Danny "Swift" Garcia defeats Lamont Peterson at Barclays CenterThe bout between Danny "Swift" Garcia and Lamont Peterson was probably the most difficult sporting event I've ever shot. Why? For whatever reasons, Lamont Peterson never came to play. He spent the VAST majority of the 12-round fight dodging and avoiding Garcia, much to the dismay of the fans (and my fellow photographers). It's hard to get compelling shots when only one man is actually fighting. Garcia himself was the most frustrated, at one point stopping in the middle of the round, gesturing to Peterson to stop running and fight. Later, Garcia literally pushed Peterson onto the mat in another display of frustration. It was an easy fight for Garcia to win, but it was the fans who truly lost.
Boxing: Peter Quillin vs. Andy Lee Ends in a DrawI've been a boxing fan since childhood, so it's always been a thrill to shoot live matches. However it is a tough sport to shoot. You really have to anticipate the moves of BOTH boxers in order to capture the best moments, from a solid left hook to that knockout punch. But shooting boxers really makes you appreciate the intensity and strategies of the "sweet science" even more... This is my second time shooting Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin, a boxer whom I've been impressed with in the past. I was surprised he didn't win this match as he really dominated the early rounds, but was never able to put his opponent Andy Lee away. Lee was very resilient, and showed his skills in the later rounds. The fight was declared a draw, much to the dismay of the fans at Barclays Center.
Brooklyn Nets NBA Playoff Push ContinuesThe Brooklyn Nets are continuing their push to make the NBA Playoffs this season, with a huge 117-80 win over the Washington Wizards. The Nets are currently in the 8th and final spot for a playoff berth. With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers also fighting for that final spot, each game is now a must win for the surging Nets. Three more games to the regular season. Will the Nets make it?
Janelle Monae in Concert at Best Buy Theater in NYCJanelle Monae is one of my favorite singers, so when Samsung gave free tickets to owners of their phones for an exclusive concert by her...I jumped at the chance. The concert took place at Best Buy Theater in NYC and was amazing. Ms. Monae is quite the performer with tons of energy...to the delight of her devoted fans. Her style is both electric and eclectic, clearly influenced by Prince, James Brown, Michael Jackson and others. It all shines through onstage. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to attend a "Meet and Greet" with Ms. Monae. As I approached her for a photo, she complimented my dreadlocs, to my delight. She thanked me coming and I returned the sentiment. TERRIFIC night. If you get the chance to see her live...GO.
Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams has Best Game of Season vs. Toronto RaptorsStar point guard Deron Williams was red-hot last night vs. arch-rival Toronto Raptors, helping them win 114-109. D-Will had 31 points on 11-for-18 from the field, 5-of-7 from behind the arc, 11 assists, and a rebound, making it his best game all season. The Nets have won 6 in a row during this late-season surge, as they fight for a place in the post-season playoffs. If D-Will and the equally productive Brook Lopez continue this type of play, it should be no problem...
My Photo Was Spotlighted by USA Today Newspaper!Wow! This was a very exciting day...USA Today newspaper chose my photo as "Top Reader Photo of the Day"! This was an incredibly proud moment for me! It's definitely the most exposure any of my photos has ever received. Thank you, USA Today and Your Take for the honor! Here it is!
Snowfall in Brooklyn, NYC
Highlights from the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game!The NBA All-Star Game is being held in Madison Square Garden this year. I had the privilege of covering the All-Star Celebrity Game, which mixes celebrities with NBA legends and current WNBA players... The West team was coached by Spike Lee, John McEnroe and sportscaster Mike Golic. The team included actors Nick Cannon, Anthony Anderson, Ansel Elgort and Jesse Williams; comedian Sarah Silverman and athletes Mo'ne Davis, Skylar Diggins and Chris Mullin. Meanwhile the East was coached by New York Knick Carmelo Anthony and sportscaster Mike Greenberg. Their team included comedian Kevin Hart, actors Chadwick Boseman & Michael Rapaport; rapper/actor Common and athletes Shoni Schimmel, Allan Houston and Tina Charles. The West defeated the East 57-51, with Hart winning his 4th MVP in a row. A great night of humor and hoops!
Central Park Skyline in Silhouette
One of my favorite captures from a recent photo walk in Central Park, co-hosted by 500px.com and one of my favorite photographers, Vivienne Gucwa. Check out her book of beautiful NYC photos, "NY Through the Lens". |
