Featured image: Daniel Gajdamowicz

Some seasons, being a fan can involve a lot of work. Here’s a look back at the work of the fan in the 2012 season through the pictures of PSP’s six staff photographers: Barb Colligon, Daniel Gajdamowicz, Earl Gardner, Michael Long, Paul Rudderow and Nicolae Stoian.

The work of the fan…

The work of the fan begins before kickoff.
Photo: Earl Gardner

It can take place before game day.
Photo: Barb Colligon

It can involve a certain sense of fashion.
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

It may involve some running…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…or some passing drills…
Photo: Paul Rudderow

…and perhaps the occasional drink.
Photo: Barb Colligon

Disbelief will sometimes be called for…
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

…sometimes more often than seems right.
Photo: Paul Rudderow

Role reversals may occur.
Photo: Earl Gardner

And sometimes so will the wonderfully unexpected.
Photo: Earl Gardner

An umbrella may be required.
Photo: Barb Colligon

A certain flexibility will be appreciated.
Photo: Earl Gardner

The benefits can be greater than expected.
Photo: Barb Colligon

The work of  the fan may involve some travel…

Be it preseason in Orlando…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…down to Maryland for an Open Cup match against DC…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…up to Reading…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…out to Hershey for a friendly against Harrisburg City Islanders…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…down to Houston…
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

…across the border to Montreal…
Photo: Michael Long

…down to DC…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…or up to New England.
Photo: Barb Colligon

And always…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…always, always…
Photo: Barb Colligon

…to Red Bull Arena.
Photo: Barb Colligon

The work of the fan may involve having to say goodbye…

Some the goodbyes may be known to be coming.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Others may still in the future.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Others still may be almost too shocking to believe.
Photo: Earl Gardner

And when a farewell can’t properly be made, a trip to a hated rival to show one’s continued support to a Union original may be in order.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Thankfully, there are always new favorites to embrace
Photo: Earl Gardner

The work of the fan is more than one season…

Songs must be sung.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

Good humor will be required.
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

And the solidarity…
Photo: Paul Rudderow

…connectedness…
Photo: Nicolae Stoian

…tenderness…
Photo: Michael Long

…pride…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…wonder…
Photo: Paul Rudderow

…passion…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…zeal…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…and joy are all in a day’s work.
Photo: Earl Gardner

Jungite…
Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

…aut…
Photo: Earl Gardner

…perite.
Photo: Barb Colligon