Best Sports Photographers in Madison, WI

Whether you’re a team wanting to create memories of the season that’s just passed or an athlete hoping to boost your online presence, there are plenty of reasons to book the services of a professional sports photographer. Not only can they freeze all the action on the field or the court but capture outstanding portraits that will showcase you at your best.

Madison’s sports photographers work throughout the region photographing live-action, individual, and team portraits in a style that is all their own. In this article, we’ll introduce 7 of the best to help you find the right sports photographer for you.

K Jay Photos

Kimberly Arneson is the owner and lead photographer at K Jay Photos, which is all about offering fun and creative photography that is as unique as you are. She works out of a studio in Waunakee where she collaborates with high school seniors, new parents, and professionals in need of headshots.

When it comes to sports photography, Kimberly strives to capture natural expressions and the true spirit of the game and is particularly renowned for her captivating Rain Sports Sessions and dance photography. Her work has been recognized by “Modern Teen”, “Senior Style Guide”, and “People Magazine”, and she was identified as a photographer to watch in 2020.

Brenda Eckhardt

After 16 years in business and several awards under her belt, Brenda Eckhardt must be doing something right. This Madison and Wisconsin area photographer works with families, high school seniors, and brands to create cherished images, either at her studio or on location. During her portrait sessions, she likes to incorporate an element of adventure and utilizes beautiful lighting in all of her shoots. Aside from being a highly experienced photographer, Brenda understands the ins and outs of social media marketing and helps entrepreneurs and athletes alike to grow a strong following.

Focal Flame

Clint Thayer is the founder and lead photographer at Focal Flame, which was established in Madison in 2010. His team of 12 provides both photography and videography services throughout the Midwest and is on a mission to document people who are striving to accomplish their personal goals. Focal Flame’s portfolio includes adrenaline-filled images of athletes cycling, running, and swimming during live events, as well as commercial photography for businesses and nonprofits. Aside from leading the team at Focal Flame, Clint is a staff photographer and videographer at the UW Department of Medicine.

Greg Dixon Photo

Specializing in sports, health, and education, Greg Dixon is a freelance media photographer who calls Madison “home”. He has dedicated his career to documenting people who are creating positive change and striving to build a better world. Greg’s images have been featured in “People Magazine”, “The Wisconsin State Journal”, and “Nature Neuroscience”, to name just a few.

He regularly travels throughout the Midwest for work and has spent a lot of time shooting landscape images of the American West. In fact, he recently had a solo exhibition at the University of Wisconsin Hospital featuring images of Yellowstone National Park and Wisconsin’s striking environments.

Timothy Hughes

With a B.S. in Art from UW-Madison, Timothy Hughes founded his photography business in 2006 and has since established a reputation as one of Madison’s top sports photographers. He works out of a small but full-service studio that comes complete with a makeup area, cargo elevator, and props, and collaborates closely with his clients from project concept to completion.

Timothy draws on his extensive experience as a graphic designer to ensure the images he delivers meet the demands of art directors and editors when it comes to creating engaging layouts. Not only does he capture action sports, athlete portraits, and active lifestyles but he’s a talented fashion, commercial and headshot photographer.

Mary Langenfeld

Mary Langenfeld has been a professional photographer in Madison since 1990 and has worked as a contract photographer with USA Today Sports Images, the Waukesha Freeman, and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. She specializes in documenting a range of sporting events that include football, soccer, and swimming, with her images freezing the emotion and intensity of all the action.

Mary is a member of the National Press Photographers Association and the Wisconsin News Photographers Association, as well as being a contributor to Sports Shooter. Aside from sports, Mary also shoots weddings, portraits, and travel.

Ric Damm Photography

Based in Ripon, Wisconsin, Ric Damm is both a photographer and a social media director who helps clients to realize their creative vision through imagery and digital art. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on journalism and English writing and collaborates with both individuals and nonprofit organizations in need of sports photography. His impressive portfolio includes portraits of families, pets, and athletes in a diverse array of sports that range from tennis to basketball, football, and volleyball.

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