Leather and METHANOL

As mid-summer approached in 2020, apprehension about the upcoming football season was at a fever pitch. The uncertainty around whether team sports would be played in the fall was unknown. The Covid 19 pandemic was raging on without regard for our hopes that we would have some sort of football season. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, along with the State Health Department, made the decision to allow contact sports to proceed. No one knew what it would look like but the season was a go.

I started my 2020 coverage at Pulaski Academy. The 2019 Class 7A champs, the Bryant Hornets, scrimmaged the Bruins. It was great to be back on the field covering the game I love so much. It was an adjustment for me, having to wear a mask, which really sucks, but when I am socially distanced at least I can get some fresh air in the end zone.

I also covered more racing through the end of the summer into fall. The one really bright spot this season has been dirt track racing. As mentioned in my previous post, even though it started slowly, racing this year has been fantastic. I was able to cover a World of Outlaws event at Devil's Bowl Speedway in Texas, which honestly, when all this started back in March, I wasn't sure would happen. I also covered the Short Track Nationals at I-30 Speedway in early October.

My most recent shoot was at my Alma Mater, Cabot high school, in Cabot, Arkansas. They played the Conway Wampus Cats and ended up losing in a shootout 52-49. Unfortunately, it was an unlucky night for me, as my new D500 locked up with a software error. So, it's being sent off to Nikon Professional Services on Monday for repair.

This post will include a lot of images. I won't talk about each image, but will share and discuss some of the interesting ones.

Enjoy and as always, I appreciate any feedback. You can email me at: jonessportsmedia@gmail.com

- JIMMY JONES, BENTON, AR. Sunday, October 11th, 2020

NIKON D500, 1/4000. F2.8, ISO 250, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Bryant Senior quarterback Austin Ledbetter fires a pass during a preseason scrimmage at Pulaski Academy. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, my method of shooting a game starts with tight portraits of the QB action.

NIKON D500, 1/4000. F2.8, ISO 250, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

This was a nice image of a touchdown catch by a Pulaski Academy receiver. The defensive back was in the position to contest the catch, but the receiver was able to bring it down.

NIKON D500, 1/6400, F2.8, ISO 220, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Pulaski Academy's stadium is another one of those east-west orientation layouts that gives you some nice light early. I caught Bryant running back Tanner Anderson lite up very nicely in a light pocket. I bumped the shutter speed up to compensate for the harsh light.

NIKON D500, 1/6400, F2.8, ISO 160, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I'm always looking for interesting shots of the defensive players. Here I found PA linebacker Futa Shinkawa as he prepared to blitz from the edge.

NIKON D500, 1/6400, F2.8, ISO 160, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Another good action shot in the early evening light.

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 1000, 14-24 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I hustled up the hill to grab this shot near the end of the scrimmage. The sky was a beautiful orange just a few minutes earlier but I didn't have a wide setup to get it from field level. But, still, this is a nice wide shot of PA's football field.

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F3.2, ISO 500, 14-24 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

The annual Salt Bowl, played between Saline County rivals Benton and Bryant, is the biggest game in the state in terms of crowd attendance. This game typically draws well over twenty thousand fans and recently drew over thirty thousand. Due to Covid 19, the game was limited in attendance this season. I captured Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson talking to fans before the coin toss.

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 1000, 14-24 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I really pride myself on capturing a cool coin toss shot in the Salt Bowl. I've got some really awesome shots over the years. This one was a pretty amazing. Check out the detail of coin! These modern DSLR cameras are amazing!

NIKON D500, 1/1600, F2.8, ISO 100, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Nice portrait of Bryant Senior QB Austin Ledbetter in the warm, early evening light. I've been taking photos of this kid since he was in 8th grade. I knew back then that he was gonna be a special player for Bryant.

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2000, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Bryant added a stellar off-season pickup in running back / LB Jamarien Bracey.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2000, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Bryant Running back Tanner Anderson with the Jube!

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 1600, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

STIFF ARM!!!

