Credit: Ariele Goldman Hecht
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to have a sports photography career with one of baseball’s most iconic teams, PetaPixel‘s intimate look at Ariele Goldman Hecht‘s role as the Yankees‘ chief photographer is an eye-opening read. The article brilliantly shows how technical skills, people skills, and pure love for the game come together to create the kind of photos that millions of fans connect with.
What makes this piece particularly fascinating is how it pulls back the curtain on all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into sports photography at the highest level. From setting up remote cameras in specialized wells to juggling real-time workflows for social media, it demonstrates how modern sports photography demands both technical precision and the ability to think on your feet.
We picked this article for our weekly must-read because it goes beyond just showing pretty baseball pictures. It dives into the nitty-gritty of what it means to build a successful sports photography career. Goldman Hecht‘s story is especially interesting because she started as a Cubs fan in Chicago, and now she’s capturing history for the Yankees. That kind of career journey is something many aspiring photographers can learn from.
The article really shines when it breaks down her typical game day routine. She arrives six hours before the first pitch, sets up multiple camera positions, checks gear, and still finds time to chat with everyone from players to stadium staff. This kind of insight into the relationship-building aspect of sports photography is something you don’t often see covered.
What’s particularly cool is how the piece explains the evolution of sports photography in the digital age. Goldman Hecht has to balance traditional photography needs like capturing that perfect action shot with modern demands like instant social media sharing. Her work shows up everywhere from Yankees Magazine to Twitter feeds, and each platform needs its own approach.
Visit PetaPixel to read the full story and discover how Goldman Hecht and her team navigate the unpredictable nature of baseball photography while maintaining that delicate balance between artistic vision and documentary storytelling. Whether you’re interested in sports photography as a career or just love seeing how great sports moments are captured, this article offers valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in this competitive field.
Best Thing We Read This Week shares photography articles that challenge our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the craft. Have an article to suggest? Share it in the comments below.