10 Sports Photographers To Follow On Instagram

In the world of sports, capturing the moments of triumph, struggle, and raw emotion is a difficult art form mastered by only a few. These talented sports photographers bring the excitement and drama of athletic events to life through their lenses. Instagram serves as the perfect platform for them to showcase their incredible work.

In this article, we highlight 10 sports photographers you should follow on Instagram. Their stunning visuals and unique perspectives offer a stunning glimpse into the world of sports, sure to inspire both fans and aspiring photographers alike.

1. Maria Emelianova

Maria Emelianova, known as Photochess on Instagram, is a multifaceted talent in the chess world. A Woman FIDE Master with a peak rating of 2144, Emelianova is also a prominent chess photographer and Twitch streamer. As the first-ever employed chess photographer, she has captured numerous memorable moments in chess tournaments, including the viral photo of Pragg's proud mother. Currently the official photographer for Chess.com, Emelianova transferred her federation allegiance from Russia to England in 2020, further solidifying her international presence in the chess community.

2. Samo Vidic

Samo Vidic, a Slovenian sports photographer, started his professional career at just 23. Since 2005, Vidic has been capturing the world’s top athletes, travelling extensively to cover major sporting events. As a member of the Limex Images team and a contributor to Getty Images, Vidic not only documents sporting events but also creates advertising campaigns for these organisations. His dynamic and global portfolio makes him a prominent figure in sports photography.

3. Dave Lehl

Dave Lehl, hailing from the United States, is renowned for his adventure and active lifestyle photography. Initially aspiring to be a fashion photographer, a season in Summit County, Colorado, transformed his focus to snowboarding and skiing. Lehl's work, often featuring collaborations with top brands like Oakley, Red Bull, Nike, Burton Snowboards, and ESPN, takes him around the globe, where he captures the exhilarating essence of extreme sports.

4. Kirill Umrikhin

Russian photographer Kirill Umrikhin specialises in extreme sports photography and serves as an ambassador for Nikon, SanDisk, and Manfrotto. Launching his career with Onboard Snowboard Magazine in 2004, Umrikhin’s work has since been showcased in numerous sports publications worldwide, including Russia, Europe, the USA, Canada, and Japan. His accolades include winning The Best Of Russia photo contest in 2013 and 2014, solidifying his status in the field.

5. Hy Money

Hy Money stands out as a trailblazer in sports photography, celebrated as Britain’s first female sports photographer. Starting in the 1970s, she overcame significant barriers to photograph football matches, eventually becoming the official photographer for Crystal Palace. Her book, "Hy on Palace," published in 2005, is a testament to her pioneering work, featuring a thousand photographs of the club and legendary football figures.

6. Tom Jenkins

British photographer Tom Jenkins boasts over 30 years of experience, capturing iconic sports moments for The Guardian and the Observer. His extensive career includes photographing five FIFA World Cups, four Summer Olympics, and numerous other major sporting events. Jenkins' deep-rooted passion for sports and versatile photography skills have earned him a distinguished place in sports journalism.

7. Cameron Look

Cameron Look is making waves in the world of basketball photography. His work offers an immersive court-side experience, capturing the intensity and atmosphere of the game. Beyond the action shots, Look's photography provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of basketball’s biggest stars, making him a fresh and influential voice in the sport.

8. Grant Brittain

Grant Brittain, a veteran skateboard photographer, has been chronicling the sport for over four decades. His vibrant, energetic shots often use super-wide-angle lenses to create a distinctive fish-eye effect. As a deeply integrated member of the skateboarding community, Brittain’s work retains the rebellious spirit of the sport, making his portfolio both authentic and exhilarating.

9. Brad Mangin

Brad Mangin's passion for baseball shines through his intimate and affectionate sports photography. His work captures the personalities and stories behind the game, providing a unique perspective that goes beyond typical sports imagery. Mangin's photographs offer a heartfelt look at the community and history of professional baseball, making his portfolio truly special.

10. Lynne Cameron

Lynne Cameron holds one of the most prestigious sports photography positions in Europe as the official photographer for the England women's football team, the Lionesses. Her Instagram feed showcases her exceptional ability to capture the team's emotions, dedication, and journey to success. Before taking on her role with the Lionesses, Cameron served as the official photographer for Rangers FC and the Scottish Rugby Union, highlighting her extensive experience and talent in sports photography.