THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN FOR CANESPACE BY SOLARCANE...
When you think of University of Miami sports fans who have “been there and done that”there is probably no other person that fits the bill better than Miami Hurricanes team photographer JC Ridley.
Ridley has been the Canes' official team photographer since 1995 and as you can imagine he has compiled an enormous archive of incredible Miami Hurricane photos at his “Caneshooter” web site: http://caneshooter.com/
Just ask yourself: "Where else can U find over 90,0000 Hurricane sports photos?" The answer is as obvious (nowhere) as the photos are incredible (they are). Below is Ridley's recent work for the UM football team's 2011 schedule which happens to make a great screen saver!
Ridely was kind enough to let us include a few of his photos in this article. You will probably recognize some of these now famous photos almost instantly.
Here is a brief interview I recently had the pleasure of doing with Caneshooter JC Ridley...
Canespace: JC tell us how you got started in sports photography?
Ridley:It was while I was at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa. One of my professors had shot for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers back in the day. I had intended to transfer to St. Thomas University to major in Sports Administration, but those classes convinced me to pursue a photography career. The University of Miami was my first choice, I wanted to stay in Florida and they had the only Photo Journalism program in the State. At Miami I majored in History and Photo Communications. I was also involved with the school paper, The Hurricane, and the Ibis Yearbook.
Canespace: When did you take your first photos of Miami Hurricane athletes in action?
Ridley: After pestering the photo editor of The Hurricane my first semester he let me shoot a couple of football games in the Fall of 1991. I quickly became the go to sports guy with the student publications.
Canespace: Over the years what games and events including all Miami sports bring back your fondest memories?
Ridley:Number one is winning the 2001 BCS National Championship at the Rose Bowl. The one thing I’ll take to my grave is the pride in having been associated with the greatest team in college football history. I grew up in Big 10 country and to win it at the Rose Bowl was icing on the cake.
Canespace: What other big events UM sports events do you recall covering?
Ridley:Of course the College World Series wins in 1999 and 2001, but especially the 1999 win over FSU was really sweet. There are four individual games that come to mind:
1. The Big East Tournament win over Pittsburgh in 1992, after we won only one game in the conference during the regular season. I can still see SID John Hahn jumping around like a little kid after that win.
2. The 1992 Women’s Basketball team winning the Women’s Big East Tournament in 1992 against UConn on their home floor in which the highlight wasn’t anything Frances Savage or Vicki Powden did but Sebastian the Ibis (John Routh) making three half court shots in a row behind the back from half-court.
3. The 1996 game @WVU in which Tremain Mack blocked a punt that Nate Brooks returned for a TD with seconds to play to win the game. It was always nice to get out of Morgantown with a win. The game is also on WVU’s list of unforgettable games, even though they lost.
4. The 2003 comeback win against the Gators. The Orange Bowl was never louder than after Hester's opening kickoff return for a TD. It was a game of sweet redemption for Brock Berlin.
Canespace: Who have been the easiest coaches to work with? Which players have been your favorite subjects?
Ridley:Most of the coaches have been great to work with over the years. Players like Jacory Harris, Jack McClinton and Shenise Johnson have been great in the studio lights.
Canespace: Explain the difference between shooting the Canes in the Orange Bowl compared to anywhere else?
Ridley:While the Orange Bowl held a boatload of history within its confines, it wasn’t the easiest place to work. The sidelines were nearly impossible with the numerous alumni (who I think had a right to be there) and City of Miami employees (who I think had no right to be there) and other hangers-on types. I spent most games shooting from the end zones. Shooting on the road became a relief, unless it was Morgantown or Blacksburg.
On the positive side I loved the view from the West End Zone shooting back towards the palm trees. I loved the crown of the field on that end, it brought my lens to nearly the ground level. I love shooting low, so the players appear to tower over you. That being said, I’d trade our current stadium for the Orange Bowl in a second. I think we’ve lost a bit of a home field advantage since we left that is obvious but not easy to measure.
