'Through the Lens' will appear once per week during the offseason. Packers team photographer Evan Siegle deconstructs some of his favorite images from the 2019 season. Each week will offer a new photo line-up of some of his best photos and stories from the past season.
In the spotlight
In the spotlight
The benefit of covering road games within the division is being familiar with the surroundings. It helps knowing the location of the visitors' locker room is, the kind of lighting, and if there are textures or wall colors that could be used in certain compositions. At U.S. Bank Stadium there are a couple of overhead lights, right inside the tunnel, which act almost like spotlights. Right away I knew that I wanted to try to use those lights to highlight the players as they made their way back to the locker room. I've been trying to perfect that composition every time we visit the Vikings' stadium. This year I was successful. I captured a nice, clean image of Adrian Amos as he walked through the light. I love how the light just hits enough of his face and body, adding a nice dramatic factor to the image. You better believe that the next time we play in Minnesota I'll be looking to use those lights again. This image was shot with an 85mm lens (ISO = 640, Aperture = f1.2, Shutter = 1/5000th).
Hear me now?
Hear me now?
Receiver Davante Adams is a major playmaker. I've been lucky enough to have captured some great action images of Adams throughout the years.
"His emotion says it all."
During Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Adams went on to rack up 10 receptions for 180 yards, which made for some great images. My favorite of him happened to be this non-action image. His emotion says it all. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 2000, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/2500th).
In pursuit
In pursuit
Here's another favorite image of mine from the Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers snow game. The snow really started to pick up late in the game, which added a nice element and layer to the action images. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 2500, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/2500th).
First Lambeau Leap
First Lambeau Leap
It's impossible not to have any images of Packers kicker Mason Crosby after covering a game. You always get those kickoffs and field goals. Over the years I've even documented several of his game-winning field goals, too, which never disappoint, and now you can add a Lambeau Leap to the mix.
"It was a great moment."
As Crosby lined up to attempt a 23-yard game-winning field goal (which happened during a Monday night NFC North divisional game against the Detroit Lions), I thought the best moment to capture would be his kick or his initial reaction – I was wrong! Right after his game-winning kick I raced out to the field in hopes to capture him celebrating with his teammates, but I came to see that Mason was running away. I was confused at first and then I realized he was running towards the fans. Up and into the stands he went. I made several nice frames showcasing Mason's big smile and the fans going crazy. It was a great moment. Later I found out that it was his first-ever Lambeau Leap, which made it even more special. This image was shot with a 35mm lens (ISO = 2000, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/800th)
In my hands
In my hands
Here's a nice action image of Allen Lazard as he makes a catch past a Detroit Lions defender. I love how the ball is placed in Lazard's hands. It was also another first-time moment during that game. Crosby had his first Lambeau Leap and now Lazard had his first career touchdown. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 3200, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/3200th).
Focused
Focused
Offensive lineman Billy Turner has some serious swag. He just has a cool look, which depicts well in imagery. His style and fashion are like no other and he's always focused when he steps on the field. I made this image of Billy right before a minicamp practice. I love the shallow depth of field and the intensity in his eyes. I wanted the image in black-and-white, so the focus falls directly on his face. This image was shot with a 85mm lens (ISO = 100, Aperture = 1.2, Shutter = 1/8000th).
In stride
In stride
Capturing good profile imagery of the players is important. This image of cornerback Jaire Alexander isn't an award-winning frame, but it's a great trading card-type picture. It shows him in his element, chasing towards an opponent on the Ravens. I like how both players are in stride, too. This image was shot with a 400mm lens (ISO = 2500, Aperture = 2.8, Shutter = 1/1600th).
Shadow play
Shadow play
A big thanks to Leica for loaning me a Leica M10 for a couple of months. I'm a big fan of Leica and their extraordinary glass. This camera allows you to shoot in both color and monochrome, which I love.
"Ambient light is a photographer’s best friend!"
On one of my offseason walks around Lambeau Field I came across this shadow pattern cast on the bleachers. Ambient light is a photographer's best friend! This image was taken with a Leica M10, shot in monochrome mode, with a 50mm lens (ISO = 100, Aperture = 1.4, Shutter = 1/4000th).
Smith Bros.
Smith Bros.
I've said this before, reaction and emotion displayed in the game of sports is incredible. Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith were huge playmakers this past season. Packers fans have grown to love their leadership and infectious personalities. too. I captured this genuine moment of the two after the Packers' victory over the Minnesota Vikings during Week 16 at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Smith Bros. and the Green Bay Packers were crowned NFC North champions that night – smiles for everyone. This image was shot with a 35mm lens (ISO = 1250, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/3200th).
Waiting game
Waiting game
I try to capture as many creative images as I can while documenting the players during introductions. The dramatic lights, colors, smoke and presentation is 100% eye candy. While making my way to the front of the tunnel, I saw this image of the silhouetted players as they waited to take the field. I love their body language. It's a perfect amount of smoke too, enough to make you want to know what is happening on the other side. In a matter of seconds, the smoke grew twice in size, which made it difficult to compose other shots. This image was shot with a 35mm lens (ISO = 4000, Aperture = 2, Shutter = 1/400th).