Providence Snapshots

Sports fans own, operate and support Providence Photography and as a result, much of this blog touches on various aspects of hockey, football, tailgating and other relating topics. Additionally, as an institution of photography, these posts aim to avoid exclusion and often include elements of such.

For questions relating to this blog, its posts or to request a post, opinion or advice, e-mail josh@providencepics.com

This snapshot officially marks the beginning of a new Snapshots Blog segment titled "How will they know?" short for "How will they know they're dumb," "How will they know they're not cool," "How will they know big tires don't belong on little cars" etc.

Boise alone provides more than enough head-turns and double-takes to fuel this segment for years but from time to time, versions from elsewhere may appear. These will pop us as mostly cell phone images intended soley for entertainment.

Despite the outcome of the men's hockey, gold-medal game, team USA emerges superior. The color of the medal hanging from the players' necks can't be discounted but amounts to nothing more than a piece of the puzzle defining the success of a team or individual. The United States reign supreme because of how they got to where they did.

Accomplishments carry more weight in evaluation just as they did during the miracle game. When Mike Eruzione and the Americans topple the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, the appointment of medals is the least of concerns. The eventual gold is icing on the cake but from then end of those Olympic games to the 2010 games and beyond, the story isn't which team stands on the highest podium, but the unbelievable American accomplishment.

The night before the championship match, the teams compare the on the following criteria.

1. Team USA scores six goals in the first 12 minutes and 46 seconds of play against Finland's tandem of goaltenders. Four of the six come during even strength. Mikka Kiprusoff, Finland's starting goalie and 4th in the NHL in goals against average and 6th in save percentage, gives up the first four. Finland outscores opponents 10-4 through three games.

3. The Americans beat Canada head-to-head by two goals, scoring on both esteemed Canadian goalkeepers including starter Martin Brodeur who then is tied for second most wins in the NHL.

1. Team Canada eventually beats Switzerland in the second round of a shootout after a 2-2 tie. The Swiss narrowly escape a loss to Belarus.

2. Despite having two of the most hyped goaltenders, Canada allows more than 57% (8) more goals than the Americans.

3. Canada's fantastic duo of netminders allow two or more goals in five of six games giving up as many as five on one occasion.

Even a quick evaluation of accomplishments to this point weighs heavily in favor of the United States. The icing on the cake in Vancouver comes from of the last-minute, Zach Parise goal. By the time Canada enters its second overtime period of the games, it loses any remaining credibility and sovereignty regardless of the outcome.

The sum of the Canadians' gold medals and the embarrassment of their poor play and pair of close calls simply don't outweigh how the total reached by adding the Americans' silver medals to all they accomplish -- everything expected of them and so much more, including beating largely-favored and in many way home team -- Canada, outscoring them 7-6. Had the Canadians wiped the floor with the field as expected, this post would read much differently.

Perhaps one of the toughest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen and star in one of its best stories success stories, Kurt Warner announces his retirement. He says he plans to spend more time with his family, possibly do some preaching and maybe a little broadcasting as well.

Before his achievements as the highest level, Warner spends time in both European football and the Arena Football League (AFL). His ability to shine in the NFL helps give credit to these other leagues and shows others time spent in them is not necessarily wasted.

Certainly discussion continues about the validity and comparability of the NFL to the Canadien Football League (CF) or the run, pass, kick league as it's sometimes deemed on account of its 3-down system. Ricky Williams probably makes the best argument for this group's ability to retain a player's professional football stock in the United States. After his trouble in Miami, he spends time north of the border and eventually returns with a great deal of success in the Dolphins' wildcat formation.

So the idea of others making similar transitions lives, but none make quite the hit Warners does. Number 13 makes a living turning down-on-their-luck teams into Superbowl contenders. He lands big-show, MVP honors with the St. Louis Rams' win and nearly adds to it as leader of the Arizona Cardinals in 2009.

Prepare to see Warner on ESPN from time to time. His makeup isn't such that allows him to disappear. It's exciting to know he, in a very Dungy-like way, can pop up wherever and whenever he wants and for sure, it will have a positive light.

At one time or another, every sports fan feels compelled to claim ownership of a team, if not multiple teams. Many people have a team in each sport, sometimes even in multiple leagues.

The real questions come by way of qualifications and rules. Such quandaries include the following: the home or regional team, proximity to a claimed team and bandwagoning. Not surprisingly, there are several points of view regarding this subject. Here is yet another.

First, proximity plays no factor. With so many legitimate reasons to support a team, the physical distance between a fan and his or her claim falls from the picture. Second, if a person has a claimed team other than the home or regional team, he or she may also support the local interest as long as the two groups don't playing each other. Those situations are subject to specific circumstances. For instance, one may hold a record capable of making the playoffs with an additional loss while the other team plays one win from the playoffs.

