Primarily, I am a wedding and high school senior photographer! I occasionally capture lifestyle family sessions. I love to be able to capture very important times in people’s lives, but I also thoroughly enjoy capturing the millisecond successes and memories made by an athlete. These are photos that can’t be staged, posed or retaken. You either capture the moment or you don’t. I believe that sports photography keeps you on your toes, teaches you to learn and use your equipment better than any other photography discipline, and lends the most hands-on, real life experience to all other genres of photography. I love weddings, seniors and family memories, but I also LOVE sports photography!

I am submitting five images to the The Shot—a sports + action photography contest by the Photo District News.  This contest won’t earn me any points toward my bid for the WPPI master certification (2014 First Half, 2014 Second Half), but it will put my work in front of some very good eyes.  The Sports Illustrated Director of Photography, the Art Director for the NFL, Photo Editor for Outside Magazine, and the Photography Director for Sport Diver magazine will all look over my submissions to decide whether or not they are good enough to advance to the second round.  I submitted to two categories: On the Court and On the Field. (Other categories were: On the Mountain, In the Water, On the Road, In the Sky, and In the Studio.) It was really tough narrowing down to only five images, but I think I’m pretty confident with my selections. If these don’t do well, I do have many, many more to choose from next year.

Ultimately, I have a shot at a $2,000 cash prize, a $500 gift card to Adorama, and a chance to be published in the February 2015 issue of PDN. As with all professional photography contests, the competition is always super competitive.  Here is a link to the winners’ gallery from last year.

These first two images were taken in the open division at the Motherlode Volleyball Tournament in Aspen, Colorado over Labor Day Weekend this year. The top image is Skylar Del Sol and his partner, at the net, Cody Kessel.  I picked this image because Cody has so much hang time. Actually, it’s unbelievable. The second Motherlode image is pro beach bad boy, Dana Camacho. Dana has a very unorthodox way of defensive ball handling, but many say that he’s the best defensive player in the world. Coincidentally, the two teams faced each other in the championship game.

 

This image was taken at a high school football game this year. This school is my high school alma mater.  I just love how excited coach and player are! The image is especially noteworthy to me because the player was injured pretty badly in one of his last football games of his junior year. In fact, that was the worst sports-related injury I have ever personally witnessed! Bravo to him for being back on the field so soon!

Here’s another image from my alma mater! I love that the blocker is so calm and relaxed that she appears to be resting.

This is probably my favorite sports image of all time. This is the only image I submitted to the competition that was not taken this year. This was actually taken in 2012 during my daughter’s sophomore softball season.  This image isn’t bad for someone taking photos while simultaneously keeping the team’s book. Actually, I was very lucky to capture this precise moment.  I’m so glad that I did because now it hangs on a 24″ x 36″ gallery-wrapped canvas in her bedroom.

Until next time, be positive, happy, and healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings worldwide. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget.  As a professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide you the absolute best photography experience.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love hiking, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and most importantly, I enjoy seeing my daughters happy!

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