NFL: Texans vs Browns - 11.06.11

[groovehouse]

The fifth home game of the season was against the Cleveland Browns. Former University of Texas quarterback, Colt McCoy as well as his teammate, running back Chris Ogbonnaya were my two main targets for this game.

Once again, I brought my three cameras. During the pregame warmups, introductions and national anthem, I usually swap out all manner of lenses on my two main cameras but once the game starts my set up is like this:

Canon 5D Mark II - 300mm f/4.0
Canon 5D - 70-200mm f/2.8
Canon Rebel XTi - 24-70mm f/2.8

Most of the action is shot with my longest lenses. Rarely do I get to use the 24-70mm for game time shots but if that play comes near me, I want to be ready, therefore, I lug it around and keep it at the ready.

1.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9546A by groovehouse, on Flickr

The field is a madhouse with photographers trying to get their best shots. The hardest thing to do is to shoot without getting a photographer in your frame.

2.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9766A by groovehouse, on Flickr

An unfortunate fumble for the home team but a great capture for me.

3.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9842A by groovehouse, on Flickr

Unwanted touch! Bad touch!

4.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9621A by groovehouse, on Flickr

I like this shot because of the two players in the foreground. I like the sense of depth.

5.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9805A by groovehouse, on Flickr

The sack. Colt McCoy was most definitely sore for a while after this game.

6.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9734A by groovehouse, on Flickr

This was the scene for most of the day for Colt McCoy. He really got to know the Texans turf really well that day.

7.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9790A by groovehouse, on Flickr

Firing up the crowd. This motion really gets the crowd cheering.

8.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9506A by groovehouse, on Flickr

Gotta support the troops.

9.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5DII_9641A by groovehouse, on Flickr

Colt McCoy handing off to Chris Ogbonnaya

10.

Texans vs Browns - Reliant Stadium - 11.06.11 - 5D_8023A by groovehouse, on Flickr

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub runs it in for a touchdown.


Many more photos, including tailgating shots can be seen in this gallery.

[Cathus]

another great set

[groovehouse]

Cathus, thanks for your comments. I am feeling a bit constrained with my 300mm and feel that I need a longer lens to be more effective. I can only crop so much before it becomes noticeable. Of course, there are no longer lenses that are anywhere near my budget.

[Cathus]

funny you should say that, I'm a little constrained by my 600mm, you'll see from my shots I can get real close up action but I often yearn for a 400mm f2.8 to get a slightly longer viewpoint.

I sometimes take a 300 f2.8 with me but mostly leave it in the bag as I love the 600mm so much and images from it are much nicer.

[groovehouse]

Originally Posted by Cathus

funny you should say that, I'm a little constrained by my 600mm

Haha! Maybe you can let me borrow the 600! LOL!

[gazh]

Superb work.

[groovehouse]

Originally Posted by gazh

Superb work.

Thanks gazh! It's truly a labor of love.

Next game I am going to try to use my right angle view finder and see if I get some good shots closer to the ground.

[Cathus]

I love the unusual angle shots. I usually just hold the camera on the ground and point it vaguely towards the subject. The other good one is sticking it on top of the monopod and holding it high in the air firing the camera with a radio trigger in one hand.

[gazh]

Originally Posted by groovehouse

Thanks gazh! It's truly a labor of love.

Next game I am going to try to use my right angle view finder and see if I get some good shots closer to the ground.

I can see the love for the sport in your images.
Shots closer to the ground should add more alot more drama.

I love motorsport and can only hope my images show my passion for the sport. Always trying to think of new ways to shot my m/sport but it`s getting harder to find fresh ideas.

[groovehouse]

Originally Posted by gazh

I can see the love for the sport in your images.
Shots closer to the ground should add more alot more drama.

I love motorsport and can only hope my images show my passion for the sport. Always trying to think of new ways to shot my m/sport but it`s getting harder to find fresh ideas.

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you taking the time to reply and check out my work.