Interview with Sports Photographer Raji Ismail

From Event Photography to the World of Sports Photography

Sports photography is often seen as glamorous from the outside — big stadiums, iconic moments, and access to elite athletes. But behind every frame lies years of persistence, learning, missed opportunities, and creative growth.

In this interview, sports photographer Raji Ismail shares insights from his journey into sports photography, lessons from difficult assignments, advice for aspiring photographers, and why still photography continues to hold emotional power in the age of reels.

Q1. Where did your journey in photography begin?

I started by practicing photography on my own and later worked as an event photographer for two years. Currently, I’m freelancing in sports photography.

Q2. What do you enjoy most about sports photography? Are there any other genres you love?

I love the sheer athletic performance in sports. Capturing those moments is what excites me the most. Apart from sports, I also enjoy fashion photography.

Q3. Was there any mistake that taught you an important lesson in photography?

I once got an assignment to cover an event at a stadium. We had a briefing the day before regarding the shooting positions and special guest shots that were required.

However, on the day of the event, I was denied access to the required shooting position because of high-profile security restrictions. We only had a normal entry pass and not an official access card.

The sudden position change completely disrupted the workflow, and I couldn’t capture the special images the client wanted. Eventually, I didn’t receive payment for the assignment.

That experience taught me the importance of ensuring proper access and permissions beforehand. No matter the situation, we still have to find ways to deliver what the client expects.

Q4. What advice would you give to photographers starting out in sports photography?

Don’t wait for opportunities in this competitive industry. Develop a unique creative style and proactively pitch ideas to people before they even ask.

Q5. Which photographers or platforms do you follow regularly?

I regularly follow Getty Images Sports and Reuters.

Q6. Any financial advice for photographers struggling to stay afloat?

Start working with marketing agencies to better understand the industry and build connections. Also, know your value — people will pay for quality work when you position yourself correctly.

Q7. How can photographers reach major sporting events like IPL, ISL, Pro Kabaddi League, or the Indian Polo Season?

Showcase your portfolio directly to teams and offer creative ideas they cannot refuse. It’s also important to connect with media organizers because often the same agencies manage multiple sporting events within a region.

Q8. With everyone focusing on reels today, do you think photography is losing its relevance?

Reels often pass quickly through people’s eyes without leaving a lasting impact. But a frozen moment in a photograph can make someone pause and think.

Final Thoughts

The journey of Raji Ismail reflects an important reality of modern sports photography — talent matters, but preparation, networking, adaptability, and creative thinking matter just as much.

From handling access issues at major events to building relationships with agencies and teams, his experiences offer valuable lessons for photographers trying to break into competitive sports environments.