Panthers Fans in the House?

Panthers Fans in the House?



Ok, so I've probably alienated my entire blog readership base since most of you are from reading from Tampa, but it had to be done. I had to post some photos from my NFL photography experience even if none of the players in these pictures are wearing red and pewter. This is, afterall, a PHOTO BLOG! With the exception of the last game between the Panthers and Bucs this '07 season, I would definitely maintain that despite a dream trip to the sidelines of this NFL game, the Bucs keep a place in the back of my heart for life. After all, they were the organization that placed me on the sidelines first.

One of my three major goals in photography - all of which I achieved within the first couple of years of camera ownership - was to land a photographer's credential to the sideline of an NFL football game. I find this to be somewhat of a difficult feat since "knowing the right people" is only the start. Many other key items come into play such as experience, proper equipment, a credentialed organization, and conduct while jockying for position along with other pro photographers. In that tall order of attributes I most likely possessed the latter of the three. Experience with knowing the sidelines, a knowledge learned through familiarity and maturity from working with an NFL team, is an invaluable tool to have in ones belt. Chaulk it up to "paper" experience with photography coupled with real world working experience on the sidelines allowing me to at least finish the day with some keepers.


Having worked for the Bucs and previously experienced some sideline time, I figured I was a shoe-in for at least a one time credential. Despite my obvious desire to pursue this whole photography thing, I thought that someone within the organization would share my desire. It wasn't to be. This is pretty much where my rant shall stop, but somewhere before I reach the end of this blog entry I had to provide some background history to support my recent ways of thinking. In life one must draw the lines of loyalties. Having been a long time Bucs fan and former employee, my latest passion for photography quickly clouded any true ties to anyone. For me, getting on the sidelines with cameera in hand was a Rudy moment only someone connected with the Panthers could deliver. I have long desired to join the ranks of Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, and many other pro-sports dedicated shooters on the green turf of the Sunday gridiron. "Rudy", a character in a the movie titled "Rudy" is based on the hopes and dreams of the underdog who some day yearns to live his dream if not but for one moment. I had my Rudy moment. Sure, I wish it had come in my hometown, but I won't stand in the way of fate to deliver me my epiphany moment.

So there I was - late, nervous, and enamoured with the fact that I had made it. I had found a way albeit via a terrific blonde co-worker's connection to a man named John O who saught talent for just this kind of thing. I had my prosumer D100, pricey 70-200 Sigma glass, and a humble ego in tow. It was intimidating to stand next to pro photo journalists carrying equipment quadrupuling my mediocre investment. I didn't care. I was just as professional as they were if only in attitude, creativity, and motivation. Cheerleaders...my goodness were they ever aware of a camera when they saw one. Many of times I attempted the simple candid shot, but sure enough, as soon as my lens pointed their way they posed for that million dollar shot sure to propel them to their next grand opportunity. Who was I to deny them of that hope? I sure had hope. So off I went snapping and looking for that next great NFL experience photo.

I understand the meaning of life - I think. If anything, doing photography, no matter if it's for the NFL or for the wildflowers surrounding my grandfather's grave, I hope to do this full time some day with the hope that I will again return to the green fields of America's Sunday afternoon past time.



For now I have achieved one of my greatest moments in living a fulfilled life. I never thought I'd get here. I certainly hope you are inspired to do whatever it is you need to do to fight your odds and achieve success - even if it only lasts the length of one football game.

Happy 2008 - Eugenio