Oct. 4, 2011
Preseason Photo Shoot | 
Video: Sights and Sounds | Memorial Madness Oct. 14
I remember school photo day. That morning I tried really hard not to get toothpaste or Honeycomb cereal on my shirt, which my parents handpicked specifically for the day.
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by Brandon Barca (Archive) Twitter updates @brandonbarca |
A photographer from Olan Mills would set up in the gymnasium to get portraits of every kid in school. I had one chance to get my smile right without blinking since the line extended outside to the playground. Weeks later when the images came in, mom put my picture in her purse; dad placed it on his desk. A few copies were mailed to relatives. Thankfully, it wasn’t publicized anywhere outside of the yearbook (which might have been embarrassing enough).
Collegiate sports teams have photo days as well, but the images are used on a much larger scale. You name it– television broadcasts, posters, billboards, media guides, jumbotrons, websites (check) and everywhere else.
Last Thursday, the Commodore men’s basketball team gathered in Memorial Gym for their annual photo shoot. Ace photographer John Russell had the duty of capturing individual and group portraits with communications assistant director Andrew “Snacks” Boggs keeping the operation on schedule.
Over 1,000 photos were taken during the session to ensure there are enough to use throughout the season. It’s also the only chance of the season you can get the entire team in one place without commitments to practice or other team functions, so you have to make best use of the time. The guys usually prefer to go with their tough look over a smile, but you get a chance to see their playful side when they communicate between takes.
Today, we give you a sampling of photos from the shoot with a sights and sounds video edited by Michael Scholl. Check back later this week for video outtakes and interviews from the event.
View John Russell’s Photo Gallery
