September 10, 2015
The day that changed my life forever.
It was just another Sunday in the apartment; I was working on something small and unimportant while my brother, Sonny, was at Heinz Field with one of his recruits.
Sonny works as a football scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers, meaning that he helps the team pick players that are actually worthwhile. He usually leaves town on Friday, watches the kid play Saturday, then takes him to a game Sunday. It's a process we've both become accustomed to over the years.
Me, on the other hand, hate traveling. Personally, I don't see the point in leaving a city so wonderful and familiar for one half way across the country that could have God knows what in it. I'd rather stay in my little studio apartment and do my own thing, away from everyone else.
On this particular day, I was doing just that; working on a basic painting by my lonesome. Nickelback was blasting throughout my apartment, and out into the streets due to my open windows. Despite the rock music, I was still able to hear my phone ringing. I wiped my hands, paused the music, and answered my phone.
"Hey, Josie, I need your help. Come down to the field with your cameras." Sonny said.
"Wait what? Why?"
"Patriots need a photographer. Come in the back way, I'll let you in."
And with that, he hung up.
I sighed, cleaning up my painting materials before changing into a fresh outfit. I dragged my cameras from the back of my closet, checking to see if I had everything. Once satisfied, I left for Heinz Field.
* * *
"What exactly am I doing again?" I questioned, unpacking my lenses and setting myself up.
"One of the photographers for the Patriots got sick last minute. They needed a fill in, I said that I knew a guy, and now here you are."
I smirked, "So I have a penis now?"
Sonny rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, very funny. Come on, you're gonna be late."
I secured my kneepads before following behind Sonny. He led us onto the field, and I was shocked at my view. Thousands of fans, tons of noise, a hundred or so athletic beasts. It absolutely terrified me.
"Mr. Belichick, this is your photographer replacement." Sonny said as we approached the Patriots' coach.
"Nice to meet you," he said with a firm hand shake, "I need you to get good shots of the Dream Team. Understood?"
I quickly nodded, my increasing heartbeat telling me that I was under a world of pressure. Sonny led me to the other photographers before returning to his recruit. I got into position next to a man about my age with a red beard, giant camera, and tattoo of the Patriots' symbol on his neck.
"So what are you getting pictures of?" I asked.
"The whole team. What about you?"
"Dream Team."
The man busted out laughing, nearly knocking over his camera in the process. He finally composed himself moments later, and looked at me with a straight face.
"That is easily the hardest job out of all of us. Good luck."
I simply nodded before adjusting my lenses. Glancing through them, I saw my targets; Brady, Edelman, Gronkowski, and Amendola. It's rather intimidating seeing them in person. They didn't look as big on TV, so being in their presence and seeing how built they actually are is a huge wake up call, to say the least.
The game started not even five minutes later. It wasn't as hectic as I had thought it would be. The fans were obviously insane, but I was more worried about the players. With every touchdown they scored came some kind of exaggerated celebration. The worst one came from Gronkowski, who spiked the ball a foot away from my face.
Luckily, I wasn't injured, but still.
I found my job surprisingly easy. All I had to do was get good pictures of the four best players on the team when they look good. So in other words, I was snapping millions of pictures and had filled two memory cards by the third quarter. I didn't mind, though, because I had enough film to last me an entire season.
The game ended rather quickly, and I had to run out to the field and snap pictures of Brady talking to Ben Roethlisberger. Of course that proved challenging because of my height, but I managed. Upon seeing interactions involving Gronkowski and Amendola, I rushed over and snapped at least twenty pictures of each.
I returned to my station and grabbed my kit. The other photographers were sharing photos, and I decided to join in. My bearded friend from earlier glanced through six at the most before dropping his jaw. He moved the camera and showed his colleagues, who had shared reactions.
"Are they bad?" I asked, taking my camera back.
"Just follow us."
I dragged my kit along the turf as we walked to the Patriots' locker room. The others seemed to be professionals, with their high end equipment. I mean, my kit isn't exactly basic or cheap, but it definitely isn't on the same level as everyone else's.
"Okay, you're up first. He'll tell you what to do. Good luck," my unidentified friend said before pushing me towards coach Belichick's office.
I knocked softly before entering, finding Brady and Belichick deep in conversation. I caught a quick glimpse of Brady's sweaty abs before averting my eyes.
"We'll finish later."
Brady noticed I was in the room and made his exit, sending a small smile my way. I took a seat across from Coach and waited for instruction. He just sat there and looked at me with a smirk.
"So, you got pictures for me or not?" Coach finally said.
I nodded, speedily handing over my camera and the filled cards. Belichick took his time going over each one, seemingly looking over each and every detail.
"These are the best pictures anyone in your position has ever taken." Belichick said, placing my camera on his desk.
"Thank you so much. I didn't think it was that difficult, honestly." I confessed, feeling a rush of heat go straight to my red cheeks.
Coach Belichick looked me over a few times before calling in the Dream Team. In a flash, all four men were in the small, office-like space that Belichick had set up in. He told them to review the pictures, and decide if I should be brought back for next week's game.
"I don't think we've ever had pictures this good. You'd be a fool not to hire her, Coach." Edelman said with enthusiasm.
"The focus is perfect, the positioning is perfect. I'd bring you back for the whole season." Amendola said before passing the camera to Brady.
"I should be mad about my face in half of these, but they're just too damn good. If you promise not to embarrass me next week, you can come back." Brady joked.
I nodded, waiting for Rob's reaction. His face lit up once he saw the photo of his spike. Considering it was basically in my face, I was able to get the spike from an angle nobody ever has before; underneath. A smirk can be seen on Rob's lips as the ball is frozen just above the turf. The dynamic of having a new angle for the highly photographed moment was something really special.
"She's hired. It's a done deal as of now." Rob said matter of factly, placing the camera back in my hands with a wide smile.
Coach Belichick seemed satisfied with his team's answers. He sat up and nodded, "Alright, you're hired for next week, Ms?"
"Josephine Gray."
* * *
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Till next time!
