The Art of a Soccer Sequence
When I first started photographing soccer, I had this fascination with breaking down sequences frame by frame. It sort of grew out of getting a proper camera for the first time at the end of 2017 (Nikon D500) that could shoot 10 fps. And while I could easily animate all these sequences, I wanted to actually see every single detail. And so it began...
The Sonnett Spiral
This was the first time I used Photoshop to explore this idea. Audrey Bledsoe, the goalkeeper of Washington Spirit, had taken down Emily Sonnett, the defender for Portland Thorns, right in front of me. I was sitting on the pitch, taking photos through this small gap in the ad board walls. You could almost say after this, I sort of spiraled out of control with this idea!
April 20, 2018 - Portland Thorns vs. Washington Spirit. Taken for Stumptown Footy/SB Nation.
Naeher's perfect goal kick.
It was pouring heavily that day and I could barely see through my glasses. But there was just something about the colors and the way Naeher goes about her goal kick that inspired me to merge it together.
May 19, 2018 - Seattle Reign vs Chicago Red Stars. Taken for Hot Time in Old Town/SB Nation.
JJ Taking Off.
Julie Ertz scored one of the four goals against Brazil during the 2018 Tournament of Nation and her celebration is possibly one of my favorites. Naturally, she plays a more defensive role but when you put her anywhere near goal, she is a force to be recon with. Even better when she scores, don't you think :)
August 3, 2018 - USA vs Brazil.
Kerr's Rainbow Run.
For anyone else, the individual images are just clean images of a run. For me, it is one full story that illustrates how Sam Kerr glides on the pitch at times.
August 3, 2018 - Australia vs Japan. Taken for Football Federation Australia.
Jasmyne Spencer's leaping goal.
This was probably one of the sweetest kicks to break down because it led to one hell of a goal!
August 5, 2018 - Seattle Reign vs Washington Spirit. Taken for Sounders at Heart/SB Nation.
Horan Hearts You.
After Lindsey Horan scored during a cascadia rivalry game, she sent up hearts to her family in the stands and with some insane luck (or perhaps it was fate), the ad board also illustrated hearts as well.
September 7, 2018 - Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign. Taken for Stumptown Footy/SB Nation.
The Dragon is here.
Jess Fishlock scored this quick first goal against Portland and their 20k+ fans. This was a game to fight for a home playoff spot and to do this was certainly making a statement. Funny enough, earlier in the year, I had told the Welsh national (hence the nickname 'Dragon') to score on this side of the pitch during the rivalry game and she certainly delivered!
September 7, 2018 - Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign. Taken for Sounders at Heart/SB Nation.
One Second of Pinoe.
This sequence - 10 frames - represents one second of action. As a physics nerd, I truly appreciate the parabolic trajectory of the ball from the thrown in. As a photographer, I truly appreciate that her pace and patience on the ball matches perfectly with my camera frame rate. You can see her eyes on the ball as she finds the small space needed to send in a cross after the ball bounces. Perfect timing.
May 12, 2019 - USA vs South Africa. Taken for Eight by Eight Magazine.
Rookie of the Year
Bethany Balcer sealed a perfect record against the Reign's Cascadia rival - Portland Thorns. The rookie was was the first to play in the National Women's Soccer League from a NAIA school and she was also one of the brightest spots of the team in 2019.
September 29, 2019 - Reign FC v Portland Thorns. Taken for Sounders at Heart/SB Nation.
Leaping Press
I just really liked this sequence. I think she went for goal and just missed or it was saved or probably (and more likely) hit the woodwork. I just like her facial expressions in this!
August 3, 2019 - USA vs Ireland. Taken for Eight by Eight.
The most iconic moment in women's soccer and probably also my life.
July 7th 2019 - World Cup Final - USA vs Netherlands.
