Turfimages.com Blog

First Football: Joplin Eagles vs. Glendale Falcons

Turfimages — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 22:12:58 +0000

Monday marked the beginning of the high school football season for me as I covered my first game. The freshmen game between the Joplin Eagles and the Glendale Falcons was a nice change of pace from my recent weeks of doing videos, and other photo projects. It also marked the first time I used my 400 2.8 IS for a football game as well. Needless to say, this is an exciting time of year, and I look forward to the rest of the season.

You can see more of the game images in the GAME GALLERY.

Wedding: Todd and Sarah

Turfimages — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:25:06 +0000

Saturday was a really exciting day for my wife and I as we had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Todd and Sarah. These two are some of our great friends, and we were so glad we could be part of their special day. The day started off at 5:15 a.m. for me as I had to get ready because the guys were going golfing at 7 a.m. prior to the wedding. I met the guys at the golf course and followed them around for a couple hours, carefully grabbing photos of them laughing, hitting balls out of sand traps, and putting on the greens. This was a nice relaxing start to a wedding day, and I am sure the guys really enjoyed it as well.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 85mm, 1/6400th, f/1.6, ISO 100

Canon 1D Mark IV, 85mm, 1/800th, f/1.6, ISO 100

Canon 1D Mark IV, 85mm, 1/2000th, f/1.4, ISO 100

After a couple hours of hanging out with the guys, I left to go see how the girls were doing at the Salon. I arrived to find that they were just getting ready to hit the chairs. When Sarah was getting taken care of, I saw something that I had never seen before. The stylist was using string or twine to keep her hair up instead of using bobby pins. The stylist would sew each section of hair up with a plastic needle. Being a guy, all I can say is that I was really impressed and had no idea that this could be done.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 85mm, 1/640th, f/1.6, ISO 1600

All of the girls got their hair done, and by 11 a.m. we were all heading to Second Baptist Church to get ready for the rest of the day. The guys showed up at 12:45 p.m. and began to get into their tuxes.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 24mm, 1/250th, f/4, ISO 640

Todd arrived, and quickly got ready so that I could take him to get some portraits done around the church. Todd, you clean up fairly well. Thanks to Brandon for helping carry the stand and battery. We moved throughout the church, dodging Sarah in the process and got some great shots of Todd.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 24mm, 1/250th, f/7.1, ISO 100

Canon 1D Mark IV, 88mm, 1/100th, f/3.2, ISO 100

Since Todd and the guys were all taken care of photo-wise, we then worked on getting the girls ready for photos and eventually got those done as well.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 33mm, 1/300th, f/2.8, ISO 800

Canon 1D Mark IV, 35mm, 1/300th, f/2.8, ISO 800

Canon 1D Mark IV, 26mm, 1/160th, f/3.5, ISO 800

Then came the big time, 4 p.m. I had nearly been up for 12 hours, yet my day, was just now reaching its climax. The doors opened, Sarah began walking down the aisle and Todd gave one of the largest grins I have seen in awhile. The ceremony was really simple and perfect for the couple’s personalities.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 70mm, 1/100th, f/4, ISO 3200

Canon 40D, 15mm, 1/100th, f/3.5, ISO 1600

The ceremony was completed and now Todd and Sarah were married. The day was still young with some group shots with the family and wedding party. One thing I love to do when I cover weddings is to spend some time with just the bride and groom and interact with them. I think it is interesting to watch the couple as it starts to sink in that they are now married. About an hour and a half after the ceremony I asked Sarah, “So how does it feel now that your married?”. “I still can’t believe it. It’s almost not real”, she said. We got some shots of Sarah and Todd with each other and individually to close out our time at the church. On to the reception!

Canon 1D Mark IV, 16mm, 1/200th, f/5.6, ISO 50

Canon 1D Mark IV, 70mm, 1/800th, f/4, ISO 640

Canon 1D Mark IV, 85mm, 1/200th, f/3.5, ISO 50

Canon 1D Mark IV, 142mm, 1/320th, f/3.2, ISO 640

Todd and Sarah’s reception was held at the University Plaza Hotel in the Grand Ballroom. The reception hall was full of guests eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newly weds. They all cheered, clapped, and yelled as Todd and Sarah made their way through the doors. Their reception was a great chance to get a tad more creative with my use of light and I think they were some of my strongest images of the entire day.

Canon 1D Mark IV, 16mm, 1/60th, f/3.2, ISO 200

Canon 1D Mark IV, 175mm, 1/320th, f/3.2, ISO 500

Canon 1D Mark IV, 30mm, 1/60th, f/4, ISO 400

Canon 1D Mark IV, 200mm, 1/320th, f/3.2, ISO 400

Canon 1D Mark IV, 105mm, 1/320th, f/3.2, ISO 400

Canon 1D Mark IV, 21mm, 1/60th, f/3.5, ISO 400

Canon 1D Mark IV, 16mm, 1/200th, f/2.8, ISO 200

Congratulations to Todd and Sarah. I wish you a long and happy marriage.

