SHELBY BERGLUND

ANTELOPE STAFF

I fell in love with journalism in high school with writing and photography. However, there are just some things that I can’t quite express with words like a photo can, and I think that’s a big reason why I became so passionate about photography. As cliché as it is, it’s still true what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Taking posed photos are fun and all, but I prefer sports photography. Something about taking photos at sporting events and just being in the moment has a sense of thrill to it.

I grew up playing sports, but when my playing years were over, I knew I wanted to stay involved with sports in some way. So I put two of my favorite things together and decided to pursue sports photography. 

When I’m behind the camera I enjoy capturing the moments when the football player makes the catch or basketball player makes the jump shot, but no one really talks about the reactions. The raw emotions behind every play, the celebrations, the high fives and the tears. Even the crowd and student section cheering their team on. It gives me the chills every time I capture a moment like that.

Don’t get me wrong, it is still exciting to get a photo of “the big catch” in a game, but it’s the reaction afterward that really explains the play. The look on their face tells you more than the play does.

Another reason I love photography is the memories it creates. Anytime someone looks back at a memory, it’s most likely a photo. Because, let’s be honest, when was the last time you looked back at a written story for a moment you wanted to remember? Stories can tell us about the moment, but a photo can show others. 

Any sporting event can have a great atmosphere, but personally, I believe football is one of the more exciting sports to take pictures at because of the atmosphere. The players on the sideline are always yelling and getting everyone hyped up. Their excitement is projected onto the field, so when there’s a big play and everyone is celebrating, it’s something only a photo can describe.

You know the photographers behind the endzone at NFL games with the giant camera that almost gets trampled by the players? That’s where I want to be. After I graduate, my goal and dream job is to be one of those photographers.

I grew up watching the Chicago Bears with my family. I would love to take photos on a chilly Sunday at Soldier Field.

To others, photography may just be taking pretty pictures, but there is so much more to it. There are far more emotions behind a photo than people may know.