Imagine a world where photographers had to race against time, constructing makeshift labs and developing film in a matter of hours, all to capture and share sports moments before the final whistle. This is the fascinating story of Miles Myerscough-Harris and his unique NFL photography experience.
In a recent thrilling collaboration with the Miami Dolphins, Myerscough-Harris, a renowned member of the Expired Film Club, took on the challenge of shooting an NFL game and posting the photos on Instagram before the game ended. But here's where it gets controversial...
An entire film lab, complete with a custom-built drying unit, was set up and taken down within 12 hours for the Cincinnati Bengals game against the Miami Dolphins on December 21st. The Dolphins wanted to showcase these photos before the game concluded, creating a unique and time-sensitive mission.
Myerscough-Harris, with the help of Miami's Coastal Film Lab and a dedicated technician, Alex, processed the film during the game. A second shooter, Fabio, was also on hand to capture the action. To ensure the photos were ready for online posting, a Noritsu scanner operated by technician Angela was used to scan the developed film.
"I was nervous about all the potential pitfalls," Myerscough-Harris admitted. But the results were stunning.
"I'm thrilled with how these photos turned out. It's incredible that we managed to set up a lab, develop, scan, and post the photos in collaboration with the Dolphins, all before the game finished. An outstanding effort from everyone involved!"
This story takes us back to the days before digital photography, when professional sports photographers faced the stress and thrill of shooting film and meeting tight deadlines. Photographer Bob Croslin reminisces, "It was a fun but stressful era, leading to burnout for many."
The arrival of digital photography revolutionized the industry, offering a more relaxed post-processing experience. As technology advanced, with reliable autofocus, larger sensors, and high ISO capabilities, digital photography became the norm.
Myerscough-Harris's story reminds us of the unique challenges and rewards of analog photography. It's a testament to the dedication and creativity of photographers like him.
What do you think? Is there a place for analog photography in today's digital world? Share your thoughts in the comments!