Third, a fantastic win in a Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series or whatever, can serve as a legitimate reason to start following a team and take a second-level interest, begin learning players, coaches, management, the stadium etc., but people who move too far too fast after such an event might fall victim to suspicion -- especially if the interest tapers off or refocuses altogether without an equally-large, negative happening. Those who bandwagon appear as posers or fakers to real fans. Part of sports is standing by an organization through thick and thin. Experiencing the not-so-memorable times make following sports complete and sweeten those big wins and playoff runs.

The picture below represents the teams I claim. Don't think for a second the Saints are a bandwagoning situation. They've been the team for years. The Seahawks are the regional affiliation. The Rangers have had my support for more than 10 years, the Chiefs have as well but play in a different league and Boise State is the newest but college allegiances are obvious and require little explanation.

Amidst cacti, desert palms, sunshine and houses with lawn chairs on their roofs, drives the charter bus carrying media and school officials in search of the elusive resort hotel.

The end to a long couple days of travel seems to approach. The swiss cheese layout of the resort makes finding the room somewhat of a task. Navigating this compound still, mid way through the third day takes a little concentration. But despite the design, it provides a pleasant atmosphere. Hot tubs litter the property. A beautiful, centrally-located pool gives visitors a fantastic place to relax. Poolside sits a Starbucks and both the resort bar and kitchen.

Possibly the biggest perks so far, however, have nothing to do with the landscape. Fiesta Bowl representatives and resort staff take excellent care of the media. Once a journalists picks up credentials and gift (choice of four Nixon watches), he or she has access to several otherwise-restricted rooms including the Manor House -- the resort's hospitality suite complete with what must be thousands of Tostitos brand chips and dips, a fully-stocked open bar, an outdoor fire pit, a multiple-table poker room, arcade games and many different flat panel TVs.

The first two mornings of the trip begin early with player interviews at 8:30. Texas Christian University's offense and Boise State University's defense appear on opening day. They switch the following morning. It's a free-for-all format in which the selected half-dozen or so players and coaches filter to any of six tables that line the room, each in front of it's own Fiesta Bowl-decorated backdrop. Reporters can then progress around the room and interview the athletes and coaches at will. The teams take their seats for the 30-minute sessions an hour apart. An Armed guard sees to it nobody who isn't properly cleared enters the area.

Other than the pre-arranged question and answer periods, the only actual interaction between journalists and players takes place at Scottsdale Community College. BSU opens the first 15 minutes of its practice twice prior to game day. For photographers and videographers especially, strict rules are instituted as to what can and can't be recorded. After the time expires, media must leave and re-entry is prohibited.

The Phoenix Metropolitan area offers plenty in the way of entertainment during the stay. With the credentials come a free ticket to the 50,000-person, New Year's Eve block party. Also, the NBA's Suns, NHL's Coyotes and NFL's Cardinals all play home games during the 7-day trip, but these goodies don't come free.

The charter flight to Phoenix carries both the Athletic Director and the university president. A Southwest 737 does the honors. The flight crew airs BSU's fight song over the intercom system. The treatment on a typical commercial flight doesn't compare to that of this charter. Waiting on the ground for the arrival were two black Lincoln Navigators driven by large men in black suits assigned to carry the athletic director and president. For the masses, two busses park adjacent to the aircraft. Security escorts the procession off the ramp to the main roads.

From 35,000 feet in the air, encased in this Boeing 737-700, it's easy to spot the blanket of clouds covering Eastern Washington and parts of Idaho. Though the holidays claim responsibility for today's flight, they have nothing to do with tomorrow's to Arizona for coverage of the Fiesta Bowl. Travel can't be a foreign concept to an established photographer.

Flying never fails to create memories -- each venture different from the last. After several dozen repetitions of the typical rig moral of packing, traversing security, completing boarding procedures and digesting infamous airport food, a trip from here to there can begin to seem routine. The details make the difference.

Two rows ahead in seats 15D and 15F sit a pair of gentlemen. One, wearing a University of Oregon hat turns to the other and asks, "Are you a Boise State fan?" To the question answers the other, "No. My team is much worse. I'm an Idaho Vandal fan."

As one who covers the Broncos throughout the week and knows well the rivalry between Boise State and the University of Idaho, it proves difficult not to bust out laughing. If by the time the jet touches down, nothing surpasses this small, casual, verbal exchange, it will define this short flight.

Incidentally and somewhat ironically, both aforementioned teams have losses to Boise State this season. The Broncos dish out one of the Ducks (PAC-10 champions) pair of losses, and smoke the Vandals in no unusual style.

December 14, 2009 -- A Moment of Focus on the Round Ball

Around this time of year, the basketball and football seasons begin to overlap. This means those photography skills which have been developing on the field all year now need to transfer to the court. To further complicate the problem, venues, goals and rules change as well.

A photographer shooting basketball can expect to hold the camera vertically most of the time. This can prove painfull the next day, if not by the end of the game, without proper equipment. Vertical grips provide essential relief when photographing basketball and need to top the research list. Professional cameras come with this capability but most others do not.

