Shooting in the Rain: Phoenix vs. Hammerheads: Ultimate

Believe it or not as a sports photographer I have been very lucky with the weather. I have taken pictures in the freezing cold with snow this past winter, but I never had the opportunity to shoot in the rain... until last Sunday. The gear I use is weather resistant which means it should work in minor watery situations. I wouldn’t submerge my cameras to test them, but a mild rain / heavy drizzle they have always come through just fine. During the Phoenix game last Sunday it rained, hard enough for me to get out the raincoat, and rain gear to protect my Nikon D4. It looked like I was holding something up to my face that was big and heavy and wrapped up in a big black cloth, but I quickly got used to its Velcro openings and access holes for normal camera operation. Here’s some of my favorites from that rain soaked game.

Nikon D4 Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 @ 210mm f/6.3 1/1000 sec ISO 1600

Philadelphia Phoenix vs. New York Empire

Last Saturday I had the privilege to photograph the Philadelphia Phoenix in their battle against the N.Y. Empire. The Ultimate game took place at Cheyney University which is home for the Phoenix. In a hard fought contest the Phoenix were unable to rise against the Empire and were defeated 17-21. These are some of my favorites from the game.

Philadelphia Phoenix vs. D.C. Breeze Ultimate

Last Saturday I got to photograph the second half of the Ultimate game at Cheyney University. It was sensational. The Phoenix rose from the flames during the fourth quarter to take the wind out of the Breeze. These are a few of my favorite pictures from the game. Come out and support the Phoenix this Saturday as they take on the New York Empire at home at Cheyney at 3:30.

Nikon D800 Sigma 300mm f/2.8 + x2 Sigma teleconverter f/5.6 ISO 100 1/1000 sec

#TravelTuesday The Philadelphia Phoenix

Earlier this year I was approached by a friend about an new sports team called the Philadelphia Phoenix who needed some photographic coverage. The Phoenix is part of the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) which is a league for the sport of Ultimate (Ultimate Frisbee). This is a professional sports team, and the athleticism of the competitors is really something to watch. The pictures in the gallery below show a fraction of the continuous action. At first I was a bit skeptical of guys throwing a Frisbee around a football field. But now, having seen one of the games, let me assure you, these wiry, strong, determined gladiators take to the field with power and grace. It is an impressive sight. If you have some time Sunday May 5th at 1pm come see them at home against the DC Breeze at O’Shields Stadium, Cheyney University.