Sports Photography-Reaction

Reactions speak louder than words.

My favorite thing about sports is their ability to draw all kinds of emotions out of people. From jubilation to disappointment, all kinds of feelings are heightened when it comes to being involved in athletic competition. These dramatic responses are something I enjoy capturing, and I think they are important to the storyline of a sporting event.

Katy Paetow high school’s senior linebacker Daymion Sanford directs his attention to the referee for the pregame coin toss. Sanford and his team would later fall to the Katy Tigers 54-0 in that game at Legacy Stadium.

Two teammates for the North Shore high school football team embrace for a pregame prayer. The Mustangs clinched the 6A District 21 title that night after coming from behind and defeating the Atascocita Eagles 16-13.

Klein Collins high school’s senior kicker Jasmine Kessler stands tall during the playing of the National Anthem. Kessler became the first female football player in Klein ISD and the 6A Division to score in a UIL playoff game.

  • Katy senior offensive lineman Isaiah Ybarra gets a hug from his dad before heading onto the field.

  • Bridgeland high school defensive line coach Matthew Valmore gets fired up on the sidelines with his weekly “Let’s play some football!” scream before every game.

  • CE King senior kicker Christopher Bonilla is focused as he goes through a fist bump line with his coaching staff.

  • Refugio sophomore quarterback Kelan Brown prepares for battle as the Bobcats faced off against a tough Timpson team in the Texas high school football playoffs.

  • Liberty senior wide receiver Rayshaun Manker rolls up his jersey before a game against Atascocita. Manker’s team traveled all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada to face off against Atascocita.

  • Bridgeland teammates Zachary Miller and Brayden Ruiz say some inspiring words to each other as they prepare to run out of the tunnel.

  • Cy Springs sophomore safety Kvion Roberson flashes a smile as he backpedals in a defensive back warmup drill.

  • The Duncanville high school football team raises their helmets in unison before a playoff matchup against an undefeated Westfield team.

  • Bridgeland running backs coach Lloyd Spotted Wolf gives his players high fives as they come out of the locker room.

  • Cy Ranch sophomore kicker Diego Alfaro claps as his Mustangs wrap up pregame festivities.

  • Katy junior linebacker Nathanael Hall gets pumped up on the field before a decisive matchup against Tompkins.

  • The Bridgeland Bears men's basketball team celebrates after an upset victory over crosstown rival Cy Ranch on their home court.

The More You Know

What I’ve learned from sports reaction photography

  • Shooting from worm’s eye view and bird’s eye view

  • Storytelling through photo composition

  • Knowing the context behind reactions in order to write effective captions