College of DuPage Football Media Day: Behind the Portraits

Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph the College of DuPage Football Media Day, and what a day it was! It’s always exciting to capture athletes at the peak of their game, but media day portraits bring something different to the table. This wasn’t about the fast-paced action on the field; instead, it was a chance to focus on the individuals who make up the team.

In a studio-like setup, I had the players step in front of the camera, one by one. The goal was to capture not just their strength and athleticism, but also their personalities. Each portrait needed to reflect who they are off the field as much as who they are on it. It’s a moment to showcase their confidence and pride while giving each athlete their time to shine.

Working in this controlled environment allowed me to play with lighting and composition, highlighting the sharp contrasts between the players’ intensity and the quieter moments when they relaxed in front of the lens. These are the moments I love most—the space between the tough exterior and the person behind the helmet.

Media days like these are a great reminder that while football is a team sport, each player brings their unique energy to the field. Being able to capture that in a portrait is a challenge I always welcome. As always, it was an honor to be part of the College of DuPage’s season kickoff and to give the athletes something they can look back on as they take on the season ahead.