Laura Rutledge Leaving SEC Nation - Columbia SC Photographer Travis Bell

It's been interesting watching ESPN's Laura Rutledge's career over the last 10+ years. She joined the SEC Network in 2014 and began hosting SEC Nation in 2017. The network recently announced she is leaving SEC Nation to expand her NFL coverage, continue to host NFL Live and serve as a sideline reporter or Monday Night Football. 

This image is from a portrait session in Charlotte I did for ESPN when it was announced she was joining SEC Nation as the host. She was an absolute joy to work with and we laughed so much it hurt. This image is one of those hilarious moments. 

(Photo by Travis Bell/ESPN Images) ©Copyright Protected Image

 

SC250 at The Fairgrounds

Sunset light splashes on a palmetto tree as Camden Military's Robert Slade entertains at an SC250 event at the state fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C. 

©Travis Bell / Creative, LLC

For more event images, visit my website. 

 

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in Edgefield

Monday's assignment took me to the Aiken area in Edgefield to photograph U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham during a sporting clays outing and gathering after. (Photos by Travis Bell)

For more of my event coverage visit my website. 

Governor's Portrait

Gov. McMaster, photographed for South Carolina Living Magazine at his statehouse office. This is a fun governor y'all! He enjoys cutting up with his staff. (Photo by Travis Bell) 

©travis bell / creative, llc

 

"What, What....What I do?" - Clemson vs SMU Men's Basketball

Clemson's Nick Davidson and SMU's Samet Yigitoglu were going at it Tuesday night. I thought one or the other might end up in stitches at one point. This was just one of those moments. (Travis Bell/SIDELINE CAROLINA)

Coverage From The ACC Championship Game in Charlotte - Duke vs Virginia Overtime Game

Thanks to ESPN for asking me to cover the ACC Championship game in Charlotte. It was cold! But the overtime definitely brought the crowd to life! 

With this assignment, there was a big emphasis on capturing logos and sponsors instead of traditional tight action. 

(Photos by Travis Bell/©ESPN Images)

Podcast Interview

Many thanks to Jeff Blake with the new Underexposed Podcast for having me on his show today!

I talk about behind-the-scenes moments with sports figures like Coach K, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dawn Staley. I also take you behind the scenes of ESPN broadcasts. 

If you're a sports fan, a photographer or both, you'll enjoy it. 

He also asked me to share some of my favorite images over the years. For photographers, I share multiple techniques about how photographs were created for college and pro sports. 

Video below. 

If you'd like to watch on your TV, launch the YouTube app on your streaming device and search for @UnderexposedPhotographyPodcast

Military Appreciate Day at Clemson - C-17 Flyover

A C-17 blasts over Death Valley before kickoff as part of Military Appreciation Day in Clemson on Saturday. (Travis Bell/SIDELINE CAROLINA)

The Invisible Lineman

Headed to Clemson this weekend to cover Clemson - Duke Football.

In '95 Duke's James Kirkland collided with a Clemson lineman. When he stood up, the lineman's facemask had locked on to his facemask. Photo seen in LIFE magazine, SI for Kids magazine and on Fox Sports TV.

(Photo by Travis Bell)

For more of my sports images, visit my website.

TJ Moore's One Handed Touchdown Catch vs SMU

Saturday's assignment took me to Clemson to cover the Tigers' conference game against SMU. 

It's amazing the influence that NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham's one-handed catch in 2014 has had on receivers at the college and pro level. More receivers at both levels are practicing making one-handed catches

Here, TJ Moore stretches out for a jaw-dropping, touchdown catch during the second half. (Photo by Travis Bell/SIDELINE CAROLINA) 

For more of my sports portfolio, including the Tigers and Gamecocks, visit my website.