I had the opportunity this past weekend to do something I had never done before and that’s shooting the New Orleans Saints. I had a blast. It’s so different being down there than it is being next to a college game. It moves so much quicker. It was awesome to be able to get some shots of some guys that I really like to watch play. All of the Saints of course, but then guys like Ernie Sims, Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith. I think they are solid players, so it was impressive to be right by them. And it was also fun to take part in Matthew Staffords first NFL regular season start. It was really hard to just pick a few of the images to blog, seeing as how I shot around 1200 during the game. Anyway, on the to pictures:
Matt Stafford was all smiles before the game. Friends and family were allowed on to the field during pregame. I caught a shot of him smiling at his former high school coach. I think this is the last time he smiled that day.
I don’t know much about Ernie Sims. I just know I like him. So I wanted to get a cool shot of him. Which was really hard because he never faced me. But I did land this one during pregame.
The hottest name in New Orleans, aside from Drew Brees, would have to be Mike Bell. He received a standing ovation when he left the game. In contrast, Reggie Bush was boo’d. I felt bad for the guy honestly.
This is a pretty sweet shot I got of Lance Moore owning the Lions defender. His celebration after was awesome too.
I don’t think I really need to say anything about the way this guy played…
This is a shot from a series I got during Devery’s long touchdown reception. What was even better about it, was after I shot it, I looked to both sides only to see no photographers in site. Jackpot!
Jeremy Shockey seemed to really enjoy his first touchdown catch of the day. Afterward I found out why, as he had no touchdowns last season. Congrats Jeremy.
When I said I had a lot to choose from and it was tough to pick just a few, I wasn’t lying. Here is a screen shot of Bridge showing just the shots I submitted for media. Craziness.
Matt, congrats on getting to shoot the game. You definitely got some worthy ones. Especially congrats on the Henderson and Shockey shots. They had a big day, and the jube from Shockey is really telling. Definitely printable.
What were you shooting with?
Chris
My 365 project
You have some really great shots in there…. Keep doing what you doing…. P.S. be glad you aren’t in any fantasy leagues with me… LOL
Most of the shots were a 300 2.8 on a Canon 1DMKIII. The closer to the endzone shots, like the Shockey shot, were done with a 70-200 2.8 on a 5DMKII.
wow – these are fantastic. Man i love the quality of Canon photos.
Awesome job Matt!! The Shockey shot is fantastic
matt, those look awesome. Congrats on getting to shoot the saints game and having awesome shots!
MATT! these are great shots!
Great shots!!!
Awesome pictures Matt. Congrats on shooting an NFL game! It is very different on the field, but you had the best seat in the house!
Looking forward to seeing pics from future Saints games!
Did you have to clean up the white balance in post? I’ve always found that Domes are impossible to gauge even with your greysheet. It seems as though every rooflight is a different color and if you move around it’s a goddamn headache. Did you hand shoot them all or had you set up a remote?
Anyways, wonderful site!
I adjust it in lightroom. It’s impossible to do in camera. I hand hold everything. No monopods either. Just lots of running an heavy lifting. I find the results to be much more dynamic than if you use that stuff.