Clarke Central wins Region 8AAAA Championship

Clarke Central defensive lineman Devonte Yearby kisses the Region 8 Class AAAA championship trophy as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Flowery Branch Falcons 21-0 on Friday, November 5, 2010 in Athens, Ga.

This was a cold, disastrous game from a photo standpoint. Windchill was below 30 and i froze.

What made it a disaster was the company-issued laptop that took an hour and a half to ingest 2 cards, open & tone 5 photos. Usually this takes 5 minutes. Missed deadline by an hour & a half.

Cedar Shoals upsets Apalachee

Players celebrate after the Cedar Shoals Jaguars beat the Apalachee Wildcats 28-21 on Friday, October 22, 2010 in Athens, Ga.

What a difference a year makes. Last season, we followed the Apalachee Wildcats religiously as they went undefeated. This month, i managed to watch Apalachee play both of Athens' High schools, Clarke Central & Cedar Shoals.

Cedar was winless in the division coming into the matchup, with Apalachee looking to bounce back after losing to Clarke.

Sportrait: Chandler Gunn

Athens Academy wide receiver Chandler Gunn on Thursday, October 21, 2010 in Watkinsville, Ga. Gunn went from being the teams kicker 2 years ago to its leading receiver.

I do this every week. I've photographed at least 100-125 high school athlete portraits in the past 3 years. That is a lot of practice at being able to do a simple, well-executed lit portrait in a short amount of time. More after the jump.

Clarke beats Salem

Clarke Central quarterback Martay Mattox is tackled in the end zone for a touchdown as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Salem Seminoles on Friday, October 8, 2010 in Athens, Ga.

I've been waiting for a pylon photo like that for a few seasons now. Unfortunately, there's no light coming from the end zones in Prep Football. While i like shadowy, i would prefer some more light.

A few more photos after the jump.

HS Football: Clarke Central vs Winder

Clarke Central quarterback Martay Mattox scrambles for a touchdown that was called back because of a penalty in the second quarter as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Winder-Barrow Bulldoggs 55-0 on Friday, September 24, 2010. (Mattox is a recruit for the University of South Carolina)

Ive been shooting HS football occasionally this fall. I'm enjoying having my evenings free. Two weeks back, i got the chance to photograph Clarke Central for the second time this season and they seem ready to go back to the state championship again.

In the Locker Room

Last Friday, Clarke Central High School played Sandy Creek for the GHSA Class AAAA State Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Dec. 11, 2009.

Coach Leroy Ryals allowed me the opportunity to be in the locker room pregame as to document the rare look behind the scenes.

Sportrait: Q Edition.

This is Quenshan Watson, otherwise known as Q. He's a sophomore running back for the Clarke Central Gladiators and was very, very cool to work with.

Clarke Central heads to SemiFinals

Clarke Central senior linebacker Devante Derricotte yells in celebration after the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the North Clayton Eagles 52-13 in the quarterfinals of the GHSA class AAAA playoffs on Friday, November 27, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

Jube comes in many forms. HS football seems to give the best, most pure raw emotion of celebration that any of us have seen. These days its a matter of putting myself in the right position and creating the opportunity for the photo rather than what i shoot.

Hot Football, Cold Night

Steam rises off of lineman Terrence J. Bradshaw during a timeout as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Mays Raiders 31-28 in the opening round of the GHSA Class AAAA football playoffs on Friday, November 13, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

I've always wanted to get the steam rising off of a football player and it works. Nice environmental feature that tells the story.

Love Notes

Apalachee's James Landing stands with a message about his girlfriend on his hand as the Apalachee Wildcats beat the Salem Seminoles 37-14 in Winder, Ga., on Friday, November 6, 2009. Apalachee finishes the regular season undefeated at 10-0, winning the Region 8-AAAA title.

That's what high school football is all about. A kid with a love note written on his hand before his game.

Fall Sportraits

Oglethorpe Patriots quarterback A.J. Perlotte on Monday, November 2, 2009 in Lexington, Ga.

Two Sportraits from last week. I'm really trying to work more environmental features into my photos. Yes, its simple and basic but it works as far as I'm concerned. I'm feeling burned out on portraits and my creativity is lacking with them.



North Oconee Titans cross country runner Rebecca Greenwall on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in Bogart, Ga.

Sportraits - Vacation Edition.

East Jackson Eagles running back C.J. Allen on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 in Commerce, Ga.

I'm off to Florida for 5 days so I leave my few readers with two sportraits from last month that fell through the cracks.

With portraiture, sometimes you get pretty light to work with and other times you have to make pretty light happen. Now if only i can get more than the 'tough football player' look out of them, it would be great.



Athens Academy tailback Henry Terrell in the locker room on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in Watkinsville, Ga.

