to Sara Errani (ITA)[10] in the fourth round of the US Open Monday, September 3, 2012.”

“Sara Errani (ITA)[10] follows through on an approach shot during her fourth round match against Angelique Kerber (GER)[6] US Open Monday, September 3, 2012.”

“Ushers line up to high five fans on Day 8 at the US Open Monday, September 3, 2012.”

“Fans begin to fill Arthur Ashe Stadium for the night session on Day 8 at the US Open Monday, September 7, 2012.”

“Practice courts are shown as night falls on the BIllie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, September 3, 2012.”

“A line judge watches a point on Day 8 of the US Open Monday, September 3, 2012.”

Here are a few images from Day 8. I had some down time today, so between shooting matches I did some roaming on my own and shot some features from around the grounds. It felt good to get away from shooting straight action for a bit and mix things up. 

I didn’t get anything too special. I think I just needed to do some mindless wandering after a nonstop schedule over the past seven days.

Here are our galleries from Day 8.

Day 9 tomorrow! Break out the ponchos and rubber duckies. Forecast: Rain.

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 7.

“Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)[14] plays against Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) [18] on Day 7 of the US Open Sunday, September 2, 2012.”

“David Ferrer (ESP)[4] returns a shot from Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) on Day 7 at the US Open Sunday, September 2, 2012.”

“Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) plays David Ferrer (ESP)[4] on Day 7 at the US Open Sunday, September 2, 2012.”

“Laura Robson (GBR) serves to Samantha Stosur (AUS)[7] on Day 7 at the US Open Sunday, September 2, 2012.”

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already half way through this year’s tournament. I’m absolutely beat from today, so I’m not going to type much here.

There’s lots of creative photo galleries up on usopen.org, which you can check out here.

Back to the grind tomorrow!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 6.

“Nicolas Almagro (ESP)[11] celebrates after defeating Jack Sock (USA) on Day 6 of the US Open Saturday, September 1, 2012.”

“Jack Sock (USA) plays Nicolas Almagro (ESP)[11]on Day 6 of the US Open Saturday, September 1, 2012.”

“A chair umpire flips a coin before a match between Maria Kirilenko (RUS)[14] and Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) Saturday, September 1, 2012.”

“Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) returns a shot from Maria Kirilenko (RUS)[14] on Day 6 of the US Open Saturday, September 1, 2012.”

“Angelique Kerber (GER) [6] plays against Olga Govortsova (BLR) during her third round match on Day 6 of the US Open Saturday, September 1, 2012.”

“Tomas Berdych (CZE)[6] faces off against Sam Querrey (USA)[27] in third round action Saturday, September 1, 2012.”

Day 6 is in the books, and it was really, really hot. I was all over the place, and shot a ton of tennis. Tried to get a nice mix of high, low, tight, and wide shots. I’m loving how colorful the photo opportunities on court are here.

Here is a link to our series of photo galleries from day six.

Another day coming up!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 5.

“Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)[8] faces off against Brian Baker (USA) in second round action at the US Open Friday, August 31, 2012.”

“Brian Baker (USA) serves to Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)[8] in second round action at the US Open Friday, August 31, 2012.”

 

“Fans cheer for Gilles Muller (LUX) as he plays Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) at the US Open Friday, August 31, 2012.”

“Glasses of Moët Champagne are poured on Day 5 at the US Open Friday, August 31, 2012.”

“Brooklyn Decker cheers as Andy Roddick (USA) plays on Arthur Ashe Stadium Friday, August 31, 2012.”

Day 5 is in the books. Here are a few highlights from a huge selection of matches and other miscellaneous photos I shot throughout the day. 

I’m making a conscious effort to mix things up and produce fresh, different, unique photos as the tournament draws on. I’m particularly happy with the first one above. I think Janko Tipsarevic has quickly become my favorite tennis subject to photograph. 

After a long day of shooting in the 91 degree New York City sun, I can’t quite think of more to say without sounding ridiculous. I’ll let the photos do the talking. Here are our photo galleries from the day.

Time to recharge for Day 6!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 4.

“Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[2] serves to Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) on Day 4 of the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

“Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[2] plays Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) on Day 4 of the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

“Roger Federer (SUI) [1] serves to Bjorn Phau (GER) during their Men’s Singles 2nd Round match on Day 4 of the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

“Kim Clijsters (BEL) and Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) in action against Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE) and Shuai Zhang (CHN) in the first round of the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

“RedFoo from LMFAO dances the ‘Party Rock Shuffle’ at the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

“RedFoo from LMFAO visits the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

“Andy Roddick (USA) announces his retirement from tennis at the US Open Thursday, August 30, 2012.”

Here’s a selection of images from a jam packed Day 4 at the 2012 US Open. On the tennis side, I tried to mix up the way I shot my action photos yesterday. I love shooting tennis because there are so many ways to attack it, and I want to make sure I do just that while I’m here. I shot lots from high above, which I really enjoyed and plan to do a lot more as the tournament goes on.

Off the court, it was a bit of a whirlwind day. I was assigned to follow RedFoo from LMFAO as he walked around the grounds, which was entertaining. Here is a link to a gallery with some more of my photos of him. I also shot Andy Roddick’s press conference in which he announced his intention to retire from tennis after this year’s US Open. Here is the video from that presser. 

And, finally, here is a link to the rest of our photo galleries from Day 4.

Time for Day 5!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 3.

“Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)[8] celebrates after defeating Guillaume Rufin (FRA) in five sets in the first round of the US Open Wednesday, August 29, 2012.”

“Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)[8] serves to Guillaume Rufin (FRA) in the first round of the US Open Wednesday, August 29, 2012.”

“Steve Johnson (USA) celebrates after defeating Rajeev Ram (USA) at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Wednesday, August 29, 2012.”

“Gilles Muller (Lux) throws his racquet in celebration after defeating Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)[28] in five sets in the first round of the US Open Wednesday, August 29, 2012.”

“Samantha Stosur (AUS)[7] plays against Edina Gallovits-Hall (ROU) on day 2 of the US Open Wednesday, August 29, 2012.”

“Kim Clijsters (BEL)[23] gives her final press conference before retiring from professional tennis Wednesday, August 29, 2012.”

Here is a selection of images from Day 3 of the 2012 US Open. Things are starting to heat up, and emotions were running high on many of the courts yesterday. I caught the tail end of a few very intense matches, including a couple five set battles. 

It was nice to get some good expression out of the players. Screams, fist pumps, and racquet throws serve as a nice break from the normal forehand, backhand, and serve photos.

Here is a link to the photo galleries from the day.

Now, on to Day 4!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 2.

“Juan Monaco (ARG)[10] plays Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) on Grandstand at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

“Juan Monaco (ARG)[10] reacts after losing a challenge during his match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) on Grandstand at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

“Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) celebrates after defeating Juan Monaco (ARG)[10] on Grandstand at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

“Sloane Stephens (USA) celebrates after defeating Francesca Schiavone (ITA)[22] in Louis Armstrong Stadium at the BIllie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

“Steve Johnson (USA) and Jack Sock (USA) play their first round doubles match at the BIllie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

“Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) serves during her first round match at the BIllie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

“Signs for the outer courts at the BIllie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York are shown Tuesday, August 28, 2012.”

Here are a few favorites from Day 2 at the US Open. I had a pretty busy day, but got to shoot some really exciting matches, including a five set battle between Juan Monaco and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez on Grandstand and a solid victory by American Sloane Stephens on Louis Armstrong.

Click here to check out the photo galleries from Day 2, which include lots of my shots as well as those of our photo team!

Photos: 2012 US Open – Day 1.

“Singer Jordin Sparks poses on the red carpet before ‘USTA Serves Night’ at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, August 27, 2012.”

“Actor Stanley Tucci poses on the red carpet before ‘USTA Serves Night’ at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, August 27, 2012.”

“Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, poses on the red carpet before ‘USTA Serves Night’ at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, August 27, 2012.”

“A waiter carries food in the new Red Star Heineken Bar at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, August 27, 2012.”

“Julia Glushko of Israel returns a shot from Yanina Wickmayer (25) of Belarus at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, August 27, 2012.”

“Yanina Wickmayer (25) of Belarus serves on Court 7 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York Monday, August 27, 2012.”

