Free Shave

"Nicklas Backstrom #19 of the Washington Capitals crashes to the ice after colliding with Brad Richardson #15 of the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Capital One Arena on November 6, 2017 in Washington, DC."

Documenting hockey at any level is always a lot of fun - but can be frustrating as well.

With more than ten athletes, including goalies, continually crossing paths and then adding some referees - the view can be obstructed a lot of the time.

Whether a player is shooting, celebrating or taking a big check, there is always hope that it will be a clear line of sight.

The other night as the Arizona Coyotes took on the Washington Capitals I was fortunate to never really be blocked too many times, which is rare.

In the third period, Nicklas Backstrom crashed to the ice after a collision. While unable to see the initial flying through the air, which may or may not have been a better image, I loved the odd moment of him getting a free face shave from the ice.

It's often this different moments that help draw a viewer in and want to see more of the storytelling images of the night.

Take Cover

"Fans look on as quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedExField on October 29, 2017 in Landover, Maryland."

There is some security from the elements documenting winter sports such as basketball and hockey.

What that means is that you're indoors and safe from the rain, snow and cold. But that's what makes new and interesting pictures. When it starts to rain, everyone's game plans change.

Thus was no different as the Dallas Cowboys played against the Washington Redskins in at times felt like a monsoon.

Always a challenge working through the storm as a photographer, yet always fun if you're able to stay dry and warm.

Smashed Bird

"Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by middle linebacker Kiko Alonso #47 of the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland."

When I was younger my father would always say 'you to see the field' when playing sports.

While it was a literal phrase, I always interpreted differently.

What he was trying to communicate is that you need to have your head up, know where your teammates are so that you can successfully work together.

But I always thought it was more of an internal, sixth sense type of notion. Being able to 'see the field' meant knowing your place and feeling, anticipating the actions of others - both the opposition and your teammates.

Today is no different when photographing sports. A photographer needs to be able to predict what could happen at any moment.

Thus the case when quarterback Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens rushed against the Miami Dolphins. Typcially when a quarterback slides, the play is dead, and it's not a picture.

But something told me to keep shooting the play as he was then tackled, hit in the head - which resulted in Flacco leaving the game.

One must always be aware of their surroundings, and not only see it, but feel it.