So, as many know, I have loved photography for years, always trying to capture that special moment of my daughters as they grow.
In 2012, my daughter Katie was a junior varsity cheerleader at Columbus East High School. East was opening their season against Bloomington North High School at Lucas Oil Stadium. On a whim, I sent an email to the admin of the Lucas Oil Stadium trying to obtain field credentials for the game. I mean, come on, it was an awesome opportunity to capture my daughter cheering in one of the biggest stages there is.
So, a week before the game, I received an email from the group that coordinated the games being played that day. They advised they would send me the credentials that week. Talk about stoked!!
The 2012 Columbus East Olympian Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders!
Nervous and excited, upon entering the field, my original and main purpose was to capture the cheerleaders, this was a big day for them.
The Olympian student cheering section!
But as the game started, having never shot any football games before, I became enthralled with the game. I ran into a fellow photographer and friend Tommy Walker, Jr. and shadowed him some during the game, watching where he would go for certain plays, how he anticipated the next play.
Towards the end of the game, I found myself in the right place at the right time. Sophomore Markell Jones broke loose for a long touchdown run, and BOOM, I was hooked! Now understand, I know these aren't the most perfect photos, but for me, they were awesome captures!
Markell Jones, 28, with a stiff arm and break away for what would be the game winning touch down.
Markell Jones, 28, as he sprints for the game winning touchdown. This capture is the moment that I knew shooting sports was an awesome experience!
On the ensuing drive by Bloomington North, needing a touchdown, Bloomington went with a long pass, and the game saving interception by BT Wichman was another capture that I was lucky enough to get.
BT Wichman, 16, grabs the game ending interception. (NOTE: I know it's not in focus, I was still learning back then, and still learning today!)
Tonight, Columbus East opens the season against Bloomington North again, this will start my 5th season shooting games at Columbus East. Blessed beyond belief by all the support from the players, parents, students, and staff. Thankful to my family as well for allowing me to spend time away from them shooting the games!