Boerne-Champion vs New Braunfels Varsity Football

First official game of the season and I think everyone, the teams, the officials and definitely me were trying to get back in the groove.  Champion was passing left and right all night and dominated New Braunfels, but as usual there is always great action no matter who's winning or losing...which is the really great thing about my job.  The one thing I noticed was the game was definitely longer as the clock stops more often with incomplete passes.

Lots more photos at www.ralphmawyerphotography.com or (aka www.BoerneSportsPhotos.com)

Boerne High School vs La Vernia Football

A bit of warmup for both teams and me.  Boerne High School Greyhounds worked out against the La Vernia Bears.  I guess it's different looking through the camera, I can't tell if it's a scrimmage or a regular game....all I see is action and wanting to crop into the intensity of the play.

To browse the complete game gallery, just click to ralphmawyerphotography.com or BoerneSportsPhotos.com.

University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) - Pre-Season Scrimmage

The Cardinals are two weeks away from the start of their new football season. It's coming on five years since the program was established and with the recent coaching change and improved morale of the team, it should be another great year....and even better if UTSA would play them. They historically have played hard teams in their NCAA Div II league and this year will be no different as they go up against NCAA Div 1 AA #1 ranked Sam Houston State.

All the seniors that started the program and have served as it's foundation will be graduating this year, but will do so knowing that UIW has been accepted as a NCAA Division I team in the Southland Conference, beginning July 2013.

If you get a chance, check out a home game. While they don't have the media budget UTSA has they play some intense football.

Additional photo from the scrimmage may be found at www.ralphmawyerphotography.com.

Additional photos from the scrimmage may be found at www.ralphmawyerphotography.com.

THSCA All-Star Football Game - Alamodome

I had a chance to shoot the Texas High School Coaches Assn (THSCA) All-Star game last Tuesday in the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.  Fox Sports was doing a live broadcast, but they didn't have all the lights on since I understand they only do that for Hi-Def games, e.g., Spurs, etc.

It was a good test for my new Nikon D4 and 200-400mm/f4 lens.  The 200-400mm is soft at full extension, but it stills performed well and I was able to maintain 1/640 shutter speeds at f4, on a lens with so much glass it's effectively a T-5 to T5.6, for you photo geeks out there.

For folks that just like cool photos, check them out at RalphMawyerPhotography.com (aka BoerneSportsPhotos.com)

South Padre Island Birding

I spent a few hot and muggy days down at South Padre.  I really hadn't planned on shooting much, but came across the SPI Birding and Nature Center with some cool residents.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Indian Style

I've always wanted to shoot an Indian wedding or similar event, as the clothes and colors are so vibrant.

It wasn't quite a wedding, but I did get a chance to do a behind the scenes (BTS) session of Aishwarya Rajan Babu being photographed by John Vega, assisted by Kelly.  As Aishwarya would say, Semma Jolly time!

Texas 7 on 7 Football - Boerne-Champion - Warren - Cedar Creek & Johnson High Schools

Just when I thought it was going to be August before I could shoot some football, someone brought the 7 on 7 leagues to my attention. Thousands of Texas high schoolers play this and I was able to shoot the qualifying games of the Central Catholic 7 on 7 State Qualifying Tournament (SQT) at the University of Incarnate Word stadium...such a great facility. (Tournament Director is Carl Padilla)

These are fast 20 minute halves with no running or linesman, mostly just pass plays and their defensive counterpart on the half a football field.  I felt like I was shooting a mix of baseball and basket ball on a big court, since you never know where the ball is going to go and it's much quicker than and tighter than regular football.  Still got some great action and more than a few nice portraits.

Check them out on RalphMawyerPhotography.com or BoerneSportsPhotos.com