Why sports photography is crucial for every athlete

Every athlete — from the junior leagues to the A-listers — needs to know how to use their photos to their advantage.

LSU Tigers Olivia Dunne performs on the uneven bars during the SEC Gymnastics Championship at Smoothie King Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Being good at your sport — and even being the best at your sport — is not enough to make it in the big leagues of today’s world. For athletes in 2024, it’s all about building your brand — and sports photography is crucial in telling your story.

Sports photography is a form of storytelling. Capturing an athlete as they were and are now — their wins, their losses, their endurance and grit and determination through it all — establishes an emotional connection with fans. And forming that collected legacy starts with the visual record.

For aspiring athletes, the importance of a set of photos depicting themselves and their ongoing narrative cannot be understated.  While the cost for a professional sports photographer can be steep, it is well worth it.  Even something as simple as a headshot can communicate who they are to an audience of would-be fans, a service provided by AI solutions like Portrait Pal. 

As any athlete knows, social media is key in building your brand, connecting with followers, and creating a whole world around yourself and your likeness. By sharing high quality photos of yourself throughout your athletic journey — again, throughout those wins and losses, moments of hardship and triumph — both old fans and new can do a deep dive into your career, engaging with posts from the very beginning. Even if they weren’t there at the start, they now are — and they’ll be with you for a long time to come.

Here are a few of our favorite sports photography moments:

Patrick Mahomes revels in celebration

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates on field after the win over the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Simone Biles stares down the beam

Simone Biles of the United States competes on the beam in the womenís gymnastics all-around during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Bercy Arena. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Angel Reese sets up her shot

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) shoots a free throw against the Connecticut Sun during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Michael Phelps tears through the water

Michael Phelps (USA) during the men's 200m individual medley heats in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium. / Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

Livvy Dunne Leaps Through the Air

LSU Tigers gymnast Olivia Dunne warms up on floor before the start of the 2024 Womens National Gymnastics Championship at Dickies Arena. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images