photography

Shining a Light on the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz: Behind the Scenes Photography of a Live Show

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Shooting behind-the-scenes photos for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz and the accompanying Meadowlark Media team at SXSW 2022 was a dream come true.

At the Four Seasons in downtown Austin on Ladybird Lake, the whole gang was in tow for two days of live programming.

I worked with their programming and media teams to capture the setting, the crowds, the personalities, and the other folks that make their show the gem that it is.

A trademark of my work is ensuring that the kindness, interpersonal dynamics, and the beauty of people come through. Because the Le Batard Show with Stugotz is largely operates in a podcast medium, it was really important to capture the inside jokes, the smiles, and the hard work that behind the show that makes it all sound so easy and natural.

Thank you so much, Hilde and Meadowlark!

Renee Montgomery at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Stugotz on the microphone at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Ricky Williams at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Chris Wittyngham at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Ju Ju Gotti and Tony Calatayud at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Jessica Smetana at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
John Skipper at SXSW for the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

On the Field with the Champions: Photographing the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

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Kadeisha Buchanan attempting to block Julia Grosso’s shot

I had the privilege of photographing the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team prior to their amazing Gold Medal run.

Desiree Scott for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

The awesome Desiree Scott examining the field in front of her

For far too long, the bias has existed that there’s one team in women’s international soccer, and then there’s everyone else.

Canada’s Women’s National Team is a reminder that the North America region is STACKED with talent and we should be prepared for awesome battles for the coming generations, but particularly this summer in New Zealand/Australia’s Women’s World Cup.

My bias may be the result of the US Women winning four World Cups, or it may have carried over from years of watching international men’s soccer where the CONCACAF region has largely been a two-horse race with only the US and Mexico fielding internationally “competitive” teams.

But, as we saw in CONCACAF men’s qualifying where the Canadian men finished at the top of the group, Canada is on the rise… and their women are leading the way. The Canadian women had a truly historic Olympic gold medal run following high-pressure knock-out wins over the US, Sweden, and Brazil.

Ashley Lawrence and Janine Beckie for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

Ashley Lawrence taking Janine Beckie down the line

Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise. Youth development and training has come into greater focus. Canada has built talent pipelines for their young men and women through the NWSL, MLS, and domestic, and collegiate leagues; financial incentives are coming into greater focus to incentivize player discovery and development; and tactical and statiscal expertise are gaining popularity. All of these elements work towards leveling the field for smart and inventive organizations thus allowing Canada to see their players plying their trade for Lyon, Paris Saint Germain, Portland Thorns, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

All of which to say, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this team. Thank you so much for having me, Canada.

Christine Sinclair sprinting for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

Christine Sinclair mid-sprint

Julia Grosso for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

Julia Grosso turning on dime

Sabrina D'Angelo with the save for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team

Sabrina D’Angelo with a one-handed save