When I put out this model call for Lakeside, I was expecting five to ten football players to come through. That is usually the sweet spot, enough athletes to give variety while still leaving room for individual portraits. On this day, three athletes showed up, and I could not have been happier with how it turned out. Having fewer players gave me time to focus more on each one, and together they created a powerful set of images.


Ken brought intensity and presence into the locker room from the first frame. The combination of red lockers, white uniforms, and the blue light cutting through the smoke created a dramatic atmosphere that matched his energy. His portraits show strength and focus in a way that feels larger than life.

High school football player in white Lakeside uniform sits in dramatic lighting against dark background.
Football players in white and red uniforms pose for sports promotional photos against a blue background.
Close-up views of a football player crouched on artificial turf at field level during sunset in uniform and gear.

Noah stepped into the same environment and delivered with the same drive. His portraits carry determination in every shot, whether sitting in the locker room haze or standing tall in full stance on the field. He gave every frame the kind of focus that defines an athlete in his senior year.

Baseball player in white uniform displays intense focus while poised in a batting stance at home plate.
Baseball players emerge dramatically in white uniforms through misty smoke effects during team introduction.
Baseball player striding forward on field in white uniform pants showing dynamic lower body movement technique during practice.

Remington was no stranger to my lens. I have photographed him before for baseball portraits and even BMX, so stepping into football with him felt like bringing the story full circle. Having the chance to work with an athlete across multiple sports is special. It builds a larger visual story of who they are beyond a single uniform. Each portrait adds another layer to that story, showing not just skill but commitment and drive. His football portraits rounded out that journey perfectly, capturing yet another side of his athletic life and the competitive edge that ties it all together.

A dramatic sports portrait featuring a football player's hands and helmet silhouetted against moody blue lighting effects.
Football player poses in uniform against dramatic blue backdrop, showcasing their athletic stance and protective gear.
Football player stands alone on field at sunset with stadium lights and goal posts visible in background.

The setup for this shoot took some problem solving. Fluorescent lights in the locker room are never flattering, so I shut them off completely and let the strobes do the work. Using a mix of key light, fill light, and edge lighting with smoke and blue gels, the results came out with a bold, cinematic look that fit the team’s red, white, and blue colors.


Midway through the session, the afternoon shifted in a way that felt perfectly small town. One mom talked to another, who talked to another, and before long a few cheerleaders had made their way out to the field. Photographing football and cheer in the same session meant balancing two completely different worlds. The football portraits were gritty, fierce, and dominant, while the cheer portraits leaned toward grace, elegance, and movement. Blending those styles on the fly created its own challenge, but it also gave the gallery an unexpected strength. The cheerleaders filled the end zone with energy, their jumps and kicks catching the last light of sunset in a way that paired beautifully with the power of the football images. Together the two sets created a fuller story of Lakeside spirit.


A special thanks to Ida, Lena, and Claudia, the lovely foreign exchange students who joined us as cheerleaders that afternoon. Their energy and presence added something truly beautiful to this session, and I look forward to giving them their own dedicated shoot in the future.

A series of cheerleading jumps photographed at sunset on a football field with red and blue turf.
Cheerleader performs splits during sunset photoshoot on football field with school logo painted on turf.
Cheerleader performs a full split on green athletic field grass in outdoor stadium.
Cheerleader in white uniform poses confidently on sports field during evening photoshoot.
High school cheerleader in a white uniform poses on a football field with yard lines visible in the background.
Cheerleader performs dramatic jump split against sunset sky on football field.
Cheerleader wearing sparkly white uniform stands on football field during golden hour.
Cheerleader uniform detail showing white sequined top with Warriors text against football field background.
Cheerleader demonstrates flexibility with splits on red and blue football field at sunset.
Cheerleader in white uniform poses on football field during photo session at night.
A dramatic series of cheerleading jumps captured at sunset on a football field with dramatic sunburst lighting effect.
Dynamic cheerleading poses captured in sequence on an athletic field during golden hour.

A quick reminder to all the athletes and cheerleaders who participated. You were given the referral Black Cards. Be sure to pass those on so your friends and family can take advantage of their discount, and you can benefit as well. It is a simple way to share the experience and help more people step in front of the camera for their own session.


For parents and athletes who missed this model call, now is the time to book your own dedicated session. These portraits are designed to capture more than just a uniform. They capture personality, pride, and the story of your athlete in a way that will last long after the season ends. Reach out today to schedule your session and let’s create something unforgettable together.