End of the Season

"Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates alone on the ice during a stop in play during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center on May 10, 2017 in Washington, DC."

No matter how much you prepare, when your eliminated from the playoffs, your season ends.

A favorite to win the Stanley Cup, the Washington Capitals ended up losing in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Second Round to rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins.

While I still setup a second, tighter remote camera from the catwalks, I wanted to try and give readers a feel of the crowd and their excitement of the winning team moving onto the next round.

I was able to achieve this look using a much wider lens on a second remote. And while the seats were nearly empty as the Penguins celebrated their victory on away ice, there was one picture I liked better.

That image was of captain and star Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. During a stop of play I caught him skating alone on the ice, which in the end, showed how lonely it can feel when your season comes to an end.

Excited for the Stanley Cup Finals where I may be able to possibly recreate a similar image, but with the cup.

Derby Dreaming

"The field enters turn one during the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky."

There are many assignments photographers dream of documenting - and in the world of horse racing - there is only one Kentucky Derby.

Last week, I had to opportunity to photograph the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby with our team at Getty Images.

A wet week with lots of rain had everyone ready for even the tiniest bit of sunshine. And as Saturday rolled around, fans and photographers alike got what we wanted - even if brief - right before the big race.

The sun came out full blast, yet cloud cover made getting the light perfect very tricky on the handhelds.

For my turn one remote, I went for it, and underexposed hoping for sun and mud. Thankfully everything worked out, because right after their pass, the race finished in full shade.

Sometimes you have to set remote cameras up for what you know is a risk, but a reward for the team if all works out.

Protect the Net

"Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals players battle for the puck in the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 27, 2017 in Washington, DC."

There isn't anything more exciting than the playoffs.

No matter what the sport - athletes dream of competing for the championship. But that doesn't come easy.

From making the team, to practice, to preseason, in the weight room, watching film, regular season, and every moment in between. It's no secret that it takes what is often said in sport, blood, sweat and tears.

With that, there is no better rivalry than the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Combine all the aforementioned with those two teams and fans are entertained the entire series.

During game one, there was no lack of excitement. A couple of close calls in front of the net made an overhead remote camera not only important, but it helped tell the story of the night - sacrifice.

As the Pens and Caps go into game six tonight, it will be a thrilling ride to the Stanley Cup, that's for sure.