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HomeNews UpdateAn AP photographer explains why framing is often key to a good action photo – Winnipeg Free Press

An AP photographer explains why framing is often key to a good action photo – Winnipeg Free Press

June 23, 2024
An AP photographer explains why framing is often key to a good action photo – Winnipeg Free Press

SEATTLE – Why this photo?

SEATTLE (AP) — In baseball, the Gatorade bucket dunk is a common occurrence after a big win, such as a walk-off. We expect it and prepare to take photos of it after every home victory, just in case, but you never know exactly how it will turn out.

While we must photograph and broadcast the “normal” action as part of the game report, I’m always happy when I can highlight beautiful light, detail, or reaction when covering baseball. Here, the photo of Mitch Haniger’s actual game-winning hit was nothing special. In this case, the reaction was what we were looking for.

Mitch Haniger of the Seattle Mariners tries to avoid a rain shower while celebrating his team's 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in 10 innings during a baseball game, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Seattle. Haniger scored the game-winning run. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Mitch Haniger of the Seattle Mariners tries to avoid a rain shower while celebrating his team’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in 10 innings during a baseball game, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Seattle. Haniger scored the game-winning run. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

How I took this photo

While the selected Mariners player is being interviewed after the game, we keep an eye on the dugout directly to our left to see if anyone picks up a bucket of Gatorade to douse their teammate. Halfway through, I saw shortstop JP Crawford grab a bucket.

Because in Seattle the television cameras used for postgame interviews are set up along first base—the area where the photographers work next to the dugout—we’re mostly reliant on taking pictures from there. Usually we just hope to find a window of time when the reporter on the field won’t block our view and we won’t block the television cameras (a cardinal sin).