This edition of "Through the Lens" will be the last one for the 2017 offseason. The series will resume at a later date.

Seeking the light before it's gone

When the football schedule comes out every year, one of the first things I look at is how many day games the Packers play at home. Don't get me wrong, I love those prime-time night games, but the light is always better during the day. The setting sun against the south end zone at Lambeau Field can create some pretty cool compositions, just like in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. That game happened to be a 3:25 p.m. kickoff, which gave me a small window to photograph that nice light. The challenge was having the players in the perfect spot at the right time. Luckily, the two teams lined up right in the sliver of light. I love how the players are highlighted against the stadium, which is in shadow. In a matter of minutes, the light shifted and the composition was gone. This photo was taken in the first quarter with a 35mm lens, (ISO 100, aperture = f2, shutter = 1/8000th).

Happy moments

This photo just makes me want to smile. When I wander around the sidelines before the games, I tend to look for unexpected moments. There's nothing better than a real genuine reaction or moment. During a road game in Philadelphia I made this image of Packers QB Brett Hundley as he was surprised by Donovan McNabb. Nothing but pure joy on Hundley's face. This image was shot with a 135mm lens (ISO 1600, aperture = f2, shutter = 1/3200th).

What a grab

Who else remembers that juggling catch made by Randall Cobb during Week 1 in Jacksonville? I snapped off about eight frames of the catch (see contact sheet). I thought the best frame was of Cobb with his arms completely extended out. Even though I caught this moment from the back side of the play it still looked pretty cool. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO 200, aperture = f2.8, shutter = 1/2500th).

Finger-pointing

A simple point of the finger and facial expression can add a lot of swagger to a photo. The crazy part is, I was able to capture these two photos in a matter of seconds, and it happened to be the last game of the regular season with the winner being crowned NFC North champs. Both of these moments came in the fourth quarter after Aaron Rodgers connected with Geronimo Allison on a 10-yard touchdown. The play happened right in front of me as I kneeled in the back of the end zone. I'd like to say that Allison is pointing at my camera but I think he's gesturing to the fans behind me. I really like the composition because it gives you a sense of place. I shot this image with a 35mm lens (ISO 1250, aperture = f2, shutter = 1/2500th). Seconds later, I captured a nice reaction image of offensive line coach James Campen as he points back at Rodgers walking off the field. To me he's saying, "You da man!" This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO 3200, aperture = f2.8, shutter = 1/2000th).