Behind the Lens: Capturing the 2025 UIL State Track & Field Championships
Professional Equipment for Professional Results
As one of UIL’s official photographers, preparation was key for this prestigious three-day event. My gear setup included:
- Canon R1 bodies
- Canon 400mm F2.8 lens (perfect for capturing those finish-line moments)
- Canon RF 28-70mm F2 lens (ideal for podium shots and close-up action)
- ThinkTank rain gear (which proved invaluable during our weather challenges)
Real-Time Coverage: Meeting the Digital Age Demands
Working as an official UIL photographer meant more than just capturing perfect shots. Throughout each action-packed day, I maintained a rigorous workflow, processing and submitting images to the UIL social media team multiple times daily. This real-time coverage allowed track and field fans across Texas to experience the excitement as it unfolded.
Record-Breaking Performances: A Photographer’s Paradise
Canyon’s Historic Day
Canyon’s Addyson Bristow delivered one of the most remarkable performances in UIL State Meet history, setting three state records in a single day:
- 800-meter run: State record of 2:07.19 (breaking the 2009 record of 2:09.81)
- 1600-meter run: State record of 4:48.64 (shattering the previous record of 4:54.73 from 2008)
- 1600-meter relay: Anchored Canyon’s team (with Brooklyn Kinsey, Reese Wilson, and Sydnee Winfrey) to a state record of 3:48.89
Her superhuman performance helped lead Canyon to a second-place team finish in Class 4A with 45 points, behind state champion Brownwood (64 points). As Canyon coach Ray Baca perfectly described, “Success for Addy isn’t her winning but setting records. She is extremely laid back and the nicest person. But when she’s about to step on the track she’s Clark Kent and steps out of the phone booth and becomes a Superhero.”
Panhandle Power
The Panhandle Ettes’ third straight UIL Class 2A team state championship showcase included:
- Sprint relay team (47.32 state record):
- Ell Robinson
- Carly Land
- Lexi Durst
- Leah Land
- Mile relay team’s historic 3:54.35
- Featuring Leah Land’s remarkable 54-second anchor leg
Individual Triumphs
- Dumas freshman Emily Gross’s unexpected 3200-meter victory
- Childress’s Taylor Wiseman: Shot put record of 47-2
- Amarillo High girls’ 800-meter relay team: All-time Texas Panhandle record
- Stratford’s Bryce Braden’s historic Class 2A finale
- Randall’s Tahlie Brandt representing wheelchair athletes
Weather Challenges and Technical Mastery
Despite weather challenges, professional equipment and experience prevailed. The ThinkTank rain gear proved essential, allowing uninterrupted coverage even during inclement weather. This kind of preparation is what separates professional sports photography from amateur coverage.
The Art of Sports Photography
From positioning for the perfect finish line shot with the 400mm to capturing raw emotion with the 28-70mm, each moment required different technical approaches and split-second decisions. The variety of events at a state track meet demands versatility in both equipment and technique.
Professional Sports Photography Services
Looking to capture your sporting event with this level of professional expertise? As a division of jpegJoe Licensing, LLC, I bring the same dedication, equipment, and experience to every assignment. Whether it’s a state championship or a local meet, your athletes deserve photography that matches their level of excellence.