2024 AVP Grass Nationals
Capturing the Action: My Experience at the AVP Grass NationalsThe weekend after Hurricane Helene past through Florida, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the AVP Grass Nationals, a thrilling three-day grass volleyball tournament held in Newberry. I attended for the Friday pairs and Saturday 3 player as a proud parent supporting my son and the UCF teams. I brought my camera as being a photographer in not just something I do but who I am. Check out day 1 photos here! Check out day two photo here! A High-Energy AtmosphereDespite the looming aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which had just swept through Florida the day before, the energy at the tournament was joyful. Players and spectators alike were buzzing with excitement, and I could feel the spirit of competition in the air. The resilience of the teams and the dedication of the players were truly inspiring. The Joy of Sports PhotographyPhotographing volleyball is a passion of mine, and this tournament was no exception. The sport’s fast-paced nature requires you to stay alert and know your camera settings inside and out. Capturing the split-second moments—where a player spikes the ball or dives for a dig—means having your shutter speed ready to freeze the action. The lighting conditions were challenging; the sun played hide and seek behind the clouds, which made for some tricky shots. But nothing could overshadow the joy I felt when I was able to capture my son during the playoffs—especially as the sun began to set. The warm golden light bathed the court, creating a stunning backdrop for some of my favorite shots. A Proud MomentWatching my son compete and ultimately secure 3rd place in his division was a highlight of the weekend. The thrill of seeing him play alongside his peers, pushing themselves to excel, was a memory I’ll cherish forever. The combination of sunset lighting and his incredible performance made for some fire photographs as he would say. Overcoming ChallengesThe second day brought more overcast skies, which altered the light and made it harsher for photography. However, just like the players on the court, I adapted. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the setting sun provided beautiful lighting once again, allowing me to capture those dynamic moments effectively. Tips for Aspiring Sports PhotographersIf you’re a parent looking to take great photos of your kids in sports, here’s my advice: invest in a camera that allows you to control your shutter speed. A faster shutter speed will give you a much better chance of freezing the action, resulting in crisp, clear shots. In terms of post-processing, I keep it simple. I primarily focus on color correction and cropping to tighten up the action shots. This approach keeps the authenticity of the moment while enhancing the overall image quality. ConclusionAttending the AVP Grass Nationals was not just about capturing images; it was about celebrating the passion of volleyballand the bond of family. As I reflect on this experience, I’m grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to witness my son and his teammates shine on the court. I can’t wait for the next tournament and the chance to capture even more unforgettable moments!
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