2022年7月 : 足球比赛外拍

Gary Chu 摄

撰写: Jianguo Liu，网络编辑: Mei Yong

BCPA 7月外拍 – 足球场

While this July was the hottest on record in the greater Boston area, the final day of the month was rather tame by comparison – nevertheless, the 90-plus degree weather drove many people indoors and towards the air conditioners. One of the exceptions to the rule was an intrepid group of BCPA members led by Cary Chu and Yan Johnson, who trekked out to Northborough to take photos of the NE Tiger soccer club at Melican Middle School.

BCPA members arrived at the field on time and with great enthusiasm, eager not only to watch a brilliant and fierce soccer game but also to develop their photography skills, and the NE Tiger club greeted us with matching excitement. By request from Zhang Bo – the captain of the NE Tigers – BCPA members were asked to shoot some wonderful photos which could help people get to better know the club. In addition, two mirroring competitions are planned: A photo contest for the best pictures, and a vote from the photographers to choose the best players, with both winners being rewarded. Traditionally, the BCPA has participated in NE Tigers activities since Yang Bo – one of the BCPA’s founders – helped to foster the relationship between the two organizations, but we were nevertheless honored when the players greeted us with warmth and a friendly atmosphere.

On the field, we found a wide variety of players in regards to their age, race, and level of play, a good showcase of what the club is all about. During our shoot, we saw fathers and sons, Brazilians and Chinese, and doctors and scientists, but on the field, they were all running after the same ball and targeting the same goal.

While the players were preparing for the game, Cary was busy instructing the BCPA team members on how to take pictures of fast-moving subjects like soccer players. There were many questions and concerns among our team members, with the major challenges including:

Should we set ISO at “Auto” when taking sport photos?
Which focus mode should we use: Auto Focus (AF) or Manual (M)?
When we set focus, should we use “GRP” (group focus) or “S” (single spot) focus?
When shooting sports action in natural light, should we set the camera towards the sunlight or away from it?
When taking fast-moving pictures, which lens is better: 24-70mm, 70-200mm, or 200-500mm, or others?
How should one use a tripod when taking sport pictures?

Cary patiently answered all of these questions and more, first explaining the related principles and theories before giving his suggestions.

But as we were focusing on picking up the necessary skills and knowledge required for sports photography, the game suddenly started! In a rush, we stopped our preparations and began our live photography.

The members of the NE Tigers were randomly divided into two groups: Green and Red. At the beginning Team Green seemed to be taking charge, putting a great deal of pressure on Team Red and creating lots of scoring chances. While Team Red was noticeably agitated by the pressure in their callouts and their play, their defense ultimately held strong throughout most of the game. At the end of the first half, both players and photographers got a chance to relax. While the photographers were not running and jumping like the players were, they were sweating all the same.

As play ended, both groups swarmed a table of watermelon, providing a massively needed aid against the burning sunshine. However, the intermission was not a total break – BCPA photographers arranged players to take a formal group photo of the NE Tigers, and later took their own group photo. While the heat and sunshine were a constant distraction, the BCPA team nevertheless got both jobs done.

After the group photos concluded, Yang Bo volunteered to play goalie so we could take some special close-up shots! As it turned out, this soccer game had no unusual goalie actions that we were able to capture, so his volunteering filled that gap for us. In front of the goal, Yang Bo demonstrated different actions for stopping and catching the ball. He threw himself into the air again and again like an acrobat and then, among the ear-splitting shutter sounds, he would crash down onto the grass. To allow us to catch better photos, he repeated these movements a countless number of times. We were all greatly impressed by his amazing skills, and grateful for his volunteering!

The second half of the game was still very exciting, but not as intense and fierce as the first half due to the heat and the increasing pull of fatigue on the players. However, Team Red’s play was much improved in the second half, which resulted in many impressive pictures in each photographer’s camera.

There were no referees or whistles during the entire game – it seemed as if every player on the field was a referee and could blow his whistle by just yelling when anything seemed unfair. That seemed unusual to us at first, but we later found that it was a good idea which allowed the game to proceed smoothly. As we were all concentrating ourselves on pushing our shutters, the game suddenly ended without a whistle. What a shame!

At this point, the sunshine was still burning and sweat was still raining from everyone at the game. However, nobody was suffering or complaining. There was instead a tremendous sense of excitement, delight and satisfaction for such a rewarding and memorable experience.

Participating BCPA Photographers: Cary Chu, Yan Johnson, 钟宁，凌丽，張文华,

Amy，張竹園，刘建國, Paul

Soccer team: NE Tiger club

Time and Location: July 31, 2022 morning, Melican Middle School of Northborough