From the Playground to the Olympics

Turn your passion into the career of your dreams.

“My jumpshot didn’t get me to the league, so my snapshot did.”
— Jon Lopez

Join 15-year veteran Jon Lopez for an exclusive 3-day intensive workshop in NYC where you'll learn the business systems, creative strategies, and industry connections that transformed his career from street photography to global campaigns.

Your Instructor: Jon Lopez

For over 15 years, Jon Lopez has documented basketball culture at every level - from pickup games in Harlem to the Olympic Games in Rio. Nike, Jordan Brand, Under Armour, Wilson Sporting Goods, Red Bull, the National Basketball Players Association, The New York Knicks and Slam Media Inc. among many other prominent brands have tapped his unique artistic eye for campaigns and creative direction.

Jon's journey represents what's possible when authentic passion meets professional strategy. Now, he's sharing both for the first time.

Portfolio Highlights:

  • 2016 Olympics Official Photographer

  • New York Knicks Official Team Photographer

  • Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Documentarian & Lead Photographer

  • Wilson Sporting Goods Global & National Campaign Photographer

  • Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Photographer

Three Days That Will Transform Your Business

Day 1: Foundation & Studio Mastery Location: Professional Studio, NYC

  • Equipment and gear essentials for sports photography

  • Editorial conceptualization and execution

  • Hands-on studio work with professional models

  • Surprise Guest: Executive from multi-billion dollar major sports corporation

  • Building character and professional reputation

Day 2: Real-World Application Location: Harlem Basketball Tournament

  • Live tournament documentation with professional players

  • Real-time coaching and feedback

  • High-stakes environment with cash prizes on the line for the winning team

  • Opportunity for social media collaboration and exposure

  • Advanced action photography techniques

Day 3: Business Development Location: Virtual (Private Sessions)

  • Personal 45-minute portfolio review with Jon

  • Business strategy and pricing consultation

  • Career roadmap development

  • Ongoing support structure

Offerings

Three days that bridge the gap between talented photographer and sought-after professional

What You’ll Walk Away With

The Mindset That Separates Pros from Hobbyists

Instead of feeling like an outsider in the industry

  • How to think like a brand partner, not just a service provider

  • The character traits that get you invited back (and referred out)

  • Why technical perfection matters less than understanding the bigger picture

  • How to position setbacks as learning opportunities that build credibility

Real outcome: Carry yourself with the confidence of someone who belongs in elite sports environments.

Confidence in High-Pressure Situations

Instead of wondering "am I good enough for this?"

  • Experience shooting alongside seasoned professionals in fast-paced environments

  • Real-time coaching on reading the game and anticipating moments

  • Feedback on your decision-making during actual tournament action

  • Proof that you can deliver under pressure with stakes that matter

Real outcome: Never again wonder if you're "ready" for a big assignment. You'll have evidence of your capabilities in professional settings.

🤝 Industry Relationships, Not Just Contacts

Instead of networking events that lead nowhere

  • Direct conversation with a Fortune 500 sports marketing executive (my surprise guest)

  • Real-time collaboration opportunities with other serious photographers

  • Ongoing access to our private community of workshop alumni

Real outcome: Walk away with actual relationships, not just business cards. Several participants from my informal mentoring have collaborated on major projects across the globe.

Your Investment in Your Photography Business

Early Bird Rate: $1,997 (*available to the first five accepted applicants)

Standard Rate: $2,497

What’s Included:

✓ 3 full days of intensive training with Jon Lopez

✓ Hands-on studio work with professional models

✓ Live tournament documentation with pro players

✓ Personal 45-minute portfolio & business review

✓ Exclusive corporate executive guest session

✓ Professional networking opportunities

✓ Ongoing community access

✓ All materials and resources

What’s the value of one Nike campaign? One Olympic assignment? A cover shoot for Slam Magazine? This workshop teaches the systems that create those opportunities.

