Friday, December 30, 2011

Tim Miller (Top 10 Nominee) 12/30/11



Tim Miller's excitement over Steve Reinprecht's goal for the Wolves against Milwaukee on Wednesday grabbed the Top 10 Nominee for this week.

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year!

Chicago Wolves at Milwaukee Admirals
December 28, 2011

1/1600 sec, f/2, ISO 800, 135mm

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Steve Reinprecht 12/29/11




Steve Reinprecht elevates the puck past Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Jeremy Smith to give the Chicago Wolves an early 1-0 lead.

Chicago Wolves at Milwaukee Admirals
December 28, 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Dylan Olsen 12/28/11



Dylan Olsen of the Rockford Icehogs shoots the puck past Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Jeremy Smith to net his first professional goal.

Rockford Icehogs at Milwaukee Admirals
December 11, 2011

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Krys Kolanos 12/27/11



Abbotsford Heat forward Krys Kolanos pursues Stefan Schneider of the Chicago Wolves.

Abbotsford Heat at Chicago Wolves
December 4, 2011

Friday, December 23, 2011

Victor Bartley (Top 10 Nominee) 12/23/11



Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Victor Bartley nets this weeks Top 10 Nominee with his foot save on Toronto Marlies Joe Colborne.

Toronto Marlies at Milwaukee Admirals
December 16, 2011

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tomas Tatar 12/22/11




Griffins #27 Tomas Tatar pops the puck over Milwaukee Admirals goalie Jeremy Smith to give the Grand Rapids Griffins a 3-2 lead, but would fall 4-3 in Overtime.


Grand Rapids Griffins at Milwauke Admirals
December 9, 2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tomas Vincour (Top 10 Nominee) 12/5/11



Teddy Bears rain down after Tomas Vincour (center) scored the lone Texas Stars goal of the night in a 5-1 loss to the Houston Aeros.

A belated Top 10 Nominee from last week...

November 19, 2011
Houston Aeros at Texas Stars

Friday, November 25, 2011

Drew Bagnall (Top 10 Nominee) 11/25/11



Houston's Drew Bagnall lands a punch on the Heat's Lance Bouma during a fight in the first period.

Abbotsford Heat at Houston Aeros
November 20, 2011

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Leland Irving 11/24/11



Abbotsford Heat goalie Leland Irving enjoys the spotlight as he is recognized as 2nd Star for his shutout performance.

Abbotsford Heat at Houston Aeros
November 20, 2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

David McIntyre 11/23/11



Houston Aeros David McIntyre

Houston Aeros at Texas Stars
November 19, 2011

Friday, November 18, 2011

Ryan Ellis (Top 10 Nominee) 11/18/11




Ryan Ellis smiles for the camera during warmups before the Milwaukee Admirals defeated the Oklahoma City Barons 3-2.

Oklahoma City Barons at Milwaukee Admirals
November 13, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Raymond Sawada 11/17/11



Texas Stars Raymond Sawada tied up the game against the Milwaukee Admirals on this shot as he fell to the ice in the first period on October 30th.

Texas Stars at Milwaukee Admirals
October 30, 2011

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Philippe Cornet 11/15/11



Oklahoma City Barons forward #15 Philippe Cornet tips the puck past Milwaukee Admirals goalie Jeremy Smith in Sunday's game, which went to the Admirals 3-2.

Oklahoma City Barons at Milwaukee Admirals
November 13, 2011

Friday, November 11, 2011

Scott Valentine (Top 10 Nominee) 11/11/11



Milwaukee Admirals defenseman Scott Valentine has effectively used his body this season to add physicality to the team, in this shot separating Charlotte Checkers #25 Chris Terry from the puck.

Charlotte Checkers at Milwaukee Admirals
November 4, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Brian Connelly 11/10/11




Defenseman Brian Connelly of the Rockford Icehogs

Rockford Icehogs at Chicago Wolves
October 21, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Brett Bellemore 11/8/11





Charlotte Checkers defenseman #34 Brett Bellemore leads the rush out of the defensive zone.