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Wedding Sneak Peek: Todd and Sarah

Turfimages — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:19:30 +0000

I would like to say a huge congratulations to Todd and Sarah for their decision and commitment to spend the rest of their lives together. Their wedding yesterday was great and it was a pleasure for me to cover their wedding day, and tell the day’s story. Below are just a few photos that will serve as a sneak peek. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive blog post about the entire shoot. Become a “Fan” on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter to keep updated on my recent adventures.

Cardinals Take Series 3-1

Turfimages — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:58:03 +0000

Now only two games back from first place, the Springfield Cardinals are playing some of the best baseball they have played all season. The Naturals won Sunday’s game 9-1, but the Cards were not quite ready to give the lead back in Monday’s match up. Springfield had Starter John Gast on the mound to face off against Jake Odorizzi of the Naturals. The game was a tight race until the bottom of the third when Cardinals’ Daryl Jones hit a home run. The Naturals fought back putting up a run of their own in the top of the fourth. In the bottom of the sixth however, the Cardinals put away the Northwest Arkansas team with a six run half inning that included a three run home run by Springfield’s Eric Duncan.The Cardinals took three of the four games against the Naturals. They now sit two games out of first place and playing the Arkansas Travelers in Little Rock, Tuesday through Thursday.

A view of Hammons Field during a game between the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on August 1, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 7-1.

James Rapoport (27) of the Springfield Cardinals cannot avoid the tag at third base during a game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Hammons Field on August 1, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 7-1.

Rey Navarro (8) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals throws to first while diving during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on August 1, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 7-1.

Eric Duncan (15) of the Springfield Cardinals is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a three run home run during a game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Hammons Field on August 1, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 7-1.

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Cardinals Take Two From Naturals, Lose Third

Turfimages — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:12:30 +0000

The Naturals came into Springfield Friday in sole possession of first place. The Cardinals however had something to say about that and their three game winning streak proved it. The Cardinals won Friday’s game 11-4. The next night, the Cardinals put on a hitting show by again beating the Naturals 11-5. Cardinals top pitching prospect, Shelby Miller, pitched on Friday, but was not eligible for the win after pitching 4 innings, allowed 3 runs on six hits, and 7 strikeouts. Scott Schneider got the win for the game, his seventh of the season.

Shelby Miller (26) of the Springfield Cardinals delivers a pitch during a game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals and the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 30, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 11-5.

Christian Colon (4) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals fields a ground ball during a game against the Springfield Cardinals and the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 30, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 11-5.

Jeff Bianchi (6) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals attempts to turn a double play during a game against the Springfield Cardinals and the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 30, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Northwest Arkansas 11-5.

The Cardinals, who were three games back from first place, only were two games back at the beginning of last night’s match up with the current first place team. However, it seems as if the Naturals were wanting to make the point of why they were the first place team. Northwest Arkansas put up 9 runs against the Cardinals’ pitching staff. Four of the runs came on the bat of the Naturals’ Designated Hitter, Jamie Romak, after he launched a ball into the stands for a grand slam in the seventh inning. The Cardinals were able to put up one run, however, they lost 9-1. They are now three games out of first place in the Texas League North.

Jamie Romak (26) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals crushes a ball to right field during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 31, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Northwest Arkansas defeated Springfield 9-1.

Rey Navarro (8) of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals rounds third base during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 31, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Northwest Arkansas defeated Springfield 9-1.

Jose Garcia (3) of the Springfield Cardinals fields a ball thrown to second base during a game against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Hammons Field on July 31, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Northwest Arkansas defeated Springfield 9-1.

The Naturals face off again tonight at Hammons Field in game four of the series.

Cardinals Beat Drillers: Miller Now 6-1

Turfimages — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:47:35 +0000

The Cardinals got the win they have been wanting last night at Hammons Field against the Tulsa Drillers. The Drillers allowed 12 runs to cross the plate in 6 out of 9 innings. Cardinals’ top pitching prospect Shelby Miller (26) made his sixth start for the ball club. He pitched 5.1 innings, allowed 4 hits, 5 walks and 4 strikeouts. Shane Robinson (27) connected for two home runs in his 5-5 night. Tulsa leads the series 2-1 with the last match up being Thursday, June 21, 2011 at Hammons Field. Below are a few images from the game.

Matt Adams (25) of the Springfield Cardinals on defense during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on July 20, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Tulsa 12-1.

Shelby Miller (26) of the Springfield Cardinals delivers a pitch during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on July 20, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Tulsa 12-1.

Scott Beerer (15) of the Tulsa Drillers jumps up the left field wall during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 20, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Springfield defeated Tulsa 12-1.

