Michelle VanTine
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER
Software and Technology
I’m passionate about shooting images that stop the scroll, increase visibility, and bring in more clients. I work with businesses (think everything from Spartan to skincare), public figures (architects, designers, artists, musicians), and events (weddings, art shows, grand openings). My work has been posted by Serena Williams, Ginuwine, Ulta, Whole Foods, Fairmont Hotels, Body Glove, Spartan, Tough Mudder, Getty Images, and many more. I was honoured by being on the list of “Top Sports Photographers in Miami” in 2019 by Peespace (and proud to be the only female on the list).
AM
Sports shoots vary based on whether they are sports portraits or actual events. Marathons have a 4:30 am start time so it’s not uncommon for me to wake up at 3:30 am for a shoot. Athlete portraits have more regular hours. Shoot days are fun and require lots of energy. Clocking in at Spartan races is one of my favourites. Last summer I found myself sitting at the top of an A-frame in a valley of Hawaii where Jurrasic Park was filmed. The days are fast-moving and physically taxing but full of energy and grit. Marathons such as the Miami marathon are high intensity, capturing over 20 thousand runners flying by.
Non-shoot days are much more relaxed. I usually wake up, get my emails out of the way, and workout. I spend the rest of the day editing, answering emails, networking, marketing, billing, calls, etc.…. the dailiness of running a business. I usually check my emails in the morning around 7 then tackle my workday “in the office” from 10 am until 8 or 9 pm. It’s a very relaxed at-home workday with something cosy and a great playlist.
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On race days it really depends what I’m shooting. Some events last 5-6 hours, and some obstacle course races like the Spartan Ultra my hours are 5:30 am until 9 or 10 pm with one 15 minute break.
Office days are much more low key. I work from home and stop for dinner. I try to stop working at 9 pm. Some weeks I find myself having photographed up to 8,000 + images so the workload can be a lot. The nice thing though, is that working for myself, I can pull back on accepting jobs if it’s too much or I can quit, take a beach day, and get back on it the next day. The job requires A LOT of discipline, intrinsic motivation, and hours but shoot days are fun adventures from boxing champions in Jamaica to Spartan races in Hawaii so the hard work pays off.
- Remember: even though you’re an artist…you’re running a business. To be a successful full-time photographer you have to be a successful business owner. There’s a lot of talented artists out there but it really takes a combination of refining your craft as an artist AND learning how to market, network and reach new clients to keep the jobs rolling and build a respected brand.
- LEARN STROBE! I know it’s intimidating. I shot for years before doing in. Looking back I’m not sure why I thought it was so scary. It’s actually pretty simple and it brings SUCH a huge upgrade to the look of your images. If taking an online class doesn’t appeal to you, ask a local photographer if you can pay them for a 2-hour class. Once you have the knowledge you’re set for life.
- Goals take years. I’ve found that people set a goal and start strong with a plan and enthusiasm. After a few months or a year of doing it, they fizzle out with discouragement. Things take time. I applied 2 consecutive years before getting accepted to Spartan as a photographer. They said no for 2 years. I applied for 3 consecutive years to Getty before getting approved for one of their platforms. They said no for 3 years. I’ve been ignored and told no a million times. I’ve put effort into projects that didn’t show fruit for years. BUT…. eventually, everything comes around if you stick with it. The jobs, the features, the magazine articles, and the dream clients. You have to be okay with what feels like failure and rejection for months and sometimes even years. It’s a skill that you have to build to separate rejection from your value as an artist. Focus on being excellent at your craft and keep putting out the feelers… it comes but it takes time and consistency.
MY WORK
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