Photo by David Rizzo Photography

First, I would like to thank Scott and Brad for having me on as their client this week.

I am a athletics photographer embracing the Boston market for USA Today Sports, and likewise a biography photographer and graphic designer.

I started my athletics killing passage with USA Today Sports back in June 2011, shortly after the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup. My second assignment had me reporting a Red Sox game against the A’s and little did I know, the Stanley Cup Champs would be at Fenway as well- with the Stanley Cup. Prior to covering plays for USA Today Sports, I was filming for a small wire service where I was able to gain experience and knowledge.

June 19, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara shows off the Stanley Cup to Boston Red Sox fans as part of pre-game ceremonies at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

Rewind to 2008 when I obtained my first digital camera, a Nikon D8 0. I “d no idea” how to use it, I knew anything about the lenses that came with it. All I knew is I wanted to move huge photos.

Having been a NAPP member for years, following Scott, and learn his blog daily, I knew he was into photography and had written some immense books. I pointed up buying his Digital Photography Book series, which was the foundation that has allowed me to become the photographer I am today.

Apr 23, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale( 41) slopes during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Slowly, I began learning more about exposure, structure, shutter quickened and aperture, but truly had no idea what area of photography I wanted to excel in. I was taking pictures of everything from embeds, to landscapes and automobiles, to paintings of my minors in hopes of performing some good photos.

Sep 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale( 41) has champagne moved on him by his teammates after fastening the American League East against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

At this time my oldest son was playing little league baseball. What a perfect opportunity to do some athletics photography. For the next 3 years I photographed every one of his little tournament competitions. I modernized some of my gear, to purchase a 70 -2 00 mm, a D300 and a 300 mm that came with a 1.4 x teleconverter and I started dealing high school athletics for MaxPreps. I was gaining more and more experience, coming into a solace zone, and find other shooters along the way who graciously offered tips-off and advice.

Tom Brady operates onto the field at Gillette Stadium

I met a regional photographer who likewise plastered sports for MaxPreps. We shared narratives on our experiences enveloping plays at the high school level and he was kind enough to look at some of my job and offer advice on composition, among other things. Having looked at his website, I noticed “hes having” some recreation action photographs of the New England Patriots and I asked about how he got access. He said he freelanced for a small wire service. He was kind enough to give me contact info, and I sent out an email stating my interest in working with them. Within a week I was including AHL and college hockey.

After covering countless games at the college and minor league level, I wanted more. I felt ready enough to step up my activity and start plastering the major boasts squads here in Boston.

Dec 25, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving( 11) reacts after making a three place basket during overtime against the Philadelphia 76 ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

I sent emails to AP, Getty Images, US Presswire( which is now USA Today Sports) in the spring of 2011 voicing my interest in being a contributor. After various weeks, US Presswire had responded to my investigation and justified their process for hiring brand-new photographers.

Having deferred a handful of portraits, it was now up to the editors to see If I had what it takes to crack their photographer lineup. A few weeks after submitting my personas I received an email welcoming me to the team, if I was interested. I signed a contract the next day and have been covering activities with them ever since.

October 10 2016, David Ortiz declares the followers at Fenway Park after playing his last sport as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

In my 9 years with them I have been fortunate enough to have handled two World Series, one Stanley Cup Final, nearly an NBA final( Celtics lost to Cleveland in activity 7) and countless images of some of Boston’s best athletes.

Although covering sports in Boston is rewarding, I missed more out of my photography and lighting was another aspect I wanted to learn about and excel in.

Dec 9, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum( 0) photographs the lump past Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love( 0) and protect Collin Sexton( 2) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Joe McNally and Joel Grimes are two photographers whom I have followed closely my entirety busines. Joe, for his incredible knowledge of lighting and his explanation of how to see light, and Joel, for his play likeness and compositing.

Nov 4, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron( 37) shoots the puck out of the zone while Washington Uppercase right wing T.J. Oshie( 77) attacks during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Realizing I needed athletes to photograph to exam my illuminate knowledge, I reached out to my contacts at the high school I graduated from. I had constructed huge relationships with the tutors and Athletic Director over the years, and asked if I could photograph the hockey unit. My first hit with the hockey team was about 4 years ago. The setup was simple: two rim lighters, and a charm meal as the central illumination. The photos came out okay, but there was certainly room for improvement.

Gameday Poster

The following year I photographed the hockey crew and football crew. Now that I had some reasonable play likeness, I wanted to do something different with them. Having a background in graphic intend and using my pattern abilities, I constituted Gameday postings of a specified musician the day of video games and affixed them on social media. This ended up being a big hit , not only with the students but with the parents, too.

The portrait and igniting knowledge I have gained over the years has led to rackets with the Boston University hockey team and several shoots with the New England Patriots.

New England Patriots free refuge Devin McCourty

2015 Boston University hockey team

In closing, I would like to thank the many photographers I have met along my journeying which has now been affable enough to help me along the way, as well as the many talented photographers in Boston whom I have already established the relations with. Not to mention New York Post sports photographer, Anthony Causi, who recently lost his battle with COVID-1 9. Anthony was a incredible crap-shooter- one of the best- a good friend, and he will be sorely missed by everyone.

You can see more of Bob’s work at BobDeChiaraPhotography.com, and keep working with him on Twitter and Instagram.

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