There are times when it’s fun to just be a fan. I’m a Saints fan, and I’m for sure a Jeremy Shockey fan. Last season, I had the opportunity to photograph the Saints opener against the Lions. It’s only the 2nd Saints game I’ve ever been to, which is amazing since I’m from South Louisiana (never could afford tickets). This was an amazing experience for me to say the least. The biggest highlight of my day was catching a shot of Jeremy Shockey catching a touchdown pass RIGHT in front of me. I mean dead on. Come to find out later, it was his first as a Saint, which made it even better. I have no idea why, to this day, this shot was never published. But it’s probably the best shot I’ve ever taken at a sporting event. And seeing as how I probably won’t shoot the Saints ever again, it made it that much better. I got wind that Jeremy was coming to Monroe for an autograph signing and I immediately got my ticket. $60 for a signature, in person, of the guy in my all time favorite shot….yes please. But, in being the good fan, I wanted Jeremy to have a copy too. Since I know for a fact I was the only person in the position to shoot that, and it was never published…I knew for a fact he didn’t have this shot nor had he seen it. Not to mention, it was his FIRST touchdown as a Saint. It was only the right thing to do. So we went to the signing and I have to admit, getting the autograph was awesome. He was a super cool guy and I was really impressed. BUT. The highlight was actually giving him his copy. He seemed very gracious and immediately knew what the shot was of. That was so much cooler than me getting mine signed. I feel like I made his day a little better. Anyway, thanks to Jeremy and Jaimie of Jaimie’s Sports Cards in Monroe, LA. It was a blast. Enjoy my little ‘Shockumentary’ we made:
09
May
10
Great to see good things happen to good people. You’re right, it’s amazing to think that of all the images that were published, that nobody grabbed this one from you either in that moment, or after as they realized their side angles weren’t nearly as strong as your point blank in your face shot. But at the end of the day, while $$$ may not have come your way for this one, you put it in his hands, and he recognized it, and appreciated it … Hopefully this not only boosts your confidence, but opens doors for you in the not to distant future!!!
My man.
you know for damn sure you take amazing photographs.
Well….at least I know it.
J. Shockey does too!
I remember looking through the post you put up right after that game against the Lions…..
I was so jealous of you getting to be that close to all of the action.
I know people (here in Nashville) that would kill to have been that close to Superbowl Champ, #88.
Keep up the GREAT work.
I may be biased (since we have been friends since, like, 1988…..but you are stunningly talented…
PLEASE keep up the good work!
-cpk.
Great story… I’ve done similar things of giving pics as a gift to a player (Lightning Hockey usually), with like results.
Hmmmm, wonder if there’d be any benefit of giving pic gifts to Hooters servers.
I’m here as a result of Mr. SHOCKEY’s tweet, so you obviously impressed him with your talent and your generosity. That was extremely cool to think of him and a very kind gesture. Thanks for posting the “Shockumentary.” I’m a transplanted native New Orleanian now living in Shockey’s native Oklahoma. As a result, I have a particular affection for this Bad Boy!
Good luck and thanks, again!
Holly Ghere
Tulsa, OK
Amazing picture. Congrats!
Very Nice! Saw Shockey’s tweet about your picture hanging in his home now. Love the shot! Very nice. Do you have more copies for sale??
Matt, respect and recognition for who we are and what we do is what most of us want. You have truly succeeded in obtaining this. You well know the picture means a lot to me, and I am proud at how I came to have it in my possession. Thanks for coming in to my life. Your mom and I have a lot to be proud of!
Dude! You’re awesome! Keep up the great work… I want to see the Saints back and the Super Bowl again and for you to be the MVP! Have a great season next year and best of luck to all of the Saints!
Great video, and great photo. Still can’t believe we won the Super Bowl, all kinds of awesome.