Respect the Shooter: NYC Sports Photography Workshop

July 24-26, 2026 | Jon Lopez

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

Join me for 3 intensive days in NYC. I'll show you the business systems, creative strategies, and industry relationships that took me from street photography to Nike, Jordan Brand, and the Olympics.

July 24–26, 2026 · New York City · 10 seats, application only

Join the Priority List | Apply 48 hours before the public

Priority list members get first access to applications and the early bird rate.

For 19 years, I've 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 have all tapped my eye for campaigns and creative direction.

My journey is proof of what happens when authentic passion meets professional strategy. This workshop is where I share both.

Portfolio Highlights:

  • 2016 Olympics Official Photographer

  • New York Knicks Official Team Photographer

  • Nike Elite Youth Basketball League Lead Photographer & Documentarian

  • Wilson Sporting Goods Global & National Campaign Photographer

  • Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Photographer

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Submit Your Application Now - Only 10 Spots Available

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: Industry professional(s)

  • Building the character and reputation that get you hired back

  • Social networking IRL, optional gathering to break bread together. Good vibes only [zero pressure]

Day 2: Real-World Application Location: Venue confirmed to accepted applicants

  • Live sporting event

  • Real-time coaching and feedback

  • 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 me

  • Business strategy and pricing consultation

  • Your career roadmap

  • Ongoing support structure

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

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 understanding the bigger picture matters more than technical perfection

  • How to turn setbacks into credibility

Real outcome: You'll 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?"

  • Shoot alongside seasoned professionals in fast-paced environments

  • Get real-time coaching on reading the game and anticipating moments

  • Receive feedback on your decision-making during live tournament action

Real outcome: You'll never again wonder if you're "ready" for a big assignment. You'll have proof you can deliver under pressure.

🤝 Industry Relationships, Not Just Contacts

Instead of networking events that lead nowhere

  • A direct conversation with seasoned professionals (my surprise guests)

  • Real collaboration with other serious photographers

  • Ongoing access to the private alumni community

Real outcome: You'll leave with actual relationships, not just business cards. Workshop alumni have gone on to collaborate on major projects around the world.

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INVESTMENT

Your Investment in Your Photography Business

Early Bird Rate: $1,997 (first five accepted applicants — priority list applies first)

Standard Rate: $2,497

What’s Included:

✓ 3 full days of intensive training with me ✓ Hands-on studio work with professional models ✓ Live sports event coverage with elite athletes ✓ Personal 45-minute portfolio & business review ✓ Professional networking with 9 other serious photographers ✓ Ongoing alumni community access ✓ All materials and resources

I teach the exact systems I used to land Nike, Wilson, and NBA campaigns. Alumni have used them to book clients like Overtime Sports, Marc Jacobs, SLAM, St. John’s University, Jordan Brand, and Avirex.

Guarantee: Full refund if you're not satisfied after Day 1. I've poured 19 years of successes and failures into these three days — the value is clear by the first afternoon.

TESTIMONIALS

“I didn’t just walk away with techniques — I walked away with a system. I’ve booked clients like Overtime Sports, Marc Jacobs, SLAM Magazine, and Avirex using the mindset and tools I gained from this workshop. 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
Apply Now - Only 10 Spots & There's no telling if or when I might open this up again

FAQs

  • I work with photographers at all stages. What matters is your commitment to treating photography as a business, not just a hobby. Inputs lead to outputs — this workshop equips you to thrive behind the lens and long before you arrive on set.

  • The business principles work across every sport. The relationship-building strategies that earned me Nike campaigns apply whether you shoot football, soccer, or extreme sports. Basketball is the vehicle — the destination is premium client relationships in whatever sport you love.

  • Yes. People invested in me early in my career, and paying that forward matters to me. Apply and tell me about your journey and how this workshop will help you reach your goals in the last question on the form. Be sure to start with SPONSORSHIP.

  • Whatever camera system you're comfortable with — this isn't about gear upgrades. Professional lighting and backup equipment are available. The focus is vision, positioning, and business development, and I'm available all weekend for technical questions.

  • Exactly 10 photographers, maximum. Everyone gets personal attention, direct feedback, and real relationships with the other participants. You'll work directly with me through all three days.

  • Full refund if you're not satisfied after Day 1. Simple as that.

  • Absolutely. The tournament we shoot and the connections you'll make are unique to NYC's basketball culture — and you'll be networking with photographers serious enough to travel. As a native New Yorker and a foodie, I'm also happy to point you toward sublime food and basketball's most hallowed grounds in the Mecca of the game.

  • All three days are essential. If you can't commit fully, this might not be the right time — though Day 3's individual session can be scheduled flexibly within that week.

  • Most workshops teach you to take better photos in controlled environments. This one teaches you to build a sustainable business around your photos — in unpredictable, real-world environments. The difference is access: my client relationships, industry executives, and professional shooting environments. I built my career on the streets and playgrounds of New York, and I'm inviting you to get the reps and build the strategy to reach your goals.

  • Established photographers often benefit most — you have the foundation to immediately apply advanced relationship-building strategies. And it's always valuable to get a peek behind a peer's curtain.

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