Photo Seats

"A sports photographer sits in empty spectator seats as the Toronto Blue Jays play the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. MLB has resumed its delayed season without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

During the pandemic, I feel visually documenting the story on the field doesn't tell the full story.

One regular season game, and in this instance baseball, takes more than just those on the field to make it happen. 

There are lots of in-and-outs that makes the production of a sporting event. Many folks that make the operation run safely and smoothly.

One of those people who are allowed are photographers - whether to persevere history, reach clients or both. But like so many of us know, and have read here, ballparks and arenas are fan-less.

I always find imperative to turn around and look away from the field - even during 'regular' years - to make sure we all remember what each and every year looks like.

Mask Means Entry

"Fans wearing face masks and face coverings enter the race track prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on July 15, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. The NASCAR All-Star Race was moved from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Bristol Motor Speedway due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic."

When fans returned to sports, I found myself photographing a lot of motorsports.

One of those events allowed up to 30,000 spectators.

Those people were allowed to attend the NASCAR All-Star race in Bristol - most likely making it one of the largest sporting events in the United States to allow spectators since the coronavirus pandemic shuttered the sports world in March.

It was a brutally hot day and there were a lot of unknowns - and my job was to mainly show that. Typically this would be mindless assignment as we are so used to massive crowds.

However, all fans had to wear a face covering to gain entry. I found the above to be an interesting view of that stampede to be one of the first fans allow back to a sporting event.

Fanless Finish

"Cars race during sunset in front of empty grandstand spectator seating during the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono 350 at Pocono Raceway on June 28, 2020 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. The NASCAR series is currently racing without fans due the Covid-19 pandemic."

While the coronavirus pandemic stopped all live action of professional sports - photographers worldwide were looking for ways to tell the story.

Months of photographing athletes continuing to train filled my schedule. And was an amazing opportunity into their new style of working out to stay fit.

However, it wasn't until about three months later that I photographed a live pro sporting event. While many images of athletes working out at home were more than interesting - and continue to be - that itch of real competition needed to be itched.

Sports to the likes of golf, auto racing and others slowly made their return - but without fans.

It's been an adjustment for both sides of the sports returning - and seeing the empty grandstands has become a focal point.