Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 11.

"Juan Martin Del Potro reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic in three in the semifinals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Juan Martin Del Potro reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic in three in the semifinals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the first set of his semifinal match against Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the first set of his semifinal match against Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Fans show their support for Novak Djokovic Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Fans show their support for Novak Djokovic Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during his semifinal match against Tomas Berdych Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during his semifinal match against Tomas Berdych Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Tomas Berdych serves during his semifinal match against Rafael Nadal Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Tomas Berdych serves during his semifinal match against Rafael Nadal Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Tomas Berdych and advancing to the finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Tomas Berdych and advancing to the finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"A ball boy holds an umbrella during a semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “A ball boy holds an umbrella during a semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Bill Gates watches a semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Bill Gates watches a semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Elena Vesnina serves during the women's doubles finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Elena Vesnina serves during the women’s doubles finals Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina kiss the trophy after winning the women's doubles championship Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina kiss the trophy after winning the women’s doubles championship Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Mike Bryan lunges for a shot during the men's doubles championship match Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Mike Bryan lunges for a shot during the men’s doubles championship match Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Bob and Mike Bryan pose with the trophy after winning the men's doubles championship match Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Bob and Mike Bryan pose with the trophy after winning the men’s doubles championship match Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

We’ve arrived at the final days of the tournament, so here are the best photos from yesterday’s men’s semifinal matches and men’s and women’s doubles championships.

There was so much drama on court, which made for great emotion and energy. Today, we’ve got the men’s and women’s singles final, so be sure to check back for the winning photos!

Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 8.

“Rafael Nadal reacts after defeating Ernests Gulbis Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Rafael Nadal reacts after defeating Ernests Gulbis Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal hits a backhand during his match against Ernests Gulbis Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Rafael Nadal returns a shot from Ernests Gulbis Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Ernests Gulbis returns a shot during his match against Rafael Nadal Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Roger Federer reacts during his match against Stanislas Wawrinka Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Roger Federer hits a backhand during his match against Stanislas Wawrinka Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Kirilenko reacts after defeating Petra Kvitova in three sets Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Petra Kvitova serves during her match against Maria Kirilenko Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Petra Kvitova serves during her match against Maria Kirilenko Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Jo-Wilfried Tsonga serves during his match against Milos Raonic Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Milos Raonic serves to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Gilles Simon returns a shot from Kevin Anderson Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Gilles Simon returns a shot from Kevin Anderson Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Richard Gasquet reacts during his match against Tomas Berdych Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Richard Gasquet reacts during his match against Tomas Berdych Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Bob and Mike Bryan sign autographs Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Bob and Mike Bryan sign autographs Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"The Indian Wells Tennis Garden Corona Plaza is shown Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “The Indian Wells Tennis Garden Corona Plaza is shown Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Actor Kevin Spacey takes in a tennis match Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Actor Kevin Spacey takes in a tennis match Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Novak Djokovic returns a shot during his match against Sam Querrey Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Novak Djokovic returns a shot during his match against Sam Querrey Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

Yesterday was one of those whirlwind days. One minute you’re running around the grounds shooting what seems like every match at the same time, and then the next you’re camped in the photo pits to shoot Nadal celebrating after an epic three-set match.

It’s that kind of up and down that make this job so great.

I don’t have much time to post, so the photos will have to do the talking here. Another huge day of tennis today!

Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 7.

“Maria Kirilenko reacts during her match against Agnieszka Radwanska Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Novak Djokovic serves during his match against Grigor Dimitrov Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Jo-Wilfried Tsonga returns a shot from Mardy Fish Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson poses with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Birds fly over Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Birds fly over Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Grigor Dimitrov balances tennis balls on his racquet during his match against Novak Djokovic Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Grigor Dimitrov balances tennis balls on his racquet during his match against Novak Djokovic Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Petra Kvitova serves during her match against Klara Zakopalova Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Petra Kvitova serves during her match against Klara Zakopalova Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Marin Cilic follows through on a serve during his match against Milos Raonic Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

“Maria Sharapova serves during her match against Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

Yesterday was another hectic, long, crazy day out here in California, but a great day nonetheless.
I had the pleasure of meeting NBA Hall of Famer, David Robinson, who, with his two sons, got to meet Jo-Wilfried Tsonga following his match. Also got to take in some good tennis throughout the day.
Enjoy the photos! Another big day today!

