"Free Speech" rally in Boston

I attended the rather peaceful "Free Speech" rally on the Boston Common today. After the rally was shut down police had to push back counter-protesters along Boylston Street to clear a path for the police paddy wagons full of "Free Speech" activists. This was when emotions started to get tense. Most of the counter-protesters refused to move and things ramped up pretty quickly as the police started to advance on the counter-protesters. Several arrests were made as police eventually cleared a path for the "Free Speech" activists to safely leave the scene. 

These photos show only a very small portion of what was a much larger and very peaceful event. I attended the rally as a spectator on my own free time and wanted to witness and photograph history being made in Boston. I was not assigned to cover the rally.

Fuji X-T2, 1/250 @ f/5, ISO 1250, 18-55mm

Boston Police meet up with counter-protesters as they try to secure the scene after the "Free Speech" rally on the Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fuji X-T2, 1/250 @ f/6.4, ISO 3200, 18-55mm

A counter-protester falls on the ground in front of Boston Police as they try to secure Boylston Street after the "Free Speech" rally on the Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fuji X-T2, 1/250 @ f/5, ISO 1250, 18-55mm

Boston Police push back counter-protesters as they try to secure the scene after the "Free Speech" rally on the Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fuji X-T2, 1/500 @ f/5, ISO 640, 18-55mm

Boston Police push back counter-protesters as they try to secure the scene after the "Free Speech" rally on the Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fuji X-T2, 1/500 @ f/5, ISO 1250, 18-55mm

A counter-protesters moves to avoid a Boston Police officers as they try to secure the scene after the "Free Speech" rally on the Boston Common, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Band Camp

Band camp is a sure sign that summer is on the way out and fall is right around the corner. As a photographer reflections can lead to interesting images, so when I saw shiny sousaphones I knew an image could be made. The musicians were running through drills which gave me an opportunity to walk among them on the field. If given the opportunity I always like to get right in the middle of the action.

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/7.1, ISO 220

Musicians in the Beverly High School marching band are reflected in the bell of a sousaphone during band camp at Beverly High School, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Sunset at the Salt Marsh

I had a great evening last night at the Parker River Wildlife Refuge. I got lucky and was able to spot a Snowy Egret in one of the salt marshes hunting for dinner with the setting sun as a backdrop. I spent about an hour photographing the egret from my car which I use as a blind.  

Nikon D500, 1/3200 @ f/7.1 @ ISO 3600, 500mm with a 1.4x teleconverter

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/6.3 @ ISO 400, 500mm

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/6.3 @ ISO 360, 500mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/7.1 @ ISO 280, 500mm

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/6.3 @ ISO 360, 500mm

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/6.3 @ ISO 720, 500mm

Midsummer Update

It's been a busy summer full of various events and activities. Here are a few of my favorite images from the last couple of months.

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/7.1, ISO 140, 70-200mm

Danielle Dedeo, Adventure Camp councilor, gets soaked in the Dunk Tank during the Kids Carnival at Lynch Park, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/6.3, ISO 6400, 17-35mm

Lucas Fortini is seen flying through the air after making contact Sam Rosenholtz who crashed after crossing the finish line at the conclusion of the Men's State Championship Race during The Gran Prix of Beverly, Wednesday, July 26, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1000 @ f/4, ISO 100, 70-200m

Benjamin Smith, 4, plays a game of "Mega 4 In Line" during the Danvers Family Festival Field Day & Scoop-ah-bowl at Plains Park, Saturday, July 1, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4.5, ISO 200, 70-200mm with 1.4x teleconverter

Jansen Landen of the Swampscott Little League all-stars safely slides into second base during their game against Winthrop at Lt. Ross Park in Peabody, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/320 @ f/7.1, ISO 100, 17-35mm

Jeff Barry, CEO of Vertical Groove Golf, poses for a photo with his Vertical Groove Golf titanium driver at the Turner Hill Golf Club in Ipswich, Monday, July 10, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/4.5, ISO 5600, 70-200mm

Casey Staton, volunteer from Saugus Lowe's, paints one of the walls inside a new conference space at Medford Vocational Technical High School, Saturday, July 29, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4.5, ISO 500, 70-200mm with 1.4x teleconverter

Nate Marston of the Swampscott Little League all-stars makes contact with this pitch during their game against Winthrop at Lt. Ross Park in Peabody, Wednesday, July 5, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/500 @ f/10, ISO 100, 17-35mm

Children gather around Jim Dichter as he creates large bubbles before the start of the 50th Annual Beverly Yankee 5K Road Race at Lynch Park, Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fourth of July Fireworks

I've had a lot of opportunities to photograph various fireworks displays around the North Shore this Fourth of July season. Here are a few of my favorites.

