The Sharpe Image

March 1, 2010. NBA. The Dallas Mavericks at the Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Sharpe — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:56:54 +0000

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood (33) slams the ball home against Bobcats Forward Gerald Wallace (3) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I got to tell you, I really thought that the Bobcats were going to win this game. They really stayed within a few points of the Mavericks when they were behind, and they were up by as much as 15 points during the 1st half. It just seemed as if the Bobcats grew “cold” in the 3rd period. They threw nothing but “bricks.” Could not hit the side of the barn…………….on the other hand, the Mavericks just seemed to become on fire with the 3 point shot from the outside. Just hitting everything, nothing the Bobcats could do stopped the air attack.

Here is my take from the game. I thought that I gad a pretty decent game. There are some things that I missed, but all in all I think that I did OK from an Editorial standpoint. All of these images were shot with my Nikon D300. The lenses used were my 17mm~35mm f2.8, 70mm~200mm f2.8, and my 300mm f2.8. I set my ISO at 2000 as usual for the Arena Lighting, but I slowed my shutter speed to 650 with at f 3.4. I wanted toi try this to get the extra depth of field. The problem with me and the slower shutter speeds is that I tend to knock things out of focus down there. I admit it, I can really screw up when I break below 1000. But I seemed to do OK with it on this night. Maybe I am getting used to shooting from the uncomfortable “Indian Sitting Position,” whatever it was, I did OK with it.

Most of the shots that I got were of the drives to the basket. Just seemed to be what was working for me. I really like the Bobcats. I know that there is a ton of controversy that surrounds them, but I still think that they put on a GREAT Show. Now that it seems as if Michael Jordan is going to become the majority owner. This has created more controversy, but I think in the end they are going to be a contender no matter what. So aside from the photography aspect that I like to talk about on this Blog, I am telling you to do your self a favor and become a fan………no, they do not win every game, but it always seems to be a good time for the fans!

Please enjoy the image. If you have a comment, please feel free to leave it.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) drives to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) jams a dunk home while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan sits while his team is playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) shoots against Jason Kidd (2) while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd (2) passes the ball while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love this next Image. Gerald Wallace (3) is such a dynamic player. I think that he is very “under rated,” and possibly on of the best players in the league. He is truly a Joy to photograph. This shot, and the two that follow are possible my favorite from the whole night.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) drives to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) flies to the basket for the score while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I shot this after Gerald Wallace git a finger jammed in his eye. That was a scary moment. He actually left the Court during play without calling for a time out. I hate to see things like this…..but from an Editorial point of view, editors like shots like this. Fortunately, he was not seriously hurt. He returned to play after sitting out for a few minutes…..but a scary moment none the less.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) tends to his injured eye while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan and Gerald Wallace (3 ) sit and watch while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler (4) fights for the ball while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This kid, Tyrus Thomas, that the Bobcats picked up a couple of weeks ago seems to be really good. Again, a very dynamic player. I real powerhouse at the Forward Position.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) drives a basket home while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) gets the rebound while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Tyrus Thomas talking with Gerald Wallace. I think that Tyrus is going to work out well for the Bobcats.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) talks to Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are some “Heated Moments” from the game. Here again, it is always good to capture the “emotion” of the game. Something other than just “plays” from the action. Something that tells the story.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) contests a foul against him while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats head coach Larry Brown yells at the referee while his team is playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shows his displeasure to a foul call while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) voices his displeasure with a foul call against him while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Not really a heated moment, but a moment none the less. Raymond Felton looking up at the score board.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) checks the score while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love these next 2 shots. In the first, you would think that Stephen Jackson might have thought this a football game instead of a basketball game. It seems as if he almost tackled Brendan Haywood to stop the basket…..needless to say, this drew a foul.

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood (33) gets fouled by Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14) drives to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

More Action from the “take.”

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (0) slams the ball home while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) takes it to the basket while playing against the Dallas Mavericks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

March 1, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mavericks win 89 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, that is it from this game. Like I said, I really thought that the Bobcats were going to win, but it was not to be on this night. No matter what people seem to like to say, I like this Team. Do yourself a favor and come out to a game. I think that you will have a great time.

Please let me know the good and the bad of the photography.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

C-ya,

Sam

Jan. 5, 2010 NBA: The Chicago Bulls at the Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Sharpe — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:12:47 +0000

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives against Gerald Wallace (3) while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This was a close game. The Bobcats trailed all night long until the last 3 minutes of the game, then they really started to figure it out. I was jazzed to be able to shoot this game. I grew up watching Michael Jordon, so there is a certain air about the Bulls…………..I can vividly remember watching Michael Gordon, Scotty Pippen, and the rest of the Chicago Team that dominated Basketball under Phil Jackson in the era of the 90’s. Watching these guys play when I was younger was one on the reasons I wanted to take up Sports Photography. So to get the chance to shoot them really did me good. All the images that are here were shot with my Nikon D300 Camera Body. All were shot at ISO 2000, and I bounced the shutter speeds back and forth from 1000 to 1250. The following set of images I shot from up in the stands. I have looked at this angle before shot by other photographers, but I really have never decided whether I liked it or not. True, it is something different, that is why I did it. Most of the shots did not work out in my opinion, but some did. I will do it again sometime soon, so here is what I got from “up top.”

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center forward Joakim Noah (13) tips off the game against Nazr Mohammed (13) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I thought this next dunk worked out well. It is of Gerald Wallace (3) taking it home after getting the ball and screaming down the court. I liked the way I caught him completely off of the floor.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) slams a dunk home against Luol Deng (9) while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is of Boris Diaw (32) fighting for the ball. I shot this from up top, and I thought that it gave it a nice angle. I shot this with my 300mm 2.8 lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw (32) fights for the ball against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In these next series of images, I shot some individual players. These are good sellers for magazines. Websites pick them up also at the end of the night if the player had a really good game. There were shot with both my 70mm~200mm 2.8 lens, as well as my 300mm 2.8 lens.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward D.J. Augustine (14) against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This was something that I poped off with my 300mm lens. Flip Murray was standing near me during a time out. I framed this such that to leave room for text to the left of his face. I thought that his face was just a “tick” tight, but it was a 300mm lens, so that is what I got.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

Vinny Del Negro is a pretty interesting Character when it comes to coaches. Not as physically animated as is out Larry Brown, but he can have his moments. In the image below, I caught him talking with his team during a time out. The thing that I like about this is that I was able to capture him speaking so that you really knew that he was communicating with the team. I shot this with my 70mm~200mm lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro talks to his team during a time out against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Vinny trying to plead his case to a referee. Again, shot with my 70mm~200mm lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro talks with a ref while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The rest of these images were shot with my 70mm~200mm lens.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) drives to the basket against James Johnson (16) while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really love this next shot. I caught Kirk Hinrich (12) basically just trying to “strong arm” Flip Murray (22) out of the Basket. I wish that you could see the faces better in the image……..but other than that, I think that it gets the point across to the foul that occurred.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) is fouled by Kirk Hinrich (12) while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are some Lay ups from the game. This was not only a very physical game, but it just had some really great visual moments to it. Here are some. Again, these were shot with my 70mm~200mm Lens.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard John Salmons (15) shoots against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I shot this next image from across the court with my 300mm 2.8 lens. It is hard to really get this shot to work out, but I think I did it with this one. I just liked it.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) slams the ball to the basket against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center forward Joakim Noah (13) drives to the basket against Gerald Wallace (3) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas (24) shoots against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobtas win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are some of the more physical moments of the game that I was able to catch…….this game was a brawl. This image below kinda reminded my of Dodge-ball from my childhood.

