Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 4.

 

“Jamie Murray serves alongside Andy Murray during their doubles match against Nenad Zimonjic and Robert Lindstedt Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Roger Federer serves during his match against Denis Istomin Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Roger Federer serves during his match against Denis Istomin Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Rafael Nadal serves during his match against Ryan Harrison Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Rafael Nadal serves during his match against Ryan Harrison Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Victoria Azarenka hits a backhand during her match against Daniela Hantuchova Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Victoria Azarenka hits a backhand during her match against Daniela Hantuchova Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Caroline Wozniacki hits a backhand during her match against Alize Cornet Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Caroline Wozniacki hits a backhand during her match against Alize Cornet Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Ana Ivanovic returns a shot during her match against Taylor Townsend Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Ana Ivanovic returns a shot during her match against Taylor Townsend Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Lleyton Hewitt celebrates after defeating John Isner in three sets Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Lleyton Hewitt celebrates after defeating John Isner in three sets Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"The chair umpire booth on stadium two is shown Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“The chair umpire booth on stadium two is shown Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Mardy Fish and James Blake play a point against David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Mardy Fish and James Blake play a point against David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Richard Gasquet serves during his match against Bernard Tomic Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Richard Gasquet serves during his match against Bernard Tomic Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Maria Sharapova greets fans during an autograph session Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California."
“Maria Sharapova greets fans during an autograph session Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

I think this is the first time in my life that I’m actually sore from carrying photo gear and climbing stadium steps, and I’ve done a lot of that. Yesterday made for a crazy day, which included editing the video above and shooting photos at 13 different matches throughout the day.

It was a grind, but I had a blast doing it. If anything, it was a good leg and shoulder workout.

The video is similar to the WTA All-Access video I produced several days ago, but from the men’s side of the draw. It’s kind of a fun watch, if only to see the top five players in the world talk about each other.

As for the photos, I’ve posted a variety of action and features. It’s always a good challenge to mix things up while shooting tennis, particularly during the early rounds when you have so many matches to cover. For the first few days when you’re bouncing from court to court so quickly, it’s more about speed and efficiency rather than creativity. The above is a selection from the day. 

Today is another big day! Enjoy!

Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 3.

 

"Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer shovel dirt Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California."
“Ana Ivanovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer shovel dirt Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

“Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer chat Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer chat Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California."
“Rafael Nadal autographs construction helmets Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer chat Friday, March 8, 2013 during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium set to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Palm Springs, California."
“Novak Djokovic addresses the media at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California Friday, March 8, 2013”

 

“Ball kids await the start of a ‘Salute Our Heroes’ ceremony on Stadium One court at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California Friday, March 8, 2013.”

Day three was a crazy day for me, but I was able to shoot some pretty unique things. After editing video from the Player Party in the morning, I shot a Q&A with former World No. 1 and eight time Grand Slam champion, Jimmy Connors, which you’ll see up top. 
The questions come from fans of the tournament on Facebook and Twitter, and Jimmy was great for the camera. I shot this quick hit on a Canon 7D DSLR and recorded with wireless lavaliers. 
I then rushed over to the outskirts of the Indian Wells Tennis Center, where I shot stills at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new stadium that will be built and ready for play by next year’s tournament. Present at the ceremony were Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, and Victoria Azarenka. It’s difficult to screw up the photos when you have all those people in one place.
After that, I shot a Djokovic presser, and in the evening, a ceremony on the main stadium court honoring the military. I’m wiped, but I’m proud of all this content. We’re set for an exciting weekend of tennis.

Photos and Video: BNP Paribas Open – Day 2.

 

"Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California."
“Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California."
“Rafael Nadal addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California."
“Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during a practice session Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California."
“Andy Murray addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California."
“Storm clouds give way to a sunset over Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California.”

 

"Roger Federer addresses the media during a press conference Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California."
“The Indian Wells Club in Palm Springs, California is shown Thursday, March 7, 2013 before the start of the player party during the BNP Paribas Open.”

Well, I’m a day late with this post, and a lot has happened since everything you see above, but I still want to get the blog up to date.

The video up top is one I shot and edited from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Player Party, which was held at the Indian Wells Club. I filmed as all-around media star, Pete Holtermann, interviewed the top players in attendance on the green carpet.
This year, the party had a “disco” theme, so we asked the players about their music preferences and dancing skills. This is kind of a fun piece, I think. Unfortunately, one of the main house lights on the green carpet area blew out halfway through, so the lighting on all of the interviews inconsistent. Regardless, it was neat to be there in the presence of so many pros.
I was running against the clock to get this piece up and out through the tournament social media outlets as soon as possible, so I think there are a few spots where the editing could be tightened up. But, such is life in our nonstop, need-it-now media world.
The photos are an assortment from the day. It’s the standard stuff: press conferences, practice courts, and scenes from around the grounds.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!

Nadal, Fish among many stars to appear at 2011 ‘Taste of Tennis’ event in New York City.

"Rafael Nadal poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis Hotel at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"Tommy Haas poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis Hotel at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011.

"Fernando Verdasco poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"Mikhail Youzhny poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"Janko Tipsarevic and his wife, Biljana Sesevic, pose for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"Gilles Simon poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis Hotel at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"James Blake poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis eventl at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"Vera Zvonareva poses for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

"Mardy Fish and his wife, Stacey Gardner, pose for the media during the 12th annual Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel in New York City Thursday, August 25, 2011."

After a bit of last minute planning, I got to shoot the 12th annual Taste of Tennis event at the W New York Hotel in Manhattan last Thursday night on behalf of the very hip tennis fashion and style blog, Tennis Served Fresh. An opening celebration of sorts as we gear up for the 2011 US Open, Taste of Tennis brought the world’s best tennis players and chefs together for a night of cooking, partying, and plenty of photo opps. Be sure to check TSF for a full report of the night’s activity.

This was the first time I’ve shot a red carpet event, although this carpet happened to be green. It was exactly like what we see on television at these types of occasions: hordes of photographers packed together like sardines for two hours screaming at famous people to look their way. 

I was beat by the end of it, but it was extremely exciting to be there. It’s exhilarating to be so close to so many tennis players my own teammates and I have watched throughout the years. 

Thank you to Nick McCarvel for allowing me to shoot for him, and to Ben Snyder for making the connections!

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