Photo of the Week
(Nikon D300, iso 3200, 1/400 @ f:2.8, 35mm)A fan holds up a sign during the Vermont State Division I High School
Basketball Championship game between the Burlington Seahorses
and the Rice Green knights at Patrick Gym on March 3, 2008 in
Burlington, Vermont. Photo by Brian Jenkins.
Each year I try to make it to the Vermont State Division I high school championship game held at Patrick Gym on the campus of the University of Vermont. The games are usually really good with the crowd and atmosphere electrifying. Last year (2008) was no exception especially since the championship game was a rematch from the year before (2007). The Rice Green Knights where looking to win their second straight state championship in a row, while the Burlington Seahorses where looking for a little revenge. I knew it was going to be a good game and that I had to be there to capture the sights. I wasn't on assignment for anyone, I was just there to be a part of the experience and for my love of sports photography.
As a photojournalist you are trying to tell a story with your photos. When shooting sports, you want to not only capture the action but also the emotions and atmosphere of where you are. You want the viewer to feel like they were there. When it really comes down to it anyone can take a photo of the peak action on the court (or field), it's really not that hard. The hard part in photography in trying to tell a story using still images and looking for little moments that capture the feeling of the event. There is so much more to a sporting event than what the players are doing. Especially in a high school Championship game. I was looking for those kind of moments when I noticed this girl holding up the sign. It is such a funny photo to me and it is one of my favorite photos of 2008. I wonder if she ever figured it out. Burlington did end up winning in the end and get there revenge on Rice for beating them in 2007. I'm sure this year's championship game will be just as exciting and I can't wait. Hope I can make it this year.