Some of the best sports photos don’t happen during the game. Action photography is a huge part of what I do, but there’s another side of sports photography that I really enjoy — creating dramatic portraits that make an athlete look and feel like the star of the show. These aren’t your traditional stand-in-a-line-and-smile sports pictures. Dynamic sports portraits are designed around the athlete. We can use their uniform, equipment, personality, and even their position to create something completely different from the typical team photo. One of the ways I create that look is with off-camera lighting. By controlling the light instead of simply relying on whatever light happens to be available, I can create more depth, bring out details in the uniform and equipment, and give the image that dramatic look you see in professional sports photography and advertising. But the lighting is only part of it. The pose, expression, camera angle, and athlete’s personality all play a role. A softball pitcher holding the ball and staring into the camera should feel different from a catcher geared up behind the plate. A soccer player can be photographed with the ball at their feet, while a football or basketball player may call for an entirely different look. And they don’t always have to be completely still. We can incorporate controlled movement without photographing an actual game — a bat coming through a swing, a ball being tossed into the air, a soccer player working with the ball, or an athlete creating a little motion with their uniform or equipment. Because we’re able to set up the shot, we have much more control over the lighting, background, pose, and final result. That gives us the opportunity to create something specifically for that athlete rather than simply waiting for the right moment to happen during a game. These sessions also work extremely well when you want something more than digital photos. A dramatic portrait can become the centerpiece of a custom poster, banner, trading card, memory mate, or wall print. We can even combine posed portraits with action images from the season to create something completely unique. Game-day photography captures what your athlete does. Dynamic sports portraits give us a chance to showcase who your athlete is. If you’re looking for something different from the traditional sports picture, let’s create it. Whether you have a specific idea in mind or want me to help develop the concept, we can build a session around your athlete and create images that stand out.