Every photographer has a list of shots they want to get, and they'll try every game to get that shot. You can try all game and never get it....you can try all month to get that perfect shot and never get it, you can try all seasons for that one perfect picture. Sometimes on a rare occasion you can get it exactly the way you want it, they way you see it in your head, other times you have to settle for what is on your memory card. You can't control the game, the passes, the plays, the goals or the fights. You have to take what comes your way.
The shots I try to get every game are goal photos. The team can be knocking them in like there's no tomorrow and I don't get one. Last night I missed the first four and a good slice of the rest too. But the ones I got turned out:
A lot of other photographers really like to get the fights. I'm not really fussed about a fight, its not on the top of my list but if it happens I'll take it. They don't necessarily make the best images, especially when a fight is more like a love-in. A large slice of the fights I've seen have so far this season have been more of a hugging session than fists flying. If you have an image in mind these fights mean you have to wait a bit long for that photo you want. However, get a "real" fight and you have to contend with other players and the officials getting in the way and spoiling the images you get.
But the Holy Grail of all hockey photography, that you have to be most patient for, is the team you photograph for lifting meaningful sliver wear. You might have to wait all season and you might not be rewarded, but if you're team is the team you take as much as you can.....line-up those shots you have in mind and snap away.
It doesn't matter what league or country you're in, or what language you speak. Take your colours off and you're list of "most wanted shots" will be very similar. They'll no doubt tell you the same thing: patience is a virtue, wait long enough and you'll be rewarded.
Facebook : Twitter