Prep Football - Oglethorpe at East Jackson

East Jackson's Cody Gibbs celebrates a 31-yard touchdown reception with 29 seconds to go in the second quarter as the East Jackson Eagles lead the Oglethorpe Patriots 21-14 at halftime on Friday, September 11, 2009 in Commerce, Ga.

East Jackson HS is in its 3rd year of existence and is off to its best ever start as they are undefeated.



Oglethorpe's Deandre Stewart has the ball tip off his hands that lead to an interception late in the second quarter as the East Jackson Eagles lead the Oglethorpe Patriots 21-14 at halftime on Friday, September 11, 2009 in Commerce, Ga.



Oglethorpe's Deandre Stewart runs the ball as the East Jackson Eagles lead the Oglethorpe Patriots 21-14 at halftime on Friday, September 11, 2009 in Commerce, Ga.



The drumline from the East Jackson performs as the East Jackson Eagles lead the Oglethorpe Patriots 21-14 at halftime on Friday, September 11, 2009 in Commerce, Ga.



East Jackson's CJ Allen runs the ball as the East Jackson Eagles lead the Oglethorpe Patriots 21-14 at halftime on Friday, September 11, 2009 in Commerce, Ga.

Prep Football - Apalachee at Cedar

Apalachee's Jon Lee is stoped by a host of Cedar Shoals defenders in the first quarter as the Apalachee Wildcats lead the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 12-6 in the fourth quarter on Friday, September 4, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

Not much to say other than its High School football. Cedar Shoals' field is very dark and the light falls off in the corners a lot. Apalachee is making waves in the Georgia High School polls as they are 4-0 so far this year.

This year I'm really trying to show more of the context and the environment. This means putting down the 400/2.8 and picking up the 70-200, laying flat on the ground and praying that no one steps on either the really expensive lens or myself. I recognize the shortcomings in my work and I know what i want/have to do to in order to work myself into a better paycheck.




Apalachee's Dennis Pritchard flies overtop of Cedar Shoals' Johnathan Wright as the Apalachee Wildcats beat the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 12-6 on Friday, September 4, 2009 in Athens, Ga.



Cedar Shoals' quarterback Shaquille Gatlin jumps on a fumbledsnap in the second quarter as the Apalachee Wildcats lead the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 12-6 in the fourth quarter on Friday, September 4, 2009 in Athens, Ga.



Cedar Shoals' Rodney Moss runs out of a tunnel before the game as the Apalachee Wildcats lead the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 12-6 in the fourth quarter on Friday, September 4, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

Sometimes it all about trying to get what other people don't.



Cedar Shoals' running back Tracy Stephens slips free from a tackle as he scores a touchdown late in the second quarter as the Apalachee Wildcats lead the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 12-6 in the fourth quarter on Friday, September 4, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

Billy Henderson

Legendary Clarke Central High School football coach Billy Henderson works out at the YMCA in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. Henderson is recovering from a compound spinal fracture he suffered several years ago and says he is learning to walk again.


Playing catch up here on a slow morning.....

I was asked a few weeks back to photograph former high school football coach Billy Henderson while he continues to rehab from back surgery from an injury over a year ago. He was being honored at Clarke Central high school that night.





Shooting in the YMCA made for an interesting challenge as its a weight room and he moves fast. Its trying to make this into an interesting photo that becomes the challenge. I love a good mirror shot and with the symmetry it was really nice.




The grimace shot i think really tells the story.

I think the biggest shortcoming in some of the work I'm doing is not giving it enough time. This could easily be expanded on, but as usual, the editors want it for tomorrow's daily.

Player of the Week: Ryan Faust

Clarke Central's Ryan Faust was named ABH Player of the week after having 5 sacks against Loganville.

For once, having to wait until after practice paid off for me. Shot this at ISO 100 1/250th at f/29 and TWO Nikon speedlights at full power, camera left.

Of course i hyperextended my knee in the process on the very steep hill i was shooting up.

High School Football : Loganville vs Clarke

Clarke Central's Tony Glenn intercepts a pass on the first play of the game as the Loganville Red Devils lead the Clarke Central Gladiators 15-14 at halftime on Thursday, August 28, 2009 in Athens, Ga. The play was reversed on a pass interference penalty.

Now i realize that not all of my loyal readers have any desire to read or look at football photos of any sort, alas this is what makes me money.

This week was a local game at Clarke Central. Seemed like a pretty good matchup. Shot the first half and felt good, beyond sweating to death. Timing was a tad rusty at first. Shot from my knees most of the game. Good to try and get into a rhythm before Georgia football starts.

Kept trying to do a "Peter Read Miller" shot with the 80-200 when the teams were inside the 15 yard line. Either the ball went the other way or the kid just didn't dive or jump or do anything remotely interesting visually. Got my shirt wet for no reason.



The Clarke Central Gladiators take the field as the Loganville Red Devils lead the Clarke Central Gladiators 15-14 at halftime on Thursday, August 28, 2009 in Athens, Ga.



