Photographing College of DuPage (COD) football is an exciting blend of fast-paced action and creative artistry. From the roar of the crowd to the intensity on the field, every moment tells a story waiting to be captured.

Preparation is Key

Understand the game, scout the field, and bring the right gear, like a fast telephoto lens for action shots and a wide-angle lens for the atmosphere. Arrive early to find the best vantage points.

Techniques for Capturing the Action

1. Focus on Faces: Emotion adds depth to your shots.

2. Freeze the Action: Use a fast shutter speed—1/1000 or faster—for crisp, clear shots.

3. Play with Angles: Low or high angles can make your images stand out.

4. Anticipate the Play: Position yourself where the action is likely to unfold.

Capturing the Atmosphere

Document more than just the field action—crowds, halftime performances, and quiet moments add depth to the story.

Post-Processing for Impact

Enhance your images by adjusting exposure, contrast, and color. Crop and sharpen selectively to highlight key details.

The Reward

Photographing COD football preserves memories and celebrates the game’s spirit. Your work becomes a cherished part of the COD community’s story, inspiring and connecting fans and players alike.

Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph the annual George Macht Food Scholarship Competition at the College of DuPage. This prestigious event brings together aspiring young chefs from across the region, offering them a chance to showcase their culinary skills and compete for scholarships that support their passion for the culinary arts.

Throughout the day, contestants presented an array of impressive dishes, from savory courses to exquisite desserts. In addition to the main culinary competitors, talented pastry chefs participated, demonstrating their mastery of techniques, flavors, and presentation. The energy in the kitchen was inspiring as these dedicated chefs worked with precision and creativity, striving to impress the panel of judges.

Capturing the moments at this event was an absolute pleasure. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s competition – a celebration of the hard work, talent, and artistry that these young chefs bring to the culinary world.

Sometimes, it’s the moments in between the action that really stand out. These shots are an outtake from a College of DuPage football game—a quiet pause in an otherwise high-energy atmosphere. There's something about capturing these candid, unscripted moments that tells the story beyond the game itself. Whether it's the intensity on a player's face or the calm before the next big play, these outtakes often hold as much emotion as the action-packed shots.

That’s the beauty of sports photography—not every great image happens during the game-winning touchdown.