John Saunders isn’t a photographer by trade, but he recently got an experience that could change any photographer’s career.

Saunders, a Bellevue resident, was the winner of the first in a series of six Shoot Like a Pro drawings that allow an individual to be on the sidelines and shoot a Seattle Seahawks home game with a new Canon EOS Rebel T2i camera.

Saunders witnessed the kick off to the 2010 season, a resounding victory over the division favorite San Francisco 49ers Sept. 12.

Saunders entered his information on the Seahawks website and received a call shortly after notifying him he won the drawing.

“I was shocked, and I didn’t believe it was real that they were going to give me a camera and send me to the game,” he said. “I was kind of in disbelief.”

Saunders is a videographer with a background in sports journalism. He said he’s done some photography, shooting football games he reported on in the past, but it hasn’t been a primary focus.

Saunders, who was born in Seattle and has lived in Bellevue the majority of his life, grew up a Seahawks fan. He played football at O’Dea High School in Seattle and came of age watching Brian Bosworth and the Seahawks back in the AFC West days. For a life-long fan, who has seen stadiums, players and Super Bowl runs come and go, the ability to get out on the field for the Seahawks’ decisive win over the rival San Francisco 49ers was a great moment.

“It was amazing,” he said. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. You’re right there. Basically when they come out onto the field at the beginning, you’re standing right next to them; it’s surreal.”

But Saunders didn’t let the thousands of screaming fans and the atmosphere of the first NFL Sunday get in his way; he got to work. Saunders left Qwest Field that day with more than 300 photos. He submitted several to the Seahawks’ website. Each of the six winners are entered into a contest for the best photographer, with the winner receiving a VIP pass for the Seahawk practice facility in Renton.

Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.

Shoot like a Pro

Five opportunities to gain access to the sidelines of a Seahawks home game remain this season. To enter the contest, visit the Seattle Seahawks website and enter some basic information. The remaining games are as follows.

Sept. 26 vs. San Diego Chargers

Oct. 24 vs. Arizona Cardinals

Nov. 7 vs. New York Giants

Nov. 28 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Dec. 5 vs. Carolina Panthers