Utah has the best gymnastics team it has had in many years, possibly all the years I've been following the team. Tonight, in front of a crowd of 15,310 (crazy, right?!), Utah scored a 197.550 to roll over BYU (194.450). Two weeks ago, Utah scored a 197.400, which went down as the best team score in the nation thus far this year. New record set. I couldn't believe how pumped the crowd was just prior to the meet, anticipating introductions. There's something special going on and it's fun to be a part of. (Oh, the seating capacity at this arena is 15,000.....go figure.)
Thirteen shots and off to bed. C&C welcome. Thanks for looking. (University gallery here)
Another stellar set from Mr. Isabella! You sure picked the right image to lead off with. There's something about Nansy that that is special. She is so beautiful and graceful, have you ever made a bad photo of her? L O L
My favs are 1,3 and 9.
Just wondering why you chose not to include the shot of Stephanie McAllister on the vault? I saw that on the Utes page and it is KILLER! Thanks for sharing.
Just another outstanding showing by the gymnasts, their fans, and their photographer. When will you show us something different?
Very impressive diversity of shots here Russ. They leave one with the feeling of being there (or at least wanting to be there). It is great to see these athletes get the attention and support that they deserve.
No point belaboring the obvious. Great shots all around!
Russ,
if you keep raising the bar like this, well, most of the rest of us will just have to sell our stuff. . Psssst, wanna buy a camera lens?
thanks for sharing, Russ. another fine story told w/ your images.
B
Another solid set, Russ (no surprise there). Nice mix going on- the image quality of the tight headshots (I love #5), the angled lines in #2, the timing in #11, though all the action shots are well timed. Starting off with that stunning shot of Bambi eyes really drives home how model-gorgeous she is.
You must be having a blast shooting the meets, with such an awesome team and crowd this season. Hope you're soaking it all up.
Billy: Ha! Choices, man. It's tough to say for many of these why I chose them over others, but in general, I'm not fond of my vault shots. Nevertheless, I'm posting two of them below--the one you referred to, and one I think is more impressive for the skill of the athlete if not the capture itself. Thanks for your encouraging words!
Thanks, Larry. If you gained a feeling of being there (or wanting to), then I'm pleased with my selection. As for something different, I'm keeping my eyes open.
rglens: Thank you!
Bret: Thanks as always. Not in the market right now.
Hey Tom, thanks. Man I wish that you and I could sit in this arena about an hour before the festivities begin, watching warm-ups and plotting the next best great shot! Honestly, I know you'd love the vibe and I sure would love the inspiration.
Thanks for your feedback, Jerry. Glad you like the beam shots. As with every event at these meets, it's a challenge to shoot because there are so many choices to be made about where to shoot from and which lens to use, only to be followed by the (seemingly) thousands of things to keep in mind (like don't follow the leaps with the camera or you'll lose the beam from the shot) while avoiding machine-gunning and trying to capture the peak moments. At least, unlike floor, where anything is possible, they're limited to moving one way or the other along the beam, or up. At any rate, thanks for the comment, and yes, I will be shooting the Jimmer tonight. His first return to Utah in an NBA uniform. I'm sure it'll be a scene.
Fantastic as always - will throw in the "AAA" I usually throw Mikey Mac's way here - but for me I'm torn between #3 and #12 for the Stellar Stud of the Set (SSS).
Hey Matt, thanks! Well now that you have a chubby, you've got no excuse to avoid this sport any longer!
Sean: No rust, just blisters. Thank you!
dj: Many thanks, my man. SSS..... I'll have to remember that one.
A final shot. Since #9 got some picks, here's another of the same gymnast, same perspective. She's barely in contact with the bar, sorta floating out there while maintaining damn good form. Amazing.
Honestly, I know you'd love the vibe and I sure would love the inspiration.