First, can you tell me how you got into photography?
I played sports growing up and really got into skateboarding in junior high school and high school. My grandparents had paid for a photography class for me one Summer – and I was on crutches a bit after getting hurt skateboarding. I wanted to hang out still with my friends so I got an old Canon camera online and photoed my friends skateboarding.
One of the kids was really good and I got a roll of him at the skatepark and handed out some 4x6s. He really liked them and put them up on his site. I was super-stoked to have them on a professional site! Looking back I should have asked for a royalty! But that’s when I saw there could be a future in it.
How did you get the role with the Steelers?
I went to the Art Institute – that’s where Steelers photographer Karl Roser went a few years before me. I interned with the Pirates and Getty Images and the Tribune-Review. Before joining the Steelers, I worked for Getty Images as a staff photographer before going freelance covering various sporting events across the country including the Sochi Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series and others.
That’s where I really started to build up the trust and responsibility as a team photographer. Shortly after that Karl called me when Covid hit to help on gamedays. No one was allowed on the field then so he needed extra help. I’ve been working with them now for five years.
Did they give you any direction on what they wanted you to focus on/do/not do?
I’m pretty good at understanding what they were looking for – that they wanted pictures from a marketing standpoint versus a news/editorial standpoint. The photo editing and web and social teams decide what to use so I didn’t have to worry about that. Karl let us come in and do what we do best.
The challenge is how to do things differently from other photographers. Away games offered their own challenges in a new place. I’d try and pre-visualize photos to take and hope those moments happened. Things like tunnel shots and how to take photos – do I use strobe versus available light? Do I use a rear-camera flash?
I know you’re worked across a number of different sporting events and across the NFL – is there one type of shot you enjoy doing the most?
Action shots are great but that’s what most expect us to get. For me, some of the more impactful shots come from the off-field moments that most viewers don’t see. Some players have routines and like to have moments to themselves before games. Some like to stand back in the tunnel when guys start to run out. Getting shots of those quiet moments and telling the entire story of the game is what I really enjoy.
Most players aren’t very shy – any Steelers you liked working with most?
I’m mostly there on gamedays and for the preseason shoots so I don’t get to spend as much time with the players. I have less daily one-on-one time. But it is interesting learning their personalities and how different they are on gamedays versus everyday life. I’m often grabbing lunch in Sewickley and see Alex Highsmith there – he’s the perfect Southern gentleman. But on gamedays – pregame -he’s so intense. TJ is like that too.
Some guys you don’t see that intensity. I’ve never had a bad interaction with a player. Those portrait shots – those are some of my favorite ones. They get to know you a bit and you start to form some trust. In a confined space or intense moment you want to be a fly on the wall – you don’t want them worried about you.
Any fun/funny moments?
Sometimes I get to bring friends and family to help with portrait shots. One funny moment was when my buddy Nate was helping and Ramon Foster came out for his shot. He forgot he needed his pads on for the shot so asked Nate for help putting his shirt and pads on. It was funny seeing Nate try to help this huge player – I got some good photos of that.
Danny Smith is the heartbeat of the team and always great for a picture. No matter when, he’s always chewing his gum and good for a good picture.
I’m 36 now. Most of the players are younger than me. I’ve realized that most of these guys are large kids who love to play football.
Any of the photos or shoots you’ve done stand out most important or impactful for you?
Any time the elements are mixed in – like rain and snow. Knowing the team’s idiosyncrasies and routines helps. Knowing how the team plays helps make things less difficult. For example when Ben Roethlisberger was on the team, their first drive, there was a good chance they’d throw a bomb downfield and I would position myself that way. When you’re right, that’s a good feeling. It can be tough if you don’t understand the team to a degree.
You also have to have a feel for the game. The Washington game – I noticed on the first Steelers punt the Washington player was iffy on the catch. I figured the next time they punted I’d make sure to get in a good position just in case. Lo and behold he fumbled and Ben Skowronek recovered the ball and I got a good photo of that big celebration. If you don’t get those moments you kick yourself.
Are there shots that you enjoy the most?
There are two main huddles pre-game – the defensive backs and Cam and the defensive line. Those moments are super-intense. TJ’s “We ride” – being able to witness that and hear that passion is special. Sometimes those huddles are straightforward – the “Let’s go and kick ass.” Other times there are speeches that are more personal and emotional for various reasons. Hearing those are really neat.
I grew up a Steelers fan – my pap was from Homestead and grandma from Bethel Park. It’s history. I like to have fun with it but I also take it seriously. Sports is a big part of our lives. I hope years later those moments I’ve captured – that alumni can see their pictures hanging on walls. I hope I captured those moments well.
What’s your dream for the next step in your career there with the Steelers?
It’s nice to do different things. I also run some tennis tournaments – Indian Wells, Toronto… It’s a totally different sport and I have a blast covering it. It’s nice to do different things. I like taking what I’ve learned covering tennis and covering the news – it helps me bring something different to the table when I cover football. It helps me as a storyteller.
Covering football – that lets me cover things like news faster and to do more long-form story assignments. Working for the Steelers lets me do that. I’m there at 9 a.m. for 1:00 games and out at 6:00 p.m. I’m taking pictures the entire day from the moment guys walk in and prepare for the game to those quiet moments and huddles, to the game and what happens after that.
I try to push myself to find a different shot than the other photographers out there. They key is not to become complacent and to appreciate the opportunity. It’s a small world. There are few team photographers. In the end being a good person and building relationships is always important.
Read more by former Steelers via the book Steelers Takeaways: Player Memories Through the Decades. To order, just click on the book:
