THREE TIPS to MAKE MORE MONEY with your SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Follow these three tips to make more money with your sports photography!
0:00 Introduction
1:13 You Don't Have To Shoot The Pros
3:38 Photographing "Off The Ball" Images
6:55 Find Your Niche
9:38 Recap
ABOUT ME:
I currently work as a director of photography and content at USA Today Sports. As part of our national and worldwide distribution, you've likely seen my work in many publications including but not limited to USA Today, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.
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[@FlashFocused]

Rock climbing specialist tapping into the conversation here, aiming for LA2028!

[@berthindman5778]

I appreciate that I don't have to sell all my gear. I've been blessed to make money here and there. Sometimes you also need to work for free to get in the door so to speak. I'm an elementary teacher so I've avoided youth sports because I've worked to keep my 2 occupations separate. Shooting for A team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball has brought some unique opportunities to make money with all the rule changes they try out for MLB. When they first started the robot umpires I had a lit of inquiries for photos. This last year they moved the pitching rubber back a foot. First change of that kind in over 100 years. I documented the entire process and contacted several media outs but didn't get any real interest. So I created a photo book. Sold quite a few and a few ended up being in the hands of MLB executives. I even have the honor of having that book accepted by the Hall of Fame. Keep giving great content to photogs of every level.

[@JerryTLai]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing. I didn't realize moving the pitching rubber was among some of the rule book proposals. Surprised that never really got picked up on. What sort of impact did it have on the games?

[@berthindman5778]

@@JerryTLai no one sitting in the stands could possibly notice a difference. Pitchers did notice unusual soreness after first time. The device that was created actually allowed for the original distance to be used and changed if colleges also used the field. I had pictures from the final game, the entire process of digging out old rubber and putting in new device. Then I documented the first game. I was surprised at the lack of interest. I thought it was a bigger deal than robot umpire. The pitchers in the league were in a tough spot if they refused to pitch on new rubber. That's a story in itself.

[@SJHFoto]

Robert, can I give you a piece of advice? NEVER shoot for free! I know many people think "that will get them in the door", but that is honestly bogus. What job do you do? Elementary teacher? How would you feel if someone said that you have to teach kids for free at first to get started? The only people that I had working for me unpaid were high school kids (and that wasn't my choice-unpaid internship was the only way one kid who really wanted to learn photography could do so because of US child labour law. I found out about that after he started, and so had to have him as an unpaid intern)

[@berthindman5778]

@@SJHFoto my way has done very well for me. As I stated I don't shoot much at the high school or travel team level because I choose to keep my photography life and regular work life separated. I've been quite successful following the path I've chosen. I've got a bucket list I intend to accomplish and I'm not afraid to prove myself. I wish you much success in all your endeavors.

[@SJHFoto]

@@berthindman5778 What is a "bucket list"? I've seen people write that comment before, but never really understood it. I am glad things are going well for you. I only wanted to warn you that if you thought you could get an "in" by giving away your photos, it may not turn out the way you intend it to.

[@davidcuellar7414]

I wish this channel was still making videos! Such a goldmine of information and good presentation. I learned a lot from these videos and still revisit them even a year later. Regardless, thankful for all of the info you put out, Jerry!

[@JerryTLai]

Thanks for watching! As of today, I’m back with new content 🎉😊

[@davidcuellar7414]

@@JerryTLai wow, I summoned you lol. Keep it up, friend. Your content is so valuable to every level of photographer!

[@SJHFoto]

Jerry, thanks for this. I have been shooting youth (mostly middle and high school age) sports photography as my full time job for almost 20 years now. Although, I don't work for other companies. I do some school vs school sports, but I find that most of my income comes from tournaments (like club girls volleyball tournaments). I pay a vendor fee to the tournament director, allowing my company exclusive sales rights. Then, my staff and I go to an event with some portable gear, sell onsite, and that is how it goes

[@JerryTLai]

I know someone who makes a big chunk of their income by selling photos at dog diving competitions! Talk about specializing!

[@SJHFoto]

@@JerryTLai Cool! Yea, however you find your niche.

[@fasttracksportsphotography6311]

Great advice. Jerry. I especially appreciate the advice to take the nonstandard photos. My project in 2022 is now going to be seeking out the "creative" photograph rather than the standard. Thank you for being the first professional who actually was honest and told other photographers what the pay scale is.

[@JerryTLai]

Glad you found it helpful. Could be an interesting topic about finances and expenses as a freelancer - although I am a long time removed from it. Editorial rates have gone up since then (although only very slightly), but it was definitely not an easy way to make a living. Fun for sure, but easy? Not at all.

[@GregInda]

Jerry! I attended a short lecture you did almost 10 years ago at the Chicago Photography Center (where I was a student). I was recently telling someone about that talk, as I still have notes I refer to from it, and got curious what you were up to and found your channel. The videos are fantastic, and very helpful. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge!

[@JerryTLai]

Hi Greg, thanks for re-connecting. Wow that was a long time ago, I barely even remember doing that talk! Hope you are doing well!

[@thomaslopez2427]

Thank you so much for the information!

[@jonathanallen3172]

Thanks Jerry. Good words.

[@myvideobuffet5398]

Great video and tips! I’m going to start 2022 with selling off my gear - well, at least the gear I haven’t been using... Have a happy and healthy New Year!

[@grocharon7000]

Terrific advice and tips, Jerry! New sub from Australia!

[@SJHFoto]

7:30-"Be a specialist". You hit the nail on the head. The only time I see multiple photographers is when I do the HS volleyball championships (Districts, Regionals and States) Even with my tournament sales method, I only have maybe half a dozen competitor companies within the 400 or so mile radius we typically travel. It's definitely not like shooting pro sports where there is a media booth, and I would be cramped in with a dozen or more photogs! The only photos I sell to media outlets are when the local newspapers buy my images (and I would be at those games anyway working for the parents of the kids on the high school team)

[@skippy6320]

Always enjoy your content Jerry. Thank you for your videos.

[@JerryTLai]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcabal]

You teach me something new in every single video you upload here. Thank you.

[@JerryTLai]

That's the goal! Thanks for watching!

[@gselectric739]

Your videos help so much!

[@turnerx5]

Thank you for sharing your work and insights; your videos are terrific!

[@JerryTLai]

Thank you! I will be coming out with a new video in the next week or so. Stay tuned!

[@Jerseymikephoto]

Great info Jerry and it was nice to see that shot of a smiling Anthony Causi. I am a season ticket holder to two NY sports teams and I used to always see him working games. He is missed.

[@JerryTLai]

We all miss him dearly. He is such an icon in NY. After I got to know him he always insisted I come to NYC a day early for events to get "real" pizza with him in Brooklyn instead of that Chicago deep dish we have lol.

[@pascalkesselmark7529]

Thanks Jerry and happy new year!

[@JerryTLai]

Thanks for watching and happy new year!

[@NoName-jq7tj]

I’ve had this approach to my sports work. I’m really interested in of-beat images. I like to work on spec. This allows me to be creative & not be bothered my money.

[@NikCan66]

Always learning from your great presentation. Happy New year 🥳 to you and your family health and good fortune 🔮

[@JerryTLai]

Thank you NikCan, you as well! Thanks for watching!

[@paull1033]

Nice video..Thank you

[@paultrunfull3324]

Nice one Jerry, some great info as usual. Happy New Year lets hope for a better one !

[@JerryTLai]

Here's hoping! Happy New Year!

[@lukehales4755]

As usual, great video Jerry. I always learn something new in these.

[@JerryTLai]

Thanks Luke! Too bad Mich couldn't pull off the CFP semifinal stunner. Would have been cool to see you all in Indy.

