October 2, 2015

Recent Work Through 10/1/15

I really want to make the title to this post, "CUBS CUBS CUBS!" but there's some Bears in here too. As a native of the north suburbs of Chicago, I was raised a Cubs fan. When I started getting into baseball, it was the era of Sammy Sosa and Kerry Wood. Once Sosa had his corked bat incident and when the Cubs' couldn't make it through the playoffs, I lost hope and interest in the team.

I've been doing some soul searching and I've come to the conclusion that I only truly care about the Cubs and the Blackhawks as a fan. That makes every Cubs game I get to shoot a treat, and even better when things of historical significance happen. After 21 Cubs games this season, I got to end it on a high note, with lots of big celebrations and lots of funs pictures.

The one moment this entire season that will probably stick with me the most is the celebration after Jake Arrieta's 20th win of the season. I ended up in the middle of the mob of players around Arrieta. Chris Sweda of the Chicago Tribune and I were in the middle of the chaos and kept getting jostled around from all the movement. I never knew getting beer up my nose and being soaked in beer while being pushed against other people could be fun. Chris and I both agreed that what just happened was just awesome.

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 22:  The Chicago Cubs celebrate with Jake Arrieta #49 on his 20th win of the season after their game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on September 22, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 4-0.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 22:  The Chicago Cubs celebrate with Jake Arrieta #49 on his 20th win of the season after their game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on September 22, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 4-0.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 28:  Chris Denorfia #15 of the Chicago Cubs is dunked by Anthony Rizzo #44 (L) and Dexter Fowler #24 (R) after hitting a walkoff homerun against the Kansas City Royals at Wrigley Field on September 28, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 1-0 in eleven innings.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 19: Hector Rondon #56 of the Chicago Cubs (not pictured) pours sunflower seeds onto Kris Bryant #17 after he hit a home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning to tie the Cubs all-time rookie home run record at Wrigley Field on September 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 19: Addison Russell #22 of the Chicago Cubs (L) and Javier Baez #9 (R) celebrate their win over the St. Louis Cardinals after the game ending out by Russell at Wrigley Field on September 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 5-4. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 22: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on September 22, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 19: Addison Russell #22 of the Chicago Cubs tosses the ball to Javier Baez #9 (not pictured) for the final out of the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on September 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 5-4. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20:  Players gather in the middle of the field after their game at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Arizona Cardinals won 48-23.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears runs onto the field during team introductions before the start of their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals smiles as he acknowledges fans during the game against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Arizona Cardinals won 48-23.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20:  Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals forces a fumble on Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20: Jimmy Clausen #8 of the Chicago Bears dives as he recovers a fumble to prevent a safety during the fourth quarter in the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Arizona Cardinals won 48-23. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 20:  Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after giving up an interception for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Soldier Field on September 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

September 13, 2015

Recent Work Through 9-7-15

Time for some football! With baseball winding down, it is clearly time for football. This high school season I'm doing a lot of work for someone that doesn't require any captions or pictures that night, it's nice and refreshing to not have to stress over tight deadlines.

I was fortunate to shoot Notre Dame's season home opener last week. One thing I cannot stress enough is to invest in good hearing protection. I have some hearing loss in my right ear that was made worse by some improper protection at NASCAR about exactly a year ago. I recently bought custom fit plugs that work great, and were extremely useful at Notre Dame, especially when I was standing in front of speakers for the band.

The first picture here I was incredibly lucky to get. I was sitting in the stands and I had to "snipe" through a row of seats and hope no one in the White Sox dugout stood up, he was blocked from my view until he was about 10 feet away from the tarp. It got picked up by USA Today's For The Win and I was really excited to see that it was my second time making the edit of Getty Sport's Global Pictures of the Week.


CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 24:  Pablo Sandoval #48 of the Boston Red Sox leaps onto the tarp to make a catch for an out against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning at U.S. Cellular Field on August 24, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 05: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tackles Jerrod Heard #13 of the Texas Longhorns for a loss of yards during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 05: Sheldon Day (91) of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Isaac Rochell (90) celebrate after making a tackle for a loss of yards against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31:  Starlin Castro #13 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after striking out against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on August 31, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

A Loyola player (bottom) tackles and upends a Maine South player during their Freshman A game in Wilmette, Ill. on Saturday June 5, 2015.
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 05: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after making a tackle against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

A Lane Tech player (R) makes a hit on a Niles West player, dislodging a catch during their varsity game in Skokie, Ill. on September 4, 2015.
GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 29: Ryan Mathews #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Green Bay Packers (bottom), Sam Barrington #58 (middle) and Sam Shields #37 (top) during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 29, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Loyola player #81 celebrates a long rush for a touchdown against Maine South during their Freshman A game in Wilmette, Ill. on Saturday September 5, 2015.

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 29: Ryan White #31 of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 29, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Philadelphia Eagles won 39-26. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

August 24, 2015

Recent Work Through 8-23-15

After the Cal Ripken World Series, I went straight back to work in Chicago with some more baseball and the Bears' pre-season opener. I was a last minute sub for the Bears game which left me with a very packed two days. The White Sox game went to thirteen innings and ended around 11:50pm and I had to be at Wrigley Field for a 1:05 Cubs game and then at Soldier Field for a 7:00pm kickoff for the Bears. I got into the workroom at Soldier field 90 minutes before kickoff, I wish I had a little more time to settle down before the Bears game since it was only my second time shooting an NFL game. I've been having some trouble not "feeling it" at football games, I haven't figured out how I like shooting them, but I'm sure I'll get there.


CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 12:  The Chicago White Sox celebrate after Avisail Garcia #26 hit a walkoff one run RBI double against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at U.S. Cellular Field on August 12, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago White Sox won 3-2 in thirteen innings.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ka'Deem Carey (25) leaps over Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Vigil (49) during the second half in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports 
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 12:  Jose Abreu #79 of the Chicago White Sox high fives Alexei Ramirez #10 as he scores the game winning run off of a one run RBI double by Avisail Garcia #26 (not pictured) at U.S. Cellular Field on August 12, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago White Sox won 3-2 in thirteen innings.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 15: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs breaks his bat as he flies out during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on August 15, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A young fan celebrates a Chicago Bears touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second half in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 09:  Hector Rondon #56 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after beating the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on August 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 2-0.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 09:  Nori Aoki #23 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after being hit in the head by a pitch thrown by Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs (not pictured) at Wrigley Field on August 9, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Sam Acho (49) reacts after tackling Miami Dolphins quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (not pictured) during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins (bottom) and strong safety Reshad Jones (L) tackle Chicago Bears running back Jacquizz Rodgers (35) during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 19:  World War II veteran and National Spokesman for the 78th Fighter Squadron Jerry Yellin shakes hands with Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on August 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 15: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs (R) and David Ross #3 walk to the dugout before the game against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on August 15, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 19: Starlin Castro #13 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after grounding out to end the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field on August 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 
Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears mascot Staley holds a t-shirt launcher as members of the Illinois State Police look on during the game between the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 06:  Jason Hammel #39 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Wrigley Field on August 6, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Neville Hewitt (46) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy (11) during the second half in a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 13:  Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers steals second base as Chris Coghlan #8 of the Chicago Cubs covers during the third inning at Wrigley Field on August 13, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 23:  A fan (black shirt, R) is hit by a foul ball during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field on August 23, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)


August 17, 2015

Cal Ripken World Series

A few weeks ago I got to shoot the Cal Ripken World series, which essentially is the older cousin of the Little League Word Series. The field is a little bigger and the rules are more towards traditional baseball rules rather than those geared towards younger kids but the kids are the same age.

I was working for my awesome friend/mentor/guy Scott Serio as a second shooter for Ripken Baseball. There were a total of 54 games for the series over nine days and we had to cover all of them. I was on 35 of those games, which was 4-5 games a day (10am [not always], 1230pm, 3pm, 5pm, 8pm). The majority of the series was played on two fields and we rotated who was on which one throughout the week, until everything was on the main field for the payoffs.

