So i’m a relatively amateur photographer and right now I’m starting to build my portfolio by an instagram account. The account is @lasatsuei if anyone’s interested I would appreciate a critique on what I have so far.
Honestly, it’s one of my dreams to capture an NBA game. At least one game in my lifetime, and I really want to know if anyone here knows how to achieve that.
I was also wondering when building my portfolio if I have to stick to strictly sports photography, or can I include other things in there that I love photographing like architecture, people, etc.?
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice.
You need to be on assignment for a publication. There are a lot of folks who spend their careers working up to the point in which they’ll be credentialed for an NBA game.
If that’s something you’re interested in, your best bet is to start small: build a portfolio around smaller games or leagues and try to get picked up by someone for work. Like I said, this is a bit of a process and will likely take some time - so brace yourself. Even then, the chances of getting on the floor are very, very small and requires a lot of dedication.
In regards to my goal, does my portfolio have to be strictly sports photography or can i add in other stuff into the mix like architecture, people, events, etc.?
Actually there is a way, it’s called a ticket. Preferably ground floor or close to the action. It’s going to get expensive. Travel light , small camera,nothing extra.enjoy the game.
You’re not going to get in the press box, or on floor , but you can still possibly get some good photos. As for official, that’s not going to happen right now.
But work up to it. Good luck.
Start photographing your local high-school and if possible, college games. Most importantly, build your experience first, and your portfolio will take care of itself, over time.
It’s the same as when you’re first starting wanting to get into music photography, corporate photography, event photography, etc. Most people start off because they know someone. Getting a start in photography really is about who you know.
- Top level professional sports - you only get to shoot that if you are a top level professional photographer with accreditation from a media outlet (paper, magazine or sports website).
- To get to that point you would need to start shooting at lower levels (school/college) and build a strong portfolio and focus on building contacts with the media agencies that manage the events and the various different sporting media.
- Hopefully one of the media will decide to hire you and will get accreditation for you.
In short… to get to the NBA you will need to be a working professional sports shooter. It simply isn’t something an amateur is going to be able to do.
So i’m a relatively amateur photographer and right now I’m starting to build my portfolio by an instagram account.
What that said, there is no chance in hell you’re ready to shoot an NBA game.
You want to get there, start by getting good and not considering yourself to be an amatuer.
I’d tell you to shoot small basketball stuff, but from what little I know of sports photographers, that’s not a way into that world. Being really good, becoming an assistant to an NBA shooter, and then when they bow out, you being in the position to get that spot, is how you get it, last I knew.
Hi, full time sports photographer here and former photojournalist. The only way you’re shooting anything above d2 ball is with a media credential and a reason to be there. If it’s your dream go for it. It was my dream to shoot the Red Sox and… yeah, never did that, but I did get into Gillette at one point. So go for it, put in the 20,000 hours. If you really want it bad.
unless you can get floor seats youre not taking any good shot imo. start small shoot for local teams and etc?