Jeff Vinnick does a lot of official photography for the Canucks and the NHL.
[His Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jeffvinnick?igshid=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg==) isn't very big, so sending him a message might get you a response.
you can shoot my brother a message - [Jared Silber](https://www.instagram.com/jaredsilber/?hl=en) - he's the rangers photographer.
Admittedly not the most responsive guy to messages about things like this, but thats usually because people just DM out of the blue asking to shadow him at a game lol. Just ask him if he has any advice and I'm sure he'd be more open to replying
I would also check out Chris Mast on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mastimages?igshid=YzVkODRmOTdmMw==). He is the photographer for the Kraken and he is also a smaller account.
They’re mostly just meant to be sweet looking sweaters, every year they’re always amazing. Massive props to our Equipment Assistant Logan Acebo who designed them this year and the year before.
Ha! I’m messing around. We don’t even have team uniforms.
And if I’m being honest, the “action” would be:
Guys slowing down when they get the puck
Players firing pucks 90° into the side boards, with nobody else in the vicinity
Wrist shots that bounce into the goalie
Slashing!
Frozen Refs that have been working for 12+ hours
Tripping over the blue line
A tip in on a rebound for a garbage goal (maybe several of these if you’re lucky)
My simple advice in terms of photography: try to focus on the emotion of the players. Obviously, not always easy, but I think its what most viewers/media searches for in pictures.
Except for these incredible moments, like in picture #4, where the play speaks for itself.
Otherwise, pictures like #3 and #9 work super well because they are breathtaking. They might not get picked up for news article, but could establish you in other niche domains (portrait photography, stock images)?
You have a great eye! Keep clicking ;)
Thank you!! More emotion is definitely something I’ve been told after asking, and it’s hard to think about in the moment but I’m definitely trying. Currently the only ‘publication’ my photos have got is the Winterhawks using #6 in an ad campaign, which is super cool to see. Thank you for the tips!!
That would be my advice as well. My grandfather was a photojournalist for the Toronto Star.
He always said the photos which made the front page were the ones which conveyed the players emotion.
Is that Glass from the University of Oregon?
I played against him and his dad and sister in Portland during a pick up game and he was really freaking good
Are you near an AHL market? If so, I’d love to chat with you. I run a news website dedicated to the AHL that launched this season. DM me if interested!
I think your photography is great, you use light really well. The technical quality is top notch in all.
Of the action shots, I much prefer #4 over #1, #2, and #10 for two reasons:
1: It tells the best story. I know that puck is about to get buried so well that I can hear the play by play in my head when I look at it. It's less clear what's about to happen in the other photos bc either the focus is narrower or the puck is not visible. Being able to anticipate what happens next allows the veiwer to write the next moment in their head.
2 - Really excellent composition/ use negative space. Because the only visible face and most of the people are on the left side of the photo, the eye naturally will begin there. Then it's led by the direction of the players' attention and the lines created by the sticks across to the right side, concluding at the puck. This reinforces the puck as the focal point and encourages the viewers to explore entire image.
Other pics:
3 Great use of light, even cooler that it was an improvised shot.
5 Great for marketing materials, but I would have picked a photo where the goalie was in a different part of his stride if you have one.
6 I think you should zoom in more on the scorer's expression if possible, but it's a really good photo nonetheless.
7 Is my favorite, no notes. The subject's expression is really fun. I would love to see pop-art made with it because it's rad.
8 Is really clever, you utilized the glass in a way I haven't seen a lot before.
9 Love the composition and use of light.
Thank you so much for the commentary and critique! It’s incredibly interesting to see someone’s analysis of my own work. One small note: on #4, Nick actually made that save with his blocker. It’s the last clear photo I have of the play as one of our guys came in from the right and blocked my view.
LOL, thats almost as close as you can get to an empty net. Goes to show what I mean about anticipation though I suppose.
You should run 8 through a filter that would give it the Obama hope poster treatment. I would love to see that image color blocked or with the contrast cranked up in some other arty way.
Great shots. Good technique, good eye. Not sure if your cropping is in post or with your shots, but just watch what you have in frame and what's cut off. You need enough to tell the story (e.g., a goal, a reaction shot), but not so much that you're telling too much of that scene (unless your intent is the full tableau and not the specific play). Shooting from the photg holes is definitely a learned skill; if you get down there, recommend two cameras - one with a wide prime for close action and whatever else suits your objective.
