Colorado sports photographers | XC Championships

"Alexander Dawson junior Robby Keown wenches as he approach the finish line of the CHSAA Boys 1A-2A Cross Country State Championships at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011. Keown finished in 78th place with a time of 22 minutes and 15 seconds."

Thanks to the internet, this image gets to see the light of day.

Despite the fact that his emotions do a great job of representing several of the exhausted faces that crossed the finish line on Saturday, he finished sixth to last and it would never run in the paper.

Much of the day was a complete cluster and covering eight different races is easier said than done. It's a big game of risk vs reward, really. Compared to the pre-state meet on the same course that I covered in early September, I gave the finish line more priority.

The face above made that decision a successful one.

Colorado sports photographers | Crew v Rapids

"Miguel Comminges #32 of the Colorado Rapids and Emilio Renteria #20 of the Columbus Crew get tangled up while battling for the ball during the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on October 27, 2011 in Commerce City, Colorado. The Rapids defeated the Crew 1-0 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against Sporting Kansas City."

How many would have guessed that yesterday there was six inches of snow on this field?

It's been an interesting week with the weather. We set a record Monday at 80 degrees, Wednesday it snowed several inches and Thursday the sun was back out.

Even more interesting has been the hype surrounding the team I like to call the Denver Tebows and a little thing called "Tebowing."

I know, I know, this is a post about soccer but just as with anything else this week the Tebow phenomenon has stolen the show; my blog in this case. Omar Cummings scored the game's only goal and celebrated by "Tebowing."

Sunday's game against the Lions should be fun if for no other reason to see how viral this thing goes.

Colorado sports photographers | Oregon v Colorado

"'Ralphie' the mascot of the Colorado Buffaloes leads the team onto the field before a game against the Oregon Ducks at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado."

"Running back De'Anthony Thomas #6 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a touchdown with tight end David Paulson #42 during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado."

Tight end David Paulson #42 of the Oregon Ducks catches a 31 yard touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado.

"Wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei #80 of the Oregon Ducks makes a catch for a first down in front of defensive back Greg Henderson #20 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the third quarter at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado. Oregon defeated Colorado 45-2."

"Tight end Ryan Deehan #34 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by defensive back Erick Dargan #4 of the Oregon Ducks after making a catch during the third quarter at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado. Oregon defeated Colorado 45-2."

"Wide receiver Logan Gray #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes makes a diving catch for a first down in front of cornerback Dior Mathis #3 of the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado. Oregon defeated Colorado 45-2."

"Members of the Colorado Buffaloes cheerleaders perform for the crowd during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado. Oregon defeated Colorado 45-2."

"Head Coach Jon Embree of the Colorado Buffaloes paces the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Folsom Field on October 22, 2011 in Boulder, Colorado. Oregon defeated Colorado 45-2."

Oregon definitely drank their Red Bull before this one.

Without their household name starting quarterback or running back, Oregon handed the ball off to the second string who proceeded to put up 35 unanswered points in the first half alone. It probably goes without saying that I stayed on Oregon's side of the ball the majority of the time, mostly because of what their offense was capable of and somewhat because you have to go into the stands in order to change end zones at Folsom Field.

Since college football doesn't have the client demand that say the NFL does, this was my first D1 football game in three years and my first ever at Folsom. After my experience today, it's quite clear that I'm spoiled with relatively empty sidelines, friendly people, tons of editing workspace at the NFL level. I had a few hurdles I had to get past today but that comes with the territory.

I will say that the light during the second half was fantastic. I went upstairs to work the shadows during the third quarter and really pushed things trying to come away with something really nice since the game was a blowout. I made a few nice frames here and there but nothing that exceeded my expectations.

It was good to get acclimated with Folsom under little deadline pressure and I think the logistical issues will be easier to overcome when USC comes to town on Nov 4th.

More images from the game at Getty.

Boulder wedding photographers | Julia & Matt

Start to finish, Julia and Matt's wedding in Boulder on Saturday was full of life, love and tradition. The intricacies surrounding their day on a Jewish holiday were fantastic to document for Josh and myself.

In our short time at Hotel Boulderado I can see why Julia loved it so much. I'm sure that her closest friends and family would agree that it fit her personality to a tee. Boulder Country Club served as a great location for their evening ceremony.

When I say evening, I mean...nearly in the dark.

Sure, it was a challenge to shoot but at the same time it offered so many great opportunities to make different pictures. The Colorado weather definitely played along nicely and showcased an orange sunset behind the mountains in the middle of the ceremony.

The day marked a nice end to what has been an outstanding wedding season in Colorado for myself.

Denver sports photographers | Chargers v Broncos

"Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) warm up before taking on the San Diego Chargers October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado."

"Denver Broncos cheerleaders wait in the tunnel before a game against the San Diego Chargers on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado."

"Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) stiff-arms San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle (32) on his way to a first down in the first quarter on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 29-24."

"Denver Broncos defensive end Robert Ayers (91) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 29-24."

"Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 29-24."

"Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (15) celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the San Diego Chargers on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 29-24."

"Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) stretches the ball across the goal line for the two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 29-24."

"Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (84) shakes hands with San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) after the game on October 9, 2011 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 29-24."

Sunday afternoon I became a member of the green vest society. The coveted colored vest worn by team photographers allows better access, in certain situations. Broncos team photographer Eric Bakke was out of town with a previous commitment and asked me to step in for the day. I was able to make a few nice images on the field during pre-game and in the tunnel that usually aren't available to the rest of the media.

I'll be honest and say it was a humbling experience. Sure, the occasional better access is fantastic but there are also plenty of other things to shoot including but not limited to promotions, sponsors, signage, video board messages and fans. Shooting an NFL game can be a challenge in itself so doing that as well as managing all the other team requests means that my level of respect for Eric has only grown.

In terms of the game, it really came down to two words: Tim Tebow.

I'll leave you all to the Monday morning quarterbacking but I'll say this, I always know when Tim comes in the game because the crowd goes nuts. There is no question about it, they want to see him play.

I don't think I've heard a louder stadium than when he ran in the end zone. It was simply raucous.

Did I mention that he celebrated right at me? Thanks, Tim.

For the second time this year I made an image of a ridiculous catch by Brandon Lloyd, albeit both with awful backgrounds. Remember this one from earlier in the year?

I'll give it to Tim, it wasn't pretty but it was close to being one heck of a comeback. He'll make it happen eventually and when he does I sure hope I bring my ear plugs to the game.

Denver sports photographers | Bengals v Broncos

"Running Back Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals lines up for the play with a hole ripped in his pants during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

"Wide receiver A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs after making a catch against Cornerback Cassius Vaughn #41 of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

"Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks for a receiver during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

"Fullback Spencer Larsen #46 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by Linebacker Thomas Howard #53 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

"Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

"Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos salutes to the fans and celebrates with teammates defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson #99 and linebacker Joe Mays #51 after making a sack on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

"Wide receiver A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a catch for a touchdown as Cornerback Andre' Goodman #21 of the Denver Broncos defends during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 18, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

Rookie linebacker Von Miller has been one of the bright spots for Denver this season. He's on pace to record 58 tackles and 16 sacks this year and two of those sacks were pivotal in Denver's lone win against Cincinnati last month.

You can definitely tell that the guy is having fun playing the game and who wouldn't with that kind of speed and talent.

Despite the 2pm start in September I still made a few images where the light played into my favor. The gap between the stadium and the lights can create nice pockets of light in the third and fourth quarters during the early parts of the season.

Denver sports photographers | Red Wings v Avalanche

"Drew Miller #20 of the Detroit Red Wings waits in the locker room before taking the ice against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on October 8, 2011 in Denver, Colorado."

Despite the constant movement, high-impact nature of hockey I was drawn to this pre-game moment before Saturday's Avs' home opener at the can.

For the first game of the year, you couldn't ask for much more than a game against your heated rivals from Detroit and a pre-game jersey retirement ceremony for Peter Forsberg...except a win. In what seemed like a slow game, Detroit took control and secured a 3-0 victory.

Indy Car and NASCAR Trucks at Kentucky Speedway

"Dario Franchitti of Scotland, driver of the #10 Downy Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda, looks over his car before the start of the IndyCar Series Kentucky Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway on October 2, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky."

"Dario Franchitti of Scotland, driver of the #10 Downy Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda, leads the field down the backstretch during the IndyCar Series Kentucky Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway on October 2, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky."

"The moon sets over the grandstands during the Kentucky 225 at Kentucky Speedway on October 1, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky."

"Ron Hornaday, driver of the #2 Hollywood Casino Chevrolet, and Brian Ickler, driver of the #18 Toyota Toyota, lead the field during the Kentucky 225 at Kentucky Speedway on October 1, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky."

"Pit boards are illuminated as drivers make their way into turn one during the Kentucky 225 at Kentucky Speedway on October 1, 2011 in Sparta, Kentucky."

Covering motor sports is something that I've grown to enjoy. The graphic nature of the sport lends itself well to my own personal style. My partner in crime for the weekend, Jon, said it best, "at football you're taking pictures, at motor sports you're making pictures."

That being said, last weekend in Northeast Kentucky was a whole different world. First off, we were coving Indy Car which is much different to the NASCAR circuit that I've been around all summer. The cars look different, sound different and drive different. The culture surrounding the IRL was somewhat different as well.

The Getty team consisted to just Jon and myself which is drastically different to the seven shooters and a editor that we have at most Sprint Cup race weekends. I had plenty to shoot, long distances to walk and handled all my own editing and captioning. On the flip side, that also gave me much more freedom which was great.

This particular weekend the NASCAR trucks series was traveling with the IRL so we covered that as well. The ice cold weather for the night race proved to be the biggest challenge. The weather report said nothing about sub freezing temperatures when I looked the day before I left but for some reason I drove back around the block to grab a thicker jacket before heading to the airport. The night of the race I was sure glad I did because I could see my breath. My hands didn't fare quite as well because really, who thinks to bring gloves to Kentucky in early October?

Lesson learned.

More images from the weekend.