Capturing Emotion Behind the Lens: My Experience Photographing Dan Marino's Final Game
- Brian Cleary
- 29 minutes ago
- 4 min read
As a Miami Dolphins fan, I'm entering another NFL Sunday under all-too familiar circumstances since the retirement of the amazing Miami quarterback Dan Marino a quarter century ago: The Dolphins have once again circled around to a point in their timeline where a highly touted quarterback experiment has seemingly ground to a halt and the search will now begin for "The Next Dan Marino".
This has me thinking about a long-ago Saturday in Florida when I loaded up and excitedly headed out on an assignment to photograph an NFL playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and "my" Miami Dolphins in Jacksonville.
At kickoff time there was really no clue that by the end of the day the hand writing would be on the wall for Marino's future, and this would be the last time that Dan Marino would step onto the field as an NFL player. The final score, a 62-7 blowout loss to Jacksonville not only eliminated Miami from the playoff, it also effectively ended Marino's playing career as well as the coaching career of the legendary Jimmy Johnson!
This also has me thinking about the dilemma many sports photographers face when they are covering a personal favorite team or player and still have a job to do when the contest results do not line up with their desires! On this day, of course, I would have preferred than Marino had a huge day and that the Dolphins would advance in the playoffs. In a big way, this was not to be, but I still had a job to do.
The Weight of the Moment
Dan Marino was more than just a quarterback to Dolphins fans. He was a symbol of hope, skill, and resilience.
As a photographer, my job was to document the action, but I quickly realized that the real story was in the emotions playing out on the sidelines and in the stands. Marino’s determination, the crowd’s mixed feelings, and the team’s struggle all told a story that numbers and highlights could never fully capture.
Capturing the Game’s Highs and Lows
The game itself was intense. Marino showed flashes of his legendary skill, but the Jaguars’ defense was relentless. I focused on moments that revealed the human side of the competition:
Marino’s focused gaze as he scanned the field for an open receiver.
The frustration in his body language after a missed opportunity.
Jacksonvile Fans' excitement in their teams success and Marion's failings.
Each photo was a piece of a larger narrative about perseverance and the bittersweet nature of endings.
Balancing Personal Feelings with Professionalism
Being a Dolphins fan made this assignment emotionally complex. I felt the disappointment of the loss deeply, but I had to stay objective to do my job well. This experience taught me how to separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities.
I reminded myself that my photos could help others relive the moment and understand its significance. By focusing on the story rather than the outcome, I found a way to honor Marino’s career and the team’s effort.
Lessons Learned from the Experience
Photographing Dan Marino’s last game taught me several important lessons about capturing emotion and storytelling:
Be ready for unexpected moments. The most meaningful images often happen when you least expect them.
Focus on human connections. Expressions, gestures, and interactions reveal the heart of the story.
Stay present and observant. Emotions can change quickly, so being attentive is key.
Respect the subject’s experience. Understanding the emotional weight helps create authentic photos.
Balance passion with professionalism. Personal feelings can enhance your perspective but should not cloud your work.
Reflecting on a Historic Moment
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to witness and document this chapter in Dolphins history. Dan Marino’s final game was more than a playoff loss; it was a moment of transition for the team and its fans. My photos preserve the complexity of that day—the pride, the disappointment, and the respect for a player who gave everything on the field.
For photographers and fans alike, this experience shows how sports can connect us through shared emotions and memories. Capturing those moments behind the lens is a powerful way to tell stories that last beyond the final whistle.
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