The Day the Lights Went Out

The last shot I took before the lights went out.

My love of sports photography has led me to shoot Chardon High School sports photos for a great high school sports photo website:  WWW.NEOSPORTSPIX.COM   Exactly a month ago today I was photographing a girls varsity softball game when the unexpected happened!  The first batter was up and I was following the photographer’s creed of keeping both eyes opened while looking through the viewfinder in order to see what’s happening around me.  However, I was facing left field while shooting the third baseman in her defensive stance.  I remember hearing the crack of the bat and the next thing I knew I was falling to the ground having been hit on the back of the head by a screaming line drive foul ball.  I didn’t lose consciousness, but I did lose my vision for a short time and for a photographer, that was quite scary!  I suffered a concussion but other than that, I’m no worse for wear. It does serve as a reminder though, for anyone, pros and parents alike shooting sports photos, to be aware of your surrounding and keep track of the ball, bat, puck, or anything else that might be flying around.  Otherwise, the lights might go out on you too!