...with
Chris Fitzpatrick.
Things to remember when shooting a Football
game:
So an extra point is kicked in the 1st
quarter of a meaningless non-conference game, and as I'm
rolling tape, I feel someone grab the back of my shirt
and yank be backwards about 4 feet. Then I get an earful.
"You see that f--ing line right there. The yellow
one????? You do that at a Cowboy game and they'll kick
your ass out of there......DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!!!"
I made a rookie mistake and crossed the
line during play.......It was my first college game, but
the last time I made that mistake.
1. That's the easiest rule to learn in
shooting football. It's hard enough running up and down
a field trying to get ahead of gameplay.......but when
some A-hole thinks his shot is more important than someone
else's, he's screwing you and the guys behind you. Don't
be afraid to let the guy know.....be nice about it once,
and if it continues tell the security guards.
2. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Usually the elder photogs will know what's up. If you're
on the road and don't know if you can rush the field or
get in a certain area - ASK. Sometimes the PR people aren't
around you when you need them, and you gotta get the star
receiver......ask a local guy. They usually know best.
If you don't feel sure - just follow suit. Don't be the
only guy on the field with a light on - It's a good way
to lost your credentials.
3. Courtesy goes a long way. If you're
a madman who likes to run the sidelines from kickoff to
the final gun, be smart. There's no need to run over the
water boy carrying 5 cups of gatorade, just to get a shot
that can be pulled of the network if need be. Don't get
me wrong, I want to get every snap of the ball, but don't
step on peoples toes.
Also, if a photog needs a spot on the
field or in the lockerroom and you can make room, invite
him in... A) It's just the right thing to do, and B) You
never know when your tape might get stuck in your camera
and it's the money bite you that's supposed to hit air
in 20 minutes. He might hook you up.
4. Your back is your lifeline. Wish I
would have learned this earlier. It's never too late to
change your ways. When you're running and gunning out
there, be aware that your shoulder, neck and back are
taking a beating. Run with the camera at your side. A)
it's better than having 25 lbs. bouncing up and down your
shoulder, giving your spine a trip through hell B) You
can see what the hell is going on.
5. If a reporter is standing in a spot
that you deperately need, don't be afraid to step right
next to him, or TELL him you need his spot. Most reporters
understand this. If they don't, there's 40 photogs and
some ushers to back you up.
6. When shooting in the lockerrom, just think about it.
If you get to a player and there's a mass of media there,
don't be the jack-ass who pops on a light and blasts his
face in the MIDDLE of a sound bite. Wait the 8 seconds
and let him finish the answer. Then use your light if
you still need to. (It's amazing some of the guys that
still do this).
So beware of being 'that guy'...........Get there early,
know the rules, and don't be an A-hole.....and oh yeah....follow
the ball.
Happy Shooting!
(Editor's note: I asked Chris for a bio, this is
what he sent):
Name: Chris Fitzpatrick
Title: Photog/Editor
Place: Fox Sports Southwest
Previous jobs: Shreveport (KTBS), Abilene (KTXS)
College: Oklahoma
Throws: Right
Bats: Right
Favorite Sport: Football
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