Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesIt’s not everyday you get to speak with the man responsible for some of hockey’s most iconic photographs. Recently, I had that opportunity with Bruce Bennett.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bruce Bennett got his start as "The World's Greatest Hockey Photographer" a half-century ago at a couple of NHL rinks. One of them is "The World's Most Famous Arena." Bennett has "shot" endless numbers of outstanding Rangers pictures over the years. You might say Bennett-Rangers = They owe each other!
Not to mention he has photographed 45 Stanley Cup Presentations. As a journalist, here are five things I took away from my conversation with Bennett.
1. Preparation is everything. Doing your homework on players is just as important for a photographer as it is for a reporter.
2. Creativity sets you apart. Bennett’s mindset of “making photos rather than taking photos,” is similar to a reporter approaching a story with a fresh angle.
3. Passion Drives Longevity. Bennett’s enthusiasm after decades in the business shows the importance of loving what you do.
4. Mistakes are a part of the job. Bennett’s honesty about missing certain shots was a good reminder of the importance of resetting and moving forward quickly.
5. Anticipation. Similar to how reporters must anticipate storylines, Bennett anticipates where the play will be for his photographs.