Changes in Journalism

Mike and Mike

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:34:23 -0500

This week has really been a whirlwind of class, work and the definition of time management.
Two midterms down, portrait photo shoots and a few hundred miles in the car was checked off my list by Tuesday.
It was off to Disney World today to shoot Mike and Mike in the Morning 10th Anniversary Special at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
I will admit, I do not listen to Mike and Mike that often for two reasons: I am rarely up that early and I don’t get ESPN at my home. (Yes, I know, I work for ESPN and do not get the channel. I am cheap and rarely am in town nor have time to watch TV).
Moving on.
These events remind me why I enjoy working with ESPN so much. It was well organized, well lit and everything that ESPN needed was clear and concise. After about two hours of shooting the radio broadcast I was done for the day.
While nothing crazy and exciting happened during the broadcast. It was entertaining and a lot of fun to be there. Mike and Mike have this chemistry of a married couple that only 10 years on being on the air can make happen.
One of the funnier anecdotes they mentioned was how similar they were to a married couple but soon came to the conclusion that could no be because, “how many people spend four hours a day talking to their wife?”
It was nice to work with some good friends from ESPN PR that I haven’t seen in a few months and I wish them the best of luck with the rebranding of the Wide World of Sports this week.

Dickie V

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:33:53 -0500

One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to work with some of the most legendary sports figures. Today was no exception. I had the pleasure of traveling to Bradenton, Fla., about three hours south of Gainesville, to shoot Dick Vitale.
Better known as “Dickie V,” Vitale is one of ESPN’s most notable basketball commentators. Vitale is not only an accomplished commentator, he is an experienced basketball coach and author. Coaching at the high school, college and NBA level, Vitale lead Detroit to the 32-team NCAA tournament in 1977 and a 21-game winning streak during the 1977 season.
While Dick Vitale is known for his work on and off the court, he is also one of the nicest sports figure I have ever photographer. After arriving at his house, I set up my studio in his garage and laid out a plan for the shots we needed for the day. The first was a simple white backdrop full-body shot and a head shot. The second was an in-office shot to be used in his bio and for ESPN’s PR department.
This was hands down one of the easiest photo shoots I have ever done. Vitale could turn his energetic personality as if it was a light switch. As soon as he stepped in front of the camera the poses, shots, goofing around and attempts at playing basketball on a studio set began with ease.
Once we knocked out the backdrop shots we quickly moved into his office to shoot a few natural portraits along with a few more head shots. Again, one of the easiest shoots ever. Vitale knew exactly what I needed to make the shot and delivered.
As I broke down my gear, Vitale began asking about where I grew up and what my story was. We enjoyed a brief chat between breakdown gear and Dick planning out the next few weeks of basketball season.
I truly wish more sports figures would take after Vitale and realize the impact they have on their surroundings. I have yet to hear a story of someone having a negative experience with Dick and I doubt I ever will.
I left with a signed copy of his book, “Living a Dream,” which he insisted on giving to thank me for coming down to shoot. Thanks again, the whole experience made for an AWESOME SHOT BABY!

Gator Rugby

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:11:54 -0500

It has been a long time coming, but I have finally found a free afternoon to shoot UF’s club rugby team. Unfortunately, this was the only game this season I could make it to.
I had never shot rugby before this game against Eckerd College and wow I was missing out.
Take the power of football and combine it with the non-stop action of soccer and you have rugby. It was almost too easy to make a good picture. Without helmets, you can get amazing facial expressions of the power involved in this intense game.
Now I need to find a way to get myself the the Rugby World Cup... Any ideas?
Click Here for a full gallery of photos.

