Matt Roth » high school

Alex Price Soccer Player of the Year

Matt Roth — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:00:40 +0000

Marriotts Ridge center midfielder Alex Price led the Mustangs to a 13-3-3 record and the girls soccer team’s first county championship.

Here’s the corresponding Howard County Time Article.

I couldn’t have asked for a better sky that day. …the temperature could’ve been better, though. If I remember correctly, it was hovering around 20-ish degrees, plus wind.

The Marriotts Ridge baseball field was going under some renovation, so rather than take Alex to the stadium (where all those gross white banners live in the background) I put her on top of the mound closest to the backstop.

…that way when she kicked the ball it didn’t go too far.

For all you gear heads out there, I used two Alien Bee 1600′s, both unmodified, at max power, powered by the vagabond II (love that thing) flanking her at the 9 o’clock and 4 o’clock position. I also used an sb-800, on the right, to light the ball.

Same Set up, sans the sb-800.

My best of 2010

Matt Roth — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:57:21 +0000

Howard County Times girls soccer player of the year, Marriotts Ridge senior center midfielder Alex Price.

This was a big year for me. …2010 is my last year as a newspaper staffer.

In this post I’m showcasing the images that I think would easily be considered my “best” images from 2010. These are the images that will most likely help get me work in the future. They’re important for that reason — they’re hopefully testaments to my skill as a portrait and documentary photographer. I think when you look at these photos you’ll probably notice they rely pretty heavily on one visual aspect or another: DRAMATIC LIGHTING, VISUAL HUMOR, SIMPLE BEAUTY, OR SUBTLETY. Some are quirkier than others, but these are the images everyone will like.

I like them.

I like them a lot. But, I can’t help but think, that they’re all relatively safe images, too. There’s nothing daring about them. Personally, I love the “off moments” in life — and in pictures.

So, I’ve given this post a weirdo sibling. In that post I highlight the best images of what I affectionately call my “RUNTS.” They’re the ones that not everyone likes or gets. They’re the ones that fall short, when coupled with my “GOOD” work. Usually, they’re the “outs” when I get advice on an edit.

Having said that I’m extremely proud of THESE images — in this post. I don’t want you to think I’m discounting them. Like I said, I think they’re good.

2011 will be an interesting year. I’m on my own. hooray!!! …but I have to maintain and buy my own gear. Getting work is up to me. But I’m excited about that. Marketing is fun. I’ll finally get to work on projects I’m interested in, and I won’t get into fights with editors. “No” doesn’t cary as much gravity anymore. In my new life, editors are clients, not my bosses. I’m no longer an employee and that feels great! When the photos I like don’t run, it’s won’t feel personal or politically motivated anymore. …besides, I have a blog. So, they’ll be seen. AND I CAN RESELL THEM!!!

I don’t regret being a staffer. The Patuxent Publishing Company is one of the best photo papers around. And it was an amazing bootcamp. …but it was better when I started there. We had a bigger staff, more leadership support, more money, more space. Heck! We ran photo essays weekly — sometimes 2-3! But times have changed — DRASTICALLY for newspapers. …and for me.

So. lets celebrate this new beginning with my best photos from 2010. Thanks so much for looking.

Wilde Lake senior linebacker E.J. Gilman, the 2010 football Defensive Player of the Year, helped lead the Wildecats to a State Championship.

Dinosaurs seemingly try to escape the Ice Age at the Old Pro Golf course on the 6800 block of Coastal Highway in Ocean City in the off season Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Branches protrude form the frozen waters of Lake Kittamaqundi during the preliminary snowfall Friday, February 5, 2010.

Corinne Bell sits down for a cup of tea and a Tastee Cake. The 79-year-old New Jersey woman has lived in the home she and her husband built for 52 years. The widow now lives with three cats, Tiny, Cece, and Sheba, former strays who now call the split level on Main Street, Pilesgrove “home,” too. “Somedays they’re the only company I get,” says Bell. New Jersey seniors who live on fixed incomes are in danger of losing their homes because of the state’s high property taxes — the highest in the nation. “I have too much stuff to move.” She also worries about the future of her cats. In the past a social program called Senior Freeze alleviated a portion of the property taxes for those who qualified. The state’s new Republican Governor Christopher Christie has yet to fully reinstate the program.

