Feet in the grass

I’ve been going to more soccer games. You?

When they started increasing in frequency I had a friend suggest a folding chair and a large umbrella. As much as those would be nice I’ve found myself moving around. I’ve been wearing sandals, bringing the camera and walking around barefoot catching shots.

Not much can beat lush grass underfoot, the sun crisply in the September air and the joy of kids running around in a little pack. I’ve found the experience more engaging of my senses than sitting in one place and thus more satisfying. I’m thinking of the shot, the next one, the sun, the story, the motion of the players and where they go for kickoffs after goals. There are lots of goals. I’m thinking of the wind, the shadows, the foreground and background, the ISO, Aperture, lense flare and which subject to focus on. It’s been great fun.

And then, then there are shots like this little girl who danced for joy watching her brother play. So carefree… so alive. I don’t have a folding chair. I do have a camera. It’s been great.