Some games are easier to photograph than others and this Miami vs. Nebraska game was not one of them. Not only I had to contend with temperatures over 100 degrees on the field, there were tons of other photographers at the game, more so than usual, and not to mention fighting with ESPN for field position. Just another day at the office.
The buzz going into this Miami vs. Nebraska game was pretty big and with ESPN televising the game, I knew real estate along the sidelines would be a premium. What I didn’t foresee was the usually high amount of other photographers. Nebraska had a big contingent of their own photographers, but there were just more photographers there than there were against Florida State.
The real battle for the sidelines and endzone is with the ESPN crew. Because they were carrying the Miami vs. Nebraska game, they, in their minds, thought they could do as they please. On several occasions I had a spot on the sideline and then the ESPN guys would just walk right in front of me and say, “We’re TV.” basically implying they were more important and perhaps so, but they didn’t need to be jerks about it. Other photographers shared the same fate and in the photo room you can hear the stories flowing about how a shot was missed because an ESPN guy ran into his shot.
The real killer of this game was the heat. It was beyond hot. I applied sunblock 3 different times and still got some color. Sweating was a given and there is nothing more uncomfortable than sweating through your shirt and have it cling to your body like your friendly neighborhood stalker.
The game itself was interesting. Miami built a big lead then blew it in the 4th quarter and the game went into OT. In OT, the Hurricanes were able to pull a victory. It was definitely a roller coaster ride of a game.
Granted it wasn’t easy to photograph the game, but I had fun. Always being out there on the field makes it that much more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next home game when Clemson comes to town.
