A Day in the Life of Derrian Ford.

Back in August of 2021, I had the honor and privilege to accompany Scorebook live Regional Editor Nate Olson to Magnolia, Arkansas to photograph future Arkansas Razorback basketball player Derrian Ford. Nate, his son JD and I left Bryant on a hot, Sunday morning headed to Derrian's church in Magnolia. He and his family, led by his father Darnell Ford, showed us tremendous hospitality and love during the course of our day with them. I was able to capture images of Derrian at church, where he helps lead singing, at his home with a family that made us feel like we were members, in the shed out back that felt like stepping into a furnace...the forge that has formed Derrian's herculean body and finally, at the Magnolia high school gym, where all of the hard work comes together on the court.

I would like to personally thank the Ford family for their hospitality and opening up their home to us. To Marc and Darnell, thanks for sharing your love and passion for the game of basketball with us. And to Derrian, thank you for giving me the opportunity to photograph you and being patient with me as I asked you to take one more shot!

I really enjoyed a day in your life.

All images were captured with my Nikon D4 DSLR, with Nikkor 14-24 2.8, and 24-70 2.8 zoom lenses.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Derrian Ford poses with his bible outside the Southview Church of Christ in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Derrian Ford leads singing during Sunday service at the Southview Church of Christ in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Darnell Ford speaks to the congregation during Sunday church service at the Southview Church of Christ.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

The Ford brothers.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Darrien poses with one of the Pastors of Southview Church of Christ in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

The Ford family living room on an August Sunday afternoon in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Family and food at the Ford house in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

I've seen so many iconic Sports Illustrated images over the years. This is my take of Derrian with just a sample of the hundreds of letters that he has received from the best basketball programs in the country. He decided to stay home and play for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Derrian and his mother Tiffani.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

The Ford family - August, 2021, Magnolia, Arkansas

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

Derrian Ford in the shed out back behind his house. On this day in August it was well over 100 degrees inside.

Nikon D4, 14-24, 2.8

Derrian and Darnell Ford inside the shed in Magnolia.

Nikon D4, 14-24 2.8

The number of hours that have been spent shooting on this goal are beyond measure. This is just one of many tools at the Ford homestead that has helped contribute to Derrian's success.

Nikon D4, 24-70 2.8

Derrian Ford poses with some basketballs in the gym at Magnolia high school.

Nikon D4, 24-70 2.8

Derrian Ford poses in the gym at Magnolia high school.

Nikon D4, 24-70 2.8

Derrian Ford skies Jordan style for dunk in the gym at Magnolia high school.