How to get media credentials as a sports photographer
If you’re starting out in sports photography, you need to build a portfolio. Actually getting into the games you want to shoot so you can take the pictures you need is probably your biggest hurdle. This article will explain how I overcame that challenge and how you can, too.
Alonso Martínez of NYCFC celebrates after scoring against New York Red Bulls, May 17, 2025.
It’s hardly been a year since I shot my first sports game while still an undergrad at Wesleyan University. Since then, I’ve used the following strategies to get credentialed to shoot in 4 countries, covering everything from college bowl games to MLS to Peru’s Liga 1. (Disclaimer: These tips are most applicable for pro soccer and college level sports, as MLB/NBA/NFL are pretty hard to get credentialed for if you’re not with a major publication.)
1. Shoot for a supporter’s group–home or away.
Gotham FC supporters celebrate a goal. This photo was later featured in NPR
Supporters’ groups, especially in soccer, are always looking for photos for their social media. These fans are some of the most dedicated in all of sports, and often have local connections that may benefit you later on if you do good work and establish a good relationship. I typically shoot for the home team’s group, but in the case that they already have coverage, there’s a 99% chance the away team supporters won’t have someone.
2. Align yourself with an independent media outlet
Sporting Cristal vs. Comerciantes Unidos in Lima, Peru. I shot this through @whereisfootball
In this day and age, there are basically an infinite number of independent media outlets covering every single sport and every single team. There are many doing high-level, professional work. These are the ones you should be looking for. You can find them online or on social media. I shot the above game with @whereisfootball. They’re a page dedicated to covering global soccer, especially in off-the-beaten-path locations. I pitched them the idea of documenting Peru’s unique soccer culture and many scenic stadiums.
3. Shoot for student papers
QB Dylan Raiola of Nebraska embraces RB Emmett Johnson after a touchdown against Boston College in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl.
I shot this game for The Daily Nebraska, the student paper of the University of Nebraska (shout-out to my friend for letting me sub in for him). There were 2 other student photographers also shooting for the paper. This is probably not a viable method for older photographers, but if you’re around college age, college papers typically have a few spots reserved for them at games. This is an especially useful method for shooting for the away team, because the home team will likely already have several students working.
4. Create your own media outlet (most reliable method)
Staten Island FerryHawks vs. Lancaster Stormers. Shot under Luke Chávez Media.
This option takes the most work, but it is the most reliable. If you’re looking to take sports photography seriously in any capacity, it’s something you should do anyway. All you need is a name and internet presence to get started. From there, it will definitely take time to build your page up enough to be considered legitimate. Over time, you may be able to even pick up your own clients and turn it into a business. In the long term, this is the best option. You’ll be seen as more professional, be more self-reliant, and even be able to turn it into a profit.
Give some of these tips a try! Access is everything in photography, and my hope is that this article will help you gain access to the games you want to shoot. If you have any other questions, please reach out or ask them in the comments below!
