Game Faces

As a field photographer, I don’t really get to watch the game. I am there, but like the rest of the field photographers, I spend most of the game looking through a long lens, focusing on a single player, portion of the field or a single play. Now and then I even miss seeing a goal, because I was watching something else develop. Having said that, after the game, I do get to see over 1,000 single moments in time as I review the photos. I do get to see the faces of the players and their expressions. In reviewing all of my photos, I get to see the minute details that go by so quickly spectators miss and I get to see them over and over.

My favorite shots are when I am lucky enough to have the player make eye contact with my lens. As Abby crosses the field and glances at the corner where I am working, there is that instant when I catch her. Heather turns to look down field and I catch her too. Got Leslie too! A great game and a great day of shooting.

Abby Wambach, arguably one of the toughest, most intense players in the tournament, when head to head with a defender, gets little smile and spark in her eye when she gets control, almost as if to say – Gotcha! It is not just her look, but watching it change through a quick series of frames that reveals how much she loves this game.





I have watched Heather O’Reilly several times this summer and what always amazed me is that she played with her tongue sticking out! Things are different here in China, her look is different, and with each touch of the ball she looks like a martial artist, summoning energy for a 3-board break. Seems appropriate playing here in China.



Leslie Osbourne, while always confident almost looks surprised! Leslie, trust me the only surprise is for your opponents and by now, it should be no surprise for them either.



Stephanie Lopez is the youngest member of the team. Her continued intensity and concentration shows every minute of every game.