[@lukehales4755]

@@JerryTLai Yep, would have been cool. But I'm glad where our program is headed regardless of the loss

[@SJHFoto]

No 2. I agree with this as well. At the girls volleyball tournaments, the kids buy such non-play images as timeout huddles, subs, lineups, etc

[@ChrisPieta]

Finding a niche is so important! Great advice Jerry, this will help a lot of people

[@JerryTLai]

We are in different fields of photography, but I tell you what, the paths to success sound so similar!

[@ChrisPieta]

@@JerryTLai they really are! Once you have the principles down the rest comes naturally

[@thanhatbuio6860]

Talking about niche sports, i was blown away by Ezra Shaw's works of Tokyo Games skateboard. Great captures

[@JerryTLai]

Ezra is a heck of a good photographer. You can put him in any sport and he'll make incredible pictures.

[@kevinsousa5455]

Banger of a video to start 2022! Most of my gear has been funded by shooting youth sports because parents will pay top dollar for great photos of their little ones. Happy New Year and all the best in 2022.

[@JerryTLai]

Youth sports is what funded my gear early in my career as well. Without it I don't know how I could have found the money, or justified buying big glass.

[@Bushcraft242]

As a photographer i go out daily so much to explore and see as we approach summer

[@MPhotos]

always so interesting. thank you very much.

[@JerryTLai]

Glad you enjoyed this, thanks for watching!

[@MichaelKantormusic]

Good info Jerry. Thank you.

[@JerryTLai]

You bet, thanks for watching!

[@JackBeasleyMedia]

Hey Jerry, good tips. I'm amazed at the photos that I sell that aren't necessarily "action". I also find that photos of football linemen sell just as well as photos of quarterbacks!

[@JerryTLai]

Hi Jack! Happy New Year! I think the linemen are always thrilled that someone remembered to photograph them!

[@DeeRosa]

Glad I found the channel jerry! Do you so any mentorship?

[@carljonesmedia]

Would you consider doing a video on presenting your work to photo editors! Some best practices I guess. Thanks!

[@acardena13]

I think I'm doing it wrong as so far I've only gotten paid in free t-shirts, sweatshirts, beer and an awkward hug here and there😆 Great video to start off the year! I agree with you in that every sport has their "star" but sometimes the best stories or photos come from those who are up and coming, or who are participating in their first race. Also, there's an opportunity to create a working relationship with that athlete or team as they are looking for photos for self promotion.

[@JerryTLai]

Interesting that you bring that up... ever since social media has become mainstream, athletes - particularly at the college and pro level - are looking for content of them in action to flex online. However, strangely enough they often don't have a legal way of acquiring this content, so they are now either individually or through their organizations, hiring companies or even their own photographers to capture imagery of them that they can use, both on and off the field.

[@terrellcwoods]

Always fantastic information that gets me ready to shoot now! As far as the "b-roll" pics where do you suggest posting or marketing them? Would that be on a personal site with every bit of metadata known? Anyway, saw that quick pic of you and the gang, and seeing Anthony sort of made me take a deep breath, R.I.P.

[@JerryTLai]

Some people put their "B-Roll" or "outtakes" if you will on their own sites. They're usually powered by some kind of marketplace like PhotoShelter. Truth be told, I think those sales are kind of limiting because unless you are extremely well known for a certain type of content, those are unlikely to be found. These "B-Roll" shots are better off being hosted by a photo agency. There are a handful of places that might take them, like Getty, Alamy, and others like them. RIP Anthony. Still can't believe how early in the pandemic that happened... so surreal.

[@allaboutumedia9627]

Thanks for the info. My wife always tells me I need to make more money lol 💰

[@JerryTLai]

LOL my future wife too :-)

[@mhsvz6735]

Thank you for another excellent video. Are you still using Canon gear or have you switched to Sony?

