Top 20 Images of 2019
Happy New Year everyone! Well, I had planned to make this post before the close of 2019, but just didn't a chance until now. I'm thinking about doing a top 20 for the decade and haven't made up my mind yet whether I will or not. I'm also considering making a book, to celebrate my first 10 years of sports photography.
So, 2019 was a pretty good year for me. I got to cover a lot of sports as usual and even covered a couple that I hadn't shot in a few years (basketball and soccer). Overall, I was very pleased with what I was able to produce this past year. I'm looking forward to a great 2020!
So, here are my Top 20 of 2019!
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/8000, IS0 250, 300 2.8, MANUAL
I shoot a ton of baseball in the spring. I really enjoy shooting that sport. I caught this double play throw in some nice, warm evening light.
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/3200, ISO 200, 300 2.8, MANUAL
Another really cool baseball image. This kid jumped up to make the throw to 1st and I snagged him mid-air. Pretty cool!
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/1600, ISO 1000, 300 2.8, MANUAL
As you all are aware, I also shoot a lot of dirt track racing. This image was captured at I-30 Speedway during a summer hot lap session.
NIKON D4, F18, 1/80, ISO 125, 70-200 2.8, MANUAL
My wife Robin and I traveled over to Nashville to cover the World of Outlaws in May. I panned a shot of former NASCAR star Tony Stewart as he entered turn three during hot laps. Pan shots are difficult to nail down. It takes a steady hand and some patience but the result is pretty nice!
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/5000, ISO 500, 300 2.8, MANUAL
I've never photographed a high school soccer game until 2019. It took me a few minutes to get the speed locked down, but once I did, I was able to get some nice action shots. This young man on the left, is Henry Terry, the captain of the Bryant high school team. He helped coach our daughter during her spring soccer season.
NIKON D4, F3.2, 1/1000, ISO 2000, 70-200 2.8, MANUAL
So, I mentioned in my opening above, that I covered a sport that I hadn't shot in awhile. I was tasked with covering the Arkansas high school basketball All-Star game. The last basketball I shot was in 2012. I will admit, I am not a fan of basketball. I just don't care for it. But, that didn't stop me from grabbing this nice image.
NIKON D4, F10.0, 1/160, ISO 60, 70-200 2.8, MANUAL
Ever since I started taking sports photos back in 2010, I've wanted to photograph the rotary tiller races at the Purple Hull Pea festival in Emerson, Arkansas. I finally got the chance and captured this cool pan shot during one of the heat races.
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/1000, ISO 400, 300 2.8, MANUAL
Football arrived in August and it started with a bang...literally! I captured this image of a Pulaski Academy wide receiver getting blown up by a linebacker from Bryant high school.
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/1000, ISO 1000, 300 2.8, MANUAL
The scrimmage between PA and Bryant produced some great images. It was hard to narrow it down but this catch by Bryant wide receiver Jake Meadors (8) was amazing. The ball placement by quarterback Austin Ledbetter was perfect.
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/3200, ISO 300, 300 2.8, MANUAL
Football is a game of inches and this shot captures this well. The defensive back is stretching for the ball but it's just out of reach. The WR is locked in and goes on to make the catch for a touchdown. You might ask "why not show the catch?" That frame doesn't have the dramatic effect of the DB reaching for the ball. :)
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/2500, ISO 200, 300 2.8, MANUAL
So, the holy grail for me is an epic hurtle shot. I've had the worst luck getting these shots. I've got this same photo several times, always from the backside. I'll keep trying! One day...one day...
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/4000, ISO 640, 300 2.8, MANUAL
Nice catch and tackle shot. This was simultaneous as the DB arrived right at the point of the catch. It's amazing how fast these modern DSLRs can catch the action. The D5 is even faster!
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/4000, ISO 200, 300 2.8, MANUAL
East - West stadiums produce some really great opportunities for amazing portraits. I captured this Nashville quarterback bathed in some fantastic warm light during warm-ups at Robinson high school in Little Rock.
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/1000, ISO 2000, 300 2.8, MANUAL
Arkansas' defense was torched by this player from San Jose State. With or without his shoe...
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/1000, ISO 5000, 300 2.8, MANUAL
Bryant's Jake Meadors made so many awesome plays in 2019 for Bryant. This diving catch against NLR was one of his best!
NIKON D4, F2.8, 1/1000, ISO 5000, 300 2.8, MANUAL
I'm always on the lookout for interesting photos. I caught this player from Trumann high school exhaling during a game at Robinson in November.
NIKON D5, 1/1250, ISO 1000, 400 2.8, MANUAL
I covered the Missouri vs Arkansas game and captured this wild shot.
NIKON D5, F2.8, 1/2500, ISO 160, 14-24 2.8, MANUAL
If I was doing a shot of the year, you could easily say this might be it. I captured Pulaski Academy head football coach Kevin Kelley getting an absolutely epic ice shower in the closing seconds of the 5A State Championship game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
NIKON D5, F2.8, 1/1250, ISO 1000, 400 2.8, MANUAL
Another games of inches. The receiver misses it and the DB does as well.
NIKON D5, F2.8, 1/1000, ISO 800, 14-24 2.8, MANUAL
Every kid that plays high school football in Arkansas dreams of a moment like this one. Bryant closed out a perfect season, 13-0, and won their second straight state championship. My stepson attends school there and being close to the program with the opportunity to capture moments like this is so very rewarding.
