LAS VEGAS — Veteran Las Vegas sports photographer Arnie Bazemore officially launched the inaugural “Freezing the Action: Sports Photography — From Sidelines to Storytelling” workshop, bringing together photographers of all experience levels for a day dedicated to education, mentorship and the art of sports photography.
Adding to the experience was undefeated professional boxer Jadalie Medeiros (7-0), who served as the workshop’s featured athlete just days after earning another victory at Knockout Queens in California. Medeiros worked with attendees during the hands-on portrait session, giving photographers the opportunity to capture a professional athlete while learning lighting, composition and storytelling techniques.
For Bazemore, the workshop has been years in the making.
“As a Las Vegas sports photographer and a fan of Las Vegas sports, I’ve watched this city become a national and worldwide sports destination,” Bazemore said. “Having a sports photography workshop to help develop and inspire the next generation of sports photographers was something that was on my heart. I wanted to share, educate and inspire people who are passionate about this craft.”
Bazemore’s own journey into sports photography accelerated following the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as photographing local high school athletes soon became the foundation of a growing career.
“I started photographing two high school players, Justin Crawford and Tyler Whitaker,” Bazemore explained. “I knew they had the potential to reach the major leagues, so I used that opportunity to develop my photography while documenting their journey.”
One of those athletes, Justin Crawford, has since reached the major leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies, something Bazemore says has made their paths feel connected.
“I feel like my sports photography journey has almost paralleled his development and growth, from high school all the way to the major leagues.”
Photography Is About the Person Behind the Camera
Although Bazemore shoots with Nikon equipment, he emphasized that success in sports photography isn’t determined by a camera brand.
“I shoot Nikon and I love the Nikon system,” he said. “But whatever camera system a sports photographer is using is the right system. The best camera is the one you have in your hands.”
For Bazemore, familiarity with his equipment is what allows him to consistently capture the moments that matter.
“I know my settings depending on the sport I’m covering. Whether it’s Major League Baseball, Little League or another event, I know where my camera needs to be. I’m comfortable with the Nikon system, I know the lenses, the lighting and how to get the shots I want.”
Medeiros Brings the Action to the Workshop
Fresh off her victory at Knockout Queens, Medeiros said participating as the featured athlete gave her a new appreciation for the work photographers do behind the lens.
“The experience was amazing,” Medeiros said. “The whole event was a great production. Bringing together amateur fighters, professional fighters and influencers was great for boxing because it allowed people to see different levels of boxing IQ, different styles and gave everyone an opportunity to network.”
For Medeiros, spending time with photographers in a controlled setting offered a perspective she rarely experiences during fight week.
“It was a great honor being photographed by so many different photographers and getting to network with them,” she said. “When photographers are covering my fights, I don’t really get the chance to speak with them personally or see everything that goes into their work. It was great to learn about the planning, the preparation and everything that happens behind the scenes. I hope it was as valuable for them as it was for me.”
She also emphasized the growing importance of professional photography and video for athletes looking to build their careers beyond competition.
“I think it’s very important for athletes to have quality photos and videos of themselves doing what they love because it allows brands and potential sponsors to see who you are, what you represent and what you bring to the table,” Medeiros said. “It also shows the work and dedication you’ve put into your career.”
A Workshop Built for Every Skill Level
One of the biggest highlights of the inaugural event was the wide range of photographers who attended.
Participants included newcomers photographing youth sports alongside accomplished professionals with decades of international experience, including photographers who have covered multiple Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups.
“I was really inspired by the range of photographers we had,” Bazemore said. “We had someone who is just beginning by photographing their kids’ games all the way to seasoned professionals who have photographed five World Cups and numerous Olympic Games.”
He believes everyone benefited from the collaborative environment.
“It was rewarding to help newer photographers learn the fundamentals while also creating conversations that could inspire photographers who are already at the top of their profession.”
Looking Ahead
Bazemore says the first workshop is only the beginning.
Future editions of Freezing the Action will become more immersive, combining classroom instruction with real-world experience at live sporting events.
His vision includes partnering with major camera manufacturers while giving photographers credentialed opportunities to photograph college and professional sporting events before returning for image reviews and critiques.
“The next workshop will include classroom instruction, shooting a live sporting event and then coming back together afterward to review everyone’s work,” Bazemore said. “I want it to be a complete learning experience.”
As Las Vegas continues to grow into one of the nation’s premier sports markets, Bazemore hopes his workshops will help develop the next generation of photographers ready to tell the stories unfolding from the sidelines.
Photographers interested in future Freezing the Action workshops can follow Arnie Bazemore on Facebook and @Fanshots on social media for upcoming announcements.
