The Pixel Pro

07/24/2026

Every image in this reel started with good light, good expression, and intentional composition.

The presets simply helped me build a consistent cinematic look from there.

These are the same Lightroom presets I recently demonstrated during my Photographing People Conference class, and I've decided to make them available as a free download.

Grab your copy here: https://thepixelpro.com/cinematic-sportaits-class

07/22/2026

Here We Go!
..just me doing my thing!

Let's finish strong! 🎉📸

We're wrapping up three incredible days with travel photography, cinematic sports portraits, and one of the most fun parts of the event—the conference wrap-up with Scott Kelby and special guests! Join us as we announce the photography contest winner and give away some amazing sponsor prizes.🌟

🚨 And the learning doesn't end today! Keep an eye out for your replay access so you can revisit every session over the coming year. 💫 See you there!👇️

07/22/2026

I'm excited to be part of this year's instructor lineup. If you're attending the conference, I'd love for you to join me on Wednesday as we go behind the scenes of an actual sports portrait session—from directing the athlete to lighting to the final Lightroom edit.

07/17/2026

Three days to go.

When I first started creating sports portraits, I thought the secret was better lighting. I spent a lot of time chasing new gear, convinced the next modifier or another light or the next cool effect would be the thing that made my images stand out.

What finally changed my photography wasn't buying more equipment. It was learning how to work with the athlete in front of my camera and making intentional creative decisions before I ever pressed the shutter.

That's the class I'm teaching at the Photographing People Conference next week.

Over the session, I'll walk through an actual sports portrait session from beginning to end. We'll cover how I direct athletes to bring out authentic expression, how I create dramatic lighting with practical techniques, and how I finish the images in Lightroom. I'll also be including the Lightroom presets I use during the class so you can try them in your own work.

If you've ever wanted to create sports portraits that feel more cinematic without making your setup more complicated, I think you'll enjoy this class.

One more thing I'd like to say...

If you've ever been one of my clients, thank you. Every athlete who has stepped into my studio or onto my field has helped shape the way I approach sports portraiture. The ideas I'll be teaching next week weren't developed in a test shoot—they've been refined over hundreds of real sessions with athletes just like you.

You can learn more about the class and register here:

👉 https://thepixelpro.com/cinematic-sportaits-class

If you register through my page, it helps support my work at no additional cost to you.

I hope to see you there.

07/15/2026

They know how to compete.

Instead of telling an athlete where to put their hands or how to angle their shoulders, I try to give them something to feel.

A moment.
A challenge.
A story.

The confidence you're seeing in a portrait usually isn't the result of perfect posing—it's the result of helping your subject reconnect with the mindset that makes them an athlete in the first place.

It's one of my favorite topics in my upcoming class, From Athlete to Hero: Creating Cinematic Sports Portraits, at the Photographing People Conference.

If you'd like to learn more about the class, I've put together a page with all the details.

🔗 Link in bio.

07/13/2026

One of my favorite images from my upcoming Photographing People Conference class is also one of the simplest.

I'll show how to create portraits like this with one light, a garden sprayer, and an athlete willing to get a little wet.

That's it.

When people see dramatic sports portraits, it's easy to assume they require a truckload of expensive equipment or hours of Photoshop. The truth is, the biggest difference usually isn't the gear—it's understanding how to shape light, work with your subject, and make intentional creative decisions before you ever click the shutter.

That's exactly what I'll be teaching during my class, From Athlete to Hero: Creating Cinematic Sports Portraits.

If you've ever wanted to create bold, dramatic portraits of athletes without overcomplicating your workflow, I'd love to have you join me.

👉 Learn more and register here:
https://thepixelpro.com/cinematic-sportaits-class

(Registering through my page helps support my work at no additional cost to you.)

07/12/2026

Hey friends! I’m excited to be teaching at the KelbyOne Photographing People Conference, and I’d love for you to join me.
We’re spending three days talking all things people photography—lighting, working with subjects, posing, editing, storytelling, and creating images that feel more natural and intentional.

The schedule is live! I’ll be teaching a session on Creating Cinematic Sports Portraits, and there’s a really fun mix of classes across all three days. Whether you’re into portraits, candid moments, family photography, travel, lighting, editing, or just making stronger images of people, there’s a lot packed into this one.

It’s going to be a really fun group of instructors, and I think you’ll walk away with a lot of ideas you can use right away.
Come join me online: https://thepixelpro.com/cinematic-sportaits-class

07/04/2026

As we proudly celebrate the 250th of our Nation, I wanted to take a moment and shout out the countless athletes I’ve worked with who were really excited to take photos with Old Glory. So many of these young athletes lit up when I brought out the Stars & Stripes.

Happy 4th of July. Here's to celebrating 250 years of independence—and to the people who keep chasing big dreams.

🇺🇸

SportsPhotography SeniorPictures Athlete PortraitPhotography NorthernVirginia VirginiaPhotographer ThePixelPro SportraitPro

07/02/2026

The World Cup has everyone thinking about soccer, and I'm here for it.

From quiet moments before kickoff to the energy under the lights, every player has their own story. My favorite part is finding that story and turning it into something that feels as epic as the game itself.

Whether you're just starting out or chasing a championship, these are the moments worth remembering.

Which shot is your favorite? 

06/27/2026

Love it when I get these shots that make me go... "Wait! I did That?!"