Eaton Little League Video

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Hornet Baseball 2010

2010 Monroe Hornet Baseball video by Vincent Rush of Cincinnati Sports Photography http://cincinnatisportsphotography.com/

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Game Winner

Maybe even better than the sports action photograph shot by a professional sports photographer with the best Nikon or Canon equipment, is the "Moment" shot.

I was shooting, not the Cincinnati Reds, but the Eaton, Ohio, Henny Penny Reds of the Eaton Little League Association.

As a meaningless side note, I used to work at Henny Penny in the warehouse in 1986 and I played softball for Henny Penny that same year.

I had been watching this player crush the ball all day and he was beginning to dial in the pitcher. I just happened to catch him in full swing, dropping the bat and taking the home run trot on this series, but the best picture of all was the "Moment" he was swamped by his team mates as he had hit the game winning blast.

The ONLY thing that would have made this shot any better, would have been if he had just held his head up.

Being a great sports photographer in my opinion has a lot to do with anticipation and a feel for the flow of the game.

People will ask me at CINCINNATI SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY http://cincinnatisportsphotography.com

how I always seem to be in the right place at the right time. I often comment that I study the game that I am covering and I pay attention to the players tendencies. Sure I attribute luck to it also, but there is nothing more rewarding than being at that right place at that exact moment and you look up and the other photographers are standing around comparing the size of their lenses...or what ever they discuss in their huddle.

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Another Example...Amatures vs. Professionals

Here are sports photographs of the same pitcher for the A's of Eaton, Ohio Little League. One picture is your typical "GWC" (Guy With Camera) or unfortunately, what a lot of wanna be sports photographers post on their web site for viewing and possibly purchasing.

As one can easily see, the one picture was shot during warm ups with no concern for all the non essential distracting background noise. You have players not paying attention to the warm up pitches and telling the viewer that this is not even a "Game Time" picture.

The athlete is caught in an awkward body position that is very unflattering to the subject and the angle of the shot is a "Grandstand View" at best.

There is also no contrast adjustments, color correction or selective cropping.

I actually shot both of the pictures to illustrate a point.

The more professional angle of the pitcher was also shot in between innings during his warm up tosses. As a Dad buying the picture to frame up on my wall in my man cave for all of my friends to see, it's obvious which picture makes my son look like he is bringing some serious heat, and which picture makes my kid look like "he's at that awkward stage".

If you want people to value your skills as a sports photographer, you yourself have to place a value on your brand, your style and your attention to detail as a professional photographer.

by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Professional Quality Sports Photographs vs. Picture Takers

I purposely used one of the pictures I took at a recent girls softball game in Monroe, Ohio to illustrate the difference in a quality sports photograph and what the majority of picture takers consider sports photography.

Both images came from the same play thanks to my Nikon motor drive. the picture on the bottom is awkward, tells no story, is not cropped and uncorrected in any way. Now if I'm a Dad or a Mom, I like looking at the snap shot if it's my kid, but it does nothing to flatter my favorite ball player.

We all take hundreds of shots just like this, with an awkward pose or twist, but one should consider every shot the post on a web site as a portfolio picture and take more care.

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Positioning of Your Subjects

When shooting sports photography, many times you're at the mercy of elements that are out of your control.

If you're photographing the Cincinnati Reds for example, you may be relegated to a "Photographers Pit" or if covering the Cincinnati Bengals or any other NFL or College team, only be granted access to certain areas of the playing field, thereby limiting your ability to properly frame up your subject.

In conditions or enviornments where you do have total access however, it is always good to utilize whatever backgrounds you can to enhance the overall picture.

In this sports photograph, one can see that I clearly positioned myself so that the scoreboard became the back drop.

Too many "sports photographers" are merely picture takers and not really photographers. In todays digital world, anyone can grab a camera and shhot untill they land a big one.

Being a "Photographer", be it Sports Action Photography, Portrait Photography or Event Photography, involves more than just "point and shoot". One must be cognizant of all elements that he or she is faced with.

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Sport-trait Photography

Sportrait Photography or Sportraiture Photography, I'm not really sure because I just made that term up....

Has been a cornerstone to a moderately successful youth sports photography business for me over the past three years.

Like any good quality portrait be it family or individual, capturing the natural expressions or nuances of a subjects personality is what can often separate a good photographer from the GWC (Guy With Camera) or picture taker as I like to refer to them.

Aside for high quality sports photojournalistic shots that tell stories of the moment, I also like to capture the tightly cropped close ups of the subject in action. While none of these types of shots are necessarily news worthy, they are highly attractive to the parents.

None of these shots would be a typical Cincinnati Reds action photo or a Sports Illustrated article shot.

One of the best compliments I get from people is that they instantly recognize my particular style of photographs.

On a final note, one of the key elements in any of these so called "Sportraits" is the eyes. Without the eyes in the picture as being clearly focused and sharp, it is nearly impossible to capture the personality of the player.

