Guiding the next generation of sports photography

Sony Artisans of Imagery Jean Fruth and Patrick Murphy-Racey helped the next generation of photojournalists understand that photography is more than just a job on Thursday night in Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium. The topics of the discussion ranged from slideshows of the photographer’s work, to fitting into the sports ecosystem. However, one theme could be found throughout the night: advice for young photographers as they navigate their post-college careers.

The event began with a panel discussion, before Fruth and Murphy-Racey dove into their own work and presentations. During the discussion, Murphy-Racey dove into photography’s importance, and the rewarding nature of the job. 

“Photography is not just shooting pictures, it’s also documenting history and becoming part of something way greater than yourself,” Murphy-Racey said. Furth also added that recalling memories captured by the photos was one of the most rewarding aspects. “You don’t remember the score, but when you see that image, you’re going to remember where you were”.

When it came time for Murphy-Racey to present to the crowd of students, he made one thing clear: “Reinvention, on a regular basis, is essential to survive.” He also dove into the importance of mentorships and how keeping those relationships alive is the key to navigating through hardships in the industry. At the end of his time speaking, Murphy-Racey made sure to let the audience know adversity would come, but that it’s not a bad thing: “You guys are going to have 10 jobs before you’re 35 or 40, maybe more. And that’s ok, but it requires reinvention.”

Fruth took a different approach when giving advice to the crowd of future photojournalists. She started with an anecdote, in which she left the usual photographer area during an ALCS (American League Championship Series) game, in order to get a wide shot of Yankee Stadium in the sunset. 

Fruth continued to emphasize the importance of doing something special with her work as she explained the mission behind her book See Her Be Her, which aims to bring more awareness and support to women’s baseball. In the end, Furth encouraged the crowd to do something special with their work, as “visibility creates possibility”. “We, as photographers, have the transformative power to raise awareness, to inspire change.”

Students all around the auditorium were taking notes, making sure they didn’t lose a single word of wisdom given out by the longtime photographers. As a result, the event was extended to accommodate all the students’ questions. 

Even then the extra time wasn’t enough, as many of the attendees came up to Furth and Murphy-Racey after the event to receive even more insight. Murphey-Racey made sure to make one thing clear before the night was over: “Stay teachable, keep reinventing yourself, and survive and advance.”