[@longrider9551]

I have had good luck shooting high, shoot low, shoot wide , shoot tight, they seem to be the photos that get the most reaction from people

[@LIFE-sm1oz]

nice.

[@bstunt]

7:05 - Rest in Peace Causi

[@Bmack13]

how do i go about apply for a wire like imagn or usa today?

[@Brianwilkes78]

As a Maxpreps photographer myself I’m happy with where I’m at the only thing I would love to do is one day shoot a college game I don’t care about shooting pro’s.

[@JerryTLai]

Hi Brian! Truth be told, I find generally college sports to be much more entertaining than pros. If you watched any of the bowl games over the holidays for example and compared it to NFL action the college games were so much more exciting!

[@BrandonMagpantay]

Damn, that group photo with Anthony Causi gave me chills.... Rest in peace :(

[@AlexanderBischof]

Miss your videos - Preparing already for 2024?

[@taiwoakinbola3313]

Please how can I become international sport photographer? I based in Nigeria

[@SJHFoto]

No 3. Again, totally true. Over the years, my niche has been girls volleyball, dance competitions, and English horse shows (mostly dressage and hunter/jumper) I find that the way to make money is to shoot these sports-and mostly the younger girls (Boys don't really care about pics, so we don't sell anymore near as much. Alternatively, the girls are my "allies"-they are the ones who drag their parents to my sales booth and beg them to buy. Adults also, don't buy as much. It is a fact that at the horse shows, the 16 and under girls make up about 75% of our sales, with 17 and over females making an additional 15%, even 10% for males at any age.

[@JerryTLai]

Very interesting about the girls vs boys buying photos. I would have thought it would have been more or less 50-50.

[@SJHFoto]

@@JerryTLai Nowhere near it. Girls are into photos so much more. Think of selfies: guys might do one to show where they are, but girls like to randomly take photos of themselves

[@kaidambach6194]

Mr. Lai, thank you so much. I have a question about photos that we've already taken. I've taken photos at several professional soccer games before COVID. But due to personal medical issues, I am unable to take photos in person until the pandemic is truly under control and over. Is there a way that I can still sell my photos from games pre-2020?

[@JerryTLai]

Hi Kai, thanks for watching. That would depend on who you shot for and what kind of relationships they have. In general, newer photos are going to be used over older photos. However, older pictures often do sell... for example sometimes a newspaper our news outlet will look for a specific player in a very specific game. These often get less and less likely as time goes on, but it does happen.

[@kaidambach6194]

@@JerryTLai Thank you very much! It was a very small site and I still have all the rights to my work. One of the games was an instant classic (Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04, Nov. 2017, my first time shooting top-flight Bundesliga) so I hope that will work in my favor. Thank you again!

[@Me-gy7yk]

The problem is, no matter how good you are there's always going to be someone out there who will work for free and completely kill you. That's my experience anyway, as someone who's been trying to break into the field for a dozen years. I've been paid exactly once by a news outlet and that was only because they used my work without permission and I chased and chased them. Extra money is not the problem. ANY money is... and I've had enough positive feedback, including from industry pros, to know I'm a decent sports photographer. But in my experience free trumps good.

[@_SYDNA_]

All right let me ask this: If a person should expect to earn $200/game -- whatever the level -- why do I see so many pictures of pro-level sports photographers carrying around $10k lenses on a monopod, draped over their shoulder?

[@MichaelKantormusic]

I have a dumb question. When you shoot these games you sell to parents ? Do you wear a number on your shirt ?? How do you do business. Sorry for being kinda dumb about this.

[@SJHFoto]

Is this a question for me? If so, my crew and I wear my company's uniform. Have a look here to see: kzbin.info/aero/PL1A30594C8F47AEE4

[@MichaelKantormusic]

@@SJHFoto thank you !

[@SJHFoto]

@@MichaelKantormusic No problem. Where are you from? Are you looking for work?

[@berthindman5778]

Have you given up on the videos or just crazy busy?