Investment: $1,997 - $2,497

Potential Return: Single corporate campaign ($10K-$50k+)

Your first brand partnership pays for this 10x over

“Taking Jon Lopez’s Respect the Shooter workshop was a turning point in my creative career. I didn’t just walk away with techniques — I walked away with a system. Jon breaks down the process of shooting, prepping, and delivering at a pro level in a way that’s clear, actionable, and rooted in experience. From shooting peak action in sports to organizing my files, refining my workflow, and approaching each project with intention — the systems I learned here have saved me hours and leveled up my results.
Most importantly, the workshop gave me industry insight I couldn’t get anywhere else. Jon teaches you how to think like a shooter and like a business. I’ve booked clients like Overtime Sports, Marc Jacobs, SLAM Magazine, and Avirex using the mindset and tools I gained from this workshop. Honestly, I’ve made back 10 times what I invested — easily.
If you’re a photographer looking to stop guessing and start building a career that’s creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable, this is the blueprint.
”
— Royce Paris, lifestyle/sports photographer

FAQs

  • We work with photographers at all stages. What matters is your commitment to treating photography as a business, not just a hobby. To turning your passion into a fruitful career. Inputs lead to outputs and this workshop will equip you with the tools to thrive both behind the lens and long before you arrive on set or on the baseline.

  • The business principles work across all sports. The relationship-building strategies that got me Nike campaigns apply whether you're shooting football, soccer, or extreme sports. Basketball is just our vehicle - the destination is building premium client relationships in any sport you're passionate about. And many of the themes of sport like peak action and storytelling are applicable not only across sports but genres as well.

  • Yes! If people in my life didn’t invest in me early in my career, I would not be where I am today. Paying that forward has always been important to me. To apply for a sponsorship, please submit your application and tell me more about your journey and how this workshop will help you reach your goals.

  • Bring whatever camera system you're comfortable with - this isn't about gear upgrades. We'll have professional lighting and backup equipment available. The focus is on vision, positioning, and business development, not technical equipment training. Although, Jon will be accessible to answer any questions and during the live basketball event on Saturday there will be ample opportunities to dive into any technical topics.

  • Exactly 10 photographers, maximum. This ensures everyone gets personal attention, direct feedback, and the chance to build real relationships with other participants. It's intimate enough that you'll work directly with me throughout all three days.

  • Full refund if you're not satisfied after Day 1. The value becomes clear immediately when you see the caliber of content and connections we're providing. I’ve poured my heart and soul into my journey behind the lens and this workshop has been years in the making, designed to help participants thrive and offer all the successes and failures to save you some time and give you a boost in your own career trajectory.

  • Absolutely. The tournament we're shooting and the industry connections you'll make are unique to NYC's basketball culture. Plus, you'll be networking with other photographers who were serious enough to travel - that's the caliber of people you want in your network. As an indigenous New Yorker and a foodie, I’m also happy to help point you in the direction of some sublime foods and desserts and to some of basketball’s most hallowed grounds right here in the Mecca of the game.

  • All three days are essential for the complete experience. If you can't commit fully, this might not be the right time. However, Day 3's individual sessions can be scheduled flexibly within that week to accommodate some schedule needs.

  • Most workshops teach you how to take better photos in controlled environments. This teaches you how to build a sustainable business around those photos as well as photos made in unpredictable environments. The difference is access - to my client relationships, industry executives, and real professional shooting environments. You won't find this combination anywhere else. I made a career for myself and earned the trust of some of the world’s most recognizable brands right here on the streets and playgrounds of New York City and now I’m inviting you to join me in getting the the reps and building the strategy to reach your goals. Join me!

  • The workshop is designed for growth at any stage. Established photographers often benefit most because they have the foundation to immediately implement advanced relationship-building strategies or otherwise apply what they’re learning to their existing practices. It’s always nice to get a peek behind the curtain of a peer in the industry.