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls center forward Joakim Noah (13) gets ready to pass against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14) goes for the rebound against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) drives against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward James Johnson (16) looses the ball while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) gets the rebound to win against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love getting something when the ball get loose. I have not been able to catch a “scrap” this year…..but the season is still not over. This was shot with my 70mm~200mm 2.8.

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes for a loose ball while playing against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14) passes against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 5, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 113 to 108. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, that is about it for this game. I hope that you can get out and sww the Bobcats if you have a chance. They are a great team……and probably the best value for your sports entertainment dollar in Charlotte.

Till next time, thanks for taking the time to read.

Sam

Wedding Shoot: Dave and Tara Barnaba. January 13, 2010

Sam Sharpe — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:42:35 +0000

Now normally, I do not do Weddings. As most of you know, I am a Sports Photographer. But it just so happened that a close friend of mine from Sprint Cup Racing has a step daughter that was getting married. Joni called me up about 8 months ago and told me to block off January 13, 2010 on my calendar…………………She told me that her step daughter was getting married and that she wanted me to shoot it. Now as I said before, I really have not done a whole bunch of Weddings, but when I do them, I really do enjoy them. My Father-in-Law Fred Clanton (www.ClantonStudios.com) is a very successful Wedding Photographer out of Sunset Beach, NC. I have assisted him on Weddings, and I even worked for a Wedding Photographer when I was in college, but my career path never took me in that direction. But with the economy being what it is, I was greatful to get the work. And I have to admit, I really enjoyed the shoot. I plan on doing more in the future……so if you know someone that plans to get married, please have them give me a call!

These Images were all shot with my D300. The ISO was 1600, and it worked out pretty good. I used several lenses, everything from my 17mm~35mm 2.8, to my 300mm 2.8. I shot 843 images, and I ended up working 254 for the client. Here are a few that I liked.

I shot the following images from a loft that was above the sanctuary. It was a Catholic Wedding, so I had a lot of time to move about. I really liked shooting from up top because you could really see the faces, and the whole ceremony.

Both of the images above were shot at ISO 1000, f2.8, and a 60th of a second.

I came back down to finish up the ceremony. I wanted to get the “kiss” from down below. Here is what I got. I shot both of these images at ISO 1000, shutter speed 60, and at f2.8…..I was living on the edge!

I really wanted to capture the essence of the ceremony. I always see Wedding pictures from people’s ceremonies, and it seems as if it is nothing but posed shots. I really wanted to break that mold. I really wanted to document the event and catch moments……here is some of what I got.

In the above Image, I was wanting to get a prospective of the father walking his daughter down the isle………a feeling of the ceremony, and how this was the moment that Dave was going to be giving his “little Girl” away. I think that it was a good shot.

In the image below, I was wanting to get just a good shot of them walking down the isle. I swung out and shot this with my 70mm~200mm lens. I shot both from a kneeling position.

This next Image is probably my favorite from the whole day. You have to understand, the church that this was held in was huge, I mean a real big place. I was able to move about without being noticed. I saw Dave (father of the Bride) looking over at his wife Joni. It was just such a tender moment. I was really lucky to get it. I shot this with my 300mm f2.8 lens. Here again, the ISO was 1000, the shutter speed was 60th, and it was shot at f2.8. I am very lucky that it came out………..but it did and it is nice.

These next Images are of various “moments” before the ceremony. These all took place in the “Bridal Room” just before the Wedding.

The next series of images are various versions of Portraits. I all of these in the Church right after the ceremony. I did not have much time due to the schedule of the Chruch. We really only had about 15 minutes total. I really had to put together something fast…..and I could not set up lights. In did some Filter work on some of these, but better to offer the Client more than less. Here is just some of what I got.

These next 2 images were shot after everything was done and we were getting ready to go over to the reception. Here again, just “moments.” Trying to catch something besides just “posed” images.

This next Image was shot at ISO 400 @f2.8. I turned the flash down and bounced it off the ceiling of the Limo. I thought that it worked out.

These next Images are from the reception. I used lights on the portraits were they are posed on the Grand Stair Case. That was over at the Embassy Suits in Concord, NC. I am just glad that no one tripped over the lights!

The next images are from the reception.

I hope that I succeeded in getting something more than just “posed” shots. Like I said, I really enjoyed myself. If you know of someone that is planning to get married, please pass my name along!

Until next time, Thanks for reading!

Sam

704.905.4722

Dec 22, 2009. NBA Detroit Piston @ The Charlotte Bobcats

Sam Sharpe — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:39:33 +0000

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (3) drives past Nazr MoHammed (13) while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, it was getting towards Christmas, and the weather was freezing outside, but the Bobcats have been on FIRE! I’m glad, because after the Season that the Panthers have had, it is about time that someone in this town started winning. It just makes things that much more pleasant when it comes to doing my job. All the images that I am about to show you were shot with my D300. I am using a 70mm~200mm lens, and my 17mm~35mm lens for right under the basket. The above shot was taken with my 17mm~35mm lens. I love this angle, a lot of the time the Ref gets in my way with it, but when it works out, it is sweet……………..I really need to try it with the camera right on the floor mounted on a small stand firing with a remote, but I guess that I am afraid that it might get “wiped out” by a player falling on me. I think that I am going to try it soon along with a remote. Here are some other shots that I did with it from a hand held position on the floor.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons center Chris Wilcox (9) drives past Gerald Wallace (3) while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final Score Bobcats 88 Pistons 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

All of the above images were shot at an ISO of 2000, shutter speed 1000 @ f3.2. As mentioned above, they were all shot with my 17mm~35mm lens. They image below has the same technical data, but it is of a rebound. Getting a rebound can be tuff sometimes because you are always working around the referee. Here is one that worked out for me.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey (3) gets the rebound against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is why I have a fear of being wiped out! It is a real cool shot, but I just barely avoided the hit……it could have been big!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Stephen Graham (23) goes after the rebound against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next images were shot with my 70mm~200mm lens. These are some images of the more physical aspects of the game. All of these were shot at ISO 2000, shutter speed 1000 at f2.8

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton (32) fouls Bobcats Gerald Wallace while playing the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really thought that Gerald Wallace got hurt in the shot above. This next image is from the same sequence, but I cropped in Horizontal. I thought that it had more visual impact on the Horizontal.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko (33) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I thought this next Image was kinda funny. Gerald Wallace was pleading his case to Coach Larry Brown over something, and Larry just wanted him to sit down. I love Coach Brown!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) talks to head coach Larry Brown while playing against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

More Physical Basketball!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (12) drives against Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin (14)while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Players setting up a play during the action.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (12) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The next series of images are lay-up and scores during the game. All were shot with my 70mm~200mm Lens and my Nikon D300.

