2020-21 Tulane Athletics Photos of the Year

Jul 2, 2021 | General

The old saying that a good photo is worth a thousand words could not apply more to Tulane student-athletes.

A powerful photo has the capability to capture the emotion of any singular moment - whether it's a game-winning play, a fun marketing shoot, showcasing the scene of competition or a postgame locker room celebration.

Over the past year, Tulane has had more than its fair share of memorable moments and our staff photographer Parker Waters has been there to cover just about every one of those incredible moments.

We've asked Parker to take a look back through his 2020-21 season photos to share his favorite moments from behind the lens while providing commentary as to why each photo is his favorite.

Each of the photos below have been hand selected by Parker as his personal favorites, covering everything from the dramatic endings to the lighter side of collegiate athletics.

We hope you enjoy Parker's 2020-21 Photos of the Year.

The first game in which the band, cheer and Shockwave were allowed to attend - against SMU

Always love capturing a low angle shot of a player seemingly suspended in mid air.

We had a photoshoot on campus and I quickly had to come up with a spot for a team photo. The banner, shadows and oaks made for a perfect spot.

The lines, symmetry and colors made this one of my favorites for the year.

During one of our all day student athlete promo shoots I said, "sure , go back to your apartment and bring your new kitten for some photos". Sure enough, she did. What was I going to do?

Not only a favorite for the year, but my entire sports career. This was the first season I tried getting just the ball in focus and it worked. Not only that, the logos lined up perfectly. I will probably never get a shot like that again.

Some of our most loyal fans and they never left their seat the entire game.

Coach Fritz during a quiet moment prior to the game at USM.

Taking a break during the Allstate Sugar Bowl Golf Tournament.

Giving golf a try during tennis warmups.

When you hit a three in front of your bench and get a congrats from your coach.

Some of my favorite photos were from graduation, graduation shoots and seeing so many people move on to the next stages in their lives.

Maru during a tennis match. Sometimes, during COVID, you just didn't know who you were looking at.

Olivia Grayson with Alan Frey during her first game on the bench as a coach. Previously I had watched her and photographed her as a player and a GA.

Michael Pratt races downfield following a TD pass at USM.

Having some fun during photoshoot day.

Where would our programs be without the student managers?

Senior day for swimming.

Shooting from the back of the end zone, I saw the play not only headed my way, but directly my way. I finally had to bail from shooting just before the catch was made. It was probably the closest I have come to getting hit in football coverage and I wasn't going to be that guy talked about on TV.

Oh, the faces you make. Catching a light moment before a women's tennis match.

Always love a good celebration shot, especially when it is against LSU.

Members of women's tennis came out to English Turn in support of the golf team.

Just having some fun and being creative during a promo shoot.

When you ask a long jumper to jump during a photoshoot, you get a jump!

Always love getting this shot and angle prior to a volleyball match.

We started the baseball season against UL Lafayette with a walkoff win. During the celebration, I was shooting, backpedaling, yelling, screaming and managed to back directly over the pitcher's mound. I took a tumble and heard from a whole lot of people afterwards.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Parker Waters is a native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., who graduated from Tulane in 1978 with a B.S. degree.

Waters began his career as photographed the final Tulane football game in Tulane Stadium for the Hullabaloo in 1974 as a freshman. He would go on to shoot the final game in the Superdome for Tulane Athletics and the first game in Yulman Stadium. He has been shooting Tulane athletic events since 2009.

In addition to his work with Tulane, Waters has photographed all home Saints games since 2012, NBA games, Superbowls and the Men and Women's Basketball Final Four. He also has served as the Director of Photography for Manning Passing Academy since 2010.

Previously, Waters was the Second Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Pan American Life in their International Operations (Latin America and Caribbean). He also holds a Louisiana real estate license.

He lists his most memorable experiences as hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu for eight days and carrying the 18 flag.