Varsity week #8

[CWatsonJr]

I have been looking through the various threads to catch up on what has been happening here. I love the photos that are being posted!

Those that are looking for new cameras - when I was looking for a camera, I waffled between the 20D and the Rebel and went with the 20D because of the burst mode (just a little bit faster than the Rebel). I have an ELAN II (35mm) that I really enjoy but I was spending too much in film taking pictures of our boys playing sports.

I had Mike put the IS lens in mode #2 (side to side) and I think that helped a little for the night shots. He had a few more blurred shots than normal, but I am attributing that to not using the monopod.

In the 3rd shot posted here, the quarterback was taken out on a stretcher. I think he is unconcious by the time this frame was clicked. The frame before this one shows the defense player about 4 feet away. Mike was backpeddling while shooting because he didn't want to miss the shot but didn't want to get mowed over either. Its not cool when a player gets seriously hurt (I read on the i-net that he suffered a concussion and neck injury) but it was a heck of a hit. The quarterback really got laid out. BTW - the play ended with an interception and the defense running the ball in for a touchdown. I hope the player recovers quickly and doesn't miss much football (there are 2 games left in our season here in SoCal).

#1 - This was one of Mikes favorite shots... like a bird flying.
#2 - Mike saw this out of the corner of his eye and shot 3 or 4 frames. He thought it was really cool (and yes, it was cold too).
#3 - The hit
#4 - Being pulled out of bounds to prevent a touchdown

[JSPhoto]

The bottom shot is the best... great shot there! Nice timing, and the motion blur on the feet add to it... the papers I shoot for would run that one!

Hmmm, the QB getting hit... seems odd that he got a concussion from that hit, unless they hit helmets first or he landed on his head. I hope he's OK.

The top shot is kind of funny looking. I think I'd crop it and take everyone out but the kid trying to fly and the one he's going over.

Cold... I'll trade ya places... til the spring
JS

[livin4lax09]

I concur. bottom shot is by far your (Mike's) strongest. Great motion, and peak moment. Well done!

and again, with the tight cropping. It really intensifies it. that's why #4 is so spectacular. You could even crop tighter for more intensity.

[CWatsonJr]

Wonderful feedback. Thank you!

Yes... their helmets met - hard. He was in the process of being thrown down on his back (and probably smacked his head again there too). In this shot, I think he is already unconcious.. looking at his legs and his arms, he looks like a rag doll (limp). I asked the coaches yesterday if they had heard from the other team on his condition and they said no. Can only hope for the best.

Cold - that is a relative term... but when you are in short sleeves and the wind comes howling in at 45 degrees... time to scramble and look for a coat (it was 80 when I left home).