Daytona 500

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:26:28 -0500

While I am no NASCAR fan I really do enjoy going to the track for a few races each year. From the Rolex 24 hour race to the Daytona 500, February is filled with events to go to and make great pictures.
This year was as popular as ever even with a few kinks along the way. The Rolex 24 was blasted with a torrential downpour at the start, the freezing weather was hurting the track throughout the two weeks of racing before the 500 and the infamous pot hole during the Daytona 500 lead to over two hours of delays and a very unhappy crowd.
Despite these set backs, they still made for some great pictures. This year, I was shooting from the roof of the Sprint Tower, the highest point on the track, and it made for some amazing pictures.
At times it was limiting because you can only shoot from one spot. But overall, having a view of the entire 2.5-mile track made for non-stop shooting for over 7 hours.
Exhausting as it was, and freezing, and sun burnt I got to work with one of my favorite teams of photographers from The Orlando Sentinel. My editor Tom Burton and fellow photographer/mentor Gary Green were in the infield shooting and making deadline as our team was grabbing shots from around the entire track, pits and garages.
Because I live in Gainesville, I rarely get a chance to work with the fantastic people at The Orlando Sentinel. It is where I got my start in journalism and I wouldn’t be half the photographer I am today without these people.
Click Here for the Gallery at OrlandoSentinel.com

Superbowl Weekend 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:01:18 -0500

What happens when you put a reporter and a photographer together that have notoriously bite of more than they can chew? What happens if you put them together in Miami during the SuperBowl... Well, a lot of good stories come out of it. Too many good stories to post online and some that should probably be kept quiet for a few decades.
While I did not cover the SuperBowl this year (can’t wait until ESPN starts broadcasting the game!) I still covered ESPN’s annual NEXT Party. It was the usual star-studded event which I could honestly care less about. Maybe that is why I am always hired to shoot it? Either way, it was a great time and a gold mine for fun and exciting photos of people who make way more money than I do.
Ne-yo and Keri Hilson performed which made the best photos of the night. After all of the grip-and-grin pictures of people partying it was off to Ft. Lauderdale to meet up with one of my best friends and journalist Woody Wommack. Woody writes for the Naples Daily News and was in town covering the week of SuperBowl festivities.
After a long, hard working, day of enjoying a 2-hour lunch on the water we managed to grab a few passes to see O.A.R and Bare Naked Ladies.
You never go to one of these concerts and not meet interesting people. After being harassed by virtually everyone in the front row for our passes to get near the stage we decided to sell them for $1,000 a piece... Ok not really. That would be nice, but I also like my job too!
As Saturday night ended and Sunday morning rolled around we got up for a hardy Denny’s breakfast before it was time for me to get back to Gainesville, and beat SuperBowl traffic, and Woody to get off to the big game.
I’m sure next year will come with even better stories as Woody and I take on Texas to cover the big game!
In the mean time, here is an old video of Woody and I goofing off in the press box at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
Enjoy!

Baby Steps - Arkansas Vacation

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 23:56:08 -0500

In an effort to prevent an Urban-Meyer-like breakdown I have promised friends and family that I would take more time off in 2010.
Their reaction - mostly laughter met with a hint of sarcasm.
“Oh yea Steve, I’ll believe it when I see it” was the most common response.
I expected nothing less. Considering the fact I could count the days I took off on two hands last year I really didn’t have a good track record to back me up.
This had to change.
So over the winter holidays I was having lunch with a dear friend and was told, once again, about the need to take time off. Well, I listened.
I took out the Gator Basketball schedule the next day and looked up when the Gators would play Arkansas. Jan. 21 was the date, a Thursday, and I was going to make it. I booked my flight for that afternoon and my returning flight four days later.
I was going to fly up to Arkansas and work a basketball game to take time off.
Not exactly a full vacation but baby steps.
Here a are a few photos from my trip.

2009 Gator Football Season Recap

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:28:05 -0500

Hey Gator Fans,

Now that the final whistle has blown, the last snap has been taken and the clock has struck 00:00 we can all take a little breather from Gator Football.

Even head coach Urban Meyer is taking some time off so why shouldn’t we?

