I just returned from a 1200 mile journey across the state of Texas shooting for the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. I had to shoot 6 stadiums (I have the other two already done from previous years) for 6 of the inductees this year. My trip was highlighted by the greatest McDonald’s worker I’ve ever met. A DPS officer in Menard who thought I was a drug runner. And a Facebook Message from Adrian Peterson, that caused my to miss my Coahoma exit. Snow flurries started in Sealy and continued up to Palestine. The temperature didn’t really change at all during the day. The wind was mighty in Sealy and let up as I drove north. I arrived at Daingerfield HS just when practice was getting underway. I talked with their coach, and decided to work around them (that way I wouldn’t have to come back in the morning). I then drove to Mt. Pleasant to spend the night. Got up at 4 am (again) and drove to Waxahachie. I avoided the Dallas morning traffic by leaving so early. Waxahachie Lumpkin Stadium was really nice. I’ve never seen as large of UnderArmour shoes on a 20 foot tall Indian mascot before. On the way to Stephenville, I noticed that the highway I was driving on was dedicated to Chris Kyle, of American Sniper movie fame. Arrived in Stephenville right about lunch time. Half of the stadium was under construction, so I had to photograph from one side. Drove to Coahoma, and arrived as the team was practicing for their first playoff game. Luckily for me, there was a 30 minute difference in time from when the sun set in Coahoma, as to Daingerfield the day before. So I got to shoot it, and got great shots with clear skies and a beautiful setting sun. My drive home was uneventful, except for the DPS officer mentioned above. I didn’t get a ticket or even a warning (lucky me). He told me that I pulled into the cross walk area when I stopped at a light on the highway. At least, I know he’s doing his job (not eating donuts, hanging out at the donut shop) ;). Arrived home about 2 pm, and was exhausted. Can’t wait to photograph the people to go into these stadium images. Here’s a 7 minute video of the BTS of the stadium sessions.
