“You can’t get away from the element of luck in sports photography, but what makes a great sports photographer is that when we get lucky we don’t miss it”
~Neil Leifer
Neil was just another NY kid born in the projects in a real tough neighborhood and like all kids from there he grew up with great love of baseball. His drive and energy and mentorship in the Henry Street Camera Club led him to become one of the greatest sports photographers ever.
It’s April 10th 1961 and US President JFK and Vice President LBJ watch a foul ball from the stands during the opening day game of the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium. Talk about luck in getting the expressions on these two men’s faces. In all the years I have known Neil, I hate to say it must be over 50 years now, I cannot decide if this is one of the greatest sports photos ever taken or one of the greatest revelatory political photos ever taken. I guess the answer is it is both. Enjoy!
