I think it started for me in high school. I worked for the local paper covering high school sports. After a couple of years, the older photogs. started draging me along to college games on the weekends.
I knew I was in trouble when I held my ground during a sweep. The linebacker creamed the tight end, and they made a "V" in front of me - the linebacker going to my left, the tight end going to my right. First down!
Then I looked around, and all the other people on the sidelines, players, coaches, officials, and other photographers had moved off by at least 10 yards. Hmmm....
But my picture ran on the front page above the fold. I also got a lecture from the photo department head about safety. But he had to fight to contain his smile ;-)
I've been like that ever since. And no, I don't even remember who was playing. But I do remember looking at that negative as I pulled the film off the reel. That's a feeling you don't soon forget.
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