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Surviving Sports PhotographySports photography.More Like This
This category of photojournalism is one of the most sought after positions in professional photography. VIP access to pro athletes, frontline seats, locker room interviews, and a paycheck to photograph the whole experience year after year?!!
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Sign me up!!
Well, that's how my story began anyway. Years ago, I made the mistake of going to a pro hockey game and within three hours fell madly in love with the smell of ice and the sound of blades. I left the building thinking to myself (and telling anyone who would listen to the ravings of a madwoman): "There has to be some way I can be involved in this for the rest of my life." What actually happened after that night is one of the wildest stories I've ever told and it's still a crazy ride. But getting on that ride and staying on is tricky.
So here's what I've learned so far about actually surviving sports photography
Some General Tips for Selling your Photos...that we sometimes seem to forget.More Like This
As a sports photographer, I'm actually a freelancer and I work independently for multiple teams. I do not work for a paper or a magazine and, as a result, my gear is neither supplied nor insured by them. Not only do I foot the entire bill for very expensive equipment, but I'm responsible for repairs, and the gas and the car or the airfare and the hotel to get to any event I plan on shooting. I'm also responsible for my own medical care if I get sick or hurt, my own food, everything. It's expensive and if I don't make money off of this then all I end up with is an obscenely expensive hobby. Yes, my most significant clients are the teams, leagues, and publications...but guess what? They're not my bread and butter.
Hit the Pavement.
I don't know about you guys, but the term "hit the pavement" when used as an expression around here means to be proactive about finding work. For me, thi
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