The Best Pre-Season of All-Time
Photojournalism assignment with the Washington Nationals
In 2019, the Washington Nationals won their first ever World Series. But 9 months before that happened, the team gathered in West Palm Beach for spring training, with anything but certainty. With the loss of superstar Bryce Harper, the team’s identity was in flux.
The assignment was a normal behind-the-scenes job, but the series has a special place for me, specifically because of what became of this team’s year. Had the Nationals not performed this season, this work would probably have gotten lost in the mix, but with the historical significance of this team, this year, it has only gained in significance to me.
What is being witnessed in this series is not only a team getting ready for the season, but a team finding itself, finding greatness. Even if they themselves didn’t know it. I find that especially interesting and provocative.
The art of capturing the art.
I’m not technically a “sports photographer.” But I think that’s a bit why good friend Paul Kim, the Nationals’ official photographer at the time, had me along. He had all the press-worthy shots covered and knew right where to be for every part of the day. Me, I was a wanderer, sent to find the smaller moments and perhaps less glorified imagery. Most sports photography is player-first, but I shoot composition-first. So, together, we covered a lot of territory in the few weeks we hung out.
