Going to the World Series
Having a strategy, but also being willing to pivot, created a chance for a memorable photo.
Approaching midnight on a cool, late October night in suburban Atlanta, and you could feel a hint of Fall Classic in the air…
Game 6 of the 2021 MLB National League Championship Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers had entered the 9th inning with the Braves holding a 4-2 lead over the Dodgers in the game, and a 3 games to 2 lead in the best-of-7 series. A Braves win would earn them their first World Series appearance since 1999 and send the fans at Truist Park into bedlam mode. Two innings prior, in one of the most electric relief pitching appearances in postseason history, Atlanta had gotten out of a bases-loaded, no outs situation without yielding a run via the efforts of pitcher Tyler Matzek, and the game was now in closer Will Smith’s hands to finish the final 3 outs. The Braves had come up short a few times in the playoffs against the Dodgers in previous years, and so despite the lead there was still a palpable, nervous tension amongst a crowd that was hoping to soon erupt in celebration.
My vantage point for the entire game was from a field-level, first base photo well, as a photographer for Getty Images, a global editorial and commercial photo agency (and my current full-time employer). The photographer chatter for the past couple innings was about who to focus on for the “jube shots”, or the celebration shots should the Braves win. The end-of-game celebration photos, especially in playoff series-clinching situations, tend to be heavily used and can become iconic memories.
The obvious answer was first baseman Freddie Freeman, the 12-year veteran and unquestioned team leader, having played for the Braves for his entire career up to that point. However, there was one problem: given our fixed position behind 1st base, Freeman most likely would not be celebrating in our direction, at least enough to get a clear look at his facial expression. But after Freeman, there was no other clear consensus on who the post-game target should be. Some said the pitcher and catcher, usually a traditional and safe shot, some said left fielder Eddie Rosario, who was the eventual NLCS MVP, some said second baseman Ozzie Albies, with others opting for third baseman Austin Riley given that he would be facing us from his position.
For me, though, the focus point wasn’t in question: it was Dansby.
Dansby Swanson, the Braves starting shortstop, was born and raised about 10 miles from Truist Park and had been with the Braves since Dec 2015, when he was surprisingly traded by the Diamondbacks after being the #1 overall MLB Draft pick by Arizona earlier that year. He made his debut with the Braves in August 2016 to high overall expectations, so much so that in a memorable late-season Atlanta Braves promotional video created by then Braves photographer Pouya Dianat, celebrating the last Braves season at Turner Field in 2016, the only 3 players mentioned in the video from the entire 20-year existence of Turner Field were Chipper Jones, Freeman, and Swanson. This was 1 month after starting his Braves career and less than a year after being drafted! That video made a big impression on me about how keen the organization was on Dansby being one of the key players to lead the franchise into the new ballpark the following year. Early on in his Braves career after that season, Dansby hit some obstacles, but those challenges made him stronger and he became an excellent player and vital team contributor. He also was not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and show emotion in certain situations, which usually made for great reaction photos. The combination of him being the hometown hero with having had a long up-and-down road and story with the team to get to this point, and my thinking that the reaction would be strong, he was my clear pick despite some raised eyebrows from others.
Serendipitously, the last play of the game was a hard ground ball hit by AJ Pollock a bit left of the shortstop position. Dansby dove down and reached to grab the line drive, and did a pop-up slide of sorts to get back on his feet and throw to 1st base for the last out of the game. Staying focused on him while others focused elsewhere brought the shots I hoped for. The post-game, on-field hoopla had officially begun and lasted well into the early morning hours, ending with a visit to the outfield fountain with Blooper the mascot!! The Braves, for the first time in 22 years, and me for the first time ever as a photographer, were going to the World Series.
Sound unusual to you to put that much thought into the creation of one photo? Probably, but these situations happen all the time for photojournalists, who have to become comfortable embracing that planning process and adjusting on the fly in order to stand out from the crowd. These are some ways I’ve been able to manuever the twists and turns in a game in order to get to the best outcome.
3 TAKEAWAYS:
Strategize and plan — skate to where the puck is going
Learn to anticipate pivotal moments. Being able to foresee key plays and plan accordingly can lead to capturing iconic and memorable images.
Use as much information and data, quantitative and qualitative, as possible to make a decision, as art and science definitely work hand in hand in both photos and business. The more informed and observant you are, the better outcomes you can create.
2. Sometimes taking the road less traveled can make all the difference
Don’t be afraid to stray from the conventional wisdom on, in this case, a subject of a photo. The allure of herd mentality can be strong. Resist that lure to give yourself the opportunity to authentically stand out.
Considering a unique perspective created a distinctive and memorable image that provided a different moment.
3. Adapt in the moment
Situations change quickly. Be flexible and ready to adapt to changing circumstances. Like a quarterback going through his passing progressions with the first receiver covered, the end of game situation called for an adjustment. My position for that game required an adjustment to give myself the best chance at getting a memorable photo.
And despite initial skepticism from others, the choice was made clearer by the available data on the subject I wanted to focus on, showcasing the importance of staying flexible, considering all options, and seizing unexpected opportunities that can lead to success.
Strategize. Innovate. Adapt. Wise words to live by in photography.
Merchant of Adrenaline is a blog that (hopefully) provides entertaining, inspirational, and informative stories for aspiring photographers from a 20+ year sport photo side hustle. Subscribe now and tell a friend!