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 400, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

One of things I really hate, is how Covid has changed the game. Players don't shake hands and must maintain distance for the coin toss. But, interestingly, a few minutes later they will be all over each other blocking and tackling. Hmmm... :)

NIKON D500, 1/1250, F2.8, ISO 200, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I've been really happy with my new Nikon D500. It's a really impressive camera. I had some growing pains with it to get the focus nailed down. But, as you can see in this image, combined with my razor-sharp Nikkor 300 2.8, it's a deadly combo. Shame it decided to break last week while shooting at Cabot. :(

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2000, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I had a pretty decent night at CAC. This kid from Carlise was a bull! Check out the sweat and debris coming up from the players feet!

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 400, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

In September, I had a unique opportunity. Hall-of-famer Deion Sanders and his son Shedeur came to Bryant to play the Hornets in a non-conference game. Deion is the offensive coordinator and his son is the QB for Trinity Christian of Cedar Hill, Texas. It was a great game and it was fun to watch Deion coach, and interact with fans. He was dancing to the music in pregame.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2000, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Shedeur Sanders is everything as advertised. He can make all the throws and I look for great things from him in college. He's the real deal.

NIKON D500, 1/2500, F2.8, ISO 400, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Shots like this are what makes doing what I do fun. Kids have fun with me taking their photo and that's what this is all about: FUN!

NIKON D500, 1/2500, F2.8, ISO 400, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Deion watches his son Shedeur warm-up prior to playing Bryant.

NIKON D4, 1/800, F2.8, ISO 1250, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Let's go!!!!

NIKON D4, 1/800, F2.8, ISO 1250, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Deion Sanders talks with his son Shedeur before playing the Bryant Hornets.

NIKON D4, 1/100, F2.8, ISO 2500, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

This kid has a cannon for an arm. He's a very talented and well-coached QB. He has all the tools to excel at the next 2 levels. You will see him playing in the league.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2500, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Bryant gave up an early touchdown, but it was all Hornets after this bomb until the half. Bryant won 44-40, after holding off a determined Trinity team that made a big comeback in the second half.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 32000, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

The Democrat Gazette chose this image for the front page of the sports section. I am very proud of the work I do for the newspaper. Seeing this on a Saturday morning is very rewarding. I put a lot of time, effort and money into my craft and seeing the results is what keeps me doing this sports photog life.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 3200, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Trinity Christian came into the game with a big chip on their shoulders. Rightfully so. They are absolutely loaded with D1 talent. The first half, Bryant came out swinging and stunned Trinity by jumping out to a 22 point lead into halftime. This touchdown run by Tanner Anderson was simply amazing. He was bottled up on the sideline and spun out balancing on his hand and cut back out racing to the endzone. It was the most amazing play I have seen so far this season!

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 3200, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Really cool jube shot of Bryant tight end Hayden Schrader celebrating with receiver Jordan Knox. The Democrat Gazette chose this shot for the article on the inside.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 3200, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

This kid from Trinity can flat out fly.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 1250, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Deion was working hard coaching his kids. I was really impressed with their athleticism and the offense that they executed. It was a great game and one that I won't soon forget. Being able to photograph a hall-of-famer and his son, who will play on Sunday, especially with how much doubt there was about the season, is such a rewarding experience. I am very fortunate to do what I do.

The morning after the Trinity vs Bryant game, I traveled down to Mesquite, Texas to shoot the World of Outlaws. To be totally honest, I didn't expect to shoot an Outlaw race in 2020. But, the opportunity came due to an article I am working on for Dirt Monthly magazine. I interviewed Sheldon Haudenschild for the story I am writing about Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

NIKON D500, 1/400, F10, ISO 200, 24-70 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

NIKON D4, 1/2000, F2.8, ISO 400, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Kasey Kahne Racing driver Brad Sweet signs an autograph for a young fan.

NIKON D500, 1/1600, F2.8, ISO 400, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Jason Johnson Racing driver David Gravel.

NIKON D4, 1/200, F5, ISO 160, 24-70 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

The wild fires on the west coast produced a hazy sky. I captured the sun over this car by under-exposing. I did some post processing work in Lightroom to make the sun pop.

