Foggy Finish

"Justify #7 ridden by jockey Mike Smith wins the 143rd running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 19, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland."

Being able to predict anything in sports is usually near impossible. Anticipating the weather can also be a feat in itself - especially at Preakness.

For what seems like the past five years, if not longer, the weather has played many tricks and posed lots of twists. One of the most memorable Saturdays in May being a fantastic sunny afternoon which was followed a monsoon of rain as the horses entered the gate.

This year was no different as a heavy fog rolled in just around the start of the main race putting photographers to the test.

Aside from the above remote photograph, my head-on position was like shooting into dark. Visibility was challenge, but made for interesting pictures.

I always welcome weather that makes events different, and this foggy finish was one to remember.

Job Hazard

"Chris Kunitz #14 of the Tampa Bay Lightning gets kicked in the face against by Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena on May 17, 2018 in Washington, DC."

It's crunch time in hockey as only two teams remain in the playoffs.

When the season began, no one can predict those teams would be vying for the Stanley Cup. Yet in the same breath, photographers can never imagine what might happen in front of their lens.

During Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals I shot from an elevated position for a change of pace and was shocked when Chris Kunitz of the Tampa Bay Lightning nearly lost his eye.

A rather minor collision resulted in an image that shows just why many players wear visors. Though in this instance, it almost wasn't enough.

A good example of why sports photography is about never letting your guard down.

Crossed Out

"Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians walks off of the field after popping out against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland."

Fashion is something that is rarely talked about in sports photography.

Nothing can set two athletes apart then how they makeup their hair, what shoes they wear or what they wear around their neck or wrists.

The simplest of images can draw a viewer in and make them want to know more. So that's why I am always continually searching for a trend or piece of hardware.

I was immediately drawn to Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians during a game against the Orioles. His multiple necklaces continually bounced around as he ran the bases, on and off the diamond and when fielding.

It wasn't until he was very close after being called out that I thought made an interesting image.