One Year /
One year ago, I made this image.
It's that point in time yearly when I spend a few minutes thinking about where I've been, what I've seen, and what I've done.
When art director extraordinaire Gen Umei asked me to shoot one of the ads for the international release of the Nikon D4 I was thrilled. The chance to work with Gen is a photographer's dream. Not only he is the best at what he does, he's a cherished friend.
To be one of the first photographers in the world to use the latest of a long line of Nikon imaging machines is another dream. I leapt at the chance.
One of the things Gen wanted me to demonstrate was the high ISO capability of the camera, and the superb autofocus functions.
So, what subject matter to select? It wasn't hard to figure out.
2012 was an Olympic year. I love track and field. Laura is a Florida Gator. And we wanted to do part of the shoot at home in Jacksonville.
How do these things work together?
Christian Taylor. Florida Gator. World Champion and soon to be Olympic Champion was happy to jump for us.
Joel Lamp in an act of superb kindness made Jacksonville University's track and field facilities available.
The natural temptation was to shoot the image in beautiful light. Either late afternoon direct sun, or some filtered artificial light. But that would defeat the purpose. We had to show the jump in low, flat light in order to demonstrate just what this camera could do.
We set up and waited. The sun crept lower, and lower in the sky. When it hit the horizon, we started to shoot.
I was shooting with a Nikkor 600 f4 head on with a D4 set at 12,800 ISO. Laura was slightly to my left side and closer to the pit shooting with a Nikkor 400 f 2.8. Andy Hancock was just to my right and was shooting a little looser with a Nikkor 300 f 2.8. We had our bases covered.
Christian was extremely gracious. I expected him to jump a half a dozen times. He did a dozen and would have kept going if I needed him to.
But 12 leaps was more than enough. We had plenty of options. The camera did it's job. We did ours. And Nikon had their ad.
A few hundred thousand air miles later we were in London fully devoted to covering Track and Field for Sports Illustrated.
We had a remote camera high above the triple jump pit. Laura was firing it with specially configured Pocket Wizards.
Christian Taylor jumped brilliantly claiming the gold with a performance of 17.81m, .19 meters better than his fellow teammate Will Claye who finished with a bronze.
I was at the finish line head-on moat, across the stadium from Christian, but I was watching the video streaming. When he won I couldn't help a small exclamation, and a quick text to Gen at home in Tokyo.
Christian and Florida Gator teammate Will Claye took a lap of honor, and when Christian saw me he came over and put out his hand.
An excellent memory for sure.
Absent Friends /
There is an African proverb that goes something like this: "When an old man dies a library burns down."
Tonight, I am remembering two great ones that are no longer with us.
Both had a personal effect on me. And a profound effect on the world through their work.
Ken Regan. Brilliant, funny, intense. Passed away last week after a long battle with cancer.
Gordon Parks. No one else evenly remotely like him. He would have been 100 this week.
Absent friends.
Apple Learning Fellowship Interview /
Professor John Woody posted this a few days ago. The first time we met he asked if I would talk on camera with him about what I am trying to do with images. Here's the interview.
Northern Lights Photo Tour /
NPPA's Photo Journal /
NPPA launched a new photo feature today called "Photo Journal," which will be curated by my friend Jim Colton. "Photo Journal" is a collection of excellent images and his initial column showcases how the NYT selected pictures from the recent presidential election. Check it out: nppa.org
Shooting at the Olympics Webinar Rescheduled /
Bill's Shooting at the Olympics Webinar with the Manfrotto School of Xcellence has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 15 at 2 p.m. (EST). Sign up today and to gain an in-depth look at what it is like to cover the Olympics. Learn more and reserve your seat online now.
World Press Photo Contest /
We are so honored and excited to announce that Bill will be the 2013 World Press Photo contest Sports Jury Chair. Bill previously served as a jury member of World Press Photo contest in 2010 and has won four World Press Photo awards. To learn more about the competition and the members of the jury, visit http://www.worldpressphoto.org/2013-photo-contest-jury.
Shooting at the Olympics Webinar Tuesday /
It's not too late to get an in-depth look at what it is like to cover the Olympics. Sign up today for Bill’s upcoming Webinar with the Manfrotto School of Xcellence. This free Webinar is October 30 at 2 p.m. (EST). You can reserve your seat online today.
In his presentation, Bill will take you through the challenges of covering such high speed and high stakes events. He will also discuss getting the shot of Olympic glory from his spot on the finish line. Learn the set-ups in this one hour Webinar, Shooting at the Olympics.
Upcoming Manfrotto Webinar /
Want to get a in-depth look at what it is like to cover the Olympics? Then sign up for Bill's upcoming Webinar with the Manfrotto School of Xcellence. This free Webinar is October 30 at 2 p.m. (EST). You can reserve your seat online today.
In his presentation, Bill will take you through the challenges of covering such high speed and high stakes events. He will also discuss getting the shot of Olympic glory from his spot on the finish line. Learn the set-ups in this one hour Webinar, Shooting at the Olympics.
