Monday, June 30, 2008

Quick Storm Chasing



So I'm back in Athens. The road was long and hard. The hotel room life is not for me, not at 15 days at a stretch. CWS was a lot of fun but its good to be home.

Yesterday I'm just relaxing on a Sunday when i hear about storms in the area. I check the weather radar, grab the camera and tripod and went to the top of the tallest parking garage in town and looked west.

Now Daytime lightning requires a bunch of things. LUCK, good planning, and a ND filter of some sort. Since i don't have a big ND filter, I used a polarizer which is effectively a 2 stop ND filter. Just used a shutter release, tripod, f/22 and aperture priority. I basically just watched where the cells were that the lightning was striking from, put them in the frame, composed a 1/2 decent shot motor drived it on a 4 gig card, hoping that i'd get what i want. Average exposure was about 4 seconds.

IMPORTANT - You need to take personal safety into account. If you can see lightning and hear thunder, there is a chance it can hit you. Especially if you have a giant metal tripod and are the tallest thing around, say on the top of a seven-story tall parking garage. You have to be very aware of what is going on around you and how fast the storm is coming. If the storm has already hit, i recommend the 2nd level from the top of a parking garage. Also you don't get wet that way.

There is a product out there called a lightning trigger which makes catching the pretty lightning much easier. I have seen it in person, used by storm chaser and action news photographer Gene Blevins and i would highly recommend purchasing said tool if you are really into this. (Like I am)

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Day 14: Cinderella can hit a curve ball



Shortstop Gordon Beckham throws his helmet as Fresno State beats #8 Georgia 19-10 in the second game of the College World Series championships at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.

Georgia jumped out to an early 5-0 lead but much like the NC state game in the super regional and the opening game against Lipscomb in regional play, Georgia's pitching mysteriously disappeared and gave up a few touchdowns to lose 19-10. This means that instead of going home today, i have to wait another day.



Fresno State's Steve Detwiler, center, Jordan Ribera, left, and Gavin Hedstrom celebrate an rbi-hit by shortstop Danny Muno as Fresno State beats #8 Georgia 19-10 in the second game of the College World Series championships at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.

No disrespect to Fresno St and their story, but i want to go home.



Designated hitter Joey Lewis walks back to the dugout after striking out as Fresno State beats #8 Georgia 19-10 in the second game of the College World Series championships at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.

Best bright spot was hearing "Shipping up to Boston" in the rain before the game. Otherwise my pictures, ech. I missed the shot of the game in center field but otherwise had what AP/Omaha had or beat them.

Best action shot i had all night:

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Day 13: Taking Risks





Okay, well Its the College World Series. My paper definitely wants shots that push beyond what the AP can provide. So i've developed into a bit of a routine. First inning - behind the plate, Innings 2 & 3 - a couple of sections over, on the line. And from there, depending on whats going on and what dugout Georgia is in, i will work my way around to the first base or third base dugouts. If its a night game and Georgia is the home team, i will move high or back beside the plate because of sun flare.

Sometimes, these risks pay off.




Sometimes, they don't and you get what i like to term "Umpire Ass"




All in all it was a good enough game. Like Georgia, i was good - not spectacular. I miss the shot of the game, ended up with this. Let me know if you can find his head. Me, i thought he was going to slide lower.



Hopefully this will be all over tonight and i will be headed home tomorrow.

Monday, June 23, 2008

CWS Day 12: Groundhogs Day redux



Pitchers Logan Munson, left, and Brian Moran celebrate a two-run home run by Chad Flack as #2 North Carolina beats Fresno State 4-3 to stave off elimination in the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday, June 19, 2008.


Wow.

Time sure flies when you're living the same routine over and over. Georgia as made the finals and i will be home Thursday at the latest. That will have been two full weeks in Omaha.

Anyhow, here's some pictures.



Third baseman Ryan Peisel takes batting practice as the University of Georgia's baseball team practices at Bellevue East High School in Bellevue, Nebraska on Thursday, June 19, 2008.



Groundskepers pull off the tarp after a rain delay at the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday, June 19, 2008.



Left fielder Lyle Allen catches a pop-up as #8 Georgia beats Stanford 10-8 to advance to the championships of the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Redemption



Shortstop Gordon Beckham celebrates a game-ending double-play as #8 Georgia beats Stanford 4-3 in the College World Series on Wednesday, June 16, 2008.

So i felt the need to step up my game. Really focused on what i had to do and made good photos. I liked it.

I had to take a different approach. I'm only needing to focus on Georgia and while yes, the third and first base boxes are nice, thats where AP, getty, and the wires all hang out. I want something different. Granted, i need the plays of the game (i got blocked on two, one of which inside the 3rd base box) but in a tight game, the jube and the action are going to be at the plate.



Pitcher Stephen Dodson pitches as #8 Georgia beats Stanford 4-3 in the College World Series on Wednesday, June 16, 2008.