Charlotte Checkers at Milwaukee Admirals
November 4, 2011

Friday, November 4, 2011

Tyler Beskorowany (Top 10 Nominee) 11/4/11



Another non-action shot takes this week's Top 10 Nominee as the lighting at Chicago's All-State Arena offered an atypical backdrop to Texas Stars goaltender Tyler Beskorowany.

Texas Stars at Chicago Wolves
October 29, 2011

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Nolan Baumgartner & Francis Wathier 11/3/11




Chicago Wolves Captain Nolan Baumgartner and Texas Stars #38 Francis Wathier collide was they go towards the boards.

Texas Stars at Chicago Wolves
October 29, 2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Chris Mueller 11/1/11



Milwaukee Admirals forward #18 Chris Mueller leads the rush while #28 Kyle Wilson joins him amid sticks of Texas Stars players as the Admirals sported pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness.

Texas Stars at Milwaukee Admirals
October 30, 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

Eddie Lack (Top 10 Nominee) 10/28/11



Chicago Wolves goaltender Eddie Lack celebrates his announcement as first star of the game in a 2-0 shutout win over the Rockford Icehogs.

Rockford Icehogs at Chicago Wolves
October 21, 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Kevin Doell 10/26/11



Chicago Wolves forward Kevin Doell

Chicago Wolves at Milwaukee Admirals
October 14, 2011

Monday, October 24, 2011

Alexander Salak 10/24/11



Alexander Salak of the Rockford Icehogs.

Rockford Icehogs at Chicago Wolves
October 21, 2011

Friday, October 21, 2011

Jeff Foss (Top 10 Nominee) 10/21/11



Jeff Foss skates out for player introductions before the home opener for the Milwaukee Admirals.

Chicago Wolves at Milwaukee Admirals
October 14, 2011

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Photo Recap- Milwaukee @ Chicago 10/15/11



Saturday, Milwaukee continued its winning ways spoiling the Chicago Wolves home opener by a score of 3-2 after winning the shootout.

Milwaukee Admirals at Chicago Wolves
October 15, 2011

Monday, October 17, 2011

Photo Recap- Chicago @ Milwaukee 10/14/11



Last Friday, the Milwaukee Admirals got off to a good start in their home opener, beating the Chicago Wolves 4-2.

Chicago Wolves at Milwaukee Admirals
October 14, 2011

Friday, October 14, 2011

Michael Latta (Top 10 Nominee) 10/14/11



Michael Latta netted his first professional goal on this penalty shot against Peoria Rivermen goalie Jake Allen in the first period last Saturday.


Milwaukee Admirals at Peoria Rivermen
October 8, 2011

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Jake Allen 10/12/11



Peoria Rivermen goaltender Jake Allen's mask for the 2011/12 AHL season

Milwaukee Admirals at Peoria Rivermen
October 8, 2011

Monday, October 10, 2011

Brett Sterling 10/10/11



Peoria Rivermen's Brett Sterling (#29 w/ A) deflects the puck (located above #3 Jeff Foss) past Milwaukee Admirals goaltender #30 Jeremy Smith for the Riv's lone goal while on the Power Play.

Milwaukee Admirals at Peoria Rivermen
October 8, 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

8/31/11 Blog Suggestion: The Third Intermission



With 3 different writers, The Third Intermission offers the best in Houston Aeros coverage from multiple viewpoints. They offer home game-recaps and interviews, player transactions and photos from yours truly from the Midwestern games. Easily one of my favorite blogs, but I'm probably biased.

Web: http://thethirdintermission.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @3rdIntermission

Guide to Shooting Hockey, Part 1

While the site's focus is the AHL photography that I have taken, I thought that I would share some of my approach to shooting properly exposed images. These principles are nothing earth-shattering if you've mastered the controls of your camera, but is written with a focus on novices.

