More Than a Game: Capturing the Heart of a Featured Athlete

You ever have one of those projects that just makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning? That’s exactly how I’ve felt since I started my Featured Athlete program over here at Paula Mason Photography. Recently, I’ve been following around one seriously talented high school athlete—think Friday Night Lights meets All-American grit—and let me tell you, getting to capture his journey has been as exhilarating as watching a nail-biter in overtime.

The Story Behind the Lens

Now, if you’ve seen the hero image up top (and if not, go take a peek!), you’ll see him tearing across the football field, all energy and focus with the late-day sun lighting him up like he’s already center stage. But, getting a shot like that—where intensity meets personality—takes a little more than showing up with a camera and hoping for the best.

That’s why, for this program, I knew I wanted to do more than just snap some action shots. I’ve tagged along to practices, training sessions (hello, endless burpees!), and even hung out off the field. We’ve talked about everything from pregame routines to favorite workouts, sports, etc… I realized early on: there’s so much more to this kid than just touchdowns and home runs. He’s competitive, sure, but he’s got big dreams, a great sense of humor, and a work ethic that would put most grownups to shame.

Why Going Beyond the Game Matters

I hear from a lot of parents and student-athletes that they want photos that make them stand out on social media and catch the eye of college coaches. Here’s my big takeaway: If you want to stand out, don’t just show what you do—show who you are. That’s what makes these storytelling sessions powerful. When you get to know your athlete, you can capture those real-life moments, on and off the field, that make coaches say, “I want that kid on my team.”

• Tip #1: Don’t be shy—chat with your photographer (hey, that could be me!). Share your interests and quirks. It makes sessions way more fun and authentic.
• Tip #2: Mix it up with your outfits and locations. Uniforms are cool, but so is showing off your personality or even hitting your favorite hangout or workout spot. What do you do off the field?
• Tip #3: Trust the process. Not every great photo happens on game day. Sometimes it’s those small, in-between moments that tell the best story.

Looking Ahead

I honestly can’t wait for football season this fall—I’ve got my camera batteries (and maybe some extra snacks) ready to roll. This adventure has just started, and I know there are even more moments waiting to be captured. For now, I’m just grateful to get a front-row seat as athletics and personality collide into something unforgettable.

If you’re looking for sports photos with a little extra heart—or you want to kick off your own Featured Athlete story—shoot me a message! Whether it’s game-winning plays or goofy laughs, I’m here to capture it all. Let’s make some memories together!

Need photos? Curious about how the Featured Athlete program works? Want to schedule a session for your own athlete? If you’re interested, the time is now. The season is about to start, and I’d like to meet your athlete before the season begins, so don’t be shy—reach out to me at Paula Mason Photography.

If you have questions, you can email me at [email protected].

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Until next time…