I started the game behind the plate. Made some nice stuff of the pitcher and focused on the infielders for an inning. MOved to third base box for an inning, first base box for an inning and then first base bullpen box for an inning before sending. The first base side at Rosenblatt is a horrible idea during a 6 PM game unless you have a super-duper lens hood. You cant shoot the plate without LOTS of flare.

After sending in the top of the fifth, (3 pictures, barely got back out in time for the bottom 5) I went on the first base side of the plate and set up camp. Went back and forth between the 70-200 and the 400. I figured that if anyone was going to slide, i'd be right on top of it. If anyone went nuts, or the dugout went nuts, I'd be in a great perspective for it. And when it came time for game winning jube, I'd be in a prime spot for fielders going nuts.



Center fielder Matt Cerione jumps into the arms of shortstop Gordon Beckham after a game-ending double-play as #8 Georgia beats Stanford 4-3 in the College World Series on Wednesday, June 16, 2008.

I preplanned, i stayed ahead of the game, put myself in the right spot and got game-ending jube that wasn't seen on AP or Omaha. I'm competing with 4 AP shooters, 4 Omaha shooters. For my paper, i need to get better shots than them or its pointless for what i do.



Fans vie for a foul ball as #8 Georgia takes on Stanford in the College World Series on Wednesday, June 16, 2008.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Hotel Room Fun



Okay Kids, strap in. This wont be pleasant. Time to vent more.

There's nothing like a nice 3:30 AM fire alarm to make you oh so wonder, bright and cheerful. Such was the state of affairs Sunday morning at the Hilton Homewood Suites in Omaha, Nebraska.

Thats right, some guest who was an outside visitor to a group throwing a party here at the Hilton Homewood Suites in Omaha, Nebraska, decided to pull the fire alarm up on 7, which sent us all scattering outside into the night. I grabbed the laptop and the camera.... everything else can be replaced easily but i need at least one camera and the laptop in case everything goes up in smoke. (Thats right, i left the 400. )



Overall everyone here has been really nice but the hotel has been a total pain in the ass. Complete pain. Nice rooms but for the amount of money they are charging, i expect more. A lot more. You charge Disney prices, i expect Disney service. That includes Mickey F'ing Mouse giving me my wakeup call. That includes not having little league baseball kids streaking through the parking lot, whipping each other with towels while I'm trying to park. That includes no midnight fire alarms unless it really is a fire. That includes a friendly staff that isn't hassling us at check-in. (And if you're going to give me a plasma TV, give me the HD channels. Really.)




And on a side note, my medium rare steak wasn't all that. It was seared too much, it was more like medium well. It had a warm-red center but it was overcooked around that.

College World Series Pt 1



Pitcher Steve Esmonde yells as he scores the winning run in the top of the ninth inning on a wild pitch as #8 Georgia beats #1 Miami 7-4 in the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

Okay, I'm in Omaha.

There's two reasons to be in Omaha. Steak... and the College World Series.

I've covered two games so far, Stanford killing FSU while scoring 11 in the top of the ninth and Georgia stealing one from Miami 7-4, scoring 4 in the top of the ninth.



Baseballs sit in the bleachers as the #8 Georgia Bulldogs practice for the College World Series at Bellevue East High School in Bellevue, Nebraska on Thursday, June 11, 2008.

Shooting positions are okay. I can generally get where ever i want. It doesnt get dark around home plate until 830 or so local time. Sun sets behind 3rd base, KILLING any shots from the first base side. Home plate is 1/500@2.8 at 1600 until you take 3 steps away and you end up dropping two stops. ESPN is annoying, with giant cameras in the way and cameramen on the field.



Fireworks explode during opening ceremonies for the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, June 13, 2008.


My problem is sending and the time zones. Due to deadline, I have to send by 930 or 10 Eastern. Game starts at 7 eastern. That puts it in the 5th inning or something. Every time i go to send i miss something. Happened with the FSU game, and happened with the Georgia game Missed Peisel's home run. So there will be no more sending while Georgia bats.



Shortstop Gordon Beckham signs autographs as the #8 Georgia Bulldogs practice for the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, June 13, 2008.

The end of the game on Saturday, i didnt have everything i needed. I missed a lot, i missed jube, i missed action. Two back-to-back wacky plays (wild pitch and then a two-run error) as well as not being directly across from Georgia's dugout killed me. I also made the mistake of staying on the emotionless Josh Fields at the end of the game rather than watching Matt Cerione, who gives great jube. And my boss let me know it on the phone, in no uncertain terms. They are paying a lot of money for me to do this and i need to respond in kind.



Left fielder Mike McGee jumps to make a catch as the Stanford Cardinals lead the Florida State Seminoles 5-2 in the top of the eigth inning of the opening game of the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday, June 14, 2008.

I made two nice shots Saturday that i liked. The FSU near-catch and Esmonde's jube crossing home plate. Today's another day.



