Photos and Video: James Blake Gives Tennis Clinic in New Haven.

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"A girl smiles as she participates in a Zumba class during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. " — “A girl smiles as she participates in a Zumba class during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. “

"Tournament Director Anne Worcester participates alongside kids in a Zumba class during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. " — “Tournament Director Anne Worcester participates alongside kids in a Zumba class during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. “

"Former professional tennis player James Blake addresses the media during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. " — “Former professional tennis player James Blake addresses the media during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. “

"Former professional tennis player James Blake high fives a participant during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. " — “Former professional tennis player James Blake high fives a participant during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. “

"Former professional tennis player James Blake leads a drill during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. " — “Former professional tennis player James Blake leads a drill during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut. “

"Former professional tennis player James Blake signs autographs during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut." — “Former professional tennis player James Blake signs autographs during a free tennis lesson and clinic Thursday, May 15, 2014 in advance of the 2014 New Haven Open at the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut.”

Today I headed to the Yale University Tennis Center in New Haven, Connecticut to shoot the annual Free Tennis Lesson in advance of the upcoming New Haven Open tournament. This year, the guest was recently retired American pro, James Blake, who participated in a clinic with several hundred kids from local area schools. I was able to get lots of good footage and stills throughout the day, which I’ve posted here. The video is a quick recap package produced several hours after the event concluded, and the stills were used for the tournament’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. It’s always a pleasure to have such great access to athletes, especially when they are as gracious and well-spoken as James is.

Photo and Video: Taylor Townsend Teaches Tennis at New Haven Open Free Lesson Day.

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"Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a volley drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut." — “Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a volley drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

"Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend talks to kids Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event." — “Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend talks to kids Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

"Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend addresses local public school students Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event." — “Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend addresses local public school students Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event. Also pictured is Dannel Malloy, Governor of Connecticut (right, blue necktie).”

"Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a tennis drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event." — “Professional Tennis Player Taylor Townsend leads a tennis drill Monday, May 13, 2013 at a free tennis lesson promotional event leading up to the New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Over three hundred children from ten New Haven public schools attended the event.”

Earlier this week, I went down to New Haven, Connecticut to shoot promotional photos and video at a free tennis lesson event leading up to the New Haven Open professional women’s tennis tournament which I’m shooting this coming August.
Held on site at the Yale University Tennis Center, the 12th annual free tennis lesson day featured an appearance by the young, up-and-coming women’s tennis player, Taylor Townsend. Also in attendance were both Connecticut Governor, Dannel P. Malloy, and John DeStefano Jr., Mayor of New Haven.
Despite working both still photo and video simultaneously, the shoot went well, and Taylor was a fantastic subject to work with.
Lately, it seems my video work has fallen more on the side of promotional and advertising rather than straight journalism, and this video is a continuation of that trend. It’s interesting to see how the approach differs so greatly knowing that you’re shooting for marketing material instead of with a journalistic eye. I have to say, I enjoy both formats.
I’m looking forward to an exciting couple weeks in New Haven in August!