Beck Diefenbach photojournalist

I went on my second travel football game in a month this past weekend. Northern Illinois defeated Purdue 28 to 21. It was a very exciting game in which NIU sealed the deal with a fake punt to keep possession in the final quarter.

NIU quarterback Chandler Harnish (12) leads the victory cheers.

Canon 5D Mark 2 with 16-35mm f2.8 version 1

For the gear heads out there, yes I am using the 1st version of the 16-35mm f2.8, and no it is not by choice. The combination rarely puts out sharp results but I didn’t want to use my 24mm f1.4 II on the field. I wish I have the 16-35mm vII, but alas, that costs money…

Canon 1D Mark 3 with 300mm f2.8

One of the most interesting plays was when quarterback Chandler Harnish (back) handed the ball off to runningback Chad Spann (front) and then proceeded to block for Chad as he made a first down.

Canon 1D Mark 3 with 300mm f2.8

Canon 1D Mark 3 with 300mm f2.8

The final NIU touchdown was made by Spann, reaching across the goal line.

Canon 1D Mark 3 with 70-200mm f2.8

The NIU team actually rushed the field twice (as did I). We both had to get back onto the sideline so the game could actually be finished. On the second try the team erupted. I need more practice calming myself in these situations. I feel like I just run around taking pictures of anything in front of me, instead of pausing and actually making thoughtful images.

Canon 5D Mark 2 with 16-35mm f2.8 version 1

Canon 5D Mark 2 with 16-35mm f2.8 version 1

President John Peters even got into the mix as he lead the team in another round of cheers.

Canon 5D Mark 2 with 16-35mm f2.8 version 1