Betty Hanzlick, 85, photographed in her studio apartment Sunday November 21, 2010, has been a resident of the Above and Beyond personal care facility for six years. In 2011, the state of Pennsylvania will offer assisted living facility licenses to approved elder care facilities, which, in turn, will be eligible for federal medicaid money. Some of the older personal care facilities, like Above and Beyond, will not qualify because, for example, rooms like Betty’s do not have full bathrooms. The residents use a shared shower facility.

Glenelg’s Casey Schmidt is one of those powerhouses at the plate and on the pitching rubber. To clench the 2010 county championship she hit her second homerun of the game against Howard in the eighth inning. She plays volleyball with equal veracity. Next year the seventeen-year-old won’t have to decide which one to focus on, she will play both for Grove City (Pa.) College.

Atholton junior shortstop is the baseball player of the year.

Left-handed lead off hitter for Lansdowne High School Kelli Pease maintained a .500 batting average during the season. The two-sport junior also played volleyball for the Vikings in the winter.

Promo shoot for The Collective’s Pop Art show of dancer Cait Moler.

I broke one of my rules this year. I don’t shoot friends’ weddings, but Keri’s also a photographer. PLUS I introduced her and her husband Jeff. So, I didn’t mind. It felt less like a job and more like a role. This is her moments before walking to the ceremony. She’s super nervous.

Laurel resident Gabrielle Galvez, with Baltimore Fencing Center of Columbia, won a bronze in the Division 3 Woman’s Epee at the US Fencing Association’s Summer National Championships in Atlanta, GA. Galvez is photographed at BFC Friday, August 20, 2010.

Baltimore Ravens’ corner back Lardarius Webb is photographed in the field house of the Ravens’ Owings Mills Training Facility Wednesday November 17, 2010.

Wilde Lake sophomore golfer Tyler Silberberg is the player of the year, photographed off one of the water hazards at Hobbit’s Glen golf course Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Marriotts Ridge senior Mike Glazer led the Mustangs to their second straight State Title, but he was also tops in the league scoring 25 goals. Friday, December 10, 2010.

Tyler Maizels, from Parkton, is a nationally ranked bronze medalist in his weight lifting age division. The eleven-year-old is photographed at his family’s home gym Thursday, August 12, 2010. He and his mother Patty Maizels competed in the Maryland State Championships August 16-17 in Frederick, MD.

Dr. Barbara Feinstein, of the Cat and Dog Hospital of Columbia, plays the part of patient while concerned Greyhound “Dr.” Moosh takes her pulse for the Best Veterinarian of Howard 2010 issue shoot Tuesday, September 28, 2010.

Oakland Mills’ coach Jon Browne calls junior Kerry Bethea, senior Greg Wittington, and senior Joe Kiely, the “Big Three.” The trio are photographed in the Oakland Mills gym Wednesday, November 24, 2010.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Ill attends a Conference of Bishops addressing the increased demand for exorcisms at the Baltimore Waterfront Marriott in the Harbor East area of Baltimore City Friday, November 12, 2010.

Chris Coons, Democratic candidate for Delaware’s Senate seat vacated by Vice President Joe Biden, poses for a portrait at the New Castle Library Thursday, October 7, 2010.

Centennial senior Sam Brostrom is the volleyball player of the year. She is photographed at Centennial High School Wednesday, December 8, 2010.

Corinne Zahlis at Historic Savage Mill Sunday, October 17, 2010.

Owings Mills tackle Donovan Smith, 6’5″, 280 lbs, has been offered 22 scholarships to play football in college. He is photographed at Owings Mills High School’s football stadium Wednesday, September 1, 2010.

