This past summer, we rolled out the red carpet for Manchester United to celebrate their first trip to the US in five years. As part of the preseason Summer Tour ‘23, presented by Snapdragon, we gave Snapdragon Insiders a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with the Manchester United social media team and fulfill photography challenges posed by MU players with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, powered by Snapdragon® technology.
We caught up with Wayne, Jason, and Surin and they gave us a recap of their match day experience.
Can you describe your experience in three words?
Wayne Jason Gilbert: Really freaking amazing.
Jason Cockerham: Chance of a lifetime. Can I sneak a participle in there?
Surin Kim: An unforgettable trip.
What was your first reaction when you learned you would be participating in the challenge?
Wayne: I couldn’t believe it. I was like, wow, I can’t believe this is happening.
Jason: I never really get picked to do anything like this, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was just thinking, “This is really happening, I’m not dreaming.”
Surin: I was so excited. I told all my friends and family about it once I found out!
What is your favorite #ShotOnSnapdragon photo you took during the photography challenge?
Wayne: I think my favorite photo was the one I captured at MetLife Stadium of a father and son, having a special moment together. And they actually contacted me through Instagram. I couldn't believe they found the photo online.
Jason: I got to invite a really good friend of mine that I hadn't seen in a while to join me at the match. I took a picture of him in the stands holding the two tacos that we were gonna eat. He loves to cook, so it was really cool to capture that moment with him and eat some good food.
Surin: Probably the "GOAL" screen at the Snapdragon Stadium!
What camera feature of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra do you like best?
Wayne: My favorite camera feature is the pro mode, because I love to take street photos, and I love to capture scenes that are unfolding with people on the street. So that is my favorite mode to use.
Jason: I love macro photography and getting to zoom in and highlight beautiful small details.
Surin: The crazy zoom feature! It doesn't compromise the photo quality. Amazing!
Did you get some good in-game shots?
Wayne: The match was excellent. My son and I just love the game. It was so much fun to be there. I captured so many photos. A lot of them are highlighted on X and some were featured on the Snapdragon Instagram as well.
Surin: The match was amazing. A dream come true for a Manchester United fan, for sure! I got some good shots of the game and spectators as well.
What was it like to connect with fellow Snapdragon Insiders and soccer fans?
Wayne: It was definitely a 10/10 experience.
Jason: It was a lot of fun, getting to be there and just experience the moment.
Surin: It was great to get to know people with similar interests as me, and to spend time with them. I think sharing the thrill and excitement with one another throughout the trip was truly great.
Do you have a favorite souvenir from match day? A favorite moment?
Wayne: Definitely the video we shot because I look back and think, wow, I can't believe I was actually featured for Snapdragon. I also got a team jacket, which I'm very proud of.
Jason: They gave me a jersey, and that was a hugely unexpected surprise. It’s going to be a great keepsake to have.
Surin: A favorite moment would definitely be when I filmed a short match-day clip with Manchester United and had the honor of being featured on the team's instagram page!
What advice would you give to aspiring mobile photographers?
Wayne: Always keep shooting, always think outside the box, and always try new things. Don’t let anybody bring you down, and always go out there to take the best pictures you can share.
Jason: Don't be afraid to capture what you think is beautiful, even if you think that nobody else is going to like it. Photography is about recognizing what you see in the world and sharing that with other people. Shoot what makes you happy.
Surin: Snapdragon technology can take your photography to another level. I'm sure there are still so many features I haven't unlocked, and I'm excited to continue using my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to take more amazing photos in the future!
What’s the best part of being a Snapdragon Insider?
Wayne: The community and how everybody treats everybody respectfully.
Jason: Being part of a community where I know I can ask a question and nobody’s going to be rude or dismissive. Everybody wants to support and help each other, and you really don’t see that in other communities.
Surin: So many fun events, gatherings, and opportunities to expand my interests in various industries.
Thanks again to Wayne, Jason, and Surin for sharing their Manchester United memories with us! Keep an eye on our social media for more contests and chances to win unforgettable experiences with Snapdragon.
Whose #ShotonSnapdragon match day photos are your favorite? Did you have the chance to attend the Manchester United tour too? Join the conversation on Discord!
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