Fuji X-T2, .5 sec @ f/4, ISO 6400, 18-55mm

Children gather on top of the tank at Patton Park in Hamilton as they enjoy a fireworks display and music at the conclusion of the Community Block Party, Sunday, June 25, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, .8 sec @ f/9, ISO 100, 24-70mm

A couple shares a kiss as they watch the Independence Day Fireworks display at Trum Field in Somerville, Thursday, June 29, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, .8 sec @ f/9, ISO 450, 24-70mm

A couple watches the Independence Day Fireworks display at Trum Field in Somerville, Thursday, June 29, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s,  1/3 @ f/9, ISO 450, 24-70mm

A group of people sit on top of one of the dugouts at Trum Field in Somerville to gain a better view of the Independence Day Fireworks display, Thursday, June 29, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1.3 @ f/8, ISO 100, 24-70mm

Fourth of July fireworks display seen from Marblehead Lighthouse Park, Tuesday, July 4, 2017.  [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 400, 24-70mm

People gather at Marblehead Lighthouse Park to view the Fourth of July fireworks display over Marblehead Harbor, Tuesday, July 4, 2017.  [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Spring Sports Wrap-up

Here are the last of my favorite spring sports action photographs. All these images were taken during tournament games, which are usually high intensity games with a lot of action.

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 200, 300mm

Thomas Mento of Danvers is unable to make this catch as Kevin Santigo of Greater New Bedford safely slides back into first base during their Division 2 state finals 6-2 loss at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/3.2, ISO 2800, 300mm

Chris Cole of Beverly carries the ball as he is pressured by Tommy Welch of Hingham during their Division 2 state semi-finals loss, 17-5, at Norwell High School, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/3200 @ f/4.5, ISO 500, 70-200mm

Sarah Ryan of Swampscott reaches for the bag as she safely slides into home plate during their 3-1 win over Burlington in their Division 2 North tournament game at Endicott College, Friday, June 9, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/2.8, ISO 1250, 300mm

Ryan Fitzpatrick of Wakefield gets checked by Tom Adams of Beverly during their Division 2 North championship game loss, 7-6, at Concord Carlisle High School, Saturday, June 10, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @f/4, ISO 1000, 70-200mm

Annie Gillis of Ipswich gets tripped up during their, 15-11, D2 loss to Newburyport during their tournament game at Peabody High School, Friday, June 9, 2017.  [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/4, ISO 250, 300mm

Lynnfield shortstop Jonathan Lunders throws the ball to first base after fielding a ground ball during their game against Pentucket at Lynnfield High School.

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/2.8, ISO 8000, 300mm

Nick DiLuiso of Beverly reaches for a loose ball during their Division 2 North tournament game win over Wakefield, 7-6, at Concord Carlisle High School, Saturday, June 10, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

High school state championship sports games usually include high impact action as well as raw emotion and this year's 2017 spring sports tournament games didn't disappoint. Here are a few of my favorite from the past few weeks.  

Nikon D4S, 1/320 @ f/4.5, ISO 6400, 17-35mm, with SB-910 flash

Benjamin Yanakakis of Ipswich shows off his teams Division 3 state championship trophy to Caleb Comeau after defeating Grafton, 8-7, at Nickerson Field at Boston University, Saturday, [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4 ISO 160, 300mm

Matt Andreas of Danvers cheers after hitting a triple in the second inning of their Division 2 state finals loss to Greater New Bedford, 6-2, at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Fuji X-T2, 1/500 @ f/5, ISO 640, 18-55mm

Newburyport's Isabelle Sarra holds up the D2 North championship trophy as teammates Rebecca Turi, left, and Olivia Katavolos, right, react after defeating Ipswich, 15-11, at Peabody High School, Friday, June 9, 2017.  [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1250 @ f/2.8, ISO 4,000, 70-200mm

Members of the Ipswich boys lacrosse team celebrate at the conclusion of their Division 3 state championship win over Grafton, 8-7, at Nickerson Field at Boston University, Saturday, [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/4.5, ISO 140, 70-200mm

Danvers High School athletes Matt Andreas, left, and Justin Roberto, right, react at the conclusion of their Division 2 state finals loss to Greater New Bedford, 6-2, at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

2017 Graduation Wrap-up

Every year I cover multiple graduations around the North Shore of Massachusetts. Here are a few of my favorites from this years ceremoies. 