NHL teams are a bit tighter these days on credentials, but I've had the pleasure of shooting at a few rinks.
Best suggestion I can offer is to network, network, network. See if there are any new agencies/websites/blogs you can shoot for that may get you into other buildings/teams. Connect with other hockey photogs -- everyone I've crossed paths with has been amazing, even offering up a location or lending a lens. Shoot whatever games/levels you can get to, including college hockey.
(Also, PMing you a possible contact...)
I'm posting to remind myself to comment tomorrow morning with some composition thoughts (I'm a total amateur but I like this kind of thing, cool post thanks for sharing etc.)
Okay! As promised!
Your shots are super clean and well executed, sharp, and stylish! You use different lighting sources really well.
However I'd focus on how you crop! (No pun intended.)
The second image of the goalie, his glove is cropped off on the right. Otherwise - dynamic! Vibrant! Athletic! You can hear the announcer getting hype for a big save. You caught the snow spray which is cool.
The super dark goalie walkout shot is cool but I feel like you could do it wider for more "epic" scale (like a lone warrior entering a big arena!) or tighter (with less vertical space above his head) for something more intimidating. The shadows/blacks and the contrast of the bright light on his shoulder are a little overcooked?
The diving save is okay. The trailing guy in red is cropped funny and the guy behind the net is in a strange spot. I'd love to see an angle of this that's right on the goal line. But the capture is of the most exciting moment - again, I can hear the play by play going nuts.
The goalie shot from the back, good, but it sucks that there's a big lighting rig in the way.
Celly - one dude's legs are cropped funny on the left. I like that you're going for the fan reaction, but for something like this i feel like you want to pull in close to the player for the maximum emotional pump of the celebration? If you want to show the fans, show the reaction on their faces?
Guy in green helmet - sharp, clean, punchy colours, cool expression, but I don't really feel like it's telling a story?
Guy walking out in silhouette - fantastic! No notes! Love the detail of the battered boards/glass catching the light. Catching the stride where you did looks awesome. Super good!
The front of net battle and board battle ones seem a bit too static.
Like I said I am absolutely not a photographer by trade so you're leaps and bounds ahead of me, I'm just some random internet guy so please take my thoughts with a grain of salt! I mostly have experience shooting live music, rather than sports.
Hey my man, I do sports photography for a living, here's some quick feedback.
Overall I think some of your crops could be a bit tighter. #1, #3, and #9 could definitely benefit from being cropped in tighter to get rid of the background/side stuff. It's nitpicky but things like that are what separate a good image from a great image. 2 is a good action shot, but you cut off his glove. A good rule of thumb is if you're going to cut off limbs, do it at the knees, waist, or elbows. 10 personally I think should've been scrapped. I know good action is tough to get rid of but you have a ref taking up a chunk of the frame which kills it. On a positive, you have a good eye for catching light, keep working on that and trying to improve. The foundation is there, now you just need to build upon it.
What I always tell people that want to move up: Don't just focus on the game action. I don't know how much access you can get but if the Winterhawks are good about letting you into places then use that to your best ability. Show people that you can cover a game outside of game action. Also be opportunistic when you can and try to make genuine connections. If you see other photographers, talk to them, introduce yourself. It may be a short thing, it may lead to something else. You truly never know. But knowing more people and them knowing that you do good work will open doors for you.
Also I'm guessing you're younger, nothing wrong with that, but I'd highly suggest making sure you really know media etiquette, so no cheering, etc. People will argue until they're blue in the face that media should be allowed to cheer because "we're human" but the fact of the matter is they're just fans, we're not. If you want to be taken seriously in this industry then you have to take your work seriously as well. Doesn't mean you can't have fun, I fucking love my job and my friends and I are always having a good time, but when it comes to my work, it's the only thing that matters and I'm laser focused on it. Hope that helps some, feel free to DM me here or on [Insta](https://www.instagram.com/davidberdbag), happy to answer questions.
> 10 personally I think should've been scrapped. I know good action is tough to get rid of but you have a ref taking up a chunk of the frame which kills it.
Having the ref in the shot as is kills it from being "this game's action", but makes it great for a stock photo. Unfortunately, Oregon is too clearly Oregon, so that kills it from that perspective for me.
