Friday, February 22nd, 2019 to Sunday, February 24th, 2019.
Let me start off by saying that I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn’t realize I was signing up for so much at one time. I just wanted to help in the best way that I could.
I signed up to take photos for these three days. 4 softball games and 1 baseball game.
In total, I worked over 30 hours. Here’s what happened:
Friday night:
Friday night was the first night I shot alone. This was terrifying for me. Yes, I have been shooting sports photography for the UAA for almost a year, and even now I still feel like I know nothing. There’s so many things you have to think about when you are by yourself, and even when there is a list, I still managed to grab the wrong things.
One thing I did decide to do was in between games, I switched from the right side by the Gators’ dugout to the left side of the field. I most definitely like the right side better.
Saturday night:
From getting home around 3am the night before, I was very excited to be shooting a night game during this weekend. The issue was that there was a men’s basketball game a few hours before the baseball game. No big deal – until the basketball game was down to the final seconds and the game was close. Working with a partner this time, we wrote out what we needed to do as soon as we got the equipment from the people shooting the basketball game. Although Chris and I didn’t get down to the field until the top of the 2nd, the intenseness of the game made up for it and we walked away proud.
Sunday morning:
Morning games are great…most of the time. Chris and I shot the first game, while Marco and I (mostly Marco) shot the second game. I have also never feared rain before until there isn’t any rain gear on the cameras and the photo wells are not covered. The rain gods were looking out for the three of us, thank goodness.
It was amazing to come back after only a day of being gone and the lovely ladies of the softball team recognized me and offered me water / Gatorade. A few of them even wanted to know about shooting sports photography, which I was very happy to share all the information I have learned these past few semesters. This had to be the highlight of the weekend for sure.
What did I learn?
- I have no idea how my boss does this for a living.
- The softball players are incredibly nice, and I love getting to talk with them and take their pictures.
- Baseball kicked major Miami booty and it was well deserved.
- Don’t just grab any rain gear or charger from the office. Make sure you grab the right one.
- If it’s a double header, expect to stay after the game for at least 4 hours.
- Have fun with it. Point, shoot, and smile.
you’re a star!