White House Revisited
October 06, 2008 by David Bergman
Last week I went back to the white house. No, not THE White House, but the one in State College, PA.
About a year ago, Penn State suggested that all of their fans wear white to the Notre Dame football game. Usually it’s just the students that participate, but on that day, more than 100,000 people joined in.
I photographed the event for Sports Illustrated and it was published in the “Leading Off” section across two pages (see it here).
A week ago, I was back again to cover the Illinois – Penn State game. It turns out that they were having their second ever white house.
I didn’t want to make the same photo again. Besides, this was an 8 pm game so I wouldn’t have a sunset like last time.
Instead, I decided to shoot the team running on to the field from a different angle. I’ve shot it from the front before (even had a cover from it), but had never tried it from the back at this stadium.
It took me a while to work my way through the crowd so that I could get in position before the game. When I got there, I convinced two students to let me stand between them so that I could center myself right over the tunnel where the team enters the field.
The photo ran in “Leading Off” again so I guess you could say that I’m now the official white house photographer.
David
I am a big fan of your sports photography. I am continually amazed at some of the action shots you are able to capture.
I am a new photographer (started because my kid is playing high school football). I’ve gotten some really great advice and good equipment. I’m shooting a Canon 40d with a Tamron 70-200 / 2.8. Is there one great secret to getting better shots. I understand that I am fighting a light issue, but I still feel like I should be able to get some quality shots.
Any advice you could give me would be great! I would be happy to send you some of my better (imo) shots.
I am a huge Penn State fan and have seen many photographs of Beaver Stadium. This by far captures the awesome atmosphere of the “White House”.
Thanks
I love this picture! Oh and by the way, I was actually one of those two kids you asked to stand between over the tunnel. haha best seats in the stadium!! WE ARE PENN STATE! keep up the great work David.
——-
GREAT photograph! Do you mind sharing what camera and lens use made this with. Much appreciated. I am a BIG fan of your work….
Jack
Thanks, Jack! I don’t have the file in front of me, but it was probably a Nikon D3 or D700 (both are “full-frame” cameras) with the 14-24 mm lens.
My family has admired your “Getting it White” photo since the publication in October, 2008. We were at the game and as always, had an amazing time in Beaver Stadium. Shortly after the photo appeared in Sports Illustrated, my husband contacted Sports Illustrated and possibly you in an effort to purchase a copy of the photo that we could frame and hang in our Penn State decorated basement. Apparently the ‘rights’ were held by someone else. Do you know if it is at all possible to purchase the photo? You are an amazing photographer and we would love to have the photo out for many to see.
David, this is great picture! Funny story - my friend asked me what I considered a “thing of beauty.” I googled “Beaver Stadium White House” and found this picture—and absolutely love it! I know it’s from the 2008 Illinois game. Do you remember what issue of SI it was in? I want to order a back issue so I can get the picture. Thanks!