Well, the truth is football season is never over in Gainesville. It should not be called football “season,” because once the team left New Orleans after a crushing victory over Cincinnati the whirlwind show of recruit commitment stories with a topping of Meyer gossip was hitting news stands and message boards everywhere.

I am going to try my best to ignore the rumors on coach Meyer and focus on recapping the game-changing moments during the 2009 season and what made my eyes go “wow” as I looked at the back on my camera on the sidelines this season.

Like I said before, the Gator Football season is far from a portion of the year. This season started back in January of 2009 when Tim Tebow announced his return for one final push at the BCS Championship Celebration in The Swamp. At that moment everyone knew how high the bar was going to be set and that it was an all-or-nothing season for the returning champions.

Quarterback Tim Tebow announced his return for his senior season with the Gators in January.

Once the trill of a top-notch senior class was beginning to subside it was time for spring practice. With a fresh batch of recruits and the leadership of what is now known to be as the most successful senior class in SEC history, Urban Meyer was eager to repeat the 2008 season and the annual Orange and Blue Scrimmage brought out hopes for an undefeated season,

Head coach Urban Meyer leads his team into The Swamp for the annual Orange and Blue Scrimmage in the spring of 2009.

After the hype of spring scrimmage there was not much football fans could do until the sweltering two-a-day practices of summer. The Urban-Tebow leadership was stronger than ever and as the 2009 season progressed it seemed the only thing that could put a smile on the coach’s face was Tim Tebow.

Head coach Urban Meyer and quarterback Tim Tebow during football practice.

Then it was game time, and in typical Gator fashion we opened with the toughest opponents we could find. Charleston Southern (7-5 in 2008) and Troy University (8-5 in 2008) had been waiting all summer to face the No. 1 ranked Gators in the Swamp.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez runs for a touchdown in the second quarter during the Charleston Southern game.

The Gators went on a savage rampage over Charleston Southern, winning 62-3 and scoring 42 of those points in the first half. Troy wasn’t much better as the Gators rolled over the Trojans 56-6. Just two games into the season and the Gators had broken 100 points on the scoreboard allowing only three field goals and no touchdowns. As rain fell during the Troy game turning Florida Field into a swamp all eyes were on Lane Kiffin and the Tennessee Volunteers who were on a mission to stop the Gators early in their championship tracks.

Quarterback Tim Tebow runs the ball in the rain against Troy.

The smack talk almost worked for Coach Kiffin in the Gators SEC opener against Tennessee. At halftime the score was 13-6 and the blow-out games of 2008 and the beginning of the 2009 season Gator fans were used to seemed distant. The Gators pulled away with a 23-13 win, but it was clear that Kiffin senior’s NFL defense experience had exposed some weaknesses in the Gator game plan.

Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham stops Tennessee running back Montario Hardestry.

Just as the Gators were getting over their demoralizing victory over Tennessee the hit heard around the world came against Kentucky. The Gators were up 31-7 at the half and what seemed like a Charleston Southern blow-out game ended when quarterback Tim Tebow did not bounce up after a hard hit early in the third quarter. The BCS Championship was in question during the fourth game of the season and the Gators were faced with criticism for the next two weeks by every sportscaster turned concussion specialists in the country.

The Gator Nation held their breath for each breaking news story if Tebow attended practice or if Meyer was going to replace him with back-up quarterback John Brantley. When the team took the field in Death Valley against the LSU Tigers Tim Tebow was in shotgun formation. In the loudest game I have ever attended the Gators pulled out with a 13-3 win over LSU ending a longstanding winning streak for LSU games at night in Death Valley.

Florida safety Major Wright looks down at LSU wide receiver Terrence Toliver after a play.

Now that the World was right again with Tebow in control of the offense the rest of the season was going to be a piece of cake; nothing but 60-point victories and the Gators will waltz their way to Pasadena. I think not. There was a sleeping giant waiting for the Gators at home and this giant was a Razorback. It was at the Capitol One Bowl in 2007 since the Gators were down at the half and it seemed that Arkansas going to be the one loss of the season as they were up 10-3 going into the second half and Ole’ Miss was on everyone’s mind.

Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis makes the game-winning field goal against Arkansas.

After a few close ones all eyes were on The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and if Georgia could regroup after an embarrassing 49-10 loss in 2008. Instead they not only lost the game (41-17) they also lost a record that represented how great a team they used to be. With 1:32 remaining in the first half, Tim Tebow broke free to run for a 23-yard touchdown breaking Herschel Walker’s record of 49.

Quarterback Tim Tebow breaks away in the second quarter to make his 50th career touchdown.

It was smooth sailing for the Gators as they went up against easy opponents like Vanderbilt, FIU and Florida State. South Carolina was close game with just a three-point gap at the half but the Gators still left undefeated.

It wasn’t until all the leaks in the damn finally broke in the SEC Championship game against Alabama did the Gators get a taste of what perfection really is. All season long there had been questions running through everyone’s minds. Why was Tebow playing such a predictable offense by running up the middle every play? Why isn't Brantley playing more? Is Tim Tebow the same since his concussion?

Alabama certainly answered all the uncertainties about the Gators when for the first time since Ole’ Miss the Gators left without cheering on the Orange and Blue and singing their way back home.

Head coach Urban Meyer reviews the team statistics after the 32-13 loss to Alabama in SEC Championship Game.

Going back through the regular season it is of no surprise why Urban Meyer was considering leaving what some thought to be the best job in the World. Every moment of the 2009 Gator Football season was more stressful than the last. From Tebow returning to the last hurrah against Cincinnati every game posed its own challenges. Concussions, injuries, suspensions, DUIs, last-minute field goals and rumors of Notre Dame took its toll on everybody and as that clock hit 00:00 in the Superdome I was cheering just as loud as the fans behind me. “It’s over!” I exclaimed to my fellow photographers and until next season, which by my clock begins in a few weeks, I will be taking a little break from Gator Football.

Wide receiver Riley Cooper celebrates after the Gators beat Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

Thank you to everyone who has read my blog all season. I am very grateful for the support I have with GatorBait and my friends and family. Have a safe off-season and learn from Urban and take a little time off.

My Best,

- Steve

Bobby

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 02:56:53 -0500

When I was junior in high school I made a phone call that sparked a fire. A call that gave me a taste of something so sweet, so desirable that I would spend the rest of my life trying to keep a high that no drug could ever provide.
This phone call was to Bobby Bowden.
I was a 17 year-old kid who liked taking pictures. My brother was a Gator, but I, being a band geek, liked Florida State for their band. So I called the offices of Florida State Football and asked if I could take photos of the annual Garnet and Gold spring scrimmage. After showing my portfolio and a little convincing I had a press pass waiting for me on April 14, 2007.
It was a nice spring day in Tallahassee and I was a wide-eyed, inexperienced photographer trying not to get hit by a football at practice.
Then, as I was getting my bearings on the field, I heard a voice from behind me. It was legendary head-coach Bobby Bowden.
“You look pretty young,” he said.
“Yes sir,” I replied, and I told him I wanted to be a sports photographer.
One of the biggest names in football was taking time out of his day, especially a day where thousands of fans are expecting a scrimmage, to talk to a high school photographer about a career in journalism.
He gave me his card and had his assistant write down my contact information. Bowden invited me to any home Seminole game I wanted and said I would always be welcome in Doak Campbell Stadium.
The fire was lit.
A year later, more experienced in networking, I came back. This time I made a follow-up visit to his offices to personally thank him and give some photographs and a letter. Getting into one of the most legendary organizations football offices would seem like a daunting task. It wasn’t. I politely asked the receptionist to point me in the direction of the football offices and made my way to see Bobby.
Well, Bobby was golfing.
I was told this is not uncommon for Bowden, he golfs regularly and often makes time for friends and family. His very kind secretary took a few moments to share some stories about Coach Bowden and asked that I leave my package with her.
A few weeks later I received a letter in the mail from the offices of Bobby Bowden.
The letter said:

Dear Steven:

Thanks very much for your letter and also for the pictures of last year’s spring game.

