Alabama Football Games Portfolio (Artist Statement)
“The most important thing you learn as a sports photographer is anticipation – not where the action is taking place, but where it’s going to take place. Not where the subject is now, but where they’re going to be.” –Lawrence Schiller
The stadium shakes, fans shouting, “Roll Tide!” left and right, and suddenly the team charges the field, with Nick Saban leading the Crimson Tide to victory. Shooting the University of Alabama football team was the highlight of my student career. Not only did I gain a new appreciation and love for action photography, I experienced the passion and pride of UA close up and personal.
My favorite moment to capture was the fond, candid interaction among teammates and freezing the high intensity moments such as touchdowns, interceptions, and winning field goal kicks. The experience had it’s highs and lows; there were moments of 100-degree weather, no water bottles, grass stains, and the challenge of being the only young woman photographer on the field. However, this made the experience all the more memorable and valuable.
Alabama Football Practice (Artist Statement)
3:45-4:00pm the media had a narrow window to capture the players during practice and get the inside scoop for the following games. Nick Saban, back turned to the press sporting a straw Alabama hat and red vest, arms crossed, took control of his players and kept practice moving along. The whistle blows and I sprint around the sidelines, shooting the massive defensive linebackers, then trailing passed the speedy running backs, and after catching glimpse of lazily passing quarterbacks. BUZZ. Everyone sharply pries aside his or her cameras regretting to take that last shot. I take a deep breath always forgetting to breathe during those hasty few minutes. With a smile on my face, I walk out of the field, the doors slamming shut, not revealing any more secrets I wish to capture of the winning Alabama team practice.
When photographing practice, I love the casualty of the setting, not being distracted by the hoopla of the anxious, excited stadium fans. I hope to capture not only the movement and passion of the players, but also their individual personality often overshined by their roll of being a star football player.
Cora Vision Photography 
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