Serving It Hot

"Kei Nishikori of Japan serves a shot to Marin Cilic of Croatia during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center on August 8, 2015 in Washington, DC."

For the past two years I've documented the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

This tennis tournament brings some of the greatest tennis players to Washington, DC - where they battle for about a week for the coveted championship.

My assignment was the final three days of the bracket - both men's and women's - singles and doubles.

After many matches court level, in the sweltering heat, I needed to escape the temperatures and venture around the stadium.

I quickly realized many fans were doing the same in trying to stay cool - whether that meant handheld fans, hats or umbrellas.

Moving slowly, deliberately, so not to interfere with the ongoing match - I made it to a bright red umbrella I had eyed up from across the court.

Only getting off a few frames before this gentlemen took it down, I thought it told the story, got me off the court for a couple of games in a set, and helped me make a scene setter.

Sunset Drive

"Tiger Woods tees off on the 17th hole during the first round of the Quicken Loans National at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club on July 30, 2015 in Gainesville, Virginia."

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There are many photographers in the industry who cover mainly one sport. They're typically called a specialist in that department - and rightfully so.

I have never considered myself a specialist at any one given game. With a background of many years at newspapers, I was taught to be versatile in my coverage of everything from: sports and news to features and portraits.

So when it comes to the sports I document the least often, I always ask for help from these specialists on our team. From calls, texts, and on locations tips, every bit helps.

Golf is one of those sports I cover a handful of times each year and that's that. It's always the needed change of pace in my schedule and I often have a lot of fun covering the gentleman's game.

Like each year, I had a blast covering the four days of the Quicken Loans National close to home with the hometown team.

Signature Suarez

"A fan is restrained by a police officer after he ran onto the field and neared Luis Suarez #9 of Barcelona following their loss to Chelsea during the International Champions Cup North America at FedExField on July 28, 2015 in Landover, Maryland."

In sports, anything can happen at anytime.

When speaking to students, I stress from them to look for action away from the action. Turn around and look to the crowd. Keep their eyes combing the sidelines during play. And to shoot before and after the final whistle.

Following a tight contest between FC Barcelona and Chelsea during the International Champions Cup North America everything seemed normal. Then a pair of fans sprinted onto the field as players made their way off.

This is always terrifying because no one knows their intentions. Thankfully, their are police officers to restrain these fans from doing whatever they may be trying to do with mega superstars around.

In this case, this fan simply appeared to want an autograph as he clutched a sharpie pen. But again, no one really knows.

It's sad. It's comical. It's scary. Yet these type of fans make sports - well - sports.