Letters to the Editor 1/9/20

Dear Editor:

Christmas came a little bit early for me this year. On the morning of Dec. 22, I received word that I was approved for sideline credential at the Jacksonville Jaguars/Indianapolis Colts game. As a photographer who fell in love with sports photography early on in my career, I feel extremely grateful for the generosity of Sports Editor Randy Lefko and his wife Teri for taking me under their wing and showing me the ropes at TIAA Bank Field on Dec. 29. It felt like a dream to be surrounded by some of the most elite athletes and coaches in the world, as well as some of the most elite sports photographers in the industry.

Since the first time I touched a camera, shooting professional football has always been a dream of mine. Given this opportunity, I felt like a sponge from the moment we pulled up to the stadium, to the minute I walked off the field. I just wanted to pause time and soak in as much as possible. Since that day, I have been trying to relive the experience through pictures and videos, however nothing can replicate the energy that I felt while standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the best. This experience not only provided the opportunity to expand my portfolio, but it has also motivated me in ways that I’ve never felt before.

Thank you to Clay Today for giving me the best gift ever, as well as a very unique opportunity to ring in the new decade! I will forever cherish the photos that were taken, the memories from this awe-inspiring day, and especially the professional knowledge that I was able to gain through this experience. I hope that one day I am able to pay it forward to another young and aspiring photographer, so that I may have the same impact on them that Randy, Teri and Clay Today has had on me.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the best Christmas ever!

Laura Anderson

Fleming Island High Technology Education