Filming a State Championship Game in the Rain

Filming the girls’ soccer state championship game was one of the most challenging and memorable videography experiences I’ve ever had. Live sports are unpredictable on a normal day, but this game came with an extra obstacle: nonstop rain. I had to figure out how to hold an umbrella over the camera, keep the action perfectly in frame, and shield myself and the equipment from soccer balls flying off the field toward me. It felt like a constant juggling act, but in the best possible way.

The pressure didn’t stop there. I had to keep a close eye on battery levels, quickly swapping batteries between the camera and the charger so I never missed a moment of this 3-hour game. Due to the close game, every play mattered, and there were no do-overs if the camera battery died.

One of my favorite parts of the experience actually happened off the field. I was invited to ride the bus with the team that morning, which allowed me to film their warmups, pregame rituals, and the behind-the-scenes energy that fans in the bleachers never got to see. Capturing those quiet, focused moments and energetic hype rituals gave the project depth and made the final film feel more complete.

Watching this game through the lens of a videographer was completely different from watching as a spectator. I wasn’t just following the ball. I was anticipating plays, tracking movement, adjusting angles, and constantly searching for the story unfolding in real time.

Afterward, while watching the footage, I realized I am most proud of the coverage itself. Every shot felt earned. I’d essentially become a one-woman paparazzi for the day, racing up and down the sidelines with my umbrella, my camera, and a determination to document every second.

Filming that championship game taught me how demanding live sports videography can be. But it also showed me how rewarding it is to capture the moments people will replay and remember for years. It was a rainy, glorious day I’ll never forget.