Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers - Photos by Melina Pizano/NFL - 08/17/24

My first NFL game. I was very excited and definitely a bit nervous; because, as with anything, I wanted to do my best. It was an opportunity I knew not to take for granted. When I was in college I emailed my favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears, requesting a credential to photograph a game. Without much of a portfolio or a publisher they politely declined. Now after years of hard work and building a portfolio shooting various sports, I was given the opportunity. It was a really good lesson on the ins and outs of shooting a NFL game, which can be quite different than high school and college, which I've shot before. I'm grateful to Brooke Sutton, a photographer for NFL/ NFL Focus, who guided me through shooting my first game. 

All photos taken on August 17, 2024 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Rams Chargers Preseason Week 2Los Angeles Rams linebacker Elias Neal (58) looks on during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Melina Pizano/NFL)
Rams Chargers Preseason Week 2Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans (21) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tre'mon Morris-Brash (57) during an NFL football game on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Melina Pizano/NFL)  
Rams Chargers Preseason Week 2Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long (84) and Los Angeles Chargers safety Thomas Harper (41) interact during an NFL football game on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Melina Pizano/NFL) Stetson BennettNFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) gestures    Boston Scott, Matt Hankins, JT WoodsNFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Rams running back Boston Scott (30) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Matt Hankins (23) and safety JT Woods (22) Darious WilliamsLos Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (31) and another player pass one another. Rams Chargers Preseason Week 2Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenden Rice (82) looks on during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Melina Pizano/NFL) Kimani VidalNFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal (30) runs a route JJ LaapNFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Rams wide receiver JJ Laap (81) celebrates a touchdown with teammates Boston Scott, JJ LaapNFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Rams running back Boston Scott (30) and wide receiver JJ Laap (81) celebrate a play NFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Chargers fans cheer Trey Pipkins IIINFL20240817G2535MP - Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III (79) embraces his son