Newtown and The Great Escape. 2019 Grand Final Winners.

The Newtown Jets comeback in the State Championship against the Burleigh Bears this year with Jackson Ferris scoring off a kick in the final seconds, was one of the most unbelievable Grand Final finishes I have ever seen or shot.

After playing pretty well in the second half, they seemed to be closing the gap on the Bears after being down. But it looked like they were just running out of time and would take the loss. Down by 2 I was debating where I should go, but after watching the Jets play the week before where they were also down and scored off a kick down the left side to steal the win. A win that got them into this GF.

I thought if they were going to pull of the win they would potentially go for the same play.

So I put myself behind the post in the same spot where they kicked and scored the previous week. A gamble that payed off as with only seconds remaining they did pretty much exactly the same play, Billy kicks down the left side and the flyers chase. A perfect bounce and a clear run to the line.

Amazing.

When you shoot these high stake games you hope for these kind of moments and you take calculated gambles all game as to where to put yourself at various times.

One wrong turn and you can be in the wrong spot at the wrong time, but when things like this happen, you have a plan and it pays off. You feel like your apart of the win. A great feeling indeed. Made only better because of the times you pick red and black comes up.

And just like the Jets, you take the win and enjoy the chaos that comes after. Being a sport photographer is the best job in the world. Just don’t tell anyone!

Til next time

Chris

Big Gal and the Last Dance

It’s always a privilege being a sport photographer. You get the best seat in the house and you get a chance at capturing history whenever you leave home.

Cronulla Sharks Captain and Grand Final hero Paul Gallen played his last game for the Sharks this year when he and the Sharkies took on Manly Sea Eagles in a knock out semi at Brookvale this September.

You never know when photographing these big games how it will all pan out, but knowing if the Sharks lost it would be the end of a great career a little more attention than normal was placed on Gal in the lead up and during the game. So here is a closer look into the final farewell of a legend and the first and only player to bring a Grand Final win the the Shire.

I’v met and photographed Paul 100’s of times during his long career and he has always been great to work with and up for a chat and a hand shake. Not all athletes are, and that’s why he was a fan favorite. The time he spent with kids before or after games or any other time he was out was just remarkable. Not too many are like him and I hope he enjoys retirement. Thanks for the memories Gal, it was a privilege.

Til next time

Chris

Sydney City’s Spectacular Christmas Tree

It’s that time of year where the City comes alive with the Christmas spirit.

I love heading in to the big smoke to the Sydney CBD at the best of times, but this time of year it’s a little bit better.
In honor of the big tree going up this week in Martin Place here are a couple pictures from my night time shooting this time last year.

That was my first time heading in to photograph the massive Christmas tree that hangs over one of the busiest areas of Sydney City, and it’s even more impressive up close.

The best time to get in and take some pictures is definitely around twilight, as the lights of the trees are on and visible and you can also capture the twilight sky.

It’s still pretty good during the day hours, but as you can see here, there is a bit of a difference. No need for a tripod as well during the later times. Just hold your breath and fire. The night pix here are 1/50th of a sec on 400 ISO.

You only get around 15 minutes of this before the night turns black and the best shooting window is closed.

There are no bad angles here, but I my favourite is on the high side towards Parliament House as it’s the most dramatic view.

I plan one day to head to New York and get some similar pictures of their tree. As it’s looks pretty awesome too. But until then I’ll be shooting in our equally awesome city.

It can get pretty busy in there as you would imagine so be prepared for the crowds and enjoy it all.

Til next time

Chris