"Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his first career touchdown run in the first half against the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado."
"Cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson #22 the Denver Broncos intercepts a pass intended for tight end Dustin Keller #81 of the New York Jets in the second quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado."
"Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 the New York Jets makes a pass as linebacker Mario Haggan #57 of the Denver Broncos gives chase at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado."
"Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos makes a reception for a touchdown against cornerback Darrelle Revis #24 the New York Jets during the second half at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado."
"Wide receiver Santonio Holmes #10 the New York Jets is tackled by cornerback Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos during the second half at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado."
"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Jets defeated the Broncos 24-20."
Sunday was a battle and it had nothing to do with anything that took place on the football field that afternoon.
I was competing against the universe, it seemed, and Murphy's Law was in full effect.
A scheduling mixup meant that I was up long before the sun showed it's face to shoot the Denver Marathon. I made sure to go to bed extra early since I was anticipating a 12-hour day.
The plan was to park near the Pepsi Center, shoot the runners, then drive to Civic Center Park to shoot the finish. That all seemed like a great idea until my car decided that it didn't want to start after I shot the first leg outside of the Pepsi Center.
That meant that I had to grab my roller full of gear and take a taxi to the finish line.
Everything went relatively smoothly for the next three and a half hours there before I had to catch another cab and head towards Invesco for the game.
After pulling my bag six or so blocks I hailed a cab and asked him to take me down 15th to 23rd which would let me out near the media entrance. Like most cab drivers, he wanted to take his own route and when I challenged his decision he got mad. I didn't have time to argue so I got out and grabbed another cab. This guy actually knew how to follow directions.
By now it's 12:30 and I've finally completed half of my marathon shooting day. I get set up in the photographer's work room, grab a quick bite to eat and head out to the field. I realized that I had left my sunglasses at our table at the marathon but was able to text another photographer to grab them for me.
Things, once again, seemed to be going as planned until, during a play, I saw the horizon begin to tilt in my viewfinder. I took my eye away and noticed that I was nearly falling over. I was so dizzy that I almost passed out.
I was covering the game alone for Getty and upon realizing that I didn't have time to deal with, my guess, being dehydrated, I bit my hand to restore my senses and kept shooting.
Remember when Michael Jordan scored like 50 points with the flu? I felt the same way. I kept making picture after picture including Tebow's first touchdown of his career. I've never heard a stadium so loud in my life as I did when he crossed the goal line.
I picked up a few cool kudos for my efforts. I made Getty's sports pictures of the week for the third time and the New York Times picked up some of my images as well.
-JCE
No comments:
Post a Comment