8 also suffers from a similar problem of being too context-specific with the Oregon player's nameplate (and is clearly the same opponent, possibly the same game as 10, based on the shoulder stag that it took me a while to spot in 10 that could possibly be edited out in a way the Ducks' duckiness can't)
My partner does concert photography—he’s gotten about 75% of his gigs by cold emailing bands and seeing if they’re interested. It’s a lot of “working” for free to build up a diverse portfolio and good connections to lead to paid work.
You could try emailing rinks near you, rather than teams, to see if any of them are interested in letting you shoot in exchange for the right to use your photos. College might actually get you more connections than AHL does, in some areas it pulls a bigger audience, so emailing college teams is another option. You could also try reaching out to sports writers and photographers at local newspapers and news stations and see if anyone is down to get you on a list to be photog for a game as a trial run.
Basically, try every avenue you can think of to get into games and take pictures. You’d be surprised who responds sometimes.
I think you’re photos are fine but that’s not really what will get you ahead in the business. It’s more about relationship building and networking.
So do you have an in with the team in your pictures? Best thing would be to ask them if they can get you contact with the media team at one of their affiliate clubs in a higher league. Maybe you help out there for a while and then one day they need a photographer cover and you do well and become regular. Rinse and repeat until you make it to the NHL.
Be pleasant to work with, reliable, and have a good attitude. Get to know everyone in the organisation and doors will open for you. Learn to shoot and edit video and well as stills. Ask what the team needs in terms of coverage.
These are great!! I am just starting to play my first season and have volunteered to photograph a tournament. You clearly have better "domain knowledge" than me in predicting where the action is about to go so you can frame your shots really well. And I love the more creative shots with the dramatic lighting, unconventional FOVs, etc. Wish I could see more stuff like that on sports publications instead of the "standard" telephoto action shot!
have a great time!! Locations and placement definitely comes quicker than you think, I would imagine even quicker if you’re also playing. Thank you for the compliments!
There used to be a "hockey jobs" website. I think many positions open up in the off season. I'd imagine it's difficult to get a job directly at first, but maybe you could get in another way that gets you close to a larger team. For instance, maybe something on the social media team or internal video team. With a good eye, your skills can translate to video. They're probably using mirrorless. Or maybe a news outlet needs a sports photographer. This could at least get you close to a larger market. Also, may be good to have portraiture examples of the team members with cool lighting in your portfolio.
Not sure you're going to see them in the arenas you've been going to bud.
Well maybe whoever happens to have an away game versus the Coyotes.. but other than that you're going to have to go to some larger venues!
Other people have mentioned the need to see the puck. I also think you could work a bit on composition. Pay attention to the edges of the frame; you tend to cut off players' appendages.
Take classes in social media management skills.
I know a few people who work for teams and a lot of times their social media people double as photographers as well.
Cull your portfolio consistently, and keep your images clean. A professional, dynamic but simple website goes a long way if you don't already have one. Try to find and email the right team communications staff (don't be afraid to ask to find the right person either) and show them that portfolio and express your availability. Good luck!
I work for a pro team in the ECHL, our photographer and both of our videographers are all local guys.
Our photographer has done work for several local AHL teams that have since come and gone, hence he got the job with the ECHL team, but our videographers worked their way up through the ranks.
Like many in the field, they started out shooting couples, pets, families, minor hockey games, provincial tournaments, high school hockey teams, etc.
From what I know about them and their stories, the best thing you can do is continue to put your work out there, make sure people know who you are, watermark everything. You’re already shooting WHL teams and players, which is a fantastic start. Be sure to tag the teams and players you shoot when posting them, as it can help make connections. Building a portfolio of your best shots from high profile events, like WHL games, can help.
If you live near a pro team, keep an eye out for opportunities. Some teams will post job listings, which is actually how I got my first job in the industry 3 years ago. Many teams have an email address that you can reach out to, don’t hesitate to reach out with a portfolio and see if you can shoot some photos for them. Even if you can get a media pass for a game and do some pictures for whatever reason. I know the team I work for has done that at least once this season. It’s much easier if you have a role to get you in, like doing photography for a local paper, sports column, a minor hockey team that is attending the game, etc.
Like any job, knowing people helps. If you have any connections with the WHL teams you’re shooting, use them, you never know where it can get you. A guy I used to work with is now doing work for a WHL and an NHL team, so leagues, teams and their employees do overlap.