Canespace: What equipment would you suggest budding sports photographers and students purchase to shoot high School athletic events?
Ridley:Spend the money on good glass (lenses). Bodies are like computers in that you’ll replace them every two years or so. Good glass will last you 10-20 years. And by good glass I mean lenses with wide apertures, like f2.8. You’ll need those wide apertures shooting high school sports, or anything with movement, at night in poorly lit venues. Sports photography is the one segment of photography in which gear does matter. You’re not going to get very good or professional results with an iPhone, or a kit lens, for that matter.
Canespace: How does one go about approaching a school to be the team photographer?
Ridley: Many major schools don’t credential freelancers anymore. You may have to approach a Division II or lower school. Or you may have to offer to shoot sports that don’t receive much publicity, like track, tennis or rowing. Build and create a portfolio. Have a selection of images in your portfolio that show how you handle a range subjects and scenarios.
Canespace: JC you do a lot more professional photography than sports teams, tell us a little about your company. Is it true that people in South Florida can use the official Miami Hurricane team photographer to shoot their weddings, special events, and business promotions etc.?
Ridley: Yes they can! While my ability to shoot weddings and other events is limited by my sports schedule to mainly spring and summer, I can do corporate head shots year-round. And we can always talk Hurricanes sports on the side.
Canespace: JC you do an incredible job. Being able to make a living from your passion is a blessing. Best of luck to you this season!
Ridley: Thank you and as always: GO CANES!
You can find "Caneshooter" JC Ridely at the following blogs and social media sites:
Blog: http://caneshooter.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @caneshooter
Facebook: caneshooter.com
THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN FOR CANESPACE BY SOLARCANE.
hello everyone
Posted by: francisw | August 07, 2011 at 08:04 PM
nice work JC
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 08:07 PM
BTW I have Heart Cath in 8 days and have been told bupass surgery is not out of the question. Now I know why I did not renew my season tickets for 2011 I hope to be ready to roll in 2012 after a 10-2 Canes yearand probably a loss in ACC championshio game.
Thinking only good thoughts
Fran "in Debary"
Posted by: francisw | August 07, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Aldarius Johnson
Posted by: SOUP | August 07, 2011 at 08:09 PM
fran looking forward to sitting with you at a game, hang tough my friend
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Good luck Fran remember I am close by if you need anything :)
Posted by: canechic | August 07, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Fran...our thoughts and prayers are with U!
Posted by: SOUP | August 07, 2011 at 08:17 PM
Best of luck Fran!!!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | August 07, 2011 at 08:32 PM
The new 2011 schedule montage by Caneshooter is awesome!
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 09:06 PM
Fran:
Starting right now, May all your luck be good luck.
One of your many CANE
well wishers.
God Bless,
Chuck
Posted by: chicago-cane80 | August 07, 2011 at 09:09 PM
So, are the 'Canes flying around yet?
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 07, 2011 at 09:13 PM
mostly the freshmens
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 09:19 PM
I never realized you could take a redshirt for a DUI conviction, that's bulshyt
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/6842359/darryl-stonum-michigan-wolverines-redshirt-2-others-suspended
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 09:28 PM
I never realized you could take a redshirt for a DUI conviction, that's bulshyt
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/6842359/darryl-stonum-michigan-wolverines-redshirt-2-others-suspended
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 09:28 PM
Yeah, in the movies if you get a conviction, you wear a striped shirt.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 07, 2011 at 09:37 PM
WWJT do wristbands yanked
Ohio State takes away 'JT'
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two days after several Ohio State freshmen proudly displayed wristbands supporting deposed Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel, the university has taken them away and refunded the players' money.
Big Ten Blog
ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Brian Bennett write about all things Big Ten in the conference blog.
• Blog network: College Football Nation
Ohio State spokesman Jerry Emig said Friday that officials wondered if wearing the wristbands -- which said "JT" -- could be an NCAA violation.
