Another football season is upon and how glorious it is. Thanks to the Sports Brothers I have another opportunity to photograph the Miami Hurricanes Football games this year at Sunlife Stadium. I’m excited to photograph the Miami Hurricanes this year not because I’ve a huge fan, ok that is a big reason, but because I have the opportunity to photograph some amazing athletes playing the great sport of football.
The UM football program opened up its season against the FAU Owls. This night was also to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Miami Hurricanes’ first national championship under then coach, Howard Schnellenberger. So I already knew it was going to be an awesome night.
This year UM gave photographers new colored credentials from last year’s orange to a new pinkish looking one. It also caused confusion as the print media and television media also had different colored credentials. As I walked onto the field for warmups I had a swarm of security around me trying to verify I had access etc. It was quite the hassle, but I wasn’t the only photographer who was getting the 3rd degree.
As I proceeded to get my settings dialed in for the game, which was a night time game, during warmups I noticed a lot of familiar faces from last season on the sidelines taking photos too. Not to mention there were plenty of new faces. I said the occaisonal “Hi” or head nod to the people I remember interacting with last year. I was still soaking up the moment just watching these players go through the warmups.
The favorite part for me taking photos of the Miami Hurricanes is right before the game when the players run out through the tunnel with all the smoke. It gets me every time. It’s such a rush to have these big athletes run inches away from you as I photograph them.
As the game started I found myself in the endzone as I was much of last year, but this year was different. The security last year was far less than what was surrounding the field this year at Sunlife Stadium. It seemed like every 4-5 feet was a security person. It sucked because they blocked a lot of the action since there were so many. Also they moved the line back where photographers could stand, so shooting now is more of a challenge.
As for the game itself there wasn’t too many exciting opportunities. The Miami Hurricanes quickly dismantled the Owls of FAU. I was able to grab some decent shots, but not the jaw dropping photo I had hoped for. Good news is that the season is still young and I have plenty of chances left. I can’t wait.