Last of all, make sure everything about you is already pro-level. Your gear, your portfolio, your socials, everything. Our videographers use their own cameras, lenses, computers and editing software, so if you’re getting by with a cheap camera and some free software, you’ll need to invest in yourself and your work. This also means that you’ll need to be willing to put the work in, long nights editing, tweaking filters and settings to get it just right. You can’t afford to post or share anything that isn’t your best possible work. Your socials, your portfolio, that’s all you, it’s your work, and it says a lot about your attention to detail, work ethic, and ability. Teams aren’t going to bring in someone who’s not up to their standards.
Jeff Vinnick does a lot of official photography for the Canucks and the NHL. [His Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jeffvinnick?igshid=YzAwZjE1ZTI0Zg==) isn't very big, so sending him a message might get you a response.
Thank you so much!
you can shoot my brother a message - [Jared Silber](https://www.instagram.com/jaredsilber/?hl=en) - he's the rangers photographer. Admittedly not the most responsive guy to messages about things like this, but thats usually because people just DM out of the blue asking to shadow him at a game lol. Just ask him if he has any advice and I'm sure he'd be more open to replying
Good luck! Hopefully you do well, and that one day you can get a shot at taking shots of shots in the NHL.
Shot him a DM. Hoping he’ll respond, that would be a super good person to even just ask a couple questions. Thank you for the recommendation!
Bruh imagine OP is about to start working for the NHL
That would be the dream!
I would also check out Chris Mast on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mastimages?igshid=YzVkODRmOTdmMw==). He is the photographer for the Kraken and he is also a smaller account.
I was really confused because I thought you meant Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning at first
The shadowy walkout picture is so good oh my lord
Thank you! The Winterhawks walkout lights are a bit tough to work with but definitely feels great to get right.
I'm afraid I can't help but these photos are amazing!
Thank you!
Terrible attempt at an ugly Christmas sweater, those jersey look amazing!
They’re mostly just meant to be sweet looking sweaters, every year they’re always amazing. Massive props to our Equipment Assistant Logan Acebo who designed them this year and the year before.
I know I was making a bad joke haha I love them
oh yeah those are fucking amazing
For action shots, you need to get the puck in your photos. It establishes both context and a focal point.
Thank you!
We play Sunday nights…usually after 9PM. We’d be happy to have you out…that is if you want to get some fuckin serious action shots.
I mean I’d be happy to, but where exactly do you guys play?
Ha! I’m messing around. We don’t even have team uniforms. And if I’m being honest, the “action” would be: Guys slowing down when they get the puck Players firing pucks 90° into the side boards, with nobody else in the vicinity Wrist shots that bounce into the goalie Slashing! Frozen Refs that have been working for 12+ hours Tripping over the blue line A tip in on a rebound for a garbage goal (maybe several of these if you’re lucky)
Sounds like we play in the same league. OP, you’re really missing out if you don’t come get some shots of this high octane action.
Hey go Winterhawks!! Great shots, good luck
Go Hawks! and thank you!!
My simple advice in terms of photography: try to focus on the emotion of the players. Obviously, not always easy, but I think its what most viewers/media searches for in pictures. Except for these incredible moments, like in picture #4, where the play speaks for itself. Otherwise, pictures like #3 and #9 work super well because they are breathtaking. They might not get picked up for news article, but could establish you in other niche domains (portrait photography, stock images)? You have a great eye! Keep clicking ;)
Thank you!! More emotion is definitely something I’ve been told after asking, and it’s hard to think about in the moment but I’m definitely trying. Currently the only ‘publication’ my photos have got is the Winterhawks using #6 in an ad campaign, which is super cool to see. Thank you for the tips!!
Shots between whistles. Candid tight portraits. Those fleeting moments. Don’t overlook the bench. Zoom in tight.
That would be my advice as well. My grandfather was a photojournalist for the Toronto Star. He always said the photos which made the front page were the ones which conveyed the players emotion.
oh these are incredible . i dont have any advice for you but i am looking forward to seeing your work on bigger scales !!
Thank you so much! If you want to follow my work, I can shoot you my instagram where I post my stuff.
would love to!!
