MPB Meets: Sports Photographer Jonathan Lewis

Sports photographer Jonathan Lewis, associate creative producer at basketball magazine Slam and social manager for Slam Goods, has photographed iconic athletes including KD [Kevin Durant], Khris Middleton and James Harden. Let’s hear from Jonathan about his journey as a sports photographer, what he’s using to capture these moments and his plans for the future.

MPB: Can you tell us about your background/journey?

JL: My photo journey started roughly in 2015. I was shooting on a Canon EOS Rebel T3i that I got from a class I was taking at Nassau Community College in Long Island, NY. We were able to borrow from the school until we bought one. I was just trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the camera and started going places with friends just to shoot. Doing $25 shoots to market myself and my soon-to-be brand. Soon after, I bought myself a Nikon D3300 because I was itching to be the complete opposite of my teacher, who loved Canon. Long story short—my professor told me to go buy a goldfish. He was not very fond of my work. I sold the camera ASAP. And also received a C in that photography class.

Then one of my boys, his name is Erik, supported my photography dreams 100%. He knew I was an aspiring photographer and he wanted me to shoot a music studio session for one of his close family friends. Everyone loved the pictures and asked if this was my 9-5. I laughed, because of course I wished it was. But little did I know, it was only the beginning. Finally, after the session, my boy Erik said for me to keep his camera. It was a Canon Rebel t3i, and he said to use this until you can purchase your own. Fast forward to 2018. I finally saved up enough money and started looking to buy my next camera. I stumbled upon MPB and ultimately I bought a Canon EOS 5D Mark II along with a Canon EF 28-70mm f/2.8 L USM lens as well. And the rest is history.

MPB: Why sports photography?

JL: I played sports my whole life! Football was my first sport. Then I did things like dance, football, bowling, lacrosse and even volleyball. So, I tried to figure out how to combine my love for sports with my passion for photography.

MPB: Can you tell us more about your day-to-day work and projects?

JL: Currently, I am an associate creative producer at SLAM. Along with that, I run the SLAMgoods Instagram while creating photo content for the website, decks and more. Another title I have is a staff photographer at SLAM. So I do get the ability to shoot some cool stuff, such as games and events of that nature. In this role, I've had the luxury to have multiple spreads in some of the SLAM magazines since I've been working there.

MPB: What is your favourite image you’ve created? How did you go about creating it? What did you use? 

JL: My favourite shot ever is probably the action shot I captured of Kevin Durant in Game 5 shooting over Khris Middleton. SLAM asked me to shoot this game of the NBA Playoffs. I was excited, and nervous and had so many feelings that were indescribable. I will say KD hit a big shot right before, and I missed it! I was so sick to my stomach because I knew that was the frame. Then KD slithered his way up the court and banged a deep three over Middleton. When I looked at my camera, I paused and reflected on my life within 30 seconds. I was just grateful for everything leading me to this path. I was shooting on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens.

MPB: Who are some of your biggest influences?

JL: My first biggest influence is my family. I am of Haitian and Jamaican descent, and my family came here with nothing. I've seen doctors, nurses, teachers and just very decorated people in life. So, yes, I have a different path, but my family has instilled a certain type of drive in me. They've influenced me to never stop and to always choose myself. Some influences in my field are Johnnie Izquierdo,  Jon Lopez, Nathaniel Butler and Rob Tringali.

MPB: What has been the biggest learning lesson on your journey? And what advice would you give to some looking to take the same path?

JL: One thing I've learned on this journey is not to compare my work to others. The sports world is a very ‘dog-eat-dog’ world. In the sense that we are all working towards the same goal sometimes. So it's easy to sit here and say “you aren't doing as well as someone else”. But we have to realize that things take time! I'm one to attest to this, for sure. If you create great content, someone will see it.  Stay the course. It's your story. You are the author. So, write what you want your story to be.

MPB: What are your plans for the future?

JL: This question is always a crazy one for me because sometimes we are always trying to live for the next thing. So my future includes ‘my now' and later. My future plans for ‘my now’ are shooting a cover for SLAM. Would be an honour. The future plan is to create content for an NBA team. And to get into shooting other professional sports like football and baseball.

Looking for more sports photography content? 

This article is part of the MPB Guide to Sports Photography, our comprehensive look at how to create sports photography, with camera recommendations, advice and interviews with experts.