Monday I shot some photos of our All-Central Florida lacrosse players of the year from two local high schools. The players were great to work with. They not only worked with me for almost 90 minutes in the scorching late afternoon sun, but also got down and dirty to create some nice photos. Our heat index that afternoon was 107, which is hot even for Central Florida this time a year. Needless to say, overpowering the sun at 4:30 in the afternoon proved difficult. Fortunately, there was an electrical outlet near the field. With a 100 foot extension cord, a 1600 watt White Lighting and a 600 watt fill, I was able to at least get some light on them. I felt horrible after the first diving attempt of the male athlete, as my shutter speed was too slow to stop him mid-air, even with the strobe. I had to ask him to dive again, despite not having a landing pad. Next time, I’ll bring a soft landing for him. After the shoot, they both thanked me profusely, saying that last year they just stood their with their lacrosse sticks for the shoot. They had both seen some of the other photos I had taken recently of local prep athletes, which definitely helped them not only understand what I was trying to accomplish, but inspired them as well. It always helps when your subjects are as interested in making the photos as you are.
