The player who never stops moving.
Long before the whistle blows, she’s juggling a ball, laughing with teammates, and quietly wondering if today will be the game where everything comes together.
That’s the player I am looking for. After thirty-five years behind the camera – and the last seven photographing families and events throughout Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Middle Tennessee, I’ve learned what to look for at any sporting event. I know that player is going to create moments. They’re engaged before kickoff, encouraging teammates, chasing every ball, and giving me the kind of energy that makes for great photographs. I’ve photographed soccer from tiny kids chasing the ball in a pack to athletes competing for college scholarships. One thing never changes—the game moves faster than people realize.
One thing surprises parents. I’m doing more than watching the ball, I’m watching the player who’s about to receive it. Understanding the game and anticipating the next play is every bit as important as understanding my camera.
One of the reasons I enjoy photographing sports in Middle Tennessee is the incredible variety. On any given weekend, there are soccer tournaments, baseball games, running events, gymnastics meets, and countless youth competitions happening across Murfreesboro, Nashville, and the surrounding communities. Every sport has its own rhythm. Camera settings change. Lenses change. Even where I stand changes. Understanding the sport is just as important as understanding the camera because it helps me anticipate where the next great moment is about to happen. Soccer is always awesome! Yes, I suck at playing it, but I love photographing it! Whether it’s a summer tournament in Murfreesboro, a weekend showcase in Nashville, or a local league game somewhere else in Middle Tennessee, I know I’ll find that player—the one who never stops moving—and I’ll be ready when their moment comes.
Behind the Lens with Brody Hall
Every game has a player who quietly changes the outcome. My job isn’t just to photograph the goal—it’s to recognize that player before everyone else does. After all these years behind a camera, I still can’t wait for the opening whistle.