Shannon, Scott's wife, was the backbone of the whole operation. We probably would have been in a stress-induced coma if she wasn't there.

Some quick little fun facts;
- ~85,000 frames over the nine days/54 games
- We drank over 4 gallons of liquids
- We had 4 remotes setup for the championship games and 5 angles on home plate
- Scott's 12 year old daughter did all of the editing during the games with his youngest being the runner
- For the 6th to last picture (Japan pitcher) I waited 6 days for the light to work
- In the sequence for the 10th picture (glove flying), my 1DX managed to track the flying glove in the air while on single point AF mode

July 31, 2015: Israel Espinosa (5) of Mexico in the dugout before the International Championship between Japan and Mexico during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball/CSM

July 31, 2015: Joel Ibarra (left) of Mexico, German Duarte (center) and Roque Salinas (right) celebrate with the team after their 7-3 win in the International Championship between Japan and Mexico during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 31, 2015: Joel Ibarra (12) of Mexico pitches against Japan to get the save in the international championship between Japan and Mexico during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Mexico won 7-3. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

August 1, 2015: Hector Mora (8) of Mexico is called out at home as Timothy Pate (22) of West Raleigh (NC) covers in the World Championship between Mexico and US, represented by West Raleigh, during 2015 the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 29, 2015: Austin Teixeira (19) of Manoa (HI) is congratulated after hitting a home run during the second inning in the game between Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball 
July 30, 2015: Ryu Taguchi (16) of Japan celebrates their victory over The Republic of Korea in the international semifinal game between Japan and the Republic of Korea during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Japan won 2-1. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 26, 2015: Tommy Whiles (7) of Meridian (ID) slides into home plate as he scores on a wild pitch for the winning run during the eighth inning as Shane Kirby (5) of Charles County (MD) covers in the game between Maryland and Pacific Northwest during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 26, 2015: Jacob Hughes (left) of Meridian (ID) and Bennett Webster (center) celebrate after Tommy Whiles (right) scored on a wild pitch to give them a 5-4 victory in their eight inning game between Maryland and Pacific Northwest during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

August 1, 2015: Mexico Erick Ordonez (6) celebrates after winning the World Championship of the 2015 Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 28, 2015: Patrick Munley (30) of Manoa (HI) slides safely into third base and knocking off the glove of Ethan Webber (16) of West Mobile (AL) in the game between Southwest and Pacific Southwest during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 25, 2015 : An Australian fan dances during activities between innings in the game between Canada and Australia during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball
July 30, 2015: Koshiro Miyamoto (11) of Japan throws to first base for the last out of the game against Republic of Korea in the international semifinal game between Japan and the Republic of Korea during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Japan won 2-1. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 26, 2015: Grayson Nichols (12) of West Raleigh (NC) is called out after attempting to avoid the tag of Austin Carr (5) of Harford County (MD) tags  in the game between Harford County and Southeast during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 25, 2015 : Benjamin Hewett (1) of Australia steals second base as Alejandro Cazorla (7) of Canada covers during the second inning in the game between Canada and Australia during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 31, 2015: Nao Kaneko (18) of Japan pitches against Mexico in the international championship between Japan and Mexico during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 31, 2015: Fans celebrate Southeast winning the U.S. championship between Southeast and Mid-Atlantic during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 25, 2015 : Jordan Shillingford (11) of Australia is unable to make a catch during the second inning in the game between Canada and Australia during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 25, 2015 : Hans Chacon (14) of Mexico steals home plate as Rui Nakayama (12) of Japan is unable to catch the ball during the second inning in the game between Mexico and Japan during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 30, 2015: Japan celebrate after winning their international semifinal game between Japan and The Republic of Korea during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball

July 31, 2015: Joel Ibarra (12) of Mexico celebrates hitting a home run in the International Championship between Japan and Mexico during the Cal Ripken World Series at the Ripken Experience powered by Under Armour in Aberdeen, Maryland. Mexico won 7-3. Jon Durr/Ripken Baseball