Last week, on November 18, 2013, I had the incredible opportunity to combine my love for photography with my passion for live sports. A friend of a friend had approached me with a unique offer – a paid photoshoot for the Toronto Maple Leafs – Suite Owners Fantasy Hockey Day. Needless to say, even though I’m still quietly a Boston Bruins fan, I eagerly accepted the opportunity.
As the day approached, I found myself filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. This was not just any event; it was an exclusive event for suite owners, where they would have the chance to experience “a day in the life” of their favourite Maple Leafs players. I knew capturing the essence and excitement of the day would require careful planning and attention to detail.
Prior to the event, I researched the location and familiarized myself with the schedule and activities planned for the day. I made a list of shots I wanted to capture – from candid moments of the suite owners interacting with each other to action shots during the game. I also ensured that all my camera equipment was in top condition, ready to capture the fast-paced action on the ice.
The Day of the Shoot
On the morning of November 18th, I arrived at the arena early, eager to capture the energy and anticipation building up to the event. The atmosphere was electric as suite owners and players alike prepared for the day ahead. I immediately began capturing candid shots of the suite owners mingling with each other and sharing their excitement for the upcoming game.
The day started with a tour of the arena followed by a solid breakfast and some yoga to the players ready for their game that afternoon. As the players took to the ice for warm-up, I positioned myself near the glass, ready to capture the intensity and skill displayed by these professional athletes. The speed at which they moved and the precision of their shots were awe-inspiring. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of adrenaline as I captured each moment.
Throughout the day, I moved around the arena, ensuring I captured a variety of perspectives. From the passionate cheers of the crowd to the moments of camaraderie between the suite owners and players, I aimed to tell the story of this unique event through my photographs.
A Dream Come True
As the day came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on how fortunate I was to have been a part of such an incredible experience. Combining my love for photography with my passion for live sports had always been a dream of mine, and the Toronto Maple Leafs – Suite Owners Fantasy Hockey Day had allowed me to bring that dream to life.
Looking back at the photographs I had taken, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction. Each image captured a moment of pure joy, excitement, and camaraderie.
Since that unforgettable day, my love for combining photography and live sports has only grown stronger. I have had the opportunity to work with various sports teams and capture the essence of their events, each time honing my skills and pushing myself to capture the perfect shot.
This experience taught me the importance of preparation, adaptability, and being in the right place at the right time. It also reinforced the idea that when you combine your passions, the results can be truly extraordinary.
Photographing the Toronto Maple Leafs – Suite Owners Fantasy Hockey Day was not just a job; it was a dream come true. It allowed me to showcase my skills as a photographer and capture the magic of live sports in a way that words alone cannot describe.
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and the memories I was able to preserve through my lens.