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard forward Austin Daye (5) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

DaJuan Summers (35) drives up against Gerald Wallace (3) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva (31) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bobcats 88 Pistons 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Stephen Graham (23) drives in against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (12) drives against Bobcats guard Raymond Felton (20) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) drives and shoots against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next shots are of one of the Bobcats Dancers. These girls are good!

December 22, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Charlotte Bobcats cheerleader dancer performs while the team plays against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 88 to 76. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Look for the Chicago @ Charlotte Blog coming soon.

Thanks for reading!

sam

January 3, 2010. NFL New Orleans @ Charlotte

Sam Sharpe — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:23:24 +0000

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Mike Goodson (33) plows for yardage against Anthony Hargrove (69) while playing against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, this was the last game for the Carolina Panthers. Since they did not make the playoffs, their season ended right here at the Bank of America Stadium. They did win the game, but New Orleans did not play Drew Brees. It was not a real exciting game other than the fact that the Carolina Panthers won………………..But they did win, and that closed out the Season on a positive not. The big issue of the day was the cold. It did not get past 28 degrees all day long. Some people can operate well in that cold, but for me, it is a true pain in rump. Let me say, “I HATE the cold.” All of these images were shot with either my Nikon D300, or my Nikon D2x. I love the D300, and I like the D2x in certain situations……but I think that this will be the D2x’s last assignment. It is time for an upgrade which will occur this year. Nikon is making some FANTASTIC equipment, I do love the company.

This game was truly a game of the “run offense.” Since Drew Brees was not playing, the Saints kept the ball on the ground. And on the Panthers side, since Steve Smith is injured, they tended to keep the ball on the ground also. The above image of Mike Goodson (33) somewhat sums up the feel of the game. It was just real “smash mouth” football. This image was shot with my D300, and a 300mm f2.8 lens. I wish that it had better light in it, but it is what it is.

These next images are of running back Jonathan Stewart (28). He broke 1000 yards rushing for the season during this game. It seemed as if the ball was in his hands more than anyone during the whole game.

This next Image was shot with my D2x and my 500mm f4 lens. I LOVE me 500, but you have to be careful with it when the laght starts to fade.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image of Jonathan Stewart (28) was also shot with my 500mm f4 and D2x. The ISO was 250 shutter speed 1250 @ f6.3.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The next Image of Jonathan Stewart (28) was also shot with my 500mm lens. This is guy is just so powerful, seemed as if it took the whole Saints defense to take him down.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) gets stopped by the Saints defense while playing against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I also used my 500mm lens in these next 2 images. They are of the punters, which to me, are hard to get a good shot of. I placed myself at the opposite end zone, and decided to try and catch them through the line of scrimage as the play developed. The one of the Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) did not thrill me as much as the one of the Panthers punter Jason Baker (7). In the image of Jason Baker (7), you can see the ball. In the one of Morstead, the ball is already gone………but I liked it anyway.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers punter Jason Baker (7) punts against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead (6) punts the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really only caught 2 pass plays the whole game, and one was not even a catch…….but I thought that it was still a very cool shot. I vowed at the beginning of the Season to really work on the Passing Game. Looking back on it, I think that I did OK, but still have a ways to go before I am really happy. I this next shot, I caught Jeff King just as he reeled the ball in after the catch. I shot this with my 500mm f4 lens. For some reason, I had put my D300 body on the lens……..so this was shot with my D300 and my 500mm f4.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Jeff King (47) catches the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next Image, Robert Meachem (17) of New Orleans stretches out, but he just misses the ball. I thought that it was a really neat shot, but probably not all that worthy from an Editorial point of view. I shot this with my 300mm 2.8 lens and my D300 camera body.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem (17) stretches out but misses a pass while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 images are from the same sequence and play. What I found interesting with them was the play on the light. There is one part of Bank of America Stadium that was “pools” of light form in the late afternoon. They are more towards the sides, and if you can catch someone in them, it makes a very good image. I was fortunate to catch Devery Henderson (19) of the Saints in them. Both of these were shot with my D300, my 300mm 2.8 lens, and the camera set at “Shutter Priority” for the operational mode. I had the shutter speed set at 1000. i think that they turned out nice. The only thing that I wish could have been different is to catch Henderson catching the ball in the pool of light, but that was not to be.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) runs against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was also shot with my D300 and my 500mm f4 lens. I shot it at shutter speed 1000, at f5.6. The ISO was 250, and the exposure was straight up. It is of Tracy Porter (22) chasing after a loose ball.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter (22) chases after a loose ball while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

As I stated in the beginning of this, it was all about the running game on this day. Here are some images from the running game. All of the following were taken with my D300, and my 500mm lens. I used Shutter Priority for most of the day as far as my operating mode. These were all shot with Shutter Priority, and the exposure was straight up.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario (88) breaks away from Troy Evans (54) in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell (21) breaks through the line for yardage while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Lynell Hamilton makes yardage against Dante Wesley (21) while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The following are some images of the quarterbacks in action. Like I said, there wa not much passing, and when they did pass, it seemed if I was on the wrong side of the field……..just only able to get there backs. Here is what I did get.

Here are 2 images of Mark Brunell (11). Both were shot with my 500mm lens on Shutter Priority. The shutter speed was 1000.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Mark Brunell (11) hands off to running back Lynell Hamilton (30) while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Mark Brunell (11) against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here are 2 images of Matt Moore (3) in action. These were both shot with my D300 and my 300mm lens. Both on Shutter Priority with the exposure straight up.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) hands of to Brad Hoover (45) while playing against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I posted these next 2 Images with my take. I just consider these “gritty” football images. The one below was shot with my 500mm lens……the thing that I liked about it was the Reggie Busch (25) from the Saints is just “stonewalled” by the Panthers secondary. I thought that it was just a good football shot.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Busch (25) is stopped by Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) and linebacker Jon Beason (52) while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was shot with my 80mm~200mm lens and my D300. The reason that I included it was that it was a goal line stand. The Panthers stopped the Saints right in their tracks at the goal line.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Lynell Hamilton (30) is stopped at the goal line while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next images are of some of the emotions that I caught after a play. I have vowed to work on catching these moments more. I have gotten better, but still have a ways to go.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back wide Dwayne Jarrett (80) celebrates with Jeff King (47) after scoring a touchdown during then first half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) celebrates after making a tackle against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Everette Brown (91) gets a congratulations from Charles Johnson (95) during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Being that it was the last game of the Season for Carolina, I wanted to get some of the guys coming off of the field. The light was very nice on one part of the field, so I tried to catch as many players as I could walking through it. I shot these with my 17mm~35mm lens. I used my D300 camera body.

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Na'il Diggs (53) walks off the field after winning against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

January 3, 2010; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) walks off the field after winning against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 23 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, that is a wrap for the 2009 Panthers NFL Season. I really wish that they had made the play-offs, but there is always next year. I have worked very hard at Football this year, and I think that I have made some strides in it. I plan on shooting more college as well as the NFL next season. I am really looking forward to it.

Well, for now, it is on to the NBA……and Motorsports is just around the corner.

Thaks for reading!

Sam

December 20, 2009. NBA: Shooting Basketball for the first time, and loving it!