Two in a Row: Cardinals Lose 17-11 Against the Drillers

Turfimages — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:39:27 +0000

The bats were alive at Hammons Field Tuesday night which helped lead to the 17-11 final score. Tulsa’s Thomas Field went 5-5 at the plate. The Drillers aquired nine runes through the top of the seventh inning, but after the stretch, the Cardinals rallied back and scored six runs. Springfield may have taken the lead, however, due to four straight home runs off of Springfield’s Brett Zawacki in the top of the eighth, Tulsa scored six runs and regained the lead. They would never relinquish the lead after that half inning. The game ended in a blistering final score of 17-11. Below are just a few images from the game.

Bronson Sardinha (51) of the Tulsa Drillers follows through his swing during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 19, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Tulsa defeated Springfield 17-11.

Audry Perez (10) of the Springfield Cardinals prepares to tag Erik Wetzel (1) of the Tulsa Drillers out at home plate during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on July 19, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Tulsa defeated Springfield 17-11.

The Springfield Cardinals Bat Boy sits in the setting sun during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on July 19, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Tulsa defeated Springfield 17-11.

A Tough Loss: Tulsa Drills Cardinals for 13

Turfimages — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:59:09 +0000

Last night was a rough night for Springfield Cardinals fans at Hammons Field. The Tulsa Drillers were in town and they brought their bats with them. The Drillers amounted for 13 runs against the Cardinals, who had 8 runs of their own at the end of the night. Fans were hoping for a better pitching performance than what they saw Monday night at Hammons Field. Below are a few images from the game.

Ryan Jackson (23) of the Springfield Cardinals tags Wilin Rosario (20) of the Tulsa Drillers during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on July 18, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Rosario was called safe on the play. Tulsa defeated Springfield 13-8.

Hector Gomez (5) of the Tulsa Drillers turns a double play during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 18, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Tulsa defeated Springfield 13-8.

A Tulsa Drillers player's cleats are illuminated by late evening light during a game against the Springfield Cardinals at Hammons Field on July 18, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Tulsa defeated Springfield 13-8.

Zack Cox (7) of the Springfield Cardinals stands in the dugout during a game against the Tulsa Drillers at Hammons Field on July 18, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Tulsa defeated Springfield 13-8.

Cardinals Battle Back

Turfimages — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:25:55 +0000

Last night’s Springfield Cardinals game was one of the most exciting games I have photographed in a long time. Other than last year’s 20 inning Cardinals game against the Mets (Past Blog Post and Other Images). The game ended in a 4-3 win after Springfield’s Ryan Jackson (23) hit a fast moving ground ball toward third which then had Eric Duncan (15) headed home for the winning run over the Midland RockHounds. Between two plays at home plate and several home runs, the game featured some great pitching by Springfield’s John Gast (16), who had nine strike outs in seven scoreless innings. Check out the TurfImages Facebook Page for updates with images from each game, and make sure to check out TurfImages.com for updates of recent work. Below are just a few of my favorite photos from Monday’s game.

Jorge Rondon (40) of the Springfield Cardinals stands in the bullpen during a game against the Midland RockHounds at Hammons Field on July 11, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri.

Charles Cutler (37) of the Springfield Cardinals tags out Jeremy Barfield (40) of the Midland RockHounds during a game against the Midland RockHounds at Hammons Field on July 11, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri.

Hitting Coach Phillip Wellman (30) of the Springfield Cardinals stands in the dugout between innings during a game against the Midland RockHounds at Hammons Field on July 11, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri.

Ryan Jackson (23) of the Springfield Cardinals is tackled by Shelby Miller (26) after hitting the game winning base hit during a game against the Midland RockHounds at Hammons Field on July 11, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri.

Tough Weeks

Turfimages — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:07:59 +0000

Over the past few weeks there has been a lot that has changed here in the Southwest Missouri region. The news of the Tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri that left roughly 140 people dead had spread through the news quite quickly and it was one of those situations that made the work very special to me and how I view taking photos. I want to thank all of the people who allowed me to spend some time in their home with them, documenting each and every aspect of changed lives. My prayers go out to all of you and my promise that if there is anything I can do to help please feel free to contact me. Below are just a few of the images from my three days spent in Joplin three days after the storm devastated the town.

More of my images from the Joplin tornado can be found here: http://Turfimage.zenfolio.com/news/joplin_tornado_052411

This past week, I spent four days photographing the state baseball championships at Meador Park in Springfield, Missouri. Next year will be the last year that the state championships will be held in Springfield, which is a huge bummer for me because it is one of my favorite things to photograph to end the school year. It will be moving to T.J. Hughes Stadium in O’ Fallon, Missouri which is just outside of St. Louis. I have to say that this year, I feel as if I walked away with some of the best photos I have in the past three years. My take was solid and I thoroughly enjoyed covering it again this year. Here are some of my favorite photos from this year.

Check out more of the Missouri High School State Baseball Championships on my website here: http://Turfimage.zenfolio.com/archives/2011/11hsbb/mshsaabb