Toronto Raptors Team Photographer Vaughn Ridley on Becoming a Professional Sports Photographer

The Photographer Mindset

In this episode, we chat with Vaughn Ridley (@vaughnridley), NBA team photographer for the Toronto Raptors and Getty Images photographer, about his journey into sports photography and what it takes to capture the raw emotion and intensity of professional basketball. Vaughn shares his process for balancing instinct with preparation during fast-paced events. He reflects on memorable moments with the Raptors and operating in high-pressure environments. Vaughn also reveals how his ultra running pursuits have shaped his mental fortitude, offering invaluable insights for aspiring photographers and creatives in any field.
Expect to Learn:
- How to harness resilience when making significant career shifts
- Strategies for balancing creativity and consistency in high-pressure situations
- How building strong professional relationships opens doors to new opportunities
- How setbacks can lead to personal and professional growth
- Techniques for managing lighting and equipment in tough settings
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Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.
@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset

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