Sam Sharpe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:34:00 +0000

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Ronald Flip Murray (22) against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

OK, I have just started to shoot NBA, so this is all somewhat new to me. I have never shot a Basketball game until November 25, 2009. It is something that I have always wanted to do, and being a professional sports photographer, it is something that I should do. I have always been a fan of the NBA, growing up in Washington DC, it was all about the Washington Bullets. That’s right, I STILL think of them as the Bullets. So I have a handle on what the sport is all about. I have always said that to really shoot a sport well, you have to understand the sport. I understand basketball, but to say that I was a bit nervus when I went onto the court is somewhat of an understatement. Fortunately for me, my friend Chuck Burton (head of AP in the Carolina Piedmont Region) was there to give me some pointers……………….so I was able to figure the basics out pretty fast. The following Images are a collection of images that are from my “takes” from the first 5 games that I have shot. I really like shooting the sport, I look forward to shooting it and making it another part of my career.

All of the images that I shoot in the Time Warner Cable Arena are at an ISO of 2000, shutter speed 1000, f2.8 or 3.2 depending on the lens I am using. All the following images are shot with my Nikon D300 Camera Body, and either my 300mm f2.8 lens, my 70mm~200mm f2.8 lens, or my 17mm~35mm f2.8 lens.

The image below was shot at the start of the Bobcats-Raptors game. This was the first game that I ever shot. I really liked this shot because of the while banner behind the Team’s hands. I think that really helped break in the background and helped it out. This image was shot with my 300mm lens.

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats gather during pre game against the Toronto Raptors at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This game is really all about the competition at the basket. Most of these images were shot with my 70mm~200mm lens. I really like to catch the player just really driving towards the goal. These can be very cool shots, and to me, it really is the essence of what Basketball is all about. The following images are of guys just driving hard for the goal.

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes up for the slam dunk against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Gerald Wallace (3) (in the image above) is real playmaker for the Bobcats. He is like a rocket ship when he heads skyward, real hard to stop.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next series of Images, I played around with my wide angle lens. This lens is nice because it can produce some very dramatic images. The wide angle, along with moving around under the basket, produced what I thought were some nice moments. I think that I may have been able to do better had I had more experience, but for the most part I was happy with what I got.

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes up for the dunk against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 97 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe,www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Tyson Chandler (6) against the Toronto Raptors at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bobcats 116 Raptors 81. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) goes for the lay up against the New York Knicks at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was shot with my 70mm~200mm lens out to 70mm. It is of a 3 point shot, which to me is hard to catch while really telling that it is a 3 point shot. I got lucky with this one……..I think that it works well.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Here is another 3 point shot, but in this one I am pulled closer to 200mm with the 70~200mm lens.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams (2) takes a shot against Charlotte Bobcat D.J. Augustin against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

One thing that I have found very hard to do, is to get a really good shot at the opposite goal. You are shooting across the court, and the action is naturally going away from you. It is very hard to get “faces” in the image. I think that it works better on the “rebound” image than the actual score. Here are some images that I shot. I know that they do not have the faces in the image, but I still like them from a “pure” competition point of view.

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Toronto Raptors at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bobcats 116 Raptors 81. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Boston Celtics at Time Warner Cable Arena. Celtics win 108 to 90. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is of a rebound. Again, you can’t see the faces of the players, but I love the way Gerald Wallace (3) is just flying through the air to get the ball.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) gores for the rebound against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In these next 2 images, I caught the player’s reaction to being “called” on something. I really need to pay more attention to the “drama” that goes on in breaks between the action. Editors love these images and therefore they sell. It will be to my advantage to pay more attention. Like I have vowed to really work on my “passing game” in football, this is a priority of mine in basketball. Here are 2 examples of images I caught.

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward center Rasheed Wallace (30) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Catching a dunk is cool, I quickly found that I was wanting to really catch the “intensity” of the game. Basketball is a very fast paced, intense Sport. itis not always about the shot, here are some images that I caught that were pure intensity.

I just really love this next shot, it is just has “competition” written all over it

November 25, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu (44) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Final score Bob cats 116 Raptors 81. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next image, I love the look on Labron’s face. At this point the Bobcats had taken the lead, and I think the Cavaliers were a bit worried.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) gets ready to shoot against Cavaliers LaBron James while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94 to 87. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Here are some other shots that I thought showed good intensity

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (1) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 1, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics forward sheldon Williams (13) gets rejected by Charlotte Bobcat Stephen Graham (23) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Celtics win 108 to 90. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) drives to the basket against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This game can also be a very physical game. I think that this is a very important “story line” when it comes to shooting Basketball. I am getting better at nailing some of the more “physical” moments, here are some of the better images that I thought that I captured. In this next image of LaBron James, he “tweeked” his ankle good, he was walking around trying to walk it off…………..as you can see from the expression on his face, he was not happy.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hurts his ankle against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, Gerald Wallace really got taken out. He was not hurt, but at the moment it was scary.

November 27, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace (3) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 shots are from the same series. I posted them both.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (1) drives against Bobcats Gerald Wallace (3) at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I think that I like the one below better.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (1) drives against Bobcats Gerald Wallace (3) and Nazr Mohammed (13) at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next shot is of Chris Anderson (11) being blocked by Derrick Brown (4) while going for a rebound. I thought that it was very cool.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Derrick Brown (4) and Chris Anderson (11) of the Denver Nuggets go for the rebound at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next imag is of a pure “rejection” at the goal. This is different from the point of view that it is a really good defensive play. I thought that it worked.

In this next shot, I was really struck by the fact that Chris Duhon (1) has his eyes closed in the shot. I am sure he opened them right up the next split second, but I thought that it made for a very dynamic shot.

December 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks guard forward Chris Duhon (1) drives past Raymond Felton (20) while playing against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 97 to 84. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, I was trying something different. I shot Stephen Jackson (1) throwing the ball inbounds. I think that it would have been a better shot had more players been in the frame in front of him, but sometimes you have to take what you can get.

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard forward Stephen Jackson (1) throws the ball inbounds against the Denver Nuggets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next images I would consider portraits. Portraits are very big with Editors, and I really need to post more of them. The one of Chris Anderson is just so “nasty” I love it!

December 8, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets forward center Chris Anderson (11) against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 107 to 95. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

What can you say about LaBron other than this…….he is just so good.

Raymond Felton (20) driving to the hoop.

Well, I think that I did OK for my first few times out. Remember, I am used to shooting cars traveling at 180mph, so all of this was new! I like it, and I plan on making it another chapter in my career. Please give me any feedback that you see fit. I am always looking for ways to improve!

Thanks for reading!

Sam

December 6, 2009. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Carolina Panthers

Sam Sharpe — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:24:56 +0000

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Carolina Panthers rally against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love football, and I love the Panthers. I grew up in Washington DC, so I grew up loving the Washington Redskins. I gotta tell ya, both of those Teams (and I still love my Redskins) are hard to be Fans of. You just NEVER know what to expect out of either one of them. After watching the Redskins for years, you would think that I would have learned how to deal with this, but the Panthers still keep me guessing every time I watch them play. It always make for an interesting time every time I have the pleasure of covering them. Keeps me on my toes……………But I am glad to say that this week they won. The game was truly a physical game, but it really came down to a game of field goals. As images go, I was very pleased to come away with what I did. I work very hard to shoot football, and it is not often that I am pleased with my results, but I think that I did OK this week. The above shot was taken at the start of the game. I shot it with my 300mm f2.8 lens, and it really seemed to catch the spirit of the day, the Panthers were not going to be denied.