Clarke Central's Derrick Smalls just misses an interception in the second quarter as the Loganville Red Devils lead the Clarke Central Gladiators 15-14 at halftime on Thursday, August 28, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

(The focus just did not come back in time as the frame before this was perfect beyond being out of focus)



Clarke Central's Ryan Faust hits Loganville quarterback A.J. Schmidt as he tries to make a pass as the Loganville Red Devils lead the Clarke Central Gladiators 15-14 at halftime on Thursday, August 28, 2009 in Athens, Ga.



Clarke Central cheerleader Mia Thomas checks her hair before the game as the Loganville Red Devils lead the Clarke Central Gladiators 15-14 at halftime on Thursday, August 28, 2009 in Athens, Ga.

She's not vain, really.

Merry Christmas!!!

Athens Banner-Herald Football Player of the Year Darius Minor on Thursday, December 18, 2008.

My Christmas Gift to you, the 15 loyal readers i have, its the light portraits i was doing for some of our Players of the year. They're good for a first attempt at the concept but I think I'd do things a little differently.

In the process I broke the red set of rope lights and one string of regular christmas lights. Affixing battery powered LEDs to a football was troublesome and it just sure didn't work at all as we were trying to get a shot of the lights spiraling towards the camera. So instead i just stood behind him and twirled them.

The overall concept ended up as trying to capture a sense of motion and i think it worked.



Athens Banner-Herald Volleyball Player of the Year Tania Tauiliili on Thursday, December 18, 2008.



Athens Banner-Herald softball Player of the year Megan McClain on Thursday , December 11, 2008.

Friday Night Lights: Oconee Revisited

Running back Blake Burgess, left, and Hutch Roper, right, celebrate after Burgess' touchdown run in the second quarter as the Oconee County Warriors beat the Morgan County Bulldogs in Watkinsville on Friday, November 7, 2008

SO this week, i ran into two major obstacles. First, it rained. AGAIN. Third time in a row for me having Friday Night light-rain-and-mist-meaning-no-second-camera and I was stuck using my 300 f/4 as the other 300 was with one of my colleagues and the really good lenses were off with the rest of the staff at an away game for UGA.





Morgan County Bulldogs' Domonique Hall drops a pass on the one-yard-line as the Oconee County Warriors beat the Morgan County Bulldogs in Watkinsville on Friday, November 7, 2008.

Between the rain and dealing with the cold i was fighting and perpetual sneezing, i think i made some decent photos. Deep down, i really did care. But a 20 point lead over a one-win team in the rain means I'm leaving at halftime.



Running back Blake Burgess falls into the end zone for a touchdown late in the second quarter as the Oconee County Warriors beat the Morgan County Bulldogs in Watkinsville on Friday, November 7, 2008.




Quarterback Zach Mettenberger drops back to pass as the Oconee County Warriors beat the Morgan County Bulldogs in Watkinsville on Friday, November 7, 2008.

Clarke vs. Cedar Showdown

Sophomore Herb Evans celebrates a fumble recover in the first quarter as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 23-21 in Athens on Friday, October 24, 2008.

In my post-World Series jubilation, Ive actually got some time to update this bloggythinger here on the interwebs.

This week was the annual "Battle of Athens" between the two local high schools, Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals. And it rained again, once again that fine misty stuff that is blowing and completely soaks a camera in 5 minutes. Of course i only had one camera with me so thats another story for another day.



Senior Paris Allen extends the football over the goal line for the winning touchdown in thr fourth quarter as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 23-21 in Athens on Friday, October 24, 2008.

If the weather had been better, i would have tried for more features. I don't want to change lenses in the rain. Instead i just focused on what was readily available by the field, like the bands and what fans i could see. They were all under umbrellas.



Cedar Shoals running back De De Lattimore stiff-arms defender Reggie Battle while he runs the ball in the third quarter as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 23-21 in Athens on Friday, October 24, 2008.

All in all, a good game. Came down to the 4th quarter. Once again, missed the two plays of the game because of location. First one, defensive play by Clarke, i was 20 yards downfield shooting Cedar's offense. Second, a blocked FG. Dunno how i overlensed that; i was focused dead on the kicker to get a react and i noticed the ball coming back in the frame. The recovery happened with their backs to me, no clean shot at the ball.



Quarterback John Wilson, center, is tackled around the head by linebacker De De Lattimore as the Clarke Central Gladiators beat the Cedar Shoals Jaguars 23-21 in Athens on Friday, October 24, 2008.

The best jube happened in front of the line of TV cameras rather than back towards the Clarke bench like i figured. I got the shots i needed, like the game winning touchdown, some good jube and decent action from both teams. It worked - wasn't what i wanted - but it works and i made deadline by about a minute.




Clarke's band just gets down. Best high school band I think I've ever seen. Cedar is close on the music but Clarke's showmanship just blows everyone else away.