The 2009 Carolina Panther's warm up during Training Camp

I love Football.  I grew up right outside of Washington DC, so when I was brought home for the Hospital, my Mom had me wrapped in a Burgandy and Gold blanket.  Needless to say that I love the Redskins, but I also love my hometown team……..The Carolina Panthers.  I had a chance to start to shoot the NFL about 4 years ago, and needless to say, I jumped at the chance.  It was a nice departure from racing, plus it gave me a chance to spread out into other Sports.  The other great thing about it, is the fact that I do not have to travel far to shoot games, just 20 mintues and I am at the stadium.  I love it!

This is the first time that I have ever shot a Training Camp, and I felt some frustration while doing it.  It seems as if the Panthers Organization is very strict on where they will let photographers go during the actual practice sessions.  It became a trick to get any kind of images at all.  I felt as if I was missing something, but since this was my first camp, I decided not to push the issue.  I am excited about the upcoming Season.  There are onle 3 home games that conflict with my racing schedule, and one of the races I think I can shoot on Saturday Night, get back from Richmond and still shoot the Sunday game.  Well, here is what I got from camp.  Please tale a look and let me know what you think.

Peace, Sam

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Mushin Muhammad signs autographs before training camp. Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Mushin Mahammad came out and signed autographs early before the start of the practice.  I wanted to do something different with the shot, so I shot it from down below, and left room at the top for an editor to write text in.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart signs autographs before training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith signs autographs before training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Both Jonathan Stewart and Steve Smith came out and signed autographs before the practice session.  I shot these vertical with the thought in mind to use more of a feature image.  The same goes for the shot of Jake Delhomme below.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme signs autographs before training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Julius Peppers (Defensive End) created a big stink in Charlotte on whether he was going to sign again with the Panthers or not.  He eventually did sign, but I don’t think that the negotiations were pleasent for either side.  This image just seemed to capture the mood of the whole ordeal.  I really liked the way the afternoon light worked out on it.

This next shot is of Julius Peppers getting his wrist tapped after a play.  The Team seemed to take extra care to look him over during the practice sessions

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panther Julius Peppers gets worked on during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Jake Delhomme is one of my favorite Quarterbacks in all of NFL.  He is a big guy that is really able to move around in the pocket and on the field.  He has a real “Commanding Presence” when he takes control.  For some reason in the shot below, he just looked as if he wanted to be someplace.  Kinda like the first day back at school

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has a "moment" during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

He looks better in this shot

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Like I said, the PR Staff really did not want us to get to close to get shots.  But I did get a shot of all 4 Quarterbacks working out.  I thought that it was interesting, and from an editorial stand point, it shows all 4 in case there is ever an issue between them.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Matt Moore (3) Hunter Cantwell (14) Jake Delhomme (17) and Josh McCown (12) during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The feeling for the most part towards the end of the day seemed relaxed.  I believe that the Organization has confidence going into the year.  I believe this next shot demonstrates this

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Hunter Cantwell (14) and Matt Moore (3) during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

These next 2 Images are about all I got of Quarterback action……….it just sucks that I really could not get a good position on the QB’s while they were throwing.  Maybe things will work out better on Friday.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

It seemed as if Jonathan Stewart spent a lot of time on the stationary bike.  I tried to capture this with a “Training Camp” feel to it.  That is why I used the wide angle lens.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers Jonathan Stewart (28) during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The next shot was really the only good shot I got of a wide receiver in action.  I plan on getting Steve Smith on Friday, he was just not to be had in action today.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide reciever Marcus Monk during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

I shot the next picture of Jason Baker drinking from a portaiable fountain that the Team uses on the field.  I have never really seen anything like it.  Good, clean running water for them to drink from.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers punter Jason Baker takes a drink of water during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

The next 3 Images are really I all was able to take of Steve Smith on the field.  I really wish that I could have got him catching a pass, but it was just not to be today.  What an amazing athlette!  I really enjoy watching him play.  He really enjoys the game…..I think that he would play for free if he had to.  I look forward to photographing him this year.

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Aug 3, 2009; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith during training camp at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe/www.TheSharpeImage.com

Thanks for looking.  I will be back at Camp this coming Friday.  Please look for a post.

C-ya.

Sam