We’re into the football playoff season here in Illinois. There are now eight classes, based on school enrollment. It’s “win or go home” this time of year, with communities across the state, turning up the volume on home town pride and school spirit. It’s a good atmosphere.
I can’t remember the last time I photographed a playoff game, but there have been many over the years. Smaller schools when I worked in Macomb and Galesburg. A mixture of both when I worked in the Chicago Suburbs.
This one is from 1984 and was taken in Hamilton, IL when I worked for the Macomb Daily Journal. I was one year into my job as the sole staff photographer. Sports reporter and editor, Joe Stevenson, and I made the drive west to the small town along the Mississippi River, across from Keokuk, IA. Hamilton was on the fringe of the paper’s coverage area, but the football team had a good year and was rolling in the playoffs. Now one game away from playing for the state championship. All they had to do was beat the visitors from Casey, IL
I’m sure the pressure increases on the athletes in the playoffs. I can tell you for sure that it does for photographers. The approach is still the same, capture the action. But it becomes more important than ever to capture key moments and plays that define the game and tell the story, win or lose.
In the end, it’s almost always jubilation or dejection that will wind up being the “lead”, most story-telling image.
As an 11 year old, and a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, the Baltimore Colts broke my heart when they beat the Cowboys on a field goal with 5 seconds remaining in the Super Bowl. When Sports Illustrated landed on our doorstep, I was struck by a photo of Mel Renfro, sitting all by himself on the bench. I am not sure who took the photo, but would bet it would be one of the aces in those days at the magazine. I’m embarrassed I don’t know, and I DID look! That photograph, showing the isolation and dejection, became sort of a benchmark for me. I was a long way from becoming a photographer, but I never forgot that photo.
Fast forward, 13 years later. I was a professional photographer working a game at Hamilton High School. It either had rained hard, or was raining during the game, I don’t remember. But the field was a muddy mess. Things did not go well for the Cardinals (Hamilton). I did my job and tried to capture good action. Near the end, Casey was ahead 22-0, I knew I’d be looking for dejection, not “jube.”
I’ve joked that it’s easier to cover dejection than jubilation because no one is running around. Most sit or stand in silence. But it’s also more awkward. At the local level, bonds and friendships are formed and it’s hard to photograph young people after a defeat. I can remember a handful of times when I’ve been scolded, given the “stink eye”, or had someone actually try and block me from doing my job. That doesn’t play well with me. I have a job to do, though I’d much rather be making “happy” photos.
With my attention now turned towards the sideline and bench, and full of courage, ambition and determination, I made the choice of putting myself “right in there” and use a wide-angle lens rather than a short telephoto. The 24mm lens had become a valuable tool to use. I loved that lens.
Crouching or kneeling, I got down and within a couple of feet of two players. I distinctly remember that not a word was exchanged, no threats, verbal or physical gestures, were made. Those kids ignored me or looked right past me. You can see the coach in the background at right, sort of giving me a sideways glance. But there were no real issues at all. I’m pretty sure it was the “lead” photo for the story. I had made what might have been the first “portfolio worthy” sports dejection photo.
Technically…. The photo is a bit flat. Slightly underexposed. As “muddy” as the field. On gray days, it’s best to avoid the sky as it “washes out.” I over-burned (a technical term) the sky in trying to bring in detail. (This photo is from a print, not a scan.)
The names of those two players are in the caption, taped to the back of the board. I wonder where they are now? I’m sorry they lost the game, but I am happy they let me do my job that day.
The photo from a 1984 football playoff game involving Hamilton High School.
The caption on the back of the matte board.
The photo from Sports Illustrated of Mel Renfro that had a huge impact on me. (Photographer unknown. I DID look)