'Through the Lens' will appear once per week during the offseason. Packers team photographer Evan Siegle deconstructs some of his favorite images from the 2019 season. Each week will offer a new photo line-up of some of his best photos and stories from the past season.

White-out

When I document the players' introductions before every home game, I spend the majority of time inside the tunnel. I think that particular shooting position offers the most creative imagery. It also gives a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes too. But there are times when I want to mix up the composition with the use of a different perspective or lens choice. Knowing the Packers had two games beneath the lights at Lambeau Field, I wanted to try a wide-angle shot from just outside the tunnel.

I tried this same composition by using a remote camera during the first night game of the season, but I didn't like the camera placement and final results. Using a remote camera can be a headache because you can't predict the unexpected. Once the camera is mounted in place and pre-focused, it's a done deal. You can always make adjustments leading up to the moment but once the players run out onto the field and you trip the transmitter to the receiver, then that's what you get. I always find it better if I'm behind the camera. This image of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers running out onto the field is a perfect example. This game, for some reason, the smoke was rolling out way in front of the tunnel entrance, unlike in the previous night game. If I were using a remote camera, I would've missed out on maximizing the amount of smoke in the composition, which I think is the coolest layer in the composition. Now, I could've used a wider lens with a remote camera, but I really like how the 35mm looks…just enough crowd and stadium ambiance. This image was shot with a 35mm lens (ISO = 2000, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/5000th).

Beneath the star

If you're a Packers fan, how can you not love AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas? I've captured some great moments against the Dallas Cowboys in that stadium and every time we play a game there, I'm always reminded of those good times. I also have become quite fond of the stadium, too. I'm a big fan of the giant illuminated star that hangs over the walkway from the visitors' locker room to the field. I also love that the fans gather behind sections of glass to watch the players walk by. This past season I captured a nice image of Allen Lazard as he walked beneath the star. I really like how the light is reflecting off his jersey, too. This image was shot with a 24mm lens (ISO = 4000, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/400th).

Framework

To make an image more visual or add a bit of creativity I'll try and shoot through objects, which creates an out-of-focus foreground. I like how this technique adds textures to the image, plus the use of colors can really make the photo stand out from the ordinary. I captured this image of Coach LaFleur last season as he coached from the sidelines. I framed him in between two players' bodies who were standing along the sidelines. The color saturation of the uniforms and skin tones added a nice pop of color to the composition. Having the south end zone goalpost in the frame was an added bonus. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 1250, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/2500th).

Eyes on ball

I think the best part of photographing practice is capturing images of the receivers catching footballs during their drills. It could be a leaping catch or a one-handed grab; regardless of what type of play it is, it always makes a great photo. I particularly like this image of Lazard as he makes a grab during practice – his arm extension, the ball in his hands, and how his eyes and face are perfectly framed through his arms. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 100, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/2000th).

Celebrate good times

Emotions of the game can be just as powerful as the action. This was one of my favorite celebration images by the offensive unit last season.

I love how Aaron Rodgers is smiling, like a kid playing his favorite game. This image was shot with a 35mm lens (ISO = 800, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/1250th).

Catch me if you can

Sometimes a single play can create so many photo opportunities, which is what I like. During Week 7 against the Oakland Raiders, there were some great moments, but the best sequence came when Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling scored on a 74-yard touchdown catch and run – from the catch, to the defender falling down, to the Lambeau Leap, it was all great stuff. My favorite frame was MVS racing down the field with no one around him. The best part was the reaction by the Packers bench area. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 640, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/4000th).

Ja $

A nice black-and-white portrait of Jaire Alexander before the Oakland Raiders game at Lambeau Field. This image was shot with a 135mm lens (ISO = 100, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/8000th).

Lined up

Different seasons of the year offer different ways to use nature's elements in the compositions. During the winter months I'm always searching for steam rising off the players as they take their helmets off, or for their breath in the bitter air. I made this image of Kenny Clark as he warmed up before the Chicago Bears game last December. I used the lines of the field as an abstract pattern, which leads you right to Kenny as he gets down in his stance. Kenny's breath, the white lines. This image was shot with a 135mm lens (ISO = 400, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/3200th).

Stuffed

A nice defensive image of Za'Darius Smith dominating. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 640, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/2000th).

No place like home

This was the last image I took during a game at Lambeau Field last season, and it was a good one too. After every victory Aaron Rodgers is mobbed by camera people as he walks off the field. Call it a media free-for-all who are all fighting to get a nice clean shot of Rodgers, with hopes of him maybe raising his fist or waving to the crowd. Everyone wants the photo.

Because the Packers just defeated the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional playoff game, and it was the last time the team would play at Lambeau Field, I wanted to make sure that I captured the moment. It was a huge victory over the Seahawks and Aaron's face says it all. Home victories are the best, especially in the playoffs. This image was shot with a 35mm lens (ISO = 2500, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/5000th).