Shortstop Gordon Beckham fields a ground ball as the #8 Georgia Bulldogs practice for the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, June 13, 2008.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Omaha Bound



Catcher Bryce Massanari holds his daughter Marley while he kisses his wife Lauren as #8 Georgia beats NC State 17-8 in the championship game of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Georgia advances to the College World Series for the third time since 2004.

There are two reasons to go to Omaha, Nebraska. One is steak (and thats a damm tasty reason). The other the College World Series, which is where Georgia is headed. Georgia beat NC State 17-8 Sunday to win their Super Regional and advance.




Shortstop Gordon Beckham celebrates a home-run in his final at-bat at Foley Field as #8 Georgia beats NC State 17-8 in the championship game of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Georgia advances to the College World Series for the third time since 2004.


The brackets are up. Georgia faces Miami while Stanford faces FSU. Georgia plays Monday night at 7 eastern and would play Monday night if they win and Monday afternoon if they lose. Naturally the winners play and the losers play. Its a tough draw wherein Miami has lost 9 games all year, hasn't faced Stanford this year and split a pair with FSU. Either way, I get steak no matter what happens.



Center fielder Matt Cerione celebrates a diving catch to end the top of the seventh inning as #8 Georgia beats NC State 17-8 in the championship game of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Georgia advances to the College World Series for the third time since 2004.



Shortstop Gordon Beckham points to the fans as he hit a two-run home-run in the bottom of the seventh inning in his final at-bat at Foley Field as #8 Georgia beats NC State 17-8 in the championship game of the NCAA Super Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Sunday, June 8, 2008. Georgia advances to the College World Series for the third time since 2004.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Super Regional Heat




Two days of Super Regional action in Athens. Two days of noon start times. Two days of 100 degrees plus in the sun. Twenty bottles of water later, I'm going to update.



Georgia won the first game 11-4. Trevor Holder went 8 2/3rds for the win.






Today was a totaly different story. UGA lost 10-6. Middle relief fell apart. Finding the strike zone seemed an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones.

And Georgia's best player, Gordon Beckham got plunked in his first two at bats.



Tomorrow is it. Win and go to Omaha for the college world series. Lose and thats it for the season. Could be my last baseball game for the year either way.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

NCAA SuperRegional Preview

More Video Time.




(Attn Baseball Execs! While you're surfing the internet waiting for your turn at the podium and reading and watching my drivel, draft Bryce Massanari. Class act and a good player.)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Georgia Advances to Super Regionals



Second baseman David Thoms raises his fist in celebration as #8 Georgia beats Georgia Tech 18-6 in the final game of the NCAA Regional in the College World Series on Monday, June 2, 2008 at Foley Field in Athens, Ga.

Playing their fifth game in four days, Georgia baseball trounced killed maimed destroyed beat Georgia Tech 18-6 to advance to the Super Regional round of the College World Series.

Shooting action wasn't bad but my post-game jube was awful. It flat out stunk. I didn't follow my instincts and all my second guessing of prepositioning were just bad decisions. I was a step behind and came back with pictures like a pre-schooler with a point and shoot.



Fans pack a tree in center field as #8 Georgia beat Georgia Tech 18-6 in the final game of the NCAA Regional in the College World Series on Monday, June 2, 2008 at Foley Field in Athens, Ga.



Georgia shortstop Gordon Beckham slides home to score the tying run past Georgia Tech catcher Jason Haniger as #8 Georgia leads Georgia Tech 6-5 in the third inning of the final game of the NCAA Regional in the College World Series on Monday, June 2, 2008 at Foley Field in Athens, Ga.



First Baseman Rich Poyhtress raises his fist after he hit a two-run home run in the top of the fifth inning as #8 Georgia leads Georgia Tech 12-6 in the sixth inning of the final game of the NCAA Regional in the College World Series on Monday, June 2, 2008 at Foley Field in Athens, Ga.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Georgia Baseball, Weekend Edition



Georgia right fielder Matt Olson makes a home-run stealing catch as the Lipscomb Bisons upset the #8 Georgia Bulldogs 10-7 in the opening round of the NCAA Athens Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Friday, May 30, 2008.

So Georgia played 4 games over the weekend; i shot Lipscomb on Friday night (10-7 Loss) and did Video for last nights 14-3 Win over Lipscomb and 8-0 blanking of Ga Tech. Tonight is the "winner take all" game 7 in the Athens Regional.



Home plate umpire Chuck Busse rules Lipscomb second baseman Ben Williams, left, safe as Georgia pitcher Alex McRee, right, holds up his glove as the Lipscomb Bisons upset the #8 Georgia Bulldogs 10-7 in the opening round of the NCAA Athens Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Friday, May 30, 2008.



Georgia's Ryan Peisel makes contact as the Lipscomb Bisons upset the #8 Georgia Bulldogs 10-7 in the opening round of the NCAA Athens Regional at Foley Field in Athens on Friday, May 30, 2008.