The Sports Photo Guy

Or at least, a record-tying shot.  This image appeared on the front of the sports section of the Roanoke Times on Sunday, January 25.

For the Record

Twin brothers Travis (23) and Chavis (3) Holmes tied the NCAA Division I scoring record for twin brothers with this fast break dunk on January 24, 2009 against High Point.  Fittingly, Travis was credited with the assist.  Minutes later, Chavis would break the record with a free throw.  The previous record–3,252 points–ironically was held by a previous set of twins who played at VMI from 1987-1990, Ramon and Damon Williams.

Knowing the record was coming, I prepared for the shot with a Sigma 50/f1.4 HSM lens on my D300 by moving to a position along the baseline midway between the goal and the corner.  This gave me a fairly good vantage point for any spot on the offensive end of the court; barring any obstructing players, I’d have a clear view of the shot.  The fast break opportunity was a godsend, and being able to get both twins in the shot was gravy.  8 fps was essential to capturing the moment as well; in the previous frame, Travis’ eyes are closed, while in the next frame he’s not looking at his brother!

1/500 sec at f2, ISO 400.