Looking forward to having you with us again. See you at the ball game.

Sincerely,

Bobby Bowden
Head Football Coach

To continue my metaphor; Rome was now burning.
It was almost three years ago that I made my first phone call to FSU. While I am a Gator and I bleed orange and blue my heart will always have a hint of garnet and gold.
I have gone back to many Seminole football games and in the fall of 2008 Bobby pulled me aside and asked what college I ended up at. I had to break the news to him that I was a Gator. To my surprise, he laughed and knowing my major he said education comes first and reminded me I will always be welcome at FSU.
There is no other coach in the history of college football that is more personable, easy going, or accessible than Bobby Bowden. You can fact-check that all you want and I promise you I am right.
As I conclude my third season covering college football I have many regrets: I did not make it to a Seminole game this season like my previous two, but that is O.K.
My passion as a sports photographer is burning bright. Since going to FSU and beginning my career I have many people to thank, but as I meet more head coaches from teams all over the country, none of them compare to the legend that made a name for football in the state of Florida and helped a young kid find his calling.

Thank you Bobby,

Steve Johnson Sports Photographer and forever a part of the Seminole Nation*

*Even if I am a Gator.

SEC Championship Blues

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 01:45:23 -0500

Hey Gators Fans,

...Excuse me if I called you out on your secret.

On my way back from Atlanta Sunday morning I made three stops: two for gas and one for coffee. During each of these pit stops I ran into some “fans” from the place where the ‘ole Gators play. When I greeted them with a smile and a “Go Gators,” their reactions were as if they were found passed out next to an Escalade-fire-hydrant sandwich - golf club in sight.

Gator fans were silent throughout the third and fourth quarter at the SEC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome.

Really Gators Fans?

The Sideline Report is supposed to give insight to what the games are like from my perspective. This season I have shared the good with the bad; the best of Gator football and, as we saw this weekend, the worst. So why so serious?

A young Gator fan cries during the fourth quarter during the SEC Championship game in the Georgia Dome.

As Alabama was issuing the worst white-uniform wedgie in NCAA history, Gators fans watched in dismay. They were “that kid” who turns their back at the playground when their best friend is getting picked on and “that kid” who is quick to blame the dog for eating their playbook before the biggest game of the season.

Riley Cooper walks off the field after the team's first loss of the season.

Quarterback Tim Tebow leaves the bench to congratulate Alabama on their 32-13 win at the SEC Championship game.

As a photographer, I run from end zone to end zone making sure every play is covered. I sprint about two feet from the team bench, and in that 20-second dash down the field, you notice a lot about how the game is going from the sideline. Most noticeably was Alabama’s third-string players cheering on their team inches from sideline as the Gators were already working on their plans for the Sugar Bowl from the bench.

Florida punter Chas Henry during the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship game against Alabama.

I am often asked why I don’t cover the NFL. My reason is simple: College football is about the passion for the game not the paycheck.

For some passion, maybe I should have stayed in the Georgia Dome one more day because there was probably more passion from Michael Vick fans and former teammates in Atlanta then there was for Gators on Saturday.

As I was shooting the first half, the enthusiasm we have grown to love from the Gators was missing, and the Tide was rising fast. Alabama fans came to Atlanta on a business trip and got the job done.

Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy throws a complete pass despite being covered by Florida safety Ahmad Black.

Alabama running back Mark Ingram celebrates after a win over Florida in the Georgia Dome during the SEC Championship game.