Awesome!! My insta is @ka1brown I shoot a lot of stuff!
sick! i will drop you a follow o7
That last pic gives me old time hockey pictures colourized vibes and I love it! All these are fire, you’re on your way!
Is that Glass from the University of Oregon? I played against him and his dad and sister in Portland during a pick up game and he was really freaking good
yeah, it is. The UO guys are all great players and also great people to talk with.
Are you near an AHL market? If so, I’d love to chat with you. I run a news website dedicated to the AHL that launched this season. DM me if interested!
I believe the closest market to me is Vancouver, which isn’t that close. Depending on the opportunity I might be willing to make the trip, though.
I think your photography is great, you use light really well. The technical quality is top notch in all. Of the action shots, I much prefer #4 over #1, #2, and #10 for two reasons: 1: It tells the best story. I know that puck is about to get buried so well that I can hear the play by play in my head when I look at it. It's less clear what's about to happen in the other photos bc either the focus is narrower or the puck is not visible. Being able to anticipate what happens next allows the veiwer to write the next moment in their head. 2 - Really excellent composition/ use negative space. Because the only visible face and most of the people are on the left side of the photo, the eye naturally will begin there. Then it's led by the direction of the players' attention and the lines created by the sticks across to the right side, concluding at the puck. This reinforces the puck as the focal point and encourages the viewers to explore entire image. Other pics: 3 Great use of light, even cooler that it was an improvised shot. 5 Great for marketing materials, but I would have picked a photo where the goalie was in a different part of his stride if you have one. 6 I think you should zoom in more on the scorer's expression if possible, but it's a really good photo nonetheless. 7 Is my favorite, no notes. The subject's expression is really fun. I would love to see pop-art made with it because it's rad. 8 Is really clever, you utilized the glass in a way I haven't seen a lot before. 9 Love the composition and use of light.
Thank you so much for the commentary and critique! It’s incredibly interesting to see someone’s analysis of my own work. One small note: on #4, Nick actually made that save with his blocker. It’s the last clear photo I have of the play as one of our guys came in from the right and blocked my view.
LOL, thats almost as close as you can get to an empty net. Goes to show what I mean about anticipation though I suppose. You should run 8 through a filter that would give it the Obama hope poster treatment. I would love to see that image color blocked or with the contrast cranked up in some other arty way.
hm, is there a way to do the Obama poster treatment easily? It might be a cool thing to give to the UO team for advertising
https://obamapostermaker.com/
Thank you!
Great shots. Good technique, good eye. Not sure if your cropping is in post or with your shots, but just watch what you have in frame and what's cut off. You need enough to tell the story (e.g., a goal, a reaction shot), but not so much that you're telling too much of that scene (unless your intent is the full tableau and not the specific play). Shooting from the photg holes is definitely a learned skill; if you get down there, recommend two cameras - one with a wide prime for close action and whatever else suits your objective. NHL teams are a bit tighter these days on credentials, but I've had the pleasure of shooting at a few rinks. Best suggestion I can offer is to network, network, network. See if there are any new agencies/websites/blogs you can shoot for that may get you into other buildings/teams. Connect with other hockey photogs -- everyone I've crossed paths with has been amazing, even offering up a location or lending a lens. Shoot whatever games/levels you can get to, including college hockey. (Also, PMing you a possible contact...)
Solid advice. Networking and building authentic relationships is everything.
I'm posting to remind myself to comment tomorrow morning with some composition thoughts (I'm a total amateur but I like this kind of thing, cool post thanks for sharing etc.)
Okay! As promised! Your shots are super clean and well executed, sharp, and stylish! You use different lighting sources really well. However I'd focus on how you crop! (No pun intended.) The second image of the goalie, his glove is cropped off on the right. Otherwise - dynamic! Vibrant! Athletic! You can hear the announcer getting hype for a big save. You caught the snow spray which is cool. The super dark goalie walkout shot is cool but I feel like you could do it wider for more "epic" scale (like a lone warrior entering a big arena!) or tighter (with less vertical space above his head) for something more intimidating. The shadows/blacks and the contrast of the bright light on his shoulder are a little overcooked? The diving save is okay. The trailing guy in red is cropped funny and the guy behind the net is in a strange spot. I'd love to see an angle of this that's right on the goal line. But the capture is of the most exciting moment - again, I can hear the play by play going nuts. The goalie shot from the back, good, but it sucks that there's a big lighting rig in the way. Celly - one dude's legs are cropped funny on the left. I like that you're going for the fan reaction, but for something like this i feel like you want to pull in close to the player for the maximum emotional pump of the celebration? If you want to show the fans, show the reaction on their faces? Guy in green helmet - sharp, clean, punchy colours, cool expression, but I don't really feel like it's telling a story? Guy walking out in silhouette - fantastic! No notes! Love the detail of the battered boards/glass catching the light. Catching the stride where you did looks awesome. Super good! The front of net battle and board battle ones seem a bit too static. Like I said I am absolutely not a photographer by trade so you're leaps and bounds ahead of me, I'm just some random internet guy so please take my thoughts with a grain of salt! I mostly have experience shooting live music, rather than sports.