The 2012 US Open is underway! Today I was hard at work getting back into tennis mode and finding my bearings at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

As usual, it was a crazy day, but loads of fun. I’m not going to write much tonight, but I’ll be shooting a ton over the next two weeks so I hope to post lots of updates.

Here are some of my images from Day 1. Additionally, click here to check out today’s photo galleries on usopen.org, which include both my photos and those of our incredibly talented team of photographers and editors.

Photo: Goucher College hosts 2012 Alumni Weekend.

“Alumni and current members of the Goucher Men’s Soccer team huddle together after their annual alumni game during Alumni Weekend at Goucher College Saturday, April 28, 2012.”

I went home to Baltimore last weekend for a quick break from Boston and to shoot the Goucher College Alumni Weekend festivities.

I really enjoyed my time home, and it was good to catch up with old friends, professors, and other various Goucher types. I was also happy to shoot something other than baseball for the first time in several weeks.  

Beantown Bound!

"Members of the grounds crew prepare the field at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, August 15, 2010 after a performance by Aerosmith and the J. Geils Band the previous evening."

When I took a tour of Fenway Park on August 15, 2010, I was in awe. I had been to games at the stadium before, but this time, I was fresh off my photography internship with the Baltimore Orioles. I had gotten a taste of working in Major League Baseball for this first time, and seeing Fenway through that frame of reference left me wanting more.

I made a promise to myself that day that I’d get there, one way or another. The proof is here, in the blog entry I posted two days after I took that tour. 

Today, I’m moving up to Boston to turn that dream into reality. I’ll be working as an Assistant Team Photographer for the Boston Red Sox for the 2012 Major League Baseball season. Working under the guidance of the team’s Manager of Photography, I’ll be photographing Red Sox home games, documenting team community outreach events throughout Boston, and assisting on photo shoots and requests for Red Sox Magazine and other team publications. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of historic Fenway Park, so we’ll be busy covering the numerous events and ceremonies throughout the season celebrating the milestone. 

I feel so lucky to have been surrounded for two seasons by an incredibly talented, hardworking, and welcoming community at the Baltimore Orioles, and I’m eager to continue to learn from those working at baseball’s highest level and to grow as a multimedia journalist. 

This position also marks a big change for me outside of work, as this is the first time in my life that I’ll be living away from Baltimore for an extended period of time. I’m really going to miss my parents and all my friends here in Baltimore, but I’m extremely excited to encounter new things in a new city. It will also be nice to be close to lots of my extended family around Boston, be with some of my oldest friends living there, and to meet tons of new ones. I’ll be living in a nice apartment in the heart of Boston, and my daily commute to Fenway Park will be an easy six minute walk. 

I’ll certainly be posting here throughout the season. I’ll have tons of thoughts and observations and I’ll have lots to say, but more importantly I’ll have a lively body of work to share with all of you. 

For all the Baltimore people, please keep in touch!

I’ll start this journey off with a view of the new “office.”

Cold Tennis.

"Goucher College junior Daniel Csete returns a shot during an exhibition tennis match against Virginia Wesleyan University Friday, March 9, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland."

I got to shoot yesterday’s tennis match between Goucher College and Virginia Wesleyan University. 

One word: Cold.

Ugly Basketball.

"Members of the Johns Hopkins University and Goucher College men's basketball teams fight for a rebound during a 'Pride of Maryland Tournament 2011' opening round game Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland."

"Members of the Johns Hopkins University men's basketball team collide during a 'Pride of Maryland Tournament 2011' first round game at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland Tuesday, November 15, 2011."

I love shooting sports, but basketball is among my least favorites. There’s something about dark, yellowy lit gymnasiums that just doesn’t do it for me. 

At its roots, it’s not as pure of a game as other sports are. Often the only thing you see through your lens are clusters of bodies falling on top of one another, or, if you’re shooting from the baseline, bodies falling on top of you. Visually, I prefer sports with simple, clean lines and great light. You’ll get a sense of what I mean if you click here or here.

For me, those are refreshing to look at after the types of events I’ve been covering lately. 

Regardless, I shoot basketball when I need to, and I can make some good images when I do. I covered the opening round of the annual Pride of Maryland tournament at Goucher last Tuesday, and I liked these two as a pair. They show the uglier side of basketball.