Scenes From the Rose Bowl 2026

New Years the last four years have almost felt like Groundhog’s Day. I fall asleep by 10pm (minus one year, I stayed out a little too late), wake up at 4:30am then drive to Pasadena to photograph the Rose Parade and then walk to the Rose Bowl to cover the Rose Bowl game. When I first started photographing the Rose Bowl I knew that I was lucky to get the access so I didn’t take the opportunity lightly. I usually get to the field, check in, eat some food and then I would go out to the tailgate to photograph the fans doing their things. This year was a little different. If anyone was watching the Rose Parade this year you know that it was rained out. Thank god I had a raincoat for my camera, but by the time the rain settled and I walked my way to the Rose Bowl I was beat. The tailgate was also muddy, and I just didn’t have the energy to make it out to the party. Instead I decided to eat a nice lunch, fill up on snacks, and just document the happenings on the field. These are their stories. Since I’m not a sports photographer by trade I feel like it gives me some freedom to explore the vibes of the field without the pressure of capturing all the in game action. That being said this year I did make some of my best football images of my career. They say practice makes perfect, and I can attest, because after four years I feel way more comfortable on the field. The Rose Bowl is one of the best ways to kick off the new year and I hope you like these images. Happy New Year everyone and I hope you guys create some of your best work in 2026. Carpe Diem.