"We don't know that yet, but that's what compliance is looking into," Emig said.
Because Ohio State goes before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions Aug. 12, it also might appear that the school remains firmly behind a coach who was forced out May 30.
Tressel was pressured to resign when it was revealed he knew some of his players had broken NCAA rules and he did not report it for more than nine months.
"There was a concern that maybe this isn't a thing that should have been done," Emig said of the wristbands, which were worn by several freshmen at a news conference Wednesday.
He added that Ohio State decided to take a "cautionary" approach after the wristbands, which were sold by an Ohio State staffer, were mentioned prominently in several media reports. After turning in their wristbands, players were refunded $15 for each wristband.
Posted by: solarcane | August 07, 2011 at 09:38 PM
So, are the 'Canes flying around yet?
Posted by: dj moonbat
No, but I did hear a "nicked up" come out of Golden's mouth.
Posted by: CaneRock | August 07, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Solar...credits added, well deserved.
Posted by: SOUP | August 07, 2011 at 09:49 PM
$15 each?????
Posted by: canechic | August 07, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Fran - Like Canechic, I am close by so let us know if you or the wife need anything.
Posted by: raizecane | August 07, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Posted by: PlayaCane aka Rashad | August 07, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Well, well, well...look what the cat drug in? LOL
Say hey Playa!
Posted by: SOUP | August 07, 2011 at 12:01 PM
LOL!!! What's good everybody!! 4 weeks til some football.
Posted by: PlayaCane aka Rashad | August 07, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Is everything good with telemaque? Hardly any news regarding him i know he hurt his neck i believe but i guess no news is good news we have the top two safties in the acc one is a ball hawk and the othe one lays the wood and will get his interceptions.....
Aaahhhh i love me the canes its almost football season fellas and ladies can you feel it????
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | August 07, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Ohio,
Congrats and good luck with your baby girl!!!
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville in panama city beach | August 07, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Soup,
LOF: Offense Big Byrd
Defense Big Vern (Olivier)
And put me on that 12% bus
Our players must not know what canechic knows by their comments the first two practices
Posted by: Willie Will in Nashville in panama city beach | August 07, 2011 at 11:00 PM
$15 each?????
Posted by: canechic | August 07, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Sure. And each player had like a thousand wristbands, too.
Posted by: dj moonbat | August 07, 2011 at 11:06 PM
Thanks Willie! Sittin in the hospital watchin tv right now lol. She should be here tmr
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 07, 2011 at 11:27 PM
LOF...J12 and Futch...by the way, still 100% 12%er
Posted by: coldcane | August 07, 2011 at 11:37 PM
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1248517
Top secondaries in college football, according to rivals.com.
Not sure if this was already posted.
Posted by: PlayaCane aka Rashad | August 07, 2011 at 11:50 PM
thanks soup,
you know nobody reads the articles after the shirt challenge has been settled.
Ridley is a nice guy, and hell of a photographer
Posted by: solarcane | August 08, 2011 at 08:04 AM
joe rose
young guys Golden has been impressed with so far Chickillo, Phillip Dorsett also Denzel Perryman
Posted by: solarcane | August 08, 2011 at 08:08 AM
Coach Golden
this morning
http://www.wqam.com/index.php?page=347
Posted by: solarcane | August 08, 2011 at 08:10 AM
manny
S Ray Ray Armstrong said " coaches have put together a "soft tape." Highlights of guys ducking contact.... you don't want to be on the soft tape"
Posted by: solarcane | August 08, 2011 at 08:20 AM
catch you guys tonight.
read the article lol!
Posted by: solarcane | August 08, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Solar,
LMAO! @ the "soft tape". The biatches must be exposed! ;-)
Posted by: CoCane | August 08, 2011 at 08:47 AM
dj those boys got ripped off......rubber bands for $15......pfffff
Posted by: canechic | August 08, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Is everything good with telemaque? Hardly any news regarding him i know he hurt his neck i believe but i guess no news is good news we have the top two safties in the acc one is a ball hawk and the othe one lays the wood and will get his interceptions.....
