Covering prime Derrick Rose was an unforgettable experience. The first time I saw him play was during a high school tournament in Central Illinois, and even then, he was something special. You could see the raw talent and explosive athleticism that would later captivate basketball fans everywhere.

Though I never officially covered Rose as a primary subject, I found myself in the right place at the right time on several occasions, covering other stories while catching glimpses of his greatness. Those moments were pure magic. Watching him dominate the court, even from the sidelines, was like witnessing the rise of a legend in real-time.

Sometimes, it’s about being in the right room at the right time, and I’m grateful for the chance to see one of Chicago’s finest athletes in action, up close and personal.

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.