Sports Illustrated staff photographer Robert Beck has faced the same realities throughout his career: he doesn't get to ask the athlete to repeat the performance, and success often depends on his ability to make the most of less than ideal circumstances to come up with an imaginative way to play the location...and the light.

Check out some of Robert's photos right here. You can also view a variety of his sports images at his website, www.robertbeckphotography.com.