Photos: BNP Paribas Open – Day 6.

"Roger Federer serves during his match against Ivan Dodig Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Roger Federer serves during his match against Ivan Dodig Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Roger Federer poses for a photo with singer Gladys Knight Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Roger Federer poses for a photo with singer Gladys Knight Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Caroline Wozniacki serves during her match against Elena Vesnina Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Caroline Wozniacki serves during her match against Elena Vesnina Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Mardy Fish and James Blake wave to the crowd after defeating Milos Raonic and Feliciano Lopez Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Mardy Fish and James Blake wave to the crowd after defeating Milos Raonic and Feliciano Lopez Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Bob and Mike Bryan talk between points during their match against John Isner and Same Querrey Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Bob and Mike Bryan talk between points during their match against John Isner and Same Querrey Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Ana Ivanovic reacts during her match against Mona Barthel Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Ana Ivanovic reacts during her match against Mona Barthel Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Fans show their support for Ana Ivanovic during her match against Mona Barthel Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Fans show their support for Ana Ivanovic during her match against Mona Barthel Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Ernests Gulbis returns a shot during his match against Andreas Seppi Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Ernests Gulbis returns a shot during his match against Andreas Seppi Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Victoria Azarenka reacts during her match against Kirsten Flipkens Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Victoria Azarenka reacts during her match against Kirsten Flipkens Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Sun sets over the grounds of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Sun sets over the grounds of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

"Fans cheer between during a match between Lleyton Hewitt and Stanislas Wawrinka Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.” — “Fans cheer between during a match between Lleyton Hewitt and Stanislas Wawrinka Monday, March 11, 2013 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.”

Yesterday was another packed day at the BNP Paribas Open. The draws are starting to thin out, so because I’ve got a bit more time with each match, I’m starting to mix things up and get some different angles and looks around court.

I also had the opportunity to shoot a private meet and greet with Roger Federer and Gladys Knight, the “Empress of Soul,” which was a little side adventure.

Another big day today. Enjoy the tennis!

US Open Photography: Around the Grounds

louis_armstrong — "Fans observe the grounds from the top of Louis Armstrong Stadium at the US Open Saturday, September 3, 2011."

arthur_ashe — "Birds fly above the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the start of the night session at the US Open Saturday, September 3, 2011."

Here’s a few more “Around the Grounds” shots that I was assigned to. I’ve been really drawn to shadow and silhouettes so far, likely because I’m on call to shoot as the sun is setting.

If you’d like, you can check out my second and third galleries full of US Open scenery here and here.

*Don’t forget to vote for “Billie with an I.E.” for Baltimore’s Most Valuable Blog! You can vote once per day per computer or smartphone until September 9, 2011 (TODAY!). Click here to vote! Thank you so much for your readership!*

Baseball, Baltimore, and a beautiful August day.

_36W6535 — "Guests of a field day event sponsored by Bank of America gather in the visitor's dugout of Oriole Park at Camden Yards Monday, August 22, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

_36W6466 — "A city skyline is shown behind the bullpen picnic area of Oriole Park at Camden Yards Monday, August 22, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

_36W6415 — "World Series championship flags wave above the upper deck of Oriole Park at Camden Yards Monday, August 22, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

_36W6478 — "Sun shines behind Oriole Park at Camden Yards Monday, August 22, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland."

Today I had to walk around the ballpark to shoot photographs of some of the various party venues for publication on the Orioles’ ticketing website.

It was pretty mundane work until I got to the press box. I stepped outside to find an absolutely incredible Monday afternoon. Perfect temperature. Perfect breeze. Perfect sky.

So, as I made my rounds, I stopped to take some shots of the stadium and the cityscape from different areas. These are a few from what turned out to be a nice series of images. For some reason, through all these years of coming to games here, I never stopped and actually observed the views the stadium offers. Some of them are incredible, especially on a day like today.

*Don’t forget to vote for “Billie with an I.E.” for Baltimore’s Most Valuable Blog! You can vote once per day per computer or smartphone until September 9, 2011. Click here to vote! Thank you so much for your readership!*