Soccer Soccer Soccer

Two weeks ago I shot a whole bunch of soccer, two Chicago Fire games for USA Today Sports Images and two days of U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Regionals for U.S. Youth Soccer. I don't think I could ever have too much soccer. Maybe one day I'll get to shoot a World Cup Final? 

At the Youth Soccer I had a 1DX with a 35 on a mini tripod with a Pocket Wizard Plus 3, carried it with me to every field I was shooting, and plopped it down behind the net. I checked the aim of it before walking away to where I plopped down on my stool near the corner of the field I was shooting. I sometimes had to try to get the sandbags holding the net down to flatten and get out of my shot. I set my focus earlier in the day and just paced off the distance from the back of the net so I knew where to put the camera. It took work to handle that while shooting so many fields, I think I got at least a few shots from nearly 20 games over the two days.

I've posted almost all of these shots on my Instagram already, with some adjustments to a few, but here are my favorites from all the soccer I recently shot. 

Jul 3, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutierrez (40) celebrates with fans after their win over Atlanta United after the game at Soldier Field. The Chicago Fire won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

A player does a flip in front of his team after they won at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on June 30, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Jun 26, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Cory Burke (19) loses his footing and slips while dribbling against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

The goalkeeper reacts after giving up the game winning goal in a penalty shootout at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Jul 3, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire forward Robert Beric (27) collides with Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan (1) as defender Miles Robinson (12) makes a play for the ball before the play was called back for offside during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Fans and players hoist up their goal keeper after they won in a penalty shootout at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Jul 3, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Jake Mulraney (23) wraps his hand around the face of Chicago Fire midfielder Przemyslaw Frankowski (11) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 3, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Mike Roberts and his children Charlotte, 8, and Henry, 12, celebrate a goal for England while watching the Euro 2020 soccer championship quarterfinal match between Ukraine and England during the Day of Futbol event before the game between the Chicago Fire and the Atlanta United at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

#6 kicks the shoe of an opponent while making a play for the ball at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Jul 3, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Ignacio Aliseda (7) celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game against Atlanta United during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Players battle for a header at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Jun 26, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) reacts after offside was called on a play against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

A player shields the ball near the corner flag at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on June 30, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

The goal keeper reacts after being scored on at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on June 30, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Jun 26, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth (1) collects the ball as defender Francisco Calvo (5) leaps in the air as he defends Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Players battle for a header at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on June 30, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Players battle for the ball at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on June 30, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

#5 leaps to control the ball at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

A spectator reacts to a call by the referee at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

The team huddles up before their championship game at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey on July 1, 2021. Jon Durr for U.S. Youth Soccer

Work From the End of 2015

It's pretty safe to say I'm just a tad bit behind on blog posts. I'll be putting up my "Best of 2015" within a few days for sure.

I had an action-packed October starting with the end of the regular season for baseball, shooting boxing for the first time, a handful of high school football, and ending with covering both inside and outside Wrigley Field during the Cubs' postseason games. Even though the Cubs lost the NLCS against the Mets, it was a lot of fun being there and being part of the Getty crew for the Chicago-end of the series, I definitely learned some things from the rest of the guys.

I was really happy with how my post-game celebration shots turned out. I spent a few minutes lining myself up with the NLCS logo on the grass on the first base side in hopes that there would be celebration at the pitcher's mound and that the Mets fans, above their dugout, would be going crazy. The fans weren't as excited as I hoped, not many had their hands up as I wanted, but the framing worked out great. When the Mets were back in the clubhouse celebrating, Elsa was covering that and I didn't see anyone else from our crew outside near the Mets' dugout, so I made sure I stayed put until it was clear everything was done with. I already sent out the immediate reaction with a runner, so there was no rush. While we all waited for the team to come back out, I decided to go upstairs to the upper deck and center myself with the exit stairs of the dugout. I had a very specific shot in mind, but unfortunately the moment I wanted didn't line up or happen exactly how I hoped it would, it was close though!

Loyola's Dara Laja (1) rushes for a touchdown against Stevenson during their second round Class 8A playoff game in Wilmette, Ill. on November 7, 2015. (Jon Durr for North Shore Weekend)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Daniel Murphy #28 of the New York Mets rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning against Fernando Rodney #57 of the Chicago Cubs during game four of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 21, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. This made Daniel Murphy the new record holder for most consecutive home runs in the postseason with six. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 

October 29, 2015:  War Envoy, trained by Aidan P. O'Brien and owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Joseph Allen LLC, exercises in preparation for the Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky on October 29, 2015. (Jon Durr/Eclipse Sportswire)