NIKON D500, 1/200, F6.3, ISO 500, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I didn't really get the shots that I wanted in hot laps. They waited a little later than I expected and I was kinda caught. I had intended to shoot from a different location on the track but the light wasn't good enough. So, I shot coming out of turn 2 instead.

NIKON D500, 1/250, F5.0, ISO 400, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

This car pops! White cars make such great photos!

NIKON D4, 1/100, F2.8, ISO 3200, 24-70 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I really love this shot of Stenhouse Marshall Racing driver Sheldon Haudenschild. It's really artsy and very cool. Sheldon loved it and Tweeted it recently. I am working with NOS Energy Drink to have it used for promotional purposes.

NIKON D500, 1/250, F3.2, ISO 800, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

NIKON D500, 1/250, F7.1, ISO 500, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Pennsylvania driver Logan Schuchart, celebrates after winning the 2020 Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil's Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas.

NIKON D4, 1/5000, F2.8, ISO 320, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Another example of using under-exposure to paint a player in light. I am always playing around with light when it's available in the early season window. As I said before, using what God gives us in the toolbox is a skill that every serious photographer should learn to use and understand.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 4000, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

For whatever reason, I struggle at Robinson. I try really hard to knock it out of the park but for some reason I can't get an epic action shot in that stadium. I will keep trying!

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2500, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

My favorite stadium to shoot is Benton's Panther stadium. The lights there are fantastic and I always get killer photos.

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2500, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2500, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Pretty sweet leaping tackle shot.

NIKON D500, 1/1250, F2.8, ISO 3200, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Drivers's meeting is a nice place to grab some portraits. Here I found 360 racer Jeremy Campbell and his daughter during the Short Track Nationals at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas.

NIKON D500, 1/4000, F2.8, ISO 3200, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

One of the really cool things is having someone in your family that races sprint cars. My brother-in-law, Joe Young, drives the 12T, and my brother, Gabe, sponsors his car. Speaking of family, I've been going to I-30 since the early 70s, when I was introduced to racing by our neighbor, Killer Ed Jordan. Sprint cars have always been my favorite. When I was a kid in the 70's, there was no body better than Terry Gray! I had the old black and white photos cut out from the newspaper and taped to my bedroom wall. I was always crazy about sprint cars.

NIKON D500, 1/4000, F2.8, ISO 3200, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

This dude right here is one bad man! He's a future hall-of-famer and one of the best drivers from Arkansas to ever wheel a car around a dirt track. And, despite his macho demeanor, he is a really nice dude and will do anything for you.

NIKON D500, 1/250, F4.5, ISO 800, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Three-wide salute for the 33rd Short Track Nationals feature at I-30 Speedway.

NIKON D500, 1/250, F4, ISO 640, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Sam Hafertepe of Sunnyvale, Texas made this pass of Bedford, Oregon driver Roger Crockett and went on to win the 2020 Short Track Nationals.

NIKON D4, 1/2000, F2.8, ISO 800, 14-24 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

On Friday, October 9th, I traveled out to Cabot, my Alma Mater, to shoot their homecoming game against Conway for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. The sunset was absolutely amazing!

NIKON D4, 1/800, F2.8, ISO 2000, 14-24 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I captured this really powerful photo of Cabot senior quarterback Tyler Gee as he walked out to the field alone after the rest of the team ran through the banner. This was a huge game in the 7A Central and I think Tyler needed a moment alone before taking to the field. I could have shot the team running through the banner but I am glad I didn't and instead was there to capture this moment.

NIKON D500, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 3200, 300 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

Cabot trailed 21-0 at the half. I struggled to get a great image and didn't have my best game. My camera broke in the 3rd quarter and I decided to leave to go transmit.

NIKON D4, 1/1000, F2.8, ISO 2000, 70-200 2.8 LENS, MANUAL

I got lucky on this touchdown catch. I was in the perfect position. I would have liked for him to be turned more to me so I could see his face, but it's still a nice shot at the apex of the actions. The newspaper used this photo on the front page of the sports section.