2020 was a weird year to say the least. I don’t need to go into great detail but as you know, there was and is a global pandemic that has altered everyone’s life in some way shape or form. 2020 for the vast majority of people was a shitty year. I was however, fortunate enough to get the opportunity to shoot the Baltimore Ravens for the Associated Press. Let me just say, as weird as this year was, this was one of the few highlights of this year. I had a blast. Due to COVID, all photographers were only allowed to shoot from the stands so the vantage points were different and maneuvering between seats from one end of the field to another was challenging. All in all I learned a ton and I feel like my sets improved each game. The game itself without fans in the stadium (with the exception of two games) was unlike anything I’d ever seen. The energy was really different and the canned sound effects took some getting used to.
For the games I used three Nikon D5’s paired with a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 with a 1.4 teleconverter, Nikon 400mm f/2.8 also with a 1.4 teleconverter and a 70-200mm f/2.8. Here are some of the images I was able to capture this year.
The Baltimore Ravens run onto the field during team introductions before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Cardboard cutouts sit in the stands at M&T Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
A rainbow stretches along the outside of M&T Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens players and coaches kneel during the playing of the National Anthem before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell (93) delivers pre-game speech before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) attempts pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters (24) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram (21) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell (93) defends a pass attempt from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole Sr. (84) catches the ball against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tramon Williams (29) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) scores game winning touchdown in overtime during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates second half touchdown during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) catches the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Greg Mabin (34) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon (99) celebrates safety sack with cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) competes for the ball against New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball for a first half touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) runs the ball against New York Giants defensive tackle B.J. Hill (95) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)