Posted by: UpNorthCane | August 07, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Wurd from observers is that he looks OK physically but that mentally he still needs that first major hit to be 100% sure of himself after the neck injury in the Spring.
No doubt that he and RayRay can be something special at safety for UM.
Posted by: SOUP | August 08, 2011 at 09:14 AM
12% Bus riders (Canes will go undefeated in 2011):
Driver: RayChanCanesFan (RCCF)
Front row seats: Willie Will in Nashville and Coldcane.
Anybody care to join them?
Who's got gas money???
Posted by: SOUP | August 08, 2011 at 09:18 AM
@sgorten Steve Gorten
Forget "swagger". New word for #Canes from coach Al Golden is "juice"
13 minutes ago via web
@sgorten Steve Gorten
RBs James and Miller say "juice" is about enthusiasm, being uptempo, confident & "bringing back passion"
12 minutes ago via web
@sgorten Steve Gorten
James: "People have been saying you guys are different this year, you guys act a different way, it's the juice."
10 minutes ago via web
It's all about the JUICE
Posted by: SinisterCane | August 08, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Can't spell juice without the U
Posted by: SinisterCane | August 08, 2011 at 09:40 AM
Great idea about the soft tape. If guys don't change, release it after the first game or put together another one and release that.
No more patty cake or duck, duck goose, it's clobbering time.
Posted by: Old Skool | August 08, 2011 at 09:44 AM
If Ryan Williams was throwing at practice..does that mean he was cleared by the clearinghouse?
Posted by: UMike | August 08, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Thanks to everyone keeping the updates rolling while I'm at the hospital. Baby should be here around 130 est!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 08, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Ohio...good luck to U and your wife with the baby's birth!
Posted by: SOUP | August 08, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Al Golden with Larry Blustein:
http://sfhighschoolsports.com/blog/gridiron-report-blogs/audio-hc-al-golden-miami
Posted by: SOUP | August 08, 2011 at 10:52 AM
Ojomo Defense and Jacory (is he eligible) offense my LOF picks. I think Ojomo really buys into Golden and D'nofrio and Jacory will be better because of the emphasis on the running game. (Well that's what i told myself anyway so Im sticking with it).
Posted by: wartown canes | August 08, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Good luck Ohio. Yall need more "U" babies up there. Ha Haaa
Posted by: CoCane | August 08, 2011 at 10:53 AM
She's got her "U Princess" onesie waiting at home for the Maryland game! Lol
Thanks all. Everything gone smooth so far
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | August 08, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Juice will never replace swagger---sorry.
Posted by: Usagainsttheworld | August 08, 2011 at 11:03 AM
We live in perilous times...budget debates, committees that will do nothing, non leaders in Washington, housing and financial crises, no jobs, Wall Street and Main Street banker robber barons who have no clue what normal people experience....yet all that is not so important when it comes down to our life and health, and chasing our hopes and dreams.
When one of our own struggles, we realize their welfare and outcome does matter. Fran, I wish you the very best and pray for a positive outcome for you and your family; the family you have here prays for and wishes you the very best. I know all will go well. Wish I was closer so I could do something to help, but I will encourage and lift you in prayer. All the best my friend!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | August 08, 2011 at 11:03 AM
VA Cane,
You know what's worse then the bullshit our leaders are doing to our society... We the citizens are letting them do it. We severely outnumber them but we just keep bending over. Taking the raping with no vaseline or rubbers. But we complain are a** off. Lol! America the beautiful has also become America the soft... SMFH
Posted by: CoCane | August 08, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Ryan Williams IF he's cleared
Posted by: SinisterCane | August 08, 2011 at 11:15 AM