Fuji XT-2, 1/250 @ f/6.4, ISO 200, 18-55mm

Graduates march onto Fred Green Memorial Field during the start of the Melrose High School Graduation Ceremony, Friday, June 2, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/3.2, ISO 2500, 70-200mm

Alex McKenna twirls his diploma on his finger during the Wakefield High School 2017 Graduation Ceremony inside the high school field house, Saturday, June 3, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/2.8, ISO 1600, 70-200mm

Roufaida Bouri and Halima Castano take a Snapchat selfie before the start of the Somerville High School Class of 2017 Graduation Exercises at the Tufts University Gantcher Center, Monday, June 5, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1,000 @ f/4.0, ISO 100, 70-200mm

Bridget Bright gets a hug after receiving her diploma during the Melrose High School Graduation Ceremony at the Fred Green Memorial Field, Friday, June 2, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/250 @ f/4.0, ISO 3200, 70-200mm

Benjamin Antoine cheers on classmates as they receive their diplomas during the Medford High School Class of 2017 Commencement Exercises at the Tufts University Gantcher Center, Wednesday, June 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/2.8, ISO 2500, 70-200mm

C.J. Felix cheers on a classmate as they receive their diploma during the Somerville High School Class of 2017 Graduation Exercises at the Tufts University Gantcher Center, Monday, June 5, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/320 @ f/4.0, ISO 8,000, 17-35mm

Victoria Brochetto gets a kiss from her mother Patricia at the conclusion of the Ipswich High School Class of 2017 Graduation inside the school gymnasium, Sunday, June 4, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Yellow Warblers

I spent a little time at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and found a few Yellow Warblers happily flying around. The spring migration always attracts dozens of warblers from various species and it can be a lot of fun tracking them through the trees and brush along the waterfront.

Nikon D500,  1/1,000 @ f/6.3, ISO 400, 500mm with 1.4x

Nikon D500,  1/1,600 @ f/7.1, ISO 640, 800mm with 1.4x

Nikon D500,  1/1,000 @ f/6.3, ISO 640, 500mm with 1.4x

Spring Sports Highlights

In between rain showers and postponed games I was still able to photograph a variety of spring sports. Here are a few of my favorite photographs so far this spring sports season.

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 180, 70-200mm with 1.4x

Nikon D500, 1/2000 @ f/4, ISO 250, 300mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/3.2, ISO 320, 300mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/3.2, ISO 320, 300mm

Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 140, 70-200mm with 1.4x

Active Shooter Training

All I heard was gunfire as I entered the building and I knew the drill had already started. I was quickly ushered up the stairs of this vacated nursing home in Melrose. I knew my assignment was an active shooter scenario but I wasn't expecting to be throwing right into the middle of the action. I got up stairs was quickly told where to stand and where not to stand. Things were happening all around me very fast. People were running from different rooms, I wasn't sure who had the gun and who were patients. After a few minutes the drill was over as fast as it began. I saw 2 more drills before they broke for lunch. Each scenario started without warning and the 3 scenarios I was able to witness only lasted a total of a few minutes. I was very impressed with how the Melrose Police Department and local hospital staff were able to control each unpredictable scenario. Check out more photos here.

Nikon D4s, 1/400 @ f/4.5, ISO 16,000, 17-35mm

Melrose Police Sgt. Josh Crowley, Patrolman Dale Parsons and Sgt. Dave Mackey take part in an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose, Friday, May 12, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 12,800, 70-200mm

Melrose Police Sgt. Josh Crowley, Patrolman Brian Ladner and Sgt. Dave Mackey take part in an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose, Friday, May 12, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/320 @ f/4, ISO 20,000, 17-35mm

Melrose Patrolman Levi DiFranza charges down the hallway as he plays the role of the assailant during an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose, Friday, May 12, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Town hall with Senator Elizabeth Warren

I recently covered a town hall with Senator Elizabeth Warren at Salem High School. After answering questions from the audience Senator Warren posed for photo with supporters. I actually didn't expect this to happen and it was a nice surprise, so I hang around for a while and made some images. It's always nice when there is an opportunity to capture something unexpected. Check out more photos here.

Nikon D4s, 1/250 @ f/4, ISO 6400, 17-35mm

Senator Elizabeth Warren shakes hands with a supporter at the conclusion of the town hall at Salem High School, Thursday, April 13, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Rodeo

 I always enjoy photographing something different and to me a rodeo is different. I've never photographed one before and it was a fun experience. See more photos here at Wicked Local North of Boston.

Nikon D500, 1/1000 @ f/2.8, ISO 10,000, 70-200mm

Steeve Tremblay competes in the steer wrestling event of the Rodeo at The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Friday, April 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D500, 1/1000 @ f/2.8, ISO 10,000, 70-200mm

Wesley Concalves hangs on during the bull riding event at the Rodeo at The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Friday, April 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Nikon D4s, 1/1000 @ f/2.8, ISO 8,000, 17-35mm

Daniel Scavone and Ryan O'Donoghue autograph a fans cowboy hat at the conclusion of the Rodeo at The Aleppo Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Friday, April 7, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

Healthy Pharms Medical Marijuana Dispensary

I was expecting a small room where medical marijuana patients would purchase their legal cannabis from in pre-sealed packages, to my surprise this building was also housing multiple grow rooms. I was given a tour of the facility which will be opened for business in early May 2017. Read the story on Wicked Local Georgetown and check out more photos.