Niles North's Chris Geans (5) celebrates a touchdown against Maine West with River Kung (13) in Skokie, Ill. on October 2, 2015. (Photo by Jon Durr)

Fans celebrate outside of Wrigley Field after the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Three of the National League Divisional Series on October 13, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr)

Deerfield's Jordan Baum (24) receives the ball from Ben Bizarre (5) as Highland Park's Daniel Bronska (13) covers, to resume play late in the fourth quarter after a Deerfield timeout in Deerfield, Ill. on December 18, 2015. Highland Park was able to gain possession before time elapsed but was unable to score, Deerfield won 41-38. (Jon Durr for North Shore Weekend)

Niles North Matt Naranjo (left) celebrates with coach Filip Cejovic after winning the IHSA boys soccer sectional title in Skoke, Ill. on October 24, 2015. (Photo by Jon Durr)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 16: Koki Kameda (R) throws a right at at Kohei Kono during their WBA-Super Flyweight Attraction fight at UIC Pavilion on October 16, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Kohei Kono won by unanimous decision. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 20: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Chicago Cubs is unable to make a catch against the New York Mets during Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Loyola's Thomas Smart (86) makes a catch for a first down against Palatine in the fourth quarter of their IHSA Class 8A semi-final football game in Palatine, Ill. on November 21, 2015. Loyola won the game 24-22 and went on to remain undefeated and win the Class 8A Championship. (Jon Durr for North Shore Weekend)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Jeurys Familia #27 and Travis d'Arnaud #7 of the New York Mets celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs in game four of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 21, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Mets defeated the Cubs with a score of 8 to 3 to sweep the Championship Series. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Manager Terry Collins #10 of the New York Mets celebrates on field after defeating the Chicago Cubs in game four of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 21, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. The Mets defeated the Cubs with a score of 8 to 3 to sweep the Championship Series. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Wilmer Flores #4 of the New York Mets steals second in the first inning against Javier Baez #9 of the Chicago Cubs during game four of the 2015 MLB National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 21, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 17: Stephen Buckley #8 of the Northwestern Wildcats is tackled by Josey Jewell #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyes (L) and Ben Niemann #44 (R) during the first quarter at Ryan Field on October 17, 2015 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) 

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 04:  Tyler Collins #18 of the Detroit Tigers is unable to field a triple by Trayce Thompson #28 of the Chicago White Sox (not pictured) during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field on October 4, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)

Niles North's Kaleb Canonigo (1) reaches for a rebound after a shot by Niles West's Octavius Parker II (10) during the fourth quarter in Skokie, Ill. on December 5, 2015. (Photo by Jon Durr)

A Sports Crazed Weekend (11-16-14)

I won't say much here since I'm typing this while I'm laying on the couch with my eyes closed, to say I'm tired is an understatement. Last week my editor told me I was going to have an integral part of the schedule for this week and was floored once I realized how serious he was. So here was my schedule for the past four days (pictures are chronological);

Thursday - Dolphins vs Bills
Friday - NASCAR practices/time trials & University of Miami men's basketball
Saturday - FSU vs University of Miami football
Sunday - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Race

400 veterans and current members of the military salute during the national anthem before the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (#82) makes a reception in front of Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (#24) in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace (#11) fails to make a reception in front of Buffalo Bills free safety Aaron Williams (#23) in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (#14) reacts after his touchdown play was confirmed by replay against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jamar Taylor (#22) and outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins (#53, right) react after a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods (#10) was incomplete at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Thursday, November 13, 2014.

University of Miami students cheer during the game between the University of Miami and the Howard Bison at BankUnited Center in Coral Gables on Friday, November 14, 2014.

University of Miami guard JaQuan Newton (#0) is blocked by Howard Bison forward Tyler Stone (#32) at BankUnited Center in Coral Gables on Friday, November 14, 2014.

Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Braxton Berrios (#83) is unable to make a catch in front of Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (#8) in the second quarter SunLife Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, November 15, 2014.

Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (#8) celebrates with Florida State Seminoles defensive back Nick Waisome (#6) after making the game-ending interception against the Miami Hurricanes in the fourth quarter at SunLife Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, November 15, 2014.

Florida State Seminoles cornerback Ronald Darby (#3) leaps on the shoulders of defensive back Jalen Ramsey (#8) after he made the game-ending interception against the Miami Hurricanes in the fourth quarter at SunLife Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

The start of The Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick #4 Denny Hamlin #11 and driver Alex Bowman #23 in turn one during the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick #4 leads Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin #11 during the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

Sprint Cup Series driver Joey Logano #22 pits during the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick #4 during the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead on Sunday, November 16, 2014.

Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick #4 holds up the trophy after winning the Sprint Cup Series and the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead on Sunday, November 16, 2014.