Like I said, the game was a very physical game (not that football is not anything but physical) but this one really seemed to be a battle of the “grunts.” Below are some of the images that I captured that seemed to drive it home…..at least for me. I shot all of these with my Nikon D300 Camera Body.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) returns an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 16 to 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In the above image, Linebacker Jon Beason nailed an interception. I missed the catch, but I did get this from the return. I hate that I missed the catch, because after all, that was the real “Editorial Moment,” but I missed it and this is what I caught. I think it does pretty well to serve the purpose that it was intended. This was shot with my 70mm~200mm lens, shutter speed 1250, at f2.8.

I think that this next image speaks for itself. This just seemed to be the kind of day it was for both teams…….a real scrap. This image was shot with my 300mm f2.8 lens. It was shot a shutter speed 1250 at f2.8.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Carnell Williams (24) gets away from Carolina Panthers saftey Charles Godfrey (30) while playing the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 16 to 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Like I said before, this seemed to be a game of inches as well as field goals. There was only one touchdown scored the whole game, the rest of the time it seemed as if it was a “war” just to move the ball a few inches. One example of this that I caught was a Quarterback sneak performed by Tampa Bay Quarterback Josh Freeman (5). I shot this image at the goal line with my 70mm~200mm lens. I shot it at a shutter speed of 1000 at f4. I do not think that this image would have worked as nice if you could not see the ball as well as you can. Quarterback sneaks usually do not make for great images, but I got lucky with this one.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) takes the ball forward on a quarterback sneak play against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 16 to 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Sometimes you get an image that really did not turn out the way you may have planned it…….but it works anyway. The next is one such image. I ment to capture Jonathan Stewart (28) with the ball, but the image really ended up showing the intensity of the defensive player Quincy Black (58). I thought that it worked out well as an image of Quincy.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Quincy Black (58) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) while playing against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 16 Tampa Bay 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 images I believe show the flow of how the game went. Like I stated before, this really was a game of inches……………not much in the way of “spectacular” plays. This next image was shot with my 300mm lens. It was shot at shutter speed 1250 at f2.8.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was shot with my 70mm~200mm lens at shutter speed 1250, at f2.8.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Derrick Ward (28) drives forward against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Like I said earlier, this was a game of field goals. This is one that I posted, nothing special, but it tells the story of what went on as far as scoring during the game. The reason that I am partial to this one is the fact that I caught the ball right off of the kick.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers kicker Johns Kasey (4) scores against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 16 to 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is one that I have tried to capture for some time now. It is of Jonathan Stewart (28) straight up the middle of the line in a draw play. The hole opened up, and there he went. I just like this shot, I thought that it worked well.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) finds a hole for yardage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 16 Tampa Bay 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The passing game was not all that exciting. I shot more “almost” catches than I did real catches. But at least I was on top of it when I hade to be. Here are some examples.

These next 2 images are from the same series. it was Kellen Winslow of Tampa against Charles Godfrey of the Panthers. I really like the image where you can see the one eye of Kellen. These images were shot with my 300mm lens, shutter speed 1000, f4. I think the image with the eye lends itself to more “intensity” than the other.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) breaks up a pass against theTampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was shot with my 300mm lens with my 1.4 converter on it. It was shot at shutter speed 1000, at f4. It was under exposed by 2/3’s of a stop, but it worked out well.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris (43) and Panthers cornerback C.J. Willison (27) break up a pass to Tampa Bay wide receiver Antonio Bryant (89) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image was a catch. It is Steve Smith, and he never ceases to amaze me on high he can leap in the air. I shot this with my 300 2.8 at a shutter speed of 1000, and at f2.8. It was somewhat backlite, which allowed me to saturate the colors just a tick, I think that it turned out very well.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) goes up for the catch against Tampa Bay corner back Derrick Roberson (29) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers win 16 to 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 5 images are some of the images that I sent with my final take to US Presswire. I really like the one of Jonathan Stewart with the fog behind him. I think that this image would be a very good “feature” image if someone were to write a story on him. Maybe not an “opener” but certainly something that could be used. I think that it is somewhat different, and that is why I really like it.

The other images or moments from the game. I thibnk that they are just good “solid” images.

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Sabby Piscitelli (21) against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 16 Tampa Bay 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) hands off to Carnell Williams (24) against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 16 Tampa Bay 6. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

December 6, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) takes the field against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Thnaks for reading!

Sam

November 22, 2009 The FORD 400 at the Homestead Miami Speedway

Sam Sharpe — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:07:16 +0000

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well, the last race of the season came and went in Miami. I think that everyone knew that Jimme was going to again win the Championship about 4 races ago. To say that this Team is STRONG is an understatement. These guys know what they are doing, and I’ll bet they may pull it off again next year. Since everyone knew that Jimmie had it wrapped up, the whole weekend was somewhat boring, but hey, I was in Miami, so there is always fun to be had………..In the above shot that I took of Jimmie, he was posed with his 4 Championship Trophies. The reason I took this shot and like it so much, is because he is looking skyward towards the heavens as if to say “Thank-You” to his friend Ricky Hendrick. Ricky was very instrumental in Jimmies career early on over at Hendrick Motorsports, and he was killed in a plane crash that cut his life short way too soon. Jimmie always makes this gesture whenever he wins. I just thought that it “spoke” more to something than just a plain Victory Lane shot.

I really wanted to catch the Burn-Out this year. In the past, Jimmie has ALWAYS done his burn-out down by Turn 4. The reason for this is that because the stage is brought out for the Championship, and there is really no place for him to do it. So I decided to hang loose off of the stage and shoot the burn out. The following images is what I got. All of these were shot with my Nikon D300. I used a 70mm~200mm lens on the far shots, and my 17mm~35mm on the broadside shot with the flag. The ISO was 1600, the shutter speed was 1000 and they were all shot at f2.8. The one shot with the flag where the car is still spinning around, and the flag is not unfurled somewhat disappointed me. I really wanted to see the flag flying in that shot. But what can you do. I still like the shot. The broadside shot of him coming into Victory Lane was run on ESPN.com. I have a screen shot of that later in the Blog posting.

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) does a burn out after winning his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Championship during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next shot is the one that was used on ESPN.com

Nov.22, 2009. Jimmie Johnson wins his 4th Sprint Cup Title at Homestead Miami Speedway. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Victory Lane at these things really runs on a schedule………you see, it is all about TV and their interviews. The Writers will Bitch REAL Loud if they do not get the driver soon after he gets out of the car. So that leaves us still photographers not much time to do what we need to do. NASCAR will do our thing real quick, then they take the driver to do all kinds of stupid stuff for the next 2 hours, then they bring him back for his single Trophy Shots. By this time, I am plenty aggravated, so I try and get something different. This is what I came up with. All of these images were shot with available light. The below shot is the Champagne Shot. I love these when they work out. Jimmie usually turns away from the camera on this shot, but he did good this time on this one. The shot after this is the one of him and the trophy up on the upper stage. Thas shot received some “air time” also.