I’m sure you have read enough about how this game was a nightmare for the Gators, but all the little mistakes that have been snubbed all season finally came out. What good can come out of this? Well, we get to go back to Bourbon Street, and we get to watch one final game with Tim Tebow and the best senior class in SEC history, statistically. If a 12-1 season is upsetting for you, I suggest rolling with the Crimson Tide and joining the bandwagon fans that are suddenly “winners” with their Bear Bryant fedoras price tag still intact.

Brandon James is tackled soon after getting the kick-return in the second quarter.

The Gators should be thankful for such a loss. If this game was decided over a missed field goal or fumble then all we would hear is the “what-if” scenario similar to that of the 2008 loss to Ole’ Miss. Alabama was clearly the better team and any fan of the SEC should be excited that the nation’s best conference is well represented in the national title game.

Head coach Urban Meyer looks at the scoreboard, 10-19 with less than two minutes left in the first half. Alabama beat Florida 32-13 in the SEC Championship game.

I will see you all in Louisiana.

My Best,

- Steve

Train Kept A Rollin

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:20:12 -0500

iPhone Journalism... I know, it sounds kind of scary.

Well, it was my night off and I couldn’t put the camera down - even if it was Apple’s iPhone 3Gs.

In an effort of forgiveness from my family, I have been on a whirlwind tour this fall with work and will have to miss many major holidays, birthdays and gatherings so I have been making time for them as my schedule allows it.

This week it was off to Orlando’s House of Blues to see Train with my mother, Pat, and uncle, Chris.

This trifecta of concert goers is not a new gathering. The three of us have collectively seen Aerosmith over half-a-dozen times, my mother has seen Led Zeppelin in Madison Square Garden and my uncle has more ticket stubs than I have pictures.

This was my second time seeing Train, and if I knew anything about this band it was that Pat Monahan knows how work a crowd.

Guy or girl, I’m pretty sure Monahan could have gotten anyone to join him for a quick “ride” on the tour bus. With Mick-Jagger-like moves and Bono-quality vocals, Monahan can out sing the best American Idol and make Dancing with the Stars look like an elementary talent show.

Train opened the show with “Parachute,” my mother’s favorite song from their new album, “Save Me San Francisco,” and closed the show with renditions of “Going to California,” by Led Zeppelin and “Dream On,” by Aerosmith.

Yea, all three of us had our own versions of “wow” moments when the sweet sounds of Steven Tyler came over the speakers except Tyler was replaced by the vocally-superior Monahan.

As “Dream On” screeched through the audience my mother and uncle leaned over and yelled, “this is your song!”

Why? Well, because I grew up with Aerosmith. Seeing Steven Tyler and Joe Perry rock it out seven times in concert is far from a part-time fan.

But I digress.

My days of running from concert to concert will never be over. But back in the 2000’s man, we knew how to rock it out.

By the end of the set all three of us were amazed at the level of energy Monahan brought to the venue and how good it felt to just let loose.

I work upwards of 300 days out of the year. If I am not shooting I am editing. If I am not editing I’m planning my next shoot which will result in editing. Kind of a circle-of-work thing.

So to take a night off and relax like this is a rare opportunity and to be able to take my family members out to a concert is a feeling not many 19-year-olds get to have.

I am very fortunate to be able to repay my mother and uncle for the good times the trifecta had going to shows when I used to live close, and now that I am away and travel times like this Train concert are more valuable than ever.

Now, back to the journalism aspect. Again, I can never completely stop working. Throughout the show, at moments I deemed worth it to stop dancing and stand still to record, I shot video and still pictures from my Apple iPhone 3Gs.

Was it the best quality? No.

Was it up to my standards? Hell no.

But it allowed me to document the night in some fashion and here is what I got.

So for all of you hard-working journalists or really anyone who travels often.

While you may not be able to take the holidays as a time to spend with family. Make time. Go to a show. And as the great philosopher Steven Tyler one said:

“If it is worth doing, it is worth overdoing.”

My Best,

- Steve