How many photographers do you know? I know lots of them. Some are professional and do it for a living, some are like me and just getting into the professional arena, and others are people who just love taking photos. Guess who I support, encourage, and cheer for the most? All of them! Yes, that's right. All of the them. Why? Simple, it's good to support other people and their passions. That sounds weird coming from someone starting out in a business that has lots of competition huh? I don't view others as competition. Do I want you to use William Gore Photography? Absolutely, but if you like another person's style of photography or feel more comfortable with someone else, that's fine too. There is no need to be rude, bad mouth others, or any of that negative stuff. There is already enough of that going on in the world. Let's just stick to encouraging each other, helping each other improve in skills, and capture these special moments that our clients have trusted us to capture.
Oh, and a piece of advice for anyone that is starting out in Sports Photography, or any photography for that matter. Make sure you pay attention to your surrounds. As an Elizabethtown, Louisville, and Central Kentucky Sports Photographer, I can't stress enough how important it is to keep your eye on the action. It's so easy to get tunnel vision looking through the view finder of your camera.
See the photo above? It's blurry, yes, but it's also proving why I say keep your eye on the action. While I was at the Windy City Classic in Chicago, I had a puck fly at my head. The photo is the last one I took right before it came at me. You can see the puck coming. I never realized how good my reflexes were until then. Thank the Lord, that puck missed my head and my camera. If it had hit me, it would have been a bad day for sure. So, take my advice and keep your eyes open and don't forget to TAKE THE PHOTO!