Nov. 22, 2009. Homestead Miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson celebrates as he wins his 4th consecutive Sprint Cup Title. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Nov. 22, 2009. Homestaed Miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson wins his 4th Consecutive Sprint Cup Title. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 shots are of him with the trophies. Nothing really all that special……just trying to pull something different off.

Nov. 22, 2009. Homestaed miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson wins his 4th Consecutive Sprint Cup Title. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) wins his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Championship during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I had a chance to see the Trophy by itself. I like to shoot trophies when I can……..I think that they can be an important part of any story when it comes to racing. I wanted something different other than just the straight on shot of the Trophy, so I went around to the side and shot it. The black night sky makes a very dramatic backdrop for it. I really wish that I could have got more of the NASCAR Sign directly in front of it……but if I panned out more to get it, I also got other junk that I did not want in the shot. So this is what I got.

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship trophy goes to driver Jimmie Johnson (48) after winning his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup Championship during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next shot was taken after all was over with. I just thought that it was a neat shot of Jimmie in a Relaxed moment. I really do not know who he was talking to, but he seemed very “at ease” for the first time in a while. I thought that it worked out well with the SPRINT Logo, and the fact that he was talking on a SPRINT Phone. I wish that I could have got more of the “S” in the pictuse, but the light was not right as I moved over. The ISO was 400 on this, I shot it at shutter speed 100 at f2.8. It was available light with no flash.

Nov. 22, 2009. Jimmie Johnson talks on his mobile phone after winning his 4th consecutive Sprint Cup Title. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next images are some portraits that I shoot over the course of the weekend. I LOVE to shoot Portraits, but one problem that I have is capturing a really good Editorial portrait. You see, I shot for a Trading Card Company for years, and the type of portraits that they want are different from the type of portraits that are generally used in an Editorial situation. There are are a lot of similarities which is true ( a good portrait will always be a good portrait) but I am always trying to find that one thing that will make the portrait “tell the story.”

This is some of the images that I really liked and that stood out at me. The first is of Mark Martin. I really feel for him. He has finished in second place to the Championship Winner 5 times! That has really gotta be tough on him. He is a hell of a driver, he just can’t seem to close the deal. In the shot below, I could just read the disappointment in his eyes as he thought about this fact. He just seemed to have a look on his face of “what could I have done different to put me over the top.” This image was shot at ISO 400, shutter speed 200, and f3.5. It was shot with available light.

November 21, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image of Martin had the same look to it. The thing that I really like about this image is the reflection off of the face shield, and the fact that you can only read one eye. This image was shot at ISO 320, shutter speed 50, at 3.2. I used my 70mm~200mm lens.

November 20, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image of Gordon really grabbed at me. Jeff looked really “pissed off” the whole weekend. I think that he realizes that he may never win a Championship again………..and I think that it really eats at him. This shot, to me, really somewhat sums up his mood the whole weekend. The ISO is 320, the shutter speed is 125, and it is shot at f4.

November 21, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon (24) during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The #26 Crown Royal Team of ROUSH Racing will be closing it’s doors for 2010. Yes, the economy has taken its toll even in Auto Racing. This is really no fault of the Team, the Sponsor just does not have the money to put into the program……..and as everyone knows, if you don’t have money, you can’t go racing. The Team is a solid Team for the most part, they even won a race this year. No one on that Team should be ashamed of anything, they are just like millions of other Americans, they have been layed off. This image of Jamie McMurray kind of says it all. I think that the whole Taam was just ready for the season to be done so that they could move on. I shot this during Qualifying with my 300mm lens.

Nov. 20, 2009. Homestead Miami Speedway. Jamie McMurray waits to qualify for the FORD 400. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Of course during Qualifying, Jimmie Johnson won the Pole………what can you say, the cream was rising to the top. These next two images were of Jimmie interviewing. I thought that they worked out well.

Nov. 20, 2009. Homestead Miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson interviews after winning the Pole for the FORD 400. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 20, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) interviews during qualifying for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next shots are portraits that would be considered as good portraits for Trading Card usage. There are good solid portraits, but I don’t know if they will ever be used as “openers” for any kind of article. I liked them, so I am including them in this post. I really like the one of Juan Pablo Montoya. I like the fact that there is so much red in the image. Kinda fits his personality.

Nov. 20, 2009. Homestead Miami Speedway. Jeff Gordon waits to qualify for the FORD 400. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 21, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Juan Pablo Montoya (42) during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.theSharpeImage.com

Nov. 20, 2009. Homestead Miami Speedway. Joey Logano prepares to qualify for the FORD 400. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This shot, you either like it or hate it. I really wanted to shoot something that described the season that Carl Edwards and the 99 Team have had. They did so well last year, and this year they just made it into the chase. They did not win a race this year, and everything seemed to just be “spinning” out of control. I came up with this. Probably will never be used, but t the time it seemed right. I shot it at ISO 400, shutter speed at 1/6 of a second, and I spun the camera.

November 21, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Edwards (99) during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In these next images, I was trying to capture something that gave the feel of being down in Miami and at the final race. The Palm Tree shot was probably my best attempt at it, but I like the shot of Jimmie coming out to practice because of the sun, the “coral” colors of the speedway buildings, and just the dramatic effect that the wide angle lens gives it. I shot this with my 10mm~17mm fisheye.

November 21, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Miami is a really great speedway, but for stock cars, it has always produced some really boring racing. Let me say that I love the speedway, but I hate the racing there…….it is just terrible. This race was no exception. 10 laps after a restart, the field is strung out, no getting around it. In my opinion, the best shot at the whole track is the start shot. There are some speedways that the start shots are great, and this is one of them. This next shot is probably one of my favorite from the whole weekend.

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) leads the field to the start during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Like I said, this speedway really does not produce “dramatic” race action. But I did like this next shot. I kept an eye on Kurt Busch all weekend. He was not going to win the Championship, but he was in a very good position to advance his position in the final points standings. I really liked this image of him working traffic and racing around his competitors. I like to get shots like this…..they are different from the normal race action shots.

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (2) makes his way through race traffic during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, my thoughts were the same with Jeff Burton and the #31 car…….get him sneaking around and heading to the front.

Editors like “dramatic” looking stuff. With the race action being what it is at Miami, sometimes it can be tough to produce something that looks really good. I shot these images with my 10mm~17mm fisheye lens. The reason I picked Jimme is simple…….the weekend was all about Jimmie. I chose to shot Tony stewart because he had done so well for the year. Lets not forget that he was in the points lead at the start of the chase, and I think that if NASCAR had not reset the points, he would have been the 2009 Championship. But the rules are what they are.

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart (14) during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

During the race, my coverage area is Pit Road. Working with US Presswire to cover the event (www.uspressire.com ) we work as a team to tell the story. As a team, we try and cover certain parts of the track. That way we can get a complete coverage of the “story” of the race as it unfolds. The two main players in this whole deal were Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin. Knowing that Jimmie was going to win the Championship, I really wanted to do something different with the stop. I shot the pit stop at a normal shutter speed to freeze the ation. But as he got ready to pull out, I lowered the shutter speed to a 30th of a second. I was using Shutter Priority so as to not have to mess with the camera much. This is what I got. Here again, you either like it or not, but I liked it.

