Capturing the heart-pounding action of high school sports, photographers on the sidelines play a crucial role in preserving the passion, triumphs, and defeats of young athletes. Whether it is a last-second touchdown, a game-winning three-pointer, or the grit on a runner’s face at the finish line, their lenses tell the story of teamwork and determination that defines the high school experience.
Three sports photographers have emerged in the past year and become prominent in the athletics scene of Clover Hill: @21.phot0graphy (junior Landon Rothschild), @flawless _visualz (sophomore Thomas Richards), and @cloverhill_sports_2024 (sophomore Michelle A. Perez Manzor). Students and athletes typically just see the photos they post, but there is much more behind the lens that is unknown.
Rothschild shares his story, “I started out, didn’t know what I was doing at all, then lacrosse season hit, and I was like alright, these guys have finally let me do something,” Rothschild said. “Started reaching out to other coaches and here we are now.”
The sports scene at Clover Hill has slowly lost traction, and the big wins are no longer hyped up like they used to be. However, sports photography from students, and promotion on social media has revamped athletic programs at the school and restoredCavalier pride across the student body.
For Richards, capturing the intensity of a football game on film is more than just a hobby; it is a chance to witness the energy of the crowd and the athletes’ perseverance from a unique vantage point. He believes sports photography “brings awareness to the sports at Clover Hill, as sports aren’t really a big thing here.”
Inspired by her two brothers that play football, Michelle A. Perez Manor has gained traction on Instagram. Her talents in photography have transformed the football program and brought about great confidence among athletes.
Unlike professional sports, high school games often lack the elaborate lighting, top-of-the-line equipment, and vast resources of a major league event. But that is what makes high school sports photography such a challenge and a reward. Photographers must contend with the unpredictable nature of the game, often on makeshift fields or courts, using equipment that may not be as advanced as the gear used by professional sports photographers.
High school sports photography is an essential part of the athletic experience, allowing athletes, fans, and students to relive the moments that make sports so special. In a world where the next big moment is always around the corner, these photographs ensure that the moments worth remembering will never be forgotten.
