Emerging Sports Photographer Shay Graham Turns Extreme Passion into a Career Goal

Shay Graham’s path to photography began in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdowns, when he was pursuing a career in cinematography. After several years of film-set work experience, he realized the medium no longer suited him. A turning point arrived at a Red Bull ski film premiere, where the behind-the-scenes photographers caught his eye. The next day he transferred universities, enrolling in a sports photography program at Nottingham Trent University, and has been building his portfolio ever since. ## From Film to Extreme Sports Graham’s love of sport, especially skiing, has guided his photographic focus. Having spent more than a decade on the slopes and working at a rock-climbing centre, he feels a strong connection to the raw energy of extreme activities. He describes the appeal as a blend of nature, freedom, and intense concentration that demands humility from athletes. While he remains open to other sports, his long-term aim is to specialise in extreme winter events, with the ultimate dream of shooting the Winter Olympics. ## Building a Portfolio Amid Access Barriers As a student aiming to graduate in 2027, Graham has been actively seeking opportunities to expand his body of work. Media passes for high-profile events are often reserved for established publications, creating a hurdle for emerging photographers. To work around this, he targets lower-tier competitions and open-entry races such as Ironman events, funding trips himself when necessary. He is currently planning winter trips to capture FIS Freestyle and Freeride World Tour competitions, even if he must attend as a spectator. These efforts are intended to strengthen his winter-sports portfolio, which is otherwise limited by his base in the UK. ## Gear Evolution and Aspirations Graham recently upgraded from a Canon 750D-used until it broke-to a Sony A7 V paired with a 70-200 mm f/4 Macro II lens. He cites this combination as a significant step forward in image quality and versatility. Looking ahead, his wish list includes a 400 mm f/2.8 and a 50-150 mm f/2 lens, ideally mounted on a Sony A9 III or A1 II body. Until budget permits, his next purchase will likely be a 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens. ## Influences, Advice and Future Goals The young photographer points to Isami Kiyooka-who photographed the Winter Olympics at just 21-as a key influence, noting how Kiyooka’s insider perspective and artistic style set him apart. Graham advises newcomers to master fundamentals before chasing gear upgrades, to draw inspiration from a broad range of artistic disciplines, and to stay rooted in the passion that drives their work. He believes that a genuine love for photography, rather than financial motives, sustains long-term success. ## Looking Ahead Graham’s ambition is to join a media house such as Red Bull Media House, covering extreme sports worldwide with a focus on skiing. He envisions his career culminating in photographing the Winter Olympics, targeting either the 2030 or 2034 Games. Through continued portfolio development, strategic event attendance, and incremental equipment upgrades, he aims to turn this vision into reality. --- *Shay Graham’s portfolio and social media can be followed at www.shaygrahammedia.com, Instagram @s.gray.media, and LinkedIn under his name.*