Sharkie Takes a Rest

Posted by Don Smith (California, United States) on 5 March 2008 in People & Portrait.

Yesterday was team photo day for the NHL's San Jose Sharks. I am co-team photographer (going on 17 years now) and was shooting some candids before the actual team photo. Our mascot, SJ Sharkie decided to take a rest next to Patrick Rismiller (34) and Mike Grier (25) and Curtis Brown (37). The actual team photo shoot is perhaps the most stressful thing I do. The actual shoot itself is very easy, but there's that thing called "Murphy's Law." I hold my breath each year that I don't get that dreaded "error 99" message as I trip the shutter. I also light the photo with (8) 2400 watt-second Speedotron packs/lights all fired remotely by a Flash Wizard Pocket Wizard. Very high-tech, but also a litlle unnerving when you are the one in charge. You don't want to be trouble shooting a problem when everyone from the president on down is waiting on you. Fortunately I work with some wonderful people, namely, Ken Arnold, Scott Emmert, Tony Khing, Tom Holy and Roger Ross. They are my extra sets of eyes - much appreciated on day like this. I can't post the actual team photo for another couple of weeks - suffice it to say - it was a success! http://www.donsmithphotography.com