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As you can see, everthing is still pretty sharp.

I've been photographing sports for over a decade. I've photographed events such as the 2011 Pro Bowl in Hawaii to NBA play-off and Major League Baseball games across the country. My camera of choice is the Canon 1D MK4 because of it's uncanny tracking system and the AI Servo mode. If you talk to any sports photographer, they will tell you that to get the shot, certain things have to be in place. First of all, you have to have the right camera and the appropriate lens. Canon or Nikon are the cameras of choice. You can't go wrong with either of the two. I typically bring (2) Canon 1d MK's, Canon 300 2.8L, Canon 70-200 2.8L and a Canon 24-70L to an NFL game. Second, the shot has to be in focus. If it is slightly out of focus, it will normally go in the trash bin. And finally, you have to anticipate the game of football. What I mean by that is if you know it's 3rd down and 18, it's probably not going to be a running play. So now you can key on the receiver. If it's 3rd and 1, it's probably going to be a running play. So you can focus on the running back. Knowing a little bit about the game could make the difference between a good shot and a great shot!

 

AI Servo is my mode of choice.  AI Servo AF is an autofocusing system designed exclusively for Canon EOS cameras.  It uses a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to determine the speed and direction of moving subjects, then focuses the camera lens to a predicted position (Focus Prediction Function) in order to increase the probability of obtaining a sharp photograph.  AI Servo has enabled me to is the tracking mode which will allow you to track your subject while shooting 13 frames per second. It’s pretting amazing!!  Here are a series of the impeccable AI Servo tracking capabilites in motion. The first series to took were in Lincoln Financial Field in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets. Pro Bowler quarterback Michael Vick is one of my favorite athletes to photograph because of his unbelievable athletic ability. In the end zone, I track him in the pocket and follow him in AI Servo mode. Although the leap was slightly out of focus, still good enough to keep because of the degree of difficulty.

The next series of shots were taken at Fed Ex Field in Washington, DC. Once again in AI Servo mode, Michael Vick took a bad snap and I was in great position to track this incredible series of shots. The focus was single spot in dead center. I find this works better for me because the single spot doesn’t drift like the other modes. Normally when I’m shooting, I’ll blow out the background at 2.8 or 4.0. That way the focus will always being on the subject. My buddy and dear friend Steve Smith, staff photographer of the Minnesota Vikings, showed me the benefits of back focusing. Three years later, I still use his valuable advice. Thanks Steve!! All you have to do is go to the Custom Function 1V: Operations/Others mode. Go to 2 and press 1:disable and you are good to go!!

Hope this information helped and good luck shooting sports!!

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You probably know him from the Town Center, “Funny Bones” or the 103 Jamz, Supreme Team.  Comedian Herman Hurston is back and better than ever.  If a new publicist and management company, Herman is taking his show on the road world-wide.  Here are a few takes from his PR photoshoot at my studio.  Be a on lookout for Herman as he is finalizing his tour as we speak.   Hampton Roads funny man just got funnier!!

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Venue:  Contemporary Art Center of Virginia Beach, Irene Tavenner

Wedding Coordinator:  Joanie Rylander

Caterer:  East Beach Catering

Cake:  Incredible Edibles

Make-up:  Irene Garcia

Hair:  Salon Vivace

DJ:  Bobby Reynolds

Wedding

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Jackie and Alex enjoyed the “Keith Cephus Experience” a few weeks ago with an amazing e-session that started dry and ended wet!!   Special thanks for my son Brandon who not only assisted me in this shoot, but interned with me the entire summer.  Son, I’m proud of you!!  Jackie and Alex, you are next on my radar.  I will see the both of you on October 8th.  Get ready for another “epic” experience by Virginia Beach photographer KeiI soooooo

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Wedding Coordinator:  Teresa Rivera, The Grande Affair

Cake”  Edibles Incredibles

Florist:  DaVinci’s

DJ:  Hervey Jackson

Transportation:  Reston Limo

Venue:  West Belmont Place

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Venue:  Martin Crosswinds, MD

Wedding Coordinator:  Angella Watkins

Florist:  John Sharper

Wedding Cake:  Matthew Durham

Officiant:  Arthur Bellows

Invitations:  Angella Watkins

Bridal Attire:  Davids Bridal

Tuxedos:  Men’s Warehouse

Lighting:  Davinci

Butterfly Invitation Box: Design Factory

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