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Nikon D4s, 1/125 @ f/5, ISO 5,000, 17-35mm

Nathaniel Averill, executive director and co-owner, views some of the drying cannabis inside their drying room at Healthy Pharms medical marijuana dispensary in Georgetown, Friday, March 24, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

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Nikon D4s, 1/640 @ f/5.6, ISO 320, 17-35mm

A flowering cannabis plant inside Healthy Pharms medical marijuana dispensary in Georgetown, Friday, March 24, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

ColorBlast at Crane Beach

I was assigned to create a photograph to promote an upcoming event. The story was about celebrating the arrival of spring. Part of the celebration involved the tossing of colored powder into the air and that was the part of the celebration I was assigned to portray. Kerrie was a great subject and was very excited to take part in the photo shoot. Even with the wind blowing and the colored powder clumping up on us having a subject really get into a photo shoot is always rewarding.

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Nikon D500, 1/2500 @ f/4, ISO 100, 70-200mm

Kerrie Bates, Director of Ipswich ReCreation and Culture, blows colored powdered cornstarch into the air to promote the upcoming Ipswich Spring Equinox Extravaganza at Crane Beach in Ipswich.

Winter Sports Wrap-up

Here are a few more favorites from this past winter sports season. 

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,000 @ f/2.8, ISO 5,000, 70-200mm

Nate Rogers of Ipswich competes in the high jump during their indoor track meet at Ipswich High School.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,250 @ f/2.8, ISO 1,250, 70-200mm

Ryan Groark of Saugus checks Michael Talbot of Lowell Catholic against the boards during their game at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 3,200, 70-200mm

Belmont goalie Kevin Dacey makes a save on this shot by James Reilly of Reading during their game at Burbank Arena in Reading.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/2.8, ISO 1,250, 70-200mm

Stoneham's Nick Federico, Nick Feliciano, and Adrian Sousa celebrate a goal during their Division 2 North win over North Reading, 2-1, in double overtime at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

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Nikon D4s, 1/1,000 @ f/2.8, ISO 6,400, 70-200mm

Hannah Dziadyk of Wakefield holds onto the ball as she is defended by Elizabeth Kirschner and Lauren Flynn of Hamilton Wenham during Wakefield's D2 North tournament game loss, 54-53, at Woburn High School.

Snow Days

Winter Storm Stella provided a great opportunity to drive around and photograph people in north shore communities enjoying what might be the last snowstorm of the season. 

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Nikon D4s, 1/250 @ f/5.6, ISO 200, 17-35mm

Beverly resident Libby Burns rides a bicycle along Essex Street during Winter Storm Stella.

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Nikon D4s, 1/250 @ f/7.1, ISO 250, 70-200mm

Whiteout conditions make the driveway leading to the Rebecca Nurse Homestead difficult to see during Winter Storm Stella.

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Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/5, ISO 100, 70-200mm

One of the barns on the property of Meredith Farm in Topsfield seen with a fresh coat of snow.

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Nikon D500, 1/320 @ f/5.6, ISO 250, 70-200mm

A person walks along Devereaux in Marblehead in whiteout conditions during Winter Storm Stella.

Northeast Snow Polo Championship

Elizabeth Owens of Boston walks her horse out of the barn before the start of a chukker with New York during the Northeast Snow Polo Championship at the Boston Polo Club and Equestrian Center in Georgetown.

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Nikon D500, 1/250 @ f/4, ISO 640, 70-200mm

Elizabeth Owens of Boston moves the ball towards the goal as she is defended by Ann Harness of New York during a chukker at the Northeast Snow Polo Championship at the Boston Polo Club and Equestrian Center in Georgetown.

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Nikon D500, 1/1,000 @ f/4.5, ISO 400, 70-200mm

Walking the Dogs

Whenever there is a major snowstorm I spend most of the day driving around looking for people or scenic images to photograph for the newspapers. I was lucky to find dog walker and trainer Nicole Maggio as she walked along the Mount Hood Golf Club in Melrose with her clients dogs.

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Nikon D500, 1/640 @ f/6.3, ISO 100, 70-200mm

Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus

Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus, left, trains with Anthony Everett, right, at Private Jewels Fitness in Lynn, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus will be fighting in the Golden Gloves tournament in Lowell. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

I parked my car outside what looked like an ordinary house, little did I know there would be a professional boxing gym on the top floor. As soon as I walked in Zach was ready to go a few rounds in the ring. I photographed him boxing in the ring and after that Zach posed for a few portraits around the gym. It was great to see athletes on a professional level train and prepare for one of the biggest fights of their careers.

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Nikon D4s, 1/800 @ f/3.2, ISO 8,000, 24-70mm

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Nikon D4s, 1/100 @ f/5.6, ISO 200, 24-70mm