On July 22, 2012, the Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germaine match was the first soccer game ever played at the new Yankee Stadium. I’ve covered sports for a major portion of my career, and have covered events in many cities and countries, but this event was different. Watching the international pastime being played on the home turf of the biggest sports franchise in the world, as well as the Yankees’ role as being part of our country’s very own pastime, was one of the most memorable of my career.

I was working the mid-fifty, low tights camera, just one of the nine game cameras used in FOX SOCCER NETWORK’s game coverage.  The others are, the game camera, which has the wide shot of the game action, the right and left 18, responsible for off sides and the defensive and offensive end of the action coverage, the low end zone, covering goal-area action, and the mid-fifty high and low tights. The low-tight shots, which I was responsible for, are the ones frequently used in the slow motion playback of action on the field, such as players battling for control of the ball or reviewing any penalty or questionable play that, occur.

From a distance of 20 to 50 yards away, shooting action that fast relies on years of experience and instincts and of course having the right tools is vital. Having a high-powered lens and an exceptional camera is imperative.

For the Chelsea/Paris Saint-Germaine game, I used the SONY HDC-1500 Camera with a Canon HD 86X lens. I have used the SONY HDC-1500 on various occasions and think it is one of the finest and most versatile broadcast cameras out there. You can carry this well-balanced, low center of gravity camera comfortably on your shoulder all day or slip it in a camera cradle, where it functions quite comfortably in a studio configuration.

Of course lenses are important, and there are lenses out there that can give you the magnification you need, but Canon 86x HD lens’ variety of focal lengths allows you to capture the action, and the emotions on the player’s faces. Its wide field of view gets you close to the action, without losing the sharpness of the background’s colors and action.

Just like any profession, having the right tools and gear makes a world of difference. But the confidence and instinctual skills acquired  from years of experience, is what allowed me to immerse myself in the present moment, and soak in the atmosphere in these hallowed halls of Yankee Stadium. An experience I will not forget, unlike the final score, which I’ve completely forgot.

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