Telling the story... with a bloodied nose warning...

[gmen]

If you're booked by a publication to cover an event editorially then you need to come away with a set of images that illustrate the story of the game. Otherwise you haven't really achieved the brief.

So, as a result, peak action isn't everything. The 'event' photographer will approach his/her coverage in one way... and the sports PJ will work from a slightly different angle.

These recent examples are by no means great, but they might go some way to illustrate what I mean. No matter how big or how small the event, there's usually a story to be captured. I've added some caption-type waffling as well.

Romford marksman Kevin Clark sports a bloodied nose after a touchline clash in this Preliminary Round FA Cup tie. Shortly afterwards he was given his marching orders for his reaction to the 'foul'...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS001.jpg

Clark's manager Mark Reed 'enjoys' a few choice words with the ref as he leaves pitch at half-time...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS010.jpg

Some more FA Cup controversy in the 1st Qualifying Round: Redbridge skipper Chris Perkins makes a last gasp challenge on AFC Hornchurch's Simon Parker inside the box...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS003.jpg

...Parker crashes to the ground watched by Redbridge defender Chris Tedder...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS004.jpg

...and the ref points to the spot, much to the dismay of Perkins...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS005.jpg

The resulting penalty is converted and AFC Hornchurch goalscorer Mark Janney soaks up the plaudits of the visiting fans. For those that are interested in the footballing politics/history of non-League football in Essex, there is also a significant element of irony in this image. OK... I'll get me coat...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS006.jpg

A couple of days later and Grays dangerman Michael Kightly is on the receiving end of some very close (and sometimes very dubious) attentions as his side crash at home to Aldershot Town. Snuffing out the threat of Kightly was a key thread that ran through the match...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/bobTGS008.jpg

...but the real story of the night was the 'did the ball cross the line?' moment. Aldershot's first goal was hotly disputed. This was taken from about 75 yards from the incident at ISO3200... but the joys of PhotoZoom Pro reveal that perhaps it did not?....

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/Grays_Aldershot_190906_000.jpg

Thanks for looking! Happy shooting.

---- Gavin

[markgardner]

It didn't, I could see quite clearly from 100 yards away ;-)

[subtle_spectre]

Superb Gavin!

[Crashoran]

I'm always amazed how you nail the WB each time. Do you shoot with levels centered?

[jsanz11]

i wish i could shoot pics like that...what lens do you use most often?

[Dan-o]

You suck!;) Awesome as usual.

[QUASIPHOTO]

Top notch Gavin. Just brilliant.

[jsanz11]

the second picture of the ref and coach talking...how much clearer can u get? the colors on all the pics amazing...write a book hehe
-joey

[joetothphoto]

Gavin, great stuff. Making me itch for American football and footy tomorrow. Both games will require a certain type of coverage. Joe

[Photodawg1]

Gavin,
I always feel like I am in the upper levels of a great sportsshooting course when I read your posts!
Linda

[gmen]

It didn't, I could see quite clearly from 100 yards away ;-):lol: It was one of those moments Mark... I'm sure there will be a few more as the season marches on!

---- Gavin

[maxyedor]

Very good work, but I would watch your toning. The saturation looks to be a little bit too high.

[jforj143]

Wonderful shots Gavin ...always look forward to your posts
cheers John

[gmen]

I'm always amazed how you nail the WB each time. Do you shoot with levels centered?The joys of AWB... no secret techniques here...

---- Gavin

[wookie6262]

Very clear and some good moments. I presume that is the 400mm F2.8 you are using. I love the one of the ref wheeling away. Refs always look so unsporting when they are running.

[gmen]

i wish i could shoot pics like that...what lens do you use most often?Many thanks jsanz... I tend to shoot most of my action images with the 400mm f/2.8L or the 300mm f/2.8L.

---- Gavin