THREE TIPS to MAKE MORE MONEY with your SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

Follow these three tips to make more money with your sports photography!

0:00 Introduction
1:13 You Don't Have To Shoot The Pros
3:38 Photographing "Off The Ball" Images
6:55 Find Your Niche
9:38 Recap

ABOUT ME:
I currently work as a director of photography and content at USA Today Sports. As part of our national and worldwide distribution, you've likely seen my work in many publications including but not limited to USA Today, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.

🛒 Products I use or refer to in my videos:

***DISLCIAMER: The links above are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission when you make a qualifying purchase using those links. You are under no obligation to buy or use these links, but doing so helps support this channel and the content on the show!

#jerrytlai #sportsphotography

[berthindman]

I appreciate that I don't have to sell all my gear. I've been blessed to make money here and there. Sometimes you also need to work for free to get in the door so to speak. I'm an elementary teacher so I've avoided youth sports because I've worked to keep my 2 occupations separate. Shooting for A team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball has brought some unique opportunities to make money with all the rule changes they try out for MLB. When they first started the robot umpires I had a lit of inquiries for photos. This last year they moved the pitching rubber back a foot. First change of that kind in over 100 years. I documented the entire process and contacted several media outs but didn't get any real interest. So I created a photo book. Sold quite a few and a few ended up being in the hands of MLB executives. I even have the honor of having that book accepted by the Hall of Fame. Keep giving great content to photogs of every level.

[davidcuellar]

I wish this channel was still making videos! Such a goldmine of information and good presentation. I learned a lot from these videos and still revisit them even a year later.

Regardless, thankful for all of the info you put out, Jerry!

[FlashFocused]

Rock climbing specialist tapping into the conversation here, aiming for LA2028!

[fasttracksportsphotography]

Great advice. Jerry. I especially appreciate the advice to take the nonstandard photos. My project in 2022 is now going to be seeking out the "creative" photograph rather than the standard. Thank you for being the first professional who actually was honest and told other photographers what the pay scale is.

[SJHFoto]

Jerry, thanks for this. I have been shooting youth (mostly middle and high school age) sports photography as my full time job for almost 20 years now. Although, I don't work for other companies. I do some school vs school sports, but I find that most of my income comes from tournaments (like club girls volleyball tournaments). I pay a vendor fee to the tournament director, allowing my company exclusive sales rights. Then, my staff and I go to an event with some portable gear, sell onsite, and that is how it goes

[GregInda]

Jerry! I attended a short lecture you did almost 10 years ago at the Chicago Photography Center (where I was a student). I was recently telling someone about that talk, as I still have notes I refer to from it, and got curious what you were up to and found your channel.

The videos are fantastic, and very helpful. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge!

[ChrisPieta]

Finding a niche is so important! Great advice Jerry, this will help a lot of people

[SJHFoto]

7:30-"Be a specialist". You hit the nail on the head. The only time I see multiple photographers is when I do the HS volleyball championships (Districts, Regionals and States) Even with my tournament sales method, I only have maybe half a dozen competitor companies within the 400 or so mile radius we typically travel. It's definitely not like shooting pro sports where there is a media booth, and I would be cramped in with a dozen or more photogs! The only photos I sell to media outlets are when the local newspapers buy my images (and I would be at those games anyway working for the parents of the kids on the high school team)

[michaelcabal]

You teach me something new in every single video you upload here. Thank you.

[thanhatbuio]

Talking about niche sports, i was blown away by Ezra Shaw's works of Tokyo Games skateboard. Great captures

[grocharon]

Terrific advice and tips, Jerry! New sub from Australia!

[Theezaleez.]

8:35 That "break dancing anybody?" line aged tremendously well! 😂

[turnerx]

Thank you for sharing your work and insights; your videos are terrific!

[skippy]

Always enjoy your content Jerry. Thank you for your videos.

[JackBeasleyMedia]

Hey Jerry, good tips. I'm amazed at the photos that I sell that aren't necessarily "action". I also find that photos of football linemen sell just as well as photos of quarterbacks!

[DeeRosa]

Glad I found the channel jerry! Do you so any mentorship?

[Bushcraft]

As a photographer i go out daily so much to explore and see as we approach summer

[paultrunfull]

Nice one Jerry, some great info as usual. Happy New Year lets hope for a better one !

[mhsvz]

Thank you for another excellent video. Are you still using Canon gear or have you switched to Sony?

[Jerseymikephoto]

Great info Jerry and it was nice to see that shot of a smiling Anthony Causi. I am a season ticket holder to two NY sports teams and I used to always see him working games. He is missed.