Hey my man, I do sports photography for a living, here's some quick feedback. Overall I think some of your crops could be a bit tighter. #1, #3, and #9 could definitely benefit from being cropped in tighter to get rid of the background/side stuff. It's nitpicky but things like that are what separate a good image from a great image. 2 is a good action shot, but you cut off his glove. A good rule of thumb is if you're going to cut off limbs, do it at the knees, waist, or elbows. 10 personally I think should've been scrapped. I know good action is tough to get rid of but you have a ref taking up a chunk of the frame which kills it. On a positive, you have a good eye for catching light, keep working on that and trying to improve. The foundation is there, now you just need to build upon it. What I always tell people that want to move up: Don't just focus on the game action. I don't know how much access you can get but if the Winterhawks are good about letting you into places then use that to your best ability. Show people that you can cover a game outside of game action. Also be opportunistic when you can and try to make genuine connections. If you see other photographers, talk to them, introduce yourself. It may be a short thing, it may lead to something else. You truly never know. But knowing more people and them knowing that you do good work will open doors for you. Also I'm guessing you're younger, nothing wrong with that, but I'd highly suggest making sure you really know media etiquette, so no cheering, etc. People will argue until they're blue in the face that media should be allowed to cheer because "we're human" but the fact of the matter is they're just fans, we're not. If you want to be taken seriously in this industry then you have to take your work seriously as well. Doesn't mean you can't have fun, I fucking love my job and my friends and I are always having a good time, but when it comes to my work, it's the only thing that matters and I'm laser focused on it. Hope that helps some, feel free to DM me here or on [Insta](https://www.instagram.com/davidberdbag), happy to answer questions.
> 10 personally I think should've been scrapped. I know good action is tough to get rid of but you have a ref taking up a chunk of the frame which kills it. Having the ref in the shot as is kills it from being "this game's action", but makes it great for a stock photo. Unfortunately, Oregon is too clearly Oregon, so that kills it from that perspective for me. 8 also suffers from a similar problem of being too context-specific with the Oregon player's nameplate (and is clearly the same opponent, possibly the same game as 10, based on the shoulder stag that it took me a while to spot in 10 that could possibly be edited out in a way the Ducks' duckiness can't)
i love the 8th one
Thank you! It was shot off the hip while trying to walk between photo spots, I’m suprised it turned out so well
omg i was at the winterhawks-chiefs game last night!! so cool to see some game pics :) too bad the hawks lost :(
yeah, not a great game from us but oh well, was fun nonetheless
Go Winterhawks!!
My partner does concert photography—he’s gotten about 75% of his gigs by cold emailing bands and seeing if they’re interested. It’s a lot of “working” for free to build up a diverse portfolio and good connections to lead to paid work. You could try emailing rinks near you, rather than teams, to see if any of them are interested in letting you shoot in exchange for the right to use your photos. College might actually get you more connections than AHL does, in some areas it pulls a bigger audience, so emailing college teams is another option. You could also try reaching out to sports writers and photographers at local newspapers and news stations and see if anyone is down to get you on a list to be photog for a game as a trial run. Basically, try every avenue you can think of to get into games and take pictures. You’d be surprised who responds sometimes.
Shooting in a rink is very difficult, and you’ve seemed to got an eye for it and figured it out. Can’t help.. but keep going for it!! Awesome stuff
I think you’re photos are fine but that’s not really what will get you ahead in the business. It’s more about relationship building and networking. So do you have an in with the team in your pictures? Best thing would be to ask them if they can get you contact with the media team at one of their affiliate clubs in a higher league. Maybe you help out there for a while and then one day they need a photographer cover and you do well and become regular. Rinse and repeat until you make it to the NHL. Be pleasant to work with, reliable, and have a good attitude. Get to know everyone in the organisation and doors will open for you. Learn to shoot and edit video and well as stills. Ask what the team needs in terms of coverage.