Second, the sideline wandering of football has no place in basketball. Those hoping to roam free need to do so in the stadium aisles and entrances. For floor shots, almost always, taped squares on diagonal ends of the court hold photographers either sitting, or squatting of some sort. Even in less formal arrangements without tape or assigned seating, the body postions remain the same, and take their toll. After a complete game of shooting, expect a a sore back often appears. For extended shoots or double-headers, foam stadium seats provide support on the spine.

Finally, photographers who look at the game clock and assume the second half (NCAA rules) will pass in relatively the same fashion as the first half have been failed by their research. A college contest takes 40 minutes according to the scoreboard. In reality, it's one, 20-minutes half followed by a 19-minute half with a 10-minute final 60 seconds -- or at least is seems that way. Photographers must be careful when texting editors, reporters, friends, or anybody else in regard to deadlines or meeting times. Fouls and timeouts have a habit of stretching the final minute much longer than anticipated.

Some of the better shots from BSU's most-recent home game against The University of San Diego decorate the following few lines. The Broncos came up short in the contest but not by much.

December 8, 2009 -- Taking the Day Off

After a successful regular season of capturing the moment on the sidelines at Boise State football games, the vow to take the final event off and watch from the stands with Ashley, my beautiful wife, comes to the forefront. This final 2009 match-up at Bronco Stadium has BSU nearly 50-point favorites. Sitting, well, standing in the student section behind the rowdiest bunch at the game does not fail to disappoint. High school football has these same types but they don't compare to what the college level has to offer. Finding them wasn't a challenge either after shooting in front of them all season long.

It's nice to finally experience the stories Ashley passes along -- full of hilarious chants, and one-of-a-kind happenings. Saturday's game includes a four-tier, Coke waterfall, running through the row a few feet away, as well as what is undoubtedly the best stadium hot dog under the sun.

The New Mexico State Aggies give about what is expected in the form of a fight, which ultimately allows Boise State to show it's class, taking a knee on the goal line to end the game, 42-7. Several fans leave and watch the final quarter or half from their TVs on account of the frigid weather, but too much is yet to happen for the most dedicated to depart early. The announcer makes an effort to coordinate the field rush planned for the end of the game, but it fails to the amusement of many.

The regular season comes to a close, fans dart to the center of the field and mingle with still-uniformed players and coaches, and find their places for the presentation of the Western Athletic Conference trophy, which head coach Chris Peterson elects to unveil after this game as opposed to the previous game when it was essentially secured. Players take turns lifting the icon, shouting and joining fans in random chants -- mostly the popular, "B C S ..."

Having intentionally left the camera at home, but wanting to capture some of this special moment, the ol' cell phone camera makes an appearance. Below are some of the shots described previously with an additional shot of Ashley with starting offensive lineman Will Lawrence, whose eyes are closing. He does not always look like this. Please excuse the cell phone camera's less-than-professional quality.

Finally, Sunday, during the first 5 minutes of the BCS selection show, it becomes official -- Boise State is to play Texas Christian University (TCU) in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona, Jan. 4, 2010. As the leading Arbiter sports photographer, if all goes as planned, and there is a lot to plan including securing travel on a charter flight, media hotel arrangements and credential arrangements complete with a background check, like the Broncos, yours truly is bowl-bound.

Be sure to bookmark this blog and check back for a post on how experiencing a BCS game feels.

One of the chief benefits of shooting sports for the Arbiter, Boise State's newspaper, is the access granted to athletic events, including football. There's nothing quite like standing toe-to-toe with some of the nation's most-talented athletes with one eye in the camera and the other watching for that out route that has a habit of landing photographers on ESPN's blooper reel.

Successful sports photography comes with a stiff learning curve. There is more to it than simply understanding how to shoot action and having an idea of camera functions. To leave the game with those "money" shots, means knowing the sport and that means paying attention -- to everything.

Photographers who can predict with some degree of accuracy, what the next play will be, have a huge advantage. In a stadium during the day, sometimes half the field is in the sun and half is in the shade. Knowing which side of the field the play is going to ahead of time relieves photographers of the burden of making the during-the-shot exposure adjustments.

Additionally, the ability to distinguish between a run and a pass play in advance buys a photographer time. Sometimes it allows enough time to adjust the angle for a better shot. There are mnay things which should tip an attentive photographer one way or another -- personnel on the field, field position, time on the clock, favorable match-ups, team tendencies, injuries etc. Including a touch of research about the sport and more specifically, the individual game, when preparing for a sports shoot needs to anchor the pre-game routine.

This season provided great practice for shooting football and thanks to Boise State's potent offense, there were plenty of opportunities to practice capturing touchdowns. After a quick, scan through some of the photos taken from the regular season, a few favorites were selected. They are shown below. Thank you Broncos!

Providence Photography wishes you the best of luck with the BCS this year.