Nov. 22, 2009. Homestead Miami Speedway. Jimmie Johnson and the #48 LOWES Team pit on their way to winning their 4th consecutive championship during the FORD 400. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) comes in for a pit stop during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The other big story of the weekend was Juan Pablo Montoya. Since he is from this area, and the Miami area is a big Latin Community, naturally he is going to be in the headlines. The only thing that I got of him from the whole weekend that was good editorial imagery was the crew working on the car after he hit the wall in practice. I also posted a race action shot from the race. But in sense I did not get him fighting with Tony Stewart, it really became nothing more than a pretty shot of him on track.

November 21, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Juan Pablo Montoya (42) hits the wall during practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 22, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Juan Pablo Montoya (42) during the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Funny thing about this final race, no one ever really remembers who won it. It is only because it is so over shadowed by the Championship. Well for the record, Denny Hamlin won it. I could not be in both Victory Lanes at the same time, so I got the burn out that Denny did. I think that I nailed it pretty well. From a News point of view, you can tell where it is from, and technically it looked pretty good. It won’t win any awards, but it got the job done.

Nov. 22, 2009. Denny Hamlin and the #11 FEDEX Toyota do a burn out after winning the FORD 400 at Homestaed Miami Speedway. Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next shot I took at the beginning of practice on Friday. I think that it somewhat sums up how everyone on all of the Teams were feeling………….lets get it done while we still have the strength. It is a LONG Season!

November 20, 2009; Homestead, FL, USA; The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team of driver Martin Truex Jr (1) before practice for the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next image is a screen shot from ESPN.com. It is my burn out shot of Jimmie coming into Victory Lane. I want to say Thanks to my editor Jerry Lai for getting it up fast. God knows I can be slow at posting. At big events like this we like to bring in an “on site” editor…..and boy does it help. Thanks for the help.

ESPN.com Screen shot.

Well again, thanks for reading. The NASCAR Season is over………..what a long season. I really hope that you have enjoyed my pictures and postings from the season. I am looking forward to Daytona 2010.

Now it is on to the NFL and the NBA. It is all about Football and Basketball for a while. Please be sure to check back.

Cheers!

Sam

Novemeber 15, 2009 Atlanta @ Charlotte

Sam Sharpe — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:19:34 +0000

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) makes an interception against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 28 Atlanta 19. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The Panthers played really well this game. I was happy to see them win. It was a great day to shoot, the light was just about perfect. I really did not feel as if I was hitting on all that I could have, I feel that I could have done better than what I did. I did get some cool stuff, I just don’t think that I could have done as well as I maybe should have………………I shot the above image after an interception. I did get the actual catch, but the run back was very interesting. Richard Marshall was doing just about anything that he could to gain yardage. I love this shot. I caught him jumping to get past some defenders. I shot this with my 300mm f2.8. I shot it at a shutter speed of 1250, at f3.2. The ISO was 800, and the exposure was straight up.

This next image is of Jason Snelling attempting to catch a pass. I really don’t know how I got this other than just hitting it right. I just thought that it was a great image when you look at the concentration in his eyes. I had to work with it in Photoshop. I shot it on Shutter Priority, and caught it in the shadow part of the field. The exposure was short of a real Fuck-up, but I was able to bring it back in PhotoShop. This image was shot with my 70mm~200mm lens. Shutter Speed was 1000, and it was shot at f4.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling (44) against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Final Score Carolina 28 Atlanta 19. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

As I have said many times before, the passing game (at least to me) is the hardest thing to shoot in Football. I really wanted to try something different, so I went up top for part of the second quarter. Here is a shot I got of Steve Smith catching a pass for a touchdown. I shot this with my 500mm lens, shutter speed 1600, and at f4.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, I was walking from one part of the field to another. I was walking behind the Falcons bench when I was this bag of equipment sitting on the ground. I just really liked the way the light was hitting it. I shot this with my 17mm~35mm lens. I shot it at shutter speed 500, at f3.2.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons equipment against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 28 Atlanta 19. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In these following images, I tried to get some of the Key players of the Panthers coming out through the smoke during the pre game show. These guys all have something going on with them. Delhomme has been the subject of much controversy lately here in Charlotte, DeAngilo Williams has suffered some injuries this season, and Steve Smith is always the topic of conversation. All of these images were shot at f5 with a shutter speed of 1000. the ISO was 200.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

In this next shot, I really do not know what Matt Ryan is doing, I just thought that it looked cool. I shot this with my 300mm lens, my 1.4 converter, shutter speed 1000, f6.3, and the ISO @ 200.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 images are of the same run. Late in the afternoon, the Bank of America Stadium has “pools” of light that gather towards the northern end zone. If the time of day is right, and the sun is shining, it can make for some interesting images. Both of these were shot at shutter speed 1250, f5, ISO 400, and I was over eposed by 1/3 of a stop.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling (44) against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 28 Atlanta 19. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Sometimes you just need a good Tackle Image. I thought that this one might do it. It was shot with my 300mm lens, shutter speed 1250 at f6.3. I thought that it rally said “football” when I saw it.

I thought that this next image of Jason Baker was somewhat unique. I never seem to get good shots of Punters or Kickers. To me, it is somewhat of a “let down” play. you either did not get a chance to get the 1st down, or you are settling for 3 points instead of 6. When I saw this shot, I liked it. It is just a different angle of the kick that you do not see often. Seeing the ball in the play is what makes it for me.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers punter Jason Baker (7) against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 28 Atlanta 19. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These final 2 images are just images from my take that I liked. Both were posted to US Presswire. I do not know if they were used are not, but I personally just liked them. The one of Delhomme and Deangelo Williams was shot with my 70mm~200mm lens. The other of the Teams praying was shot with my 10mm~17mm Fisheye.

November 15, 2009; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) hands off to running back DeAngelo Williams (34) against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Final score Carolina 28 Atlanta 19. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Thanks for taking time to read. I will soon be shooting the NBA…..I look forward to that. I hope that you check back and let me know how I doing at that.

Thanks,

Sam

October 25, 2009 TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway

Sam Sharpe — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:52:46 +0000

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Denny Hamlin wins the TUMS Fast Relief 500! He had to battle all day against Jimmie Johnson to do it, but he was able to pull it off at the end. I was glad to see this. Jimmie has won this race the past 4 times that it has been run. I was glad to see someone else win besides Jimmie. Martinsville has become a very difficult track to photograph in the past few years……….

There have been so many changes to the track that it has made it very difficult to really get good photography there. It is a short track to begin with, so that means that there is not room anywhere inside it. With the Teams bringing more and more equipment to the track every week, it really makes it hard to get around. Here are some of the images that I was able to capture from the race. All were shot with my Nikon D300. Like I have said before, I love this camera.

