My Mother recently asked if I have fun when I’m covering
sports events or if it is all business. The question took me by surprise
because I never thought about it that way. Yes, I have to take an all business
approach to focus on getting an image that captures the essence of the game or
a critical play. But part of that business approach is the enjoyment I get from
being on the sidelines witnessing the action up close. It is a different
perspective than when I’m sitting in the stands as a spectator.
After covering several collegiate and professional sports you
get to know different photographers from freelance photographers to major media
outlets like Getty Images, USA Today, Washington Post, etc. to name a few. They
focus on their business but also take time to enjoy the event and socialize
with each other. For example, after the
FC Bayern Munich at DC United soccer match, we were all putting our gear away
and having a good time talking and joking around. Then Berni, the FC Bayern
mascot walked by the photographers corral. What did we do? Naturally, we all
wanted to get selfies with Berni!
So my answer is – It’s a fun business on the sidelines!
