Over the last two weeks I’ve learned something about myself: I like shooting sports. I actually like it a lot.
My first assignment was a Friday night baseball game on April 8, featuring Duke against Boston College. I grabbed a Nikon D3, courtesy of The Chronicle, and headed out with Tyler Seuc, one of our staff photographers who was assigned to show me the ropes (and make sure I didn’t break anything). I’d never shot an event of any type before, so I think I snapped a few good shots. For a rookie, at least. Click the picture below to see a 12-photo slideshow.

Dillon Haviland winds up against Boston College on April 8, 2010 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. He pitched 5.2 innings and earned the win in Duke's 10-6 victory.
I was on my own this past Friday night for the Duke vs. UNC Womens Lacrosse game. I took the trusty D3 and also dragged along our awesome 300mm lens. I could tell I was getting better shots than I did last week—and, needless to say, had a bunch of fun shooting with the 300mm. Tyler taught me last week the importance of getting a player’s feet into the shot, which is something I focused on during this game. Click the picture below to see the slideshow from the game.

Christie Kaestner attempts to shake her defender in Duke's 11-10 victory over North Carolina on April 15, 2011 at Koskinen Stadium.
Please leave any tips or critiques in the comments section! I’m (obviously) just beginning to learn.