I have an entire collection of these photographs that I hope to one day compile in a book entitled, "Game Face" or "The Face of Sport"

In my next posting, I'll discuss the "less is more" philosophy of loading random shots from a game or activity on your web site.



Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Batters Eye View

One of my favorite shots when shooting sports photography, especially baseball, is hat I call, "The Batters Eye View".

There is not a more action packed, intense, story valued picture than the pitcher staring straight into your camera and the ball coming straight at you.

Technically, it is a simple shot to set up. The trick is getting the perfect harmony of pitchers position, and ball flight coming into frame, without being so high that you have to extend your crop zone.

In this sports photograph, I caught Monroe High school Freshman pitcher, Jake Little at the perfect moment. I used a little selective color technique to jazz it up a bit and cropped to an 8 x 10 frame.

Sports Photography and Photo Journalism, when done right should leave no question in the viewers mind as to what is happening. Too many aspiring "sports photographers" think that because they managed to get a "suspended in air" stop action shot, that they have an award winner on their hands.

It's not enough to freeze the action, you've got to be able to tell a story. A picture should be worth a thousand words, not a hundred question marks.

Posted by Cincinnati Sports Photography and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Last Batter

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Locked On

In the Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio markets, high school baseball season has kicked into full swing.

Covering one of my favorite subjects next to the Cincinnati Reds, the Monroe Hornets, I went with one of my standard views in capturing this sports photograph.

It's a fairly easy shot to set up.

First of all you need a good monopod then a quality telephoto lens with excellent optics. For most of my sports photography, I use a Nikkor 80-200 f2.8 lens.

Once you get the perfect angle, press your lens hood up against the chain link fence.

The fence links will disappear and the compression of the lens will bring the pitcher and the batter together.

The next step is easy. Let your motodrive do the work until you capture the ball and pitcher in perfect harmony.
Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Top Photography Schools in the USA to Learn Photography

I read this article today from Photopreneur.

One omission from the article was the U.S. Naval Schools of Photography. For an aspiring young photographer that does not have the money for a commercial school and desires to gain a world of experience, my schooling came from the Naval school in Pensacola, Florida.

Not only did I get an education in every aspect of photography from 4 x 5 Graphlex View Cameras, to the latest developmental and darkroom techniques, I also attended portrait and studio photography classes.

Upon leaving school, I went to an aircraft carrier and spent the next couple of years traveling the world.

There was no way to gain as much experience as I did, from flying in an F 14 to hanging out of a helicopter or at the base of the 1983 destroyed Marines barracks providing photo coverage to a rescue and recovery mission after a terrorist drove a truck full of dynamite through the front door.

Traveling with Bob Hope, Brooke Shields, Wayne Newton, and the 1982 Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders as a USO photographer or visiting countries such as Kenya, Brazil, Australia and Isreal gave me REAL world experience all on the goverments dime.

I remember coming out of the Navy in June of 1984 and interviewing with the Dayton Daily News and walking in with a portfolio that less 1% of peopple that ever walked in the door could even hope to accumulate over a lifetime. At that time, whoever was the photo editor, simply said that the Dayton Daily News only hires graduates from the Ohio Institute of Photography. Unfortunately at that time in my life, at the age of 21, I lacked tenacity and simply focused on building an running a couple of other business's such as a tanning salon and a health club and getting a college education.

Top Photography Schools in the USA to Learn Photography

Photographers looking to improve their skills are now faced with a giant range of choices, many of them from courses that let you study online. But there are things best learned in person, with a teacher prepared to answer your questions — and even award professional certification at the end of it. Here’s our list of places to study photography. If you know of more, toss them into the comments.

California

Academy of Art University – San Francisco
Private, big and accredited. Graduates include Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers Deanne Fitzmaurice.
www.academyart.edu


Brooks Institute of Photography – Santa Barbara
A for-profit corporation, offers four programs, including Professional Photography, Visual Journalism and Visual Communication.
www.brooks.edu

Colorado

The Art Institute of Colorado – Denver
Established as a private arts and crafts college in 1952. Offers Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in photography.
www.artinstitutes.edu/denver/

District of Columbia

The Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University – Washington
Offers a Professional Photography Certificate that teaches basic camera techniques, workflow and lighting among other skills.
www.cdiabu.com/

Florida

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale
A private, accredited college that boasts an employment rate in an related field of over 90 percent within six months of graduation.
www.artinstitutes.edu/fortlauderdale/

International Academy of Design & Technology – Tampa
A nationwide, accredited arts school. The Tampa campus offers an Associate’s degree in Digital Photography.
www.academy.edu/degree-programs/associate-degree-digital-photography/

Miami International University of Art & Design – Miami
Part of The Art Institutes network and offering a BFA in Photography.
www.artinstitutes.edu/miami/

Georgia

The Art Institute of Atlanta – Atlanta
Atlanta’s branch of The Art Institute network.
www.artinstitutes.edu/atlanta/index.asp

Illinois

Harrington College of Design – Chicago
Located in the Loop and focused on interior design, Harrington College also offers a Digital Photography program.
www.interiordesign.edu/