Tyler Silberberg, Golfer of the Year

Matt Roth — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:03:43 +0000

Wilde Lake sophomore golfer Tyler Silberberg tied for 11th in the state and is the boys golfer of the year. He is photographed at Hobbits Glen Tuesday, November 30, 2010.

Here‘s Brent Kennedy’s season wrap up.

In case you’re curious, there are two more photos after the jump.

Spring Preview Outtake

Matt Roth — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

In my most recent Spring Preview portrait post, I might have made it seem like the studio is not a fun place.

but…

…as you can see, if you give a hula hoop to some people and fun can’t not be had.

Sports Up Part 4! …and a little bit about the “other” image.

Matt Roth — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:30:57 +0000

For last year’s Manchester Valley football preview photo illustration the football player scheduled to ride the horse in full football regalia wasn’t too used to horse riding. So… he had a stunt double fill in. I was sworn to secrecy. I wasn’t allowed to tell who the actual rider is. So… let your imaginations go wild I guess. …but not too wild. This is a family friendly establishment, after all.

So, what in the world is a “Sports Up?”

Here’s the thing… It’s good to know your strengths and it’s good to know your weaknesses. I shoot a lot of sports at the Patuxent Publishin Co. — a lot of high school sports. While I’ve gotten a lot better at peak action photos I’m still no Sports Illustrated long glass sniper. While I can hold my own on any sports field, I’m probably not the best guy you send out to get the peak-action-game-defining-image. I’m the guy who you send to get the “other” image.

So, what’s the other image? It shows off the personality to the sports and players. It’s all the interesting minutia on the sidelines or during practice, the nervous moment before shooting a free throw, the “good-gaming” in great light, or cheerleaders braiding a basketball player’s hair before the game, for example. It’s the imagery that doesn’t typically have a place in the sports pages, yet has all the accoutrements of sports. The arena has life beyond the field and in many ways its richer.

Enjoy!

Jim McCleary, head coach of the Kangaroo Kids jump roap team, is being inducted into the Community Sports Hall of Fame. He is photographed with some of his jumpers at the Glenwood Community Center Wednesday, August 26, 2009, where the Kangaroo Kids practice.

I double-tapped the shutter, which decreased my Alien Bee’s output a ton, but gave me this nice subtle, yet contrasty light. Truthfully, I like this photo way more than the one that actually ran, but this photo would’ve suffered in newsprint.

This was at the end of a scrimmage game Bryn Mawr won 0-6 against host Glenelg Country School Wednesday September, 2 2009.

Catonsville goal keeper Kelli Beard prevents a Hereford goal attempt at Comet Stadium Tuesday, September 15, 2009.

Mount Hebron’s Jamie Schwartz readies for a foul shot during the Vikings game against North Carroll during the Big Doug Classic JV girls basketball tournament held at Glenelg High School Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Mount Hebron lost to North Carroll 29-44.

Owings Mills fans celebrate after Keylin Ortiz made a free throw shot in the fourth quarter, holding their lead over Snow Hill. Owings Mills defeated Snow Hill 44-42 at the University of Maryland Comcast Center Friday, March 12, 2010. The win will pit the Eagles against Dunbar for the Class 1A state title tomorrow.

Long Overdue, Spring Preview

Matt Roth — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:00:54 +0000

CAPTION: Last year River Hill center fielder Christian Laidley batted .448, leading the Hawks with both 30 hits and 27 RBIs. He also made the game winning hit in last year’s 2A State Championship game. He is photographed in the River Hill Dance Studio Saturday, March 27, 2010.

As some of you might’ve noticed, I prefer shooting on location. And when I’m on location I like to athletes to show off their athleticism. But for the Howard County Spring Sports Preview portraits I was relegated to the studio. …well, except for Christian’s. No sense in being all doom and gloom about it, right? I figure, hey, while I’m here, I might as work on upping my game. So, I decided to work on my light sculpting skills.

