Baseball, photography, and unforgettable moments — when all three collide, it makes for a story worth sharing. The other night, I had the privilege of attending the highly anticipated Tokyo Series between the LA Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Tokyo Dome. What made the night even more special was the company I kept. I was invited by my good friends, Rodney Peete and his wife, Holly Robinson Peete, along with two of their three sons. For anyone who loves baseball, especially fans of the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani, it was a night to remember.
The Photographer’s Dilemma: Which Camera and Lens?
Like most photographers, I rarely leave home without my camera. You never know when something magical will unfold, and that night was no exception. But before heading out, I had to ask myself: What’s my purpose for bringing my camera tonight?
I wasn’t planning to shoot the game itself — I wanted to capture the experience of the night with my friends. With that in mind, I decided to bring my Nikon Z8 paired with my trusted Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens. This combo never lets me down. The lens is incredibly sharp, has a wide aperture that excels in low light, and is perfect for capturing candid moments. Whether I’m shooting portraits or documenting a fun night out, this setup always delivers.
Shohei Ohtani Electrifies the Tokyo Dome
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Fans had traveled from all over the world to witness this historic series in Tokyo, and the excitement was palpable. But nothing compared to the anticipation when Shohei Ohtani stepped up to bat.
Each time Ohtani approached the plate, the entire stadium fell silent, as if the crowd collectively held its breath. He didn’t disappoint. During the game, Ohtani crushed a home run, sending the crowd into a frenzy. What’s even crazier? He almost sent one out of the park on the very first pitch of the game. Watching one of baseball’s biggest stars perform on such a grand stage, in front of an international audience, was a sight to behold.
