Photojournalism and Sports Photography

As a Grand Junction photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to capture a wide variety of subjects over the years, but my recent work with the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel has introduced me to the exciting world of photojournalism. The dynamic, fast-paced nature of assignment photography, particularly sports photography, has not only been a new challenge but also a rewarding experience. The excitement of documenting high school sports events and covering important community stories has breathed new life into my photography journey.

The Excitement of Assignment Photography

Having never worked in photojournalism in any capacity, I think its a privilege to get photography assignments from my local newspaper. While my early assignments have varied from local political events to high school sports, assignment photography brings a unique set of challenges—where preparation meets unpredictability. In contrast to my work in studio or commercial settings, where I can control lighting, composition, and timing, assignment photography often requires me to adapt quickly to ever-changing conditions.

For example, when covering a local political candidates’ appearance with the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, there was the challenge to not just get good portraits, but to communicate a story through the photos. Whether it’s the expression of the candidate or the reactions to each other. The opportunity to document important moments in real-time, often with no second chances and no control over the environmental lighting and setups , has honed my skills in anticipating the right shot.

The Thrill of Sports Photography

One of the most exciting and challenging aspects of my recent work has been covering sports photography for high school sports teams around Grand Junction. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph Colorado State Men’s Golf tournament, Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita Men’s Soccer, as well as the Palisade Woman's Softball Teams. Capturing the intensity of a game—whether it’s the determination on a player’s face during a soccer match or the calm focus of a golfer mid-swing—requires not just technical skill, often dealing with harsh sunlight or low night lighting but also an understanding of the sport itself attempting to anticipate the action.

Each game presents unique opportunities and challenges.  I’ve learned that positioning is key, and feeling the pace of any match to anticipate where that action shot will come from. The constantly changing light conditions, the fast-paced nature of the games, and the unpredictability of the players’ movements make sports photography both thrilling and demanding.

Golf, on the other hand, presents a different challenge. It’s slower-paced, but attempting to cover a tournament that stretches over an 18 hole course and attempting to get into the right spots for a good shot is a challenge like none other. Capturing these moments during the Colorado State Golf Tournament here in Grand Junction taught me patience, timing, and the art of composition in a different way. Attempting to photograph not only the players but also the course and landscapes that serve as the backdrop to the course.

Tackling Light and Timing Challenges

When working outdoors, especially during sports events, managing natural light is one of the biggest hurdles. Whether it’s a late afternoon soccer match  that stretches to the darks of evening or a midday golf tournament with harsh direct sunlight, lighting can change drastically throughout the day. Knowing how to adjust settings on the fly to match the lighting conditions has been a crucial skill that my short time in photojournalism has depended on. For instance, during a recent Grand Junction vs. Palisade Men’s Soccer game, I had to adjust my approach as the daylight began to fade, and stadium style lighting took over, experimenting with different shutter speeds and apertures to ensure the images remained crisp without losing the vibrancy of the action.

Photojournalism: Storytelling Through Photography

One of the most rewarding aspects of my new photojournalism role has been the chance to tell stories through my images. Whether I’m covering a political lunch or a high school softball game, my aim is to create images that speak beyond the moment they capture. The emotion, the highs and lows of competition, the passion in the eyes of the athletes, and the energy of the moment all contribute to a visual narrative.

Grand Junction is a vibrant community, and being able to document its people, its athletes, and its events through photography has been an honor. Every time I’m assigned to cover a new event, I see it as an opportunity to add a new layer to the broader story of the community, whether it’s an intense sports game or a moment of calm reflection at a political event. The importance of timing, lighting, and context has never been clearer than in the fast-paced world of assignment photography.

Personal Growth and Future Ambitions

Working as a Grand Junction photographer in a photojournalistic capacity has been a welcome addition to my experiences as a photographer. It’s has been enjoyable maintaining the artistic aesthetics I strive for in my photography and blending it with the impact and story it can provide to the viewer. The immediacy of photojournalism, the need to adapt, and the challenge of capturing the essence of a moment have all contributed to my growth as a photographer.

Moving forward, I’m excited to continue covering both sports photography and other assignments around Grand Junction, whether it’s on the field, at a press conference, or at a local event. The skills I’ve developed over the last couple decades had allowed me to enjoy working under pressure, capturing action in real-time, and telling a story through imagery.