It has always been a dream of mine to cover the Olympics--winter or summer, it doesn't matter. The parent company of the newspaper I work for had two credentials available for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and had anyone interested submit an application and short essay earlier this year. I actually thought I had a pretty good chance of being selected, but the powers that be selected someone else.
After being excited about the possibility of going to cover one of the biggest events in the world, I found myself relieved that I wasn't chosen, because I started to realize that the logistics of packing and transporting all of the gear (photography, clothing, ski, etc.) I was going to need for two weeks was a little daunting. I was also going to be on my own for those two weeks and that was going to mean some long days, as well as likely being burnt out by the end of the event.
Fast forward to today.
Earlier today I was talking with my editor and publisher about a variety of things and we briefly talked about how I missed out on the opportunity to go to the Olympics through our company. Our publisher mentioned that she was very surprised that I hadn't been selected. It brought back memories of my dream of covering the Olympics...maybe someday.
Then this afternoon I received a call from the assignment editor at my photo agency, which took me by surprise, because, since I have been working for the newspaper, I haven't shot very much for them. He said he had two questions for me, one that was pretty simple and the other that was a little more complicated. The first was if I would want to shoot any of the Denver Broncos' games this season. When I was freelancing full time, I shot just about every Broncos home game for almost three years. The work I produced was some of my best-selling images I had with the agency, but I really don't have any desire anymore. I don't miss it, other than seeing my photographer friends from Denver. I enjoy my days off now and really don't want to use up one of them driving to and from Denver, and shooting a game. It turns into a 10-12 hour day. No thanks.
Then for the second question, he asked me if I could get two and a half weeks off in February--he wanted me to be a part of the agency's photo team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He anticipated me being one of three photographers based in Whistler, shooting primarily the skiing, snowboarding and nordic events. I was stunned and then thrilled, but then I realized I would still need to get the time off from the paper. After getting off the phone, I explained the situation to my bosses and asked if I could take the time off. They were pretty excited for me and at this point, don't see any problems.
I need to confirm everything tomorrow and then start thinking about all of the planning I will need to start doing over the next few months--packing lists for clothing, photo gear, computer equipment, ski equipment, plus get more aggressive about getting in shape. The two weeks of the Olympics can be very physically demading, so my body will have to be ready as well.
So, assuming I didn't imagine all of this today, I will be on my way to Vancouver in a little over five months. I'm sure my preparations for this event of a lifetime will be the subject of additional posts as it draws closer. Stay tuned...
goo, goo, g'joob
