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

Justin's Triumph

Justin's Triumph





I have found along my short time in photography that the best opportunity to create photographs is when friends lend their time and faces to pose for my camera. The benefits are wonderful - there's no pressure on me to get it right and no one's feelings are hurt over the exchange of money. Often times, there is no discomfort at all since we all know each other. But in truth, finding anyone - friends or not - to agree to meet and spend some time being photographed is quite difficult. Friends or not, let's face it, I am not the most outwardly person there is when it comes to asking complete strangers to pose for a picture. In the few times that I have asked, I am often met with a sense of skepticism and curiosity as to why. I generally don't have a good answer other than "I need the experience and you seem to fit the bill. By the way, will you sign all of your rights away on my model release form?"


A few short months ago I met a guy named Justin by way of the husband of a girl I work with. (Okay - nevermind the relationship as to how. Let's just say I found someone with a need for some photos.) Justin had recently won a motorcycle burnout competition at a local event. One particular magazine in attendance expressed interest in featuring his bike. In comes the need for a photographer. A few chats over a few beers and I agreed to help him out. This arrangement is the perfect setup for me - a bike, a girl, and a guy to model at my disposal. The opportunity to work with all of these new elements was a great deal of incentive for me. This also proved to be the perfect opportunity for me to play with some remote flash units to create new lighting situations.


Aubrey - Justin's girlfriend who is also pictured in this shoot - was somewhat timid and new to this whole "take my picture" experience. It was evident after the first few minutes of the shoot that she too was lending her time to help out her boyfriend. I was particularly thankful as the mixture of a guy, girl, and piece of machine made for some great photo opportunities. Aubrey was a good sport, and as you can see by these photos, has the potential to model professionally.

The bike itself is a 1960's custom built "Triumph" brand motorcycle. I tried to ask as many questions as possible during the shoot - as I am not all that experienced with motorcycles - about the effort put into the bike and how much of it is built from original parts. I suppose if you are a rock collector then you collect rocks. If stamps are your thing, then you should have many stamps. I was not surprised to find out that this particular bike is one of many in his collection that he builds from the ground up for fun. A guy needs to have his toys and as such Aubrey stands by him and enjoys seeing Justin engrossed in his bike hobby.


I did my best to capture the essence of the bike and its maker given the awesome location in downtown Winston Salem. We met on a Sunday afternoon sometime after the rain had passed. The sun was low in the evening and left behind a nice welcome cool breeze from the summer heat. We posed the bike in two different spots and exchanged many ideas for posing the couple. We even stole a few suggested poses from a copy of one of Justin's bike magazines. Some poses were a bit to risque for Aubrey. I chose to not push the issue and was honestly just thrilled to have their attention.

Hopefully Justin's bike and my photos will soon appear on the pages of his favorite bike magazine. I will be thrilled to yet again see my name in print elsewhere and also see the work put into his hobby on display for other readers. We had a great time. I look forward to many other opportunities to photograph another Justin and Aubrey. Thanks guys.

(Justin and I cut it up a bit with this silly self-portrait in the reflection of the bike's headlight.)