Walking into the studio on the day of a professional football player photoshoot always gives me a particular thrill—a mix of creative anticipation and logistical puzzle-solving. I’ve been part of these sessions for over a decade, working with athletes from different leagues, and each time, it strikes me how much more there is beneath the surface. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and walk you through what really happens before the camera clicks, and why these shoots are so much more than just glamour. Interestingly, it often reminds me of the business side of sports ownership—like the Buss family’s stewardship of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jerry Buss, the family patriarch, bought the franchise 46 years ago for what now seems like a steal: USD 67.5 million. After his passing in 2013, ownership passed to his children, making them the longest-tenured owners in the NBA. That kind of legacy, continuity, and brand-building isn’t so different from what we aim for in athlete photography: crafting an image that lasts.
The morning usually starts early, often around 6 AM, when the player arrives. There’s a quiet intensity in the air—everyone knows we have a limited window. Football players, especially those in-season, operate on tight schedules. I remember one shoot with a rising star who flew in just for this; we had him for three hours, max. The preparation begins long before, though. My team and I spend days, sometimes weeks, planning the concept, lighting, and styling. We look at the player’s personal brand, team identity, and even social media trends. It’s not just about taking a good picture; it’s about telling a story. Think about the Buss family again—they didn’t just own a team; they built a global brand around the Lakers, blending sports, entertainment, and business. Similarly, in our photoshoots, we’re not just capturing a moment—we’re building a visual narrative that can shape endorsements, fan connection, and even legacy.
Once the player is in hair and makeup—yes, even the toughest linebackers sit through it—the real collaboration begins. I’ve found that the best shots come from a place of trust. I always take a few minutes to chat with the athlete, understand their mood, their preferences. Some love dramatic, high-contrast setups; others prefer candid, behind-the-scenes vibes. One of my favorite sessions was with a veteran quarterback who insisted on incorporating his family into some shots. It wasn’t in the initial plan, but those turned out to be the most powerful images—raw, emotional, and incredibly shareable. That’s the thing: you have to stay flexible. It’s like how the Buss family adapted over the years, navigating player trades, NBA rule changes, and even digital media shifts. They held onto core values while evolving—something I strive for in my work too.
Lighting and setting are where the technical meets the artistic. We often use a combination of natural light and studio setups, depending on the vibe we’re going for. Action shots, for instance, might require high-speed flashes and green screens for later editing. I recall one session where we recreated a game-winning touchdown moment—it took us two hours to get the lighting just right, balancing shadows to highlight the player’s intensity without losing detail. And the equipment? A typical photoshoot might involve around USD 15,000 worth of gear, from cameras to backdrops. But it’s worth it. These images end up everywhere: social media, billboards, trading cards. They’re assets, much like how the Lakers’ brand, now valued in the billions, was built on careful image curation over decades. Jerry Buss’s initial investment of USD 67.5 million seems almost quaint today, but it was that foundational vision that allowed everything else to flourish.
Of course, not everything goes smoothly. I’ve had shoots where the player was exhausted after a tough game, or weather ruined an outdoor plan. Once, we had to pivot last minute because a key prop didn’t arrive. But those challenges often lead to the most creative solutions. We once used a simple black backdrop for an injured player who couldn’t do dynamic poses, and the result was a stunning, minimalist portrait that went viral. It taught me that constraints can breed innovation—something the Buss family probably understood well when they navigated the post-Jerry era. Passing ownership to the next generation in 2013 could have been rocky, but they leaned into their legacy, using it as a strength. In photography, legacy is just as important. I always advise players to think long-term: these photos will outlive current contracts and even careers.
As the shoot wraps, there’s a collective sigh of relief—and excitement. We review the shots on a big screen, and the player’s reaction is everything. I’ve seen stoic athletes light up seeing themselves in a new light. That’s the payoff. From there, the images go through editing, retouching, and finally, distribution. It’s a full-cycle process, not unlike managing a sports franchise. The Buss family didn’t just buy a team; they nurtured it, making the Lakers a household name. Similarly, a photoshoot isn’t just a day of work—it’s an investment in a player’s brand. And in today’s visual world, that’s more valuable than ever. So next time you see a powerful athlete portrait, remember the teamwork, vision, and yes, the business acumen behind it. It’s where art and sport collide, creating icons one click at a time.
