John Biever's Favorite Shots

SI Staff | Nov 7, 2007

John Biever's Favorite Shots /

John Biever's Favorite Shots

We generally have a plan for the last hole of a major golf championship, with SI's photogs surrounding the green. I drew the back side (with the golfer usually putting away from me to the hole) at the 2007 British Open. I got lucky on this shot because Sergio Garcia reacted in profile, and the ball and the cup lined up to tell a story. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/1000 f/4.0

It's no fun trying to keep camera equipment dry while working in the rain, but poor conditions can enhance a picture, as the rain did with this photo of Tiger Woods at the 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. Just as is the case with golfers, we have to get inside if lightning strikes -- camera equipment can act like a lightning rod. Shot with: Canon EOS-1v (film camera), EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM, shot at 1/1000 f/4.0

My favorite assignment each year is the Masters, which is also the most difficult to cover. It's the only tournament where photographers aren't allowed inside the ropes. We are at the mercy of the masses, I mean patrons, and you have to bob and weave amongst their heads. Tall photogs have a real advantage and I'm not one of them! Anyway, Arnold Palmer walking across the Sarazen Bridge in his last round ever at the Masters, with the scene reflected in the pond in front of the green, made for an interesting picture. Shot with: Canon EOS-1v (film camera), EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/500 f/4.0

The setting can really enhance a picture, in this case Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indy, where the movie "Hoosiers" was filmed. The idea is to put a compelling sports action picture into a larger scene -- if run large enough, this can be quite effective. Shot with: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM, shot at 1/200 f/5.6

In my mind, the lower you can get at a sporting event, the better. Low camera placement makes the athletes look even bigger, more heroic. In this case, a wide lens was on the ground under the basket as a Kentucky player dished off against Kansas in last years' NCAA tournament in Chicago. Shot with: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM zoom, shot at 1/250 f/5.6

This was at the end of a NCAA regional softball game in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Michigan player had just hit a walk-off homer, and the rest of the team was there to celebrate. I just like the joyful expressions. It seems the higher you go in sports, the less happiness shows through on a regular basis. These Michigan women were playing for all the right reasons. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/2500 f/4.5

Just as low can add to a picture, high above can also add a whole new dimension. I was positioned high above home plate at Miller Park in Milwaukee (my home park), and two Brewers tried to score back-to-back. Prince Fielder scored first, knocking out catcher Todd Greene of the Giants. Corey Koskie came in right behind and was tagged out by the S.F. pitcher. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM, shot at 1/2500 f/4.5

I continue to be amazed at how athletes can go to extreme lengths, to contort their bodies, to reach the finish line, or in this case, the goal line. I was lucky to be in the right position with the right lens when Jeremi Johnson came to the pylon -- he could just as easily have gone to the other side of the field. But by being prepared for luck, positioning yourself correctly, watching the game progress and noting which way they tend to run, you increase your chances. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/640 f/2.8

Certain football matchups seem to lend themselves to better pictures. In the Midwest, Michigan vs. Notre Dame is one of those matchups. I like the flow of this incomplete pass to Carlyle Holiday. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM, shot at 1/800 f/4.0

Usually, any time a football player leaps, it makes a picture. In this case, Cedric Benson of the Bears left his feet as he got to the line of scrimmage, and we had a picture. It would have been better if he wasn't looking down, but you take what you can get. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom with 1.4X Extender, shot at 1/1600 f/5.0

The MVP of the BCS National Championship game, at the moment of his major jubilation, with confetti falling all around him, what's not to like? These elements come together maybe once every couple of years for a sports photographer, and you better be ready for it. As I saw Vince Young come off the field and edge toward the stands, I dashed over to get in front of him. Three or four of us did. For one rare time, the TV shot was from behind. The TV cameraman didn't get in front of Young before it was all over. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM zoom, shot at 1/250 f/3.5

Generally, domed stadiums, in this case the Minneapolis Metrodome, lend themselves to stale, flat images. You need the elements and light to help make the picture interesting. But every once in a while things come together. In this case, Keyshawn Johnson was flipped over right in front of me, and all I had to do was lift the camera around my neck with the short lens, and squeeze the shutter. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 50mm f/1.4L USM, shot at 1/640 f/2.8

NE Patriots linemen

Not all the best images at a football game are made on the field. There are interesting things to see everywhere, including the sidelines. The way these bearded Patriots linemen lined up in an interesting way, with the light adding a modeling light to the sides of their faces, caught my eye as I headed from one side of the field to the other. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/1000 f/4.5

Although Notre Dame Stadium is one of the most difficult venues we work in -- because of all the people on the field, from the cheerleaders to the bands to the alumni and supporters -- it tends to lend itself to some interesting pictures. In this case, a Notre Dame TD catch in the middle of the end zone in front of a Penn State defender. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/1250 f/5.6

This was our first 'Digital' Super Bowl (XXXVII in 2003), the first time we didn't use film. I'm sure the editors were not exactly sure these little digital flash media cards would work. Anyway, this image ran on the cover -- the Tampa Bay receiver had a wide-eyed expression and that made the picture. Expressions can make or break a sports picture. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D, EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM, shot at 1/500 f/4.0

This picture has a lot of meaning to me. I've been fortunate enough to photograph Brett Favre from the beginning in Green Bay, and living in Wisconsin, watch this amazing athlete close up. In my mind, he's up there with Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as the most remarkable athletes I have photographed. They all share the same common trait -- they just HATE to lose. Favre walking into Lambeau Field in Green Bay for pregame introductions from behind caught my eye. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM zoom, shot at 1/500 f/4.5

Athletes who wear their emotions on their sleeves are rare. This player, Brett Favre, does. Here, he's celebrating getting close to the TD record, in a game against San Diego early in the 2007 season. One thing we've learned while photographing Favre, always stay focused on him after a TD -- he will give you a picture more times than not. Shot with: Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM, shot at 1/1250 f/5.0

Published Nov 7, 2007

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