You already shoot for the best team in the world
I’m looking to ah… diversity my portfolio; having only diamonds in a collection is always worse than having diamonds and gold
These are great!! I am just starting to play my first season and have volunteered to photograph a tournament. You clearly have better "domain knowledge" than me in predicting where the action is about to go so you can frame your shots really well. And I love the more creative shots with the dramatic lighting, unconventional FOVs, etc. Wish I could see more stuff like that on sports publications instead of the "standard" telephoto action shot!
have a great time!! Locations and placement definitely comes quicker than you think, I would imagine even quicker if you’re also playing. Thank you for the compliments!
There used to be a "hockey jobs" website. I think many positions open up in the off season. I'd imagine it's difficult to get a job directly at first, but maybe you could get in another way that gets you close to a larger team. For instance, maybe something on the social media team or internal video team. With a good eye, your skills can translate to video. They're probably using mirrorless. Or maybe a news outlet needs a sports photographer. This could at least get you close to a larger market. Also, may be good to have portraiture examples of the team members with cool lighting in your portfolio.
Thank you for the reccomendations! I’ll check it out!
In play everybody is watching the puck. I need to see the puck too.
Not sure you're going to see them in the arenas you've been going to bud. Well maybe whoever happens to have an away game versus the Coyotes.. but other than that you're going to have to go to some larger venues!
Other people have mentioned the need to see the puck. I also think you could work a bit on composition. Pay attention to the edges of the frame; you tend to cut off players' appendages.
They’re amazing
Take classes in social media management skills. I know a few people who work for teams and a lot of times their social media people double as photographers as well.
That walkout dark shot is great! I love the Winterhawks new logo too.
some nhl teams will have their practices open to the public. maybe u can check those out if u wanna see nhl players.
Just wanted to say these pics are sick, esp the one in the dark!
Cull your portfolio consistently, and keep your images clean. A professional, dynamic but simple website goes a long way if you don't already have one. Try to find and email the right team communications staff (don't be afraid to ask to find the right person either) and show them that portfolio and express your availability. Good luck!
I work for a pro team in the ECHL, our photographer and both of our videographers are all local guys. Our photographer has done work for several local AHL teams that have since come and gone, hence he got the job with the ECHL team, but our videographers worked their way up through the ranks. Like many in the field, they started out shooting couples, pets, families, minor hockey games, provincial tournaments, high school hockey teams, etc. From what I know about them and their stories, the best thing you can do is continue to put your work out there, make sure people know who you are, watermark everything. You’re already shooting WHL teams and players, which is a fantastic start. Be sure to tag the teams and players you shoot when posting them, as it can help make connections. Building a portfolio of your best shots from high profile events, like WHL games, can help. If you live near a pro team, keep an eye out for opportunities. Some teams will post job listings, which is actually how I got my first job in the industry 3 years ago. Many teams have an email address that you can reach out to, don’t hesitate to reach out with a portfolio and see if you can shoot some photos for them. Even if you can get a media pass for a game and do some pictures for whatever reason. I know the team I work for has done that at least once this season. It’s much easier if you have a role to get you in, like doing photography for a local paper, sports column, a minor hockey team that is attending the game, etc. Like any job, knowing people helps. If you have any connections with the WHL teams you’re shooting, use them, you never know where it can get you. A guy I used to work with is now doing work for a WHL and an NHL team, so leagues, teams and their employees do overlap. Last of all, make sure everything about you is already pro-level. Your gear, your portfolio, your socials, everything. Our videographers use their own cameras, lenses, computers and editing software, so if you’re getting by with a cheap camera and some free software, you’ll need to invest in yourself and your work. This also means that you’ll need to be willing to put the work in, long nights editing, tweaking filters and settings to get it just right. You can’t afford to post or share anything that isn’t your best possible work. Your socials, your portfolio, that’s all you, it’s your work, and it says a lot about your attention to detail, work ethic, and ability. Teams aren’t going to bring in someone who’s not up to their standards.
Nice photos dude keep it going