Approaching something from another angle - both figuratively and literally - can result in the worse decision you have ever made as a photographer or be one of the most rewarding moments on assignment. That being said, taking unnecessary risk at BYU's national championship rugby game adds further insult to injury when it comes to trying for something outside of the box. Luckily, it paid off. When the clock hit zero after BYU had pulled ahead, I darted out onto the field with a legion of other photographers. The team swarmed each other (like teams always do when they win stuff), and I heard the shutters start to go off. Rather than sticking around on the BYU fan side of the pigpile, I quickly navigated around to the other side. Lo and behold, the senior player, captain and game MVP had collapsed onto his back in a mixture of exhaustion and happiness. As far as I know, I was the only shooter who got such a picture, and it ran five columns wide on A1 the next day. Sometimes taking a risk for a different picture can pay off. Enjoy.
BYU's Mikey Su'a collapses onto the field while being swarmed by his teammates after winning the national rugby title against Arkansas State 49-42 on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. A crowd of media and sidelined teammates rushed the field at the sound of the final whistle as BYU field players hoisted the winning plaque skyward. As a medal was later draped around Su'a's neck, the faint glimmer of tears shone in his eyes.
BYU players rejoice with their trophy after winning the national rugby title against Arkansas State 49-42 on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
BYU players do The Haka war dance after winning the national rugby title against Arkansas State 49-42 on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