Shoot Manual

I prefer to shoot in Manual (probably listed as the "M" setting on your camera), as it gives me the most control in the results. This allows me to adjust the shutter speed (1/xxx), aperture (f/x.x) and sensitivity (ISO xxx), while most other modes rely on the camera's computer to determine one or more of these 3 settings.

Why Manual? If you were to shoot with another setting without adjusting exposure compensation (EC), the images would turn out too dark due to the white ice. While you could adjust the EC to correctly expose for the ice, but the results may not be consistent if there is a varying about of ice in the image.

Check the Histogram

Reviewing the histogram on the back display of your camera will help adjust the settings to the correct exposure. This is usually found by cycling through the display formats on the back screen.

A properly exposed image with create a histogram pattern similar to the image below, with a spike almost at the right edge representing the white from the ice.





If the spike is at or exceeds the edge, the photo will be overexposed and too bright, while having the spike towards the middle indicates that it is underexposed.

Overexposed image





Underexposed image





Working on the right settings

Aperture

Set the aperture as wide as your lens allows, which will let the camera receive as much light as possible offering the highest possible shutter speeds eliminating blur. Also, with larger apertures such as f/2.0 and f/2.8, it helps isolate the target from the background of the image. (Remember: larger apertures are smaller numbers, aka f/2.8 >> f/32)

Shutter Speed and Sensitivity (ISO)

After setting the aperture, the shutter speed and sensitivity will be a bit of compromise depending on your camera and location that you are shooting.

Higher ISO sensitivity: On older cameras, higher ISO results in poorer image quality
High Shutter Speed: Allows the ability to stop action and eliminate motion blur


In the example below, the Rockford Metrocentre's lighting is so poor that I had to push my then seven-year old Canon 1D Mark I to its limits using a sensitivity of ISO 3200. Note the graininess in the jerseys and other dark areas.



OR

Low ISO sensitivity: Increases image quality
Low Shutter Speed: Creates motion blur, which can potentially be distracting or ruin an image if too blurry


Obviously an extreme example, but this shot at 1/50 shutter speed is doing anything but stopping motion.



The best option is to find a medium that lets you to be happy with the results that still maintains a proper exposure of the image. Because I like to print 8x10 and larger images, I tend to try to stay around ISO 800 and adjust the shutter speed accordingly, typically varying between 1/400 and 1/640 depending on arena.

Auto-Focus

Finally, I want to note that I use the "AI Servo" tracking, which allows me to track the players or objects as they move. Additionally rather than letting the camera decide where to auto-focus, I change the AF to a single point to the center and try to target the player's crest or place it where the player's head is to keep their face in focus.

In the next installment, I will comment on a couple lenses that I have used while shooting hockey.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

8/23/11 Blog Suggestion: Milwaukeehockey.com



One of the most venerable blogs relating to the Milwaukee Admirals, dating back to their IHL days, has been MilwaukeeHockey.com. While the blog is not necessarily updated daily, it provides links to excellent reading material along with outstanding Admirals photography from a different perspective. In addition to the current news and photos, his History and All-Time Uniform Number sections have been invaluable for reference that cannot be found anywhere else besides old programs.

Web: http://www.MilwaukeeHockey.com

Monday, August 22, 2011

8/22/11 Blog Suggestion: The Peoria Rivermen Blog




This week, AHL in Photos will move slightly away from photos during the calm before the storm that is the 2011/12 American Hockey League season and offer up some various AHL related blogs that I personally enjoy checking out on a daily basis. All of these blogs can be accessed at anytime on the right-hand side of the site.

Today's recommended blog is The Peoria Rivermen Blog. If the name did not already give it away, the blog covers everything and anything related to the Peoria Rivermen. A rather new blog, started back in March of this year, kept fans up to date with the scenarios required for the 2011 Calder Cup Playoff hunt, offered game previews and recaps, and everything else that a Rivs fan needs to know.

