Weiser photographer loves the thrill of shooting sports

Bob Barber’s pursuit of great photos has given him access to the blue turf at BSU and on the basketball court at Taco Bell Arena to shoot the Broncos.

 He even got the opportunity to cover a speech by former President Barack Obama in Boise, an up-close thrill that doesn’t come around often.

 Barber is one of a surprising number of excellent photographers that call Weiser home. He considers himself an amateur photographer, but his sports shots rank up there with those of  professional lensmen.

 Barber was selected as the featured artist by the Four County Art Guild, an organization that promotes art in Washington, Payette, Malheur and Adams counties. 

 A selection of his sports, wildlife and landscape photos can be viewed at Zions Bank in Weiser, and he has one photo hanging at the public library. 

 Barber said his interest in photography is lifelong, starting with taking photos of family activities and expanding to include wildlife, landscapes and sports.

 Ten years ago, Barber began taking football and basketball photos at Boise State University as a media photographer for the Weiser Signal American. He has also shot photos for other publications and news media outlets.

 His media credentials include NCAA basketball tournaments, a White House press pool pass, and events such as the Boise Philharmonic and even a Curtis Stigers concert. 

 Barber started taking photos when film was still in use and he made the transition to digital cameras like every other photographer. 

 With film, seeing the results required waiting for the film to be processed, and it was more expensive. Digital allows an instant review of the photos to check the lighting and composition.

 Barber said he is self-taught. He has taken a few workshops on shooting wildlife and lighting. 

 He has his own photography business called Seven Rivers Photography. He has always used a Nikon camera. 

 “I just grew up with it. That’s really the only reason,” he said.

 Barber likes taking sports photos and the challenge that comes with capturing great action shots that happen in a fraction of a second. He has a few favorites, some of which are on display at Zions Bank. 

 “There is real rush to that,” he said.

 He was in just the right spot near the endzone to get a photo of Jay Ajayi getting his final touchdown as a Bronco in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl against the University of Arizona. Ajayi played for BSU from 2011-2014 and later was drafted into the NFL.

 Another photo that stands out in his mind was a Make-A-Wish kid who wanted to be an assistant football coach for the day for the Broncos. Chris Petersen was the head coach at the time at BSU.

 Barber was on the blue turf in 2011 when he snapped a few shots of the players coming onto the field for that game. The first person to come out of the fog was Shea McClellin holding the sick boy’s hand. 

 “That was cool,” Barber said.

 Barber also has some wildlife photos that are stunning in composition. Photographing the solar eclipse in Weiser was fun, and he has taken photos of lunar eclipse. Both were technically challenging.

 During his many years of shooting photos, Barber has learned a few things about composition and lighting and shutter speed. Getting difficult photos, such as shooting wildlife while out hiking, can be some of the most rewarding. 

 He’s also learned that some photos only come around once, and he encourages photos of family and milestones in life. Be persistent in getting the photo you want to get.

 “As we get older, quite often those photos trigger the best memories,” he said.