This might sound silly, but this photo series, admittedly not my best, sparked a love affair in me with grids and snoots. Here’s the thing, when I emphasize the athleticism in these kids, I need to make the lighting set up big enough so they don’t knock over the lights/hurt themselves, when they kick soccer balls at my face, for example, but tight enough so the light hits where it needs to. In the studio, these athletes aren’t moving, so I’m allowed to be as persnickety as I want. I credit this series with what I consider success in my most recent athletes of the year photos.

I figured while in the stagnant confines of Patuxent’s small studio, I’d also exercise my “subtlety muscles,” too. I’m really good making big, overt, and to some degree, epic, images. Subtle, quiet moments are usually too …well, subtle, for me to notice while I’m shooting, so, why not force it out of some teenage athletes?

hehehe. lesson learned: I haven’t quite figured out how to keep the kids from being bored in my pursuit of making quiet images. And kinda like how you hear a smile through the telephone, I think most people can sense uneasiness or boredom in photographs. And while the photos I’m showcasing don’t really exude those qualities, there are plenty of outtakes that do.

So, admittedly, I let the lighting do all the heavy lifting in these photos.

Marriotts Ridge center fielder Kelsey Fuller batted over .500 with the Mustangs last year. She also has one of the better throwing arms in the county, able to hit home from the center field wall. She is photographed in the PPC Studio Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Glenelg goalie Alex Taylor led the Gladiators to the 1A state semi-finals last year. He plans to play for Salisbury University next Spring. He is photographed at the PPC studio Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Wilde Lake midfielder Beth Glaros scored 90 goals and had 10 assists last year. She will be playing for Maryland in the Spring. She is photographed at the PPC studio Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Corinne Zahlis, junior, and J. Guzzone, senior, were fourth in the states for mixed doubles last year, second in counties but won regionals. Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Jordan Maisel: Howard County Girls Tennis Player of the Year

Matt Roth — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:00:30 +0000

Glenelg junior Jordan Maisel was undefeated throughout the year, clenching the county and Region V championship titles. She suffered her first loss of the year at the state championship match. She is photographed at Glenelg High School Sunday, June 13, 2010.

John Healey: Howard County Boys Tennis Player of the Year

Matt Roth — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:00:57 +0000

Atholton graduating senior John Healey was the County champ and placed third in the state. He is photographed at Glenelg High School Sunday, June 13, 2010.

Kelli Pease: Arbutus Times Female Player of the Year

Matt Roth — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:00:56 +0000

Left-handed lead off hitter for Lansdowne High School Kelli Pease maintained a .500 batting average during the season. The two-sport junior also played volleyball for the Vikings in the winter. She is photographed at her school’s softball field Friday, June 11, 2010.

A little about how this photos was made, for all you nerdy types. All the Howard County Athletes of the Year photos ran together. …well, they ran in two installments. So, they needed to have a consistent look.

Kelli’s photo is for the Arbutus Times. It’s a totally different paper, run by a totally different sports staff, for a totally different community. So, I decided to give my back a break and bust out the small lights. …er, light.

Yup. I made this with one Nikon SB-800, zoomed to 105mm, shot through a white Lastolite TriFlip, and Craig Clary. Craig’s the writer. He held the Lastolite and strobe.

I used the focal plan (FP) high speed sync mode on my D700 and the super inexpensive Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 DX lens — which, by the way, I love. As you can see, it has a really creamy bokeh and, because its made for DX cropped sensors, it has a nice, uh, I guess you could call it “natural” vignetting to it. The FP mode allows me to jack up my shutter speed to 1/8000th, so I can expose for the ambient light while not adhering to the limitations of a traditional sync speed like 1/200th and the subsequent stopped down aperture.

Paige Hanson: Baltimore Messenger Girls Athlete of the Year

Matt Roth — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:00:15 +0000

Bryn Mawr graduating senior Paige Hanson played top-level field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse for her school. She chose lacrosse as her collegiate sport of focus. Next year she will play for the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She is photographed at St. Paul’s School Thursday, June 10, 2010.