Victory Lane at Martinsville is somewhat like pulling teeth. They really do not have a Victory Lane at Martinsville, so they do it on the front stretch, which can make for a very crazy time. You have to run out on the track after the race is done, and crowd around the car. It is unsafe and stupid. Who would believe a sport of this magnitude would have something like this go one……but here it is. The shot below was taken just as Denny got out of the car. As you can see, I had a drop of Coke on the lens, but I still sent it anyway

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) wins the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

It is what it is. If we had a decent Victory Lane, we would not have to deal with such issues.

The next shot is just your generic Victory Lane shot. Nothing special, but I did like the way the colors of the background, and the clock, and the trophy all worked together. It “fills the bill” for what the intention is. I shot it wiht a Fill Flash and moved it right afterward.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) wins the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

It really was a battle all day long between Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson. The following images were what I moved to US Presswire www.USPresswire.com to show this battle. These Images were all shot with my 300mm 2.8 Lens. I shot all of them from up top just walking around the grandstands. That is about all that you can do these days. It is a shame that we have to work this way. This is what I got.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Denny Hamlin (11) and Jimmie Johnson (48) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

With the above shot, I really wanted to catch the two competitors in front of the “Martinsville” sign……..I thought that it was important because it showed the venue and gave a sense of “place.”

This next shot was on the last restart of the race. There were less than 8 laps to go when this restart occurred. Whoever won this race off of turn 4 after the start was for sure going to win the race. It is so hard to pass at Martinsville with that little time left, you better be in the lead before that first restart lap is done if you want to win the race. Denny was able to pull it off. Here he is leading everyone off of Turn 4. He got a great restart, and at this point, no one could do anything with him. I thought that this was the shot that really told the story of the race. I thought that it was a good shot from an Editorial standpoint. I shot it with my 70mm~200mm lens. ISO 200, shutter speed 1000, and at f4.

I just liked this next shot. It is of the Penske Cars racing together. David Stremme who drives the Verison Car is just rooting his way under the MOBIL 1 Car driven by Sam Hornish, Jr. It really had no bearing on the race, I just liked it.

This next shot was one that I took to “Hedge” my bet in case Jimmie Johnson won the race. You have to do something like this, because Jimmie is always a threat to win Martinsville. Here again, I wanted to use the “Martinsville” painted on the wall to give a sense of place. I shot this at a shutter speed of 60, and used my 70mm~200mm Lens.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

This next Image I shot looking back up the back stretch. This is not an easy shot. The weather conditions really have to be right to pull it off in the Fall of the year. It is a COMPLETELY backlit shot at this time of year. The only way to pull it off is to shoot it when it is cloudy. Fortunately it was cloudy at this point in the race. Not only do the conditions have to be right, but you are shoot through a break in the fence which makes it even that more difficult. I was really wanting to show how Mark Martin was working his way through traffic. It was critical for him to have a good run if he had any chance to stay in the hunt for the Championship. I thought that it got the point across.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) takes a peek for second place during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I tried to focus my efforts on Mark Martin through out the weekend. He lost ground to Jimmie at Charlotte in the Championship Hunt, but he still had a shot at this point. I shot his car in practice, and wanted something different other than just a plain “running car” shot. I used a shutter speed of 30, zoomed while shooting with my 70mm~200mm lens, and this is what I got.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I did the same thing with the #24 Car of Jeff Gordon. Some will like it, and some will not. Here is the #24 Car.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon (24) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Like I said, from and Editorial point of view, it was important to keep an eye on Mark Martin. These next Images are portraits that I shot across the course of the weekend. These are the ones that I moved to US Presswire. In the first shot below, I thought that the look on Mark’s face says it all. He realizes that he has a real “dog fight” on his hand. To say his thinking about it is an understatement.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really don’t think that this next shot really shows anything that is really “strong”, but I just liked it so I moved it.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Mark Martin (5) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I caught this next shot right before the race. It is a shot of Mark Martin’s Pit Crew “Rallying” before the race. These guys are 100% behind Mark. I don’t think I have ever seen the 5 Team want a championship so bad. I shot this with my 10mm~17mm Fisheye lens. I put the camera on shutter priority at shutter speed 250, held it up, and threw a “Hail Merry.” I think that it worked.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team of driver Mark Martin (5) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Shooting Pit Stops at Martinsville can only be done one way………..from the outside. This speedway used to be a joy to shoot, but in the past few years, the Series has just managed to cram so much stuff in the infield, you can’t move inside of it. It is really just shameful the way it has turned out. I shot the following Pit Stops from the outside. They were both shot at an ISO of 400, and both shot at shutter speed 1000. I used my 300mm on the #24 Car, and I shot the 5 car with the 300mm with my 1.4 converter on it. I was in the grandstands somewhere, just trying to stay out of the way of Race Fans.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon (24) comes in for a pit stop during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Marfk Martin (5) comes in for a pit stop during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

One cool thing about Martinsville, you really can get some nice portraits there. You are close to the cars at Qualifying, and the Garage is somewhat open, so the light is always nice there provided that it is not raining. These are some of the Favorites I have from the weekend. I LOVE Shooting Portraits. No flash was used on any of these.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (2) during qualifying for the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I got lucky with this next shot. Jimmie was running past me (as he does with ALL of the MEDIA) and I jut pulled the camera from the hip and fired. The team was working on the Motor, and that is why he is covering his ears.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon (24) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (16) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I love this next shot of David Stremme………..it just kin of shows how his career has gone at Penske Racing. He was released from the ride after this race. I shot this with my 70mm~200mm Lens, ISO 400, shutter speed 1000 @ f4.

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver David Stremme (12) during qualifying for the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr (1) during qualifying for the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I really like this next shot of Dale Earnhardt Jr. I shot this with my 17mm~35mm lens right before the race. I really wish the sky would have had more blue in it. I think that it would have made the whole image more dramatic.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr (88) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I shot this next shot while on Pit Road before the race. NASCAR had placed the Sprint Cup Trophy on a pedestal at the head of pit road. I got down and shot up at it. If I had not done the shot in this way, there would have been people, cars, and all kinds of “clutter” around. I really wanted a “clean” shot of it, but there was SO much around it, it was hard to get anything. Plus the sky really looked “ugly” in the background……just an overcast day. I did what I could with what I had. Just wish the sky was more “dramatic”……….but you do what you can when you can.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Championship trophy during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These last 2 shots were shots that I just plain found interesting when I shot them. I shot the Haulers from the Grandstands during the race. I just like the shot. I have seen it done before by other people…..so I AM NOT the first to shoot this, but I do like it, so I shot it. It was posted to US Presswire, so let’s hope that it gets some play. The other is of Juan Pablo Montoya. The thing that I found interesting about this image is that the ignition switch is not located in the traditional spot on the dash………….I think that this image is very good from an Editorial point of view because it shows a difference in his race car as compared to others. Editor’s LOVE that kind of thing.

October 25, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers parked in the infield during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

October 23, 2009; Martinsville, VA, USA; The safety glove of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Juan Pablo Montoya (42) during the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Well that is about it from Martinsville. Look for my next Motorsports Blog to be from the last race in Homestead/Miami. I think Jimmie is going to seal the deal again. That will be 4 in a row. Like him or not, that is truly an incredible feat in Sport. I would really like to see Mark Martin win it……but there is always next year.

Again, Thanks for reading.

Sam