The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg
Illinois hosts two branches of The Institute of Art: one in Chicago and the other in Schaumberg.
www.artinstitutes.edu/chicago/
www.artinstitutes.edu/schaumberg

Maine

Maine Media Workshops
Maine Workshop offers workshops that range from classes on creating your photo book to shooting Rajasthan. Classes can be expensive but the variety is huge… and so is the fun.
www.theworkshops.com/

Minnesota

Brown College – Mendota Heights
Brown College offers a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Photography with specializations that include fashion, fine arts and freelance among others.
www.browncollege.edu/programs/digital.asp

Missouri

Missouri Photo Workshops
Sponsored by Nikon, the Missouri Photo Workshops takes place over six days and aims to teach photojournalism and story-telling.
www.mophotoworkshop.org

New Hampshire

McIntosh College – Dover
McIntosh College teaches professional photography and even offers dorm rooms in a converted hotel. But room service isn’t included.
www.mcintoshcollege.edu/

New Mexico

Santa Fe Workshops – Santa Fe
Creative workshops that range in time and location, and include courses for both hobbyists and professionals.
www.santafeworkshops.com

New York

Briarcliffe College – Bethpage
Briarcliffe is a small, private college offering an Associate’s degree in Digital Photography.
www.bcl.edu/

School of Visual Arts – New York City
One of the country’s finest art schools with both graduate and undergraduate degrees in photography.
www.schoolofvisualarts.edu/

International Center of Photography – New York City
A photography museum offering full-time and continuing education classes in subjects ranging from lighting to photojournalism.
www.icp.org/

Ohio

Antonelli College – Cincinnati
Antonelli College offers an Associate of Applied Business Degree in Photography but only at its Cincinnati campus.
www.antonellicollege.com/photography.html

Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology – Dayton
The Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology focuses on photography and provides professional skills. It also offers both day and night classes.
www.oipt.com/OIPTPortal/oiptCampuses/Ohio/Dayton/

Oregon

Marylhurst University – Marylhurst
A private, Catholic university with a long history and a BFA that includes a photography concentration. Students can be full-time or working professionals.
www.marylhurst.edu/art/bfa-art.php

Pennsylvania

The Art Institute of Philadelphia – Philadelphia, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania has two branches of The Art Institute: in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
www.artinstitutes.edu/philadelhia/
www.artinstitutes.edu/pittsburgh/

Tennessee

Nossi College of Art – Goodlettsville
Nossi focuses on the business side of photography, offering a degree in Commercial Digital Photography. The curriculum includes camera techniques, lighting and basic and advanced Photoshop with the aim of guiding students to entry-level industry positions or the knowledge to freelance.
www.nossi.com

Rhode Island

Rhode Island School Of Design – Rhode Island
One of the most respected arts schools in the country, RISD boasts a who’s who of alumni and faculty, and offers both degree programs and business-oriented continuing education classes.
www.risd.edu


Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Monroe Softball Clinic Announced

From The Voice at Main Street Monroe http://mainstreetmonroe.com

I don't normally post community announcements on my blog, but as a result of not being able to think of anything creative to post today and a chance to use one of my sports photographs along with the announcement...

Monroe, Ohio has an incredible pool of talent and talented coaches in baseball and softball. From the youth baseball and softball leagues on up through the highschools, it's one of the better programs I've covered.

So when a Monroe Hornet organization is putting on a baseball clinic or softball clinic, it's sure to be a valuable use of money.




Dear Player and Parents,


Hello and welcome to 2010! What a great time plan ahead, prepare for the future, and work to improve ourselves! On behalf of the Hornet Softball Family, I would like to invite and encourage you to attend our inaugural FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL CLINIC, sponsored by myself, Head Coach Jenni Meier and Assistant Coach, Aimee Tyree of Monroe High School. This is a great opportunity for players from ages 8 to 14 to get the season started in the right direction.

We strongly believe this experience will be a critical investment that will certainly pay off for both players and youth coaches. Players will learn ways to improve their performance, get to know and learn from the experiences of high school players and coaches, and invest in their future as a Hornet softball player. Coaches will learn the philosophy of the program, new drills, and other ways to enhance their instruction to have better success with their teams.

The clinic will include lunch on day 1 and a Hornet Softball t-shirt for participating. In addition, there will be concessions, opportunities to purchase spirit wear, softball equipment, and a raffle for a FREE one on one, private instruction session with the Head Coach.

So, come join our Hornet Softball Family on Saturday, March 20, and/or Sunday March 21, 2010 at Monroe High School. We look forward to seeing you there!


Sincerely,


Jenni Meier
Head Softball Coach
Monroe High School
jenni.meier1@gmail.com



Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Pleasant Vineyard Camp

Pleasant Vineyard Camp in Camden, Ohio after a snowy day.

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295

Deep Powder, Snowmobiling in Montana

Posted by Cincinnati and Dayton Sports Photographer Vincent Rush of Monroe, Ohio. For more information (877) 858-6295