Web: http://rivermenblog.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @LetsGoRivs


Monday, August 15, 2011

Top 10: #1 Travis Morin



Easily my favorite shot of the season as Texas Stars forward Travis Morin #23 celebrates one of his goals leading to a Stars victory over the Milwaukee Admirals in Game 2 of the first round of Calder Cup playoffs, as some of the crowd shares in his excitement.

Hope that you enjoyed the Top 10 run-down from the 2010/11 season as we get closer to the 2011/12 season, and look forward to bringing more photos next season!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Top 10: #2 Ivan Vishnevskiy



Coming in the runner-up spot is this shootout goal by Rockford Icehog Ivan Vishnevskiy, as he beats Milwaukee Admirals goalie Mark Dekanich on November 5, 2010.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Top 10: #3 Casey Wellman



Slotting into the 3rd position is this shot of Houston Aero Casey Wellman's celebration contrasting the disappointment seen in Milwaukee Admirals goaltender Jeremy Smith. This goal would prove to be the series-winner in Game 7 on May 10, 2011.

Stay tuned each weekday this week as we count down to #1.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Top 10: #4 Andre Deveaux



From way back in October comes my favorite fight shot, as Scott Ford of the Admirals went looking for a fight and ended up taking a couple fists before he expected it from Chicago Wolves forward Andre Deveaux on October 15, 2010 at the All-State Arena.

Stay tuned each weekday this week as we count down to #1.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Top 10: #5 Garnet Exelby



My favorite Starting Line-up shot from the season, features Rockford Icehogs Captain Garnet Exelby from the Febuary 9, 2011 against the Houston Aeros at the Rockford MetroCentre.

Stay tuned each weekday this week as we count down to #1.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Top 10: #6 Matt Hackett



Goalie Matt Hackett rounds out this week's #s 6-10 of the Top 10 sporting his Houston Aeros mask and jersey, complete with Calder Cup Finals patch from Game 2 on May 29, 2011.

Stay tuned each weekday in the next two weeks as we count down to #1.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Top 10: #7 Hugh Jessiman



Hugh Jessiman slots in the #7 slot of the Top 10 for this monster hit hit on San Antonio's Jonas Ahnelov along the boards as the Rampage visted the Rockford Icehogs on January 17, 2011.

Stay tuned each weekday in the next two weeks as we count down to #1.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Top 10: #8 Blake Geoffrion



Finishing up the Admirals shots in the Top 10 list is Blake Geoffrion's hit on Toronto Marlies Nazem Kadri on January 8, 2011. You can see the entire video of the hit here:



Stay tuned each weekday in the next two weeks as we count down to #1.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Top 10: #9 Roman Josi



Next on the list of Top 10 is fellow Milwaukee Admirals player Roman Josi who slide the puck by Rockford Icehogs goaltender Hannu Toivonen stick-side for the game-winning shootout goal on December 10, 2010.

Stay tuned each weekday in the next two weeks as we count down to #1.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Top 10: #10 Mike Bartlett

With the start of August, AHL in Photos will finally present the Top 10 from the 2010/11 AHL season.


AHL (American Hockey League) in Photos- Mike Bartlett Milwaukee Admirals

Mike Barlett beats Peoria goalie Jake Allen five-hole as the Peoria Rivermen visited the Milwaukee Admirals on March 13, 2011 for the #10 spot on the list.

Stay tuned each weekday in the next two weeks as we count down to #1.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

6/29/11 Hannu Toivonen



Peoria Rivermen goaltender Hannu Toivonen prepares to make a stop on the shot attempt by Colin Wilson (#33) of the Milwaukee Admirals. Milwaukee Admirals at Peoria Rivermen, January 10, 2010.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

6/22/11 Ben Smith



Rockford Icehogs Ben Smith skates out for the starting lineup. Milwaukee Admirals at Rockford Icehogs, February 26, 2011.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

6/14/11 Jim O'Brien



Binghamton Senators Jim O'Brien celebrates after receiving the 1st Star. Binghamton Senators at Houston Aeros, Calder Cup Finals Game 2; May 28, 2011