Email: [email protected]
Website/Blog: jeffmoreland.com
Instagram: instagram.com/jeffmoreland
Bio:
If you’ve ever flipped through the pages of Sports Illustrated or scrolled on ESPN.com and other sports magazines and websites, chances are you’ve seen the work of Jeff Moreland. Based in the heart of Kentucky, Jeff captures images from NCAA sports, the NFL, PGA, and the world of thoroughbred racing, including the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup.
With a career spanning more than 25 years, Jeff’s journey in sports photography began as a young boy who loved collecting trading cards and admired the images on them. This passion led him into sports photography where he spent seven seasons working for Topps Sports Cards, where he traveled around the country covering the NFL. His images have been featured on hundreds of trading cards and product packaging, and he has been a featured artist in Beckett Sports Card Magazine’s special art issue for his work in the trading card industry. His images continue to light up both print and digital platforms, showcasing the thrilling world of sports to fans across the globe. His clients include major NCAA universities, as well as sports trading card companies, magazines, and websites.
Beyond sports, Jeff enjoys concert and celebrity photography. He’s covered bands including Metallica, KISS, and others, and worked the red carpet at Metallica’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He also enjoys working the Kentucky Derby red carpet each year.
When he’s not behind the camera, Jeff loves to travel and attend sporting events with his family.
Q&A
Hometown: Ravenna, Ky.
Reside in: Danville, Ky.
Photography Genre: Sports
Career Highlight #1: Traveling around the country covering the NFL for Topps Sports Cards for seven seasons and seeing my images on trading cards.
Career Highlight #2: Covering 19-year-old Bryce Harper as a minor league player with my images of him appearing in Sports Illustrated and on ESPN.com.
Career Highlight #3: Covering Metallica’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
BLACKRAPID product of choice: Double Breathe
Age you took your first photo and with what camera: I enjoyed taking photos with my mom’s old Polaroid OneStep when I was a little kid, probably around 7 or 8 years old. I got my first 35mm when I was around 12 years old, and I was in love with photography from then on.
First realization that you wanted to be a professional photographer: As a kid, I realized that you could get paid to do two of my favorite things – attend sporting events and take photos – and I knew it was something I wanted to do.
Who inspires you: A lot of other photographers inspire me. Some of them are famous, but others aren’t. Many are my friends I work with regularly. I had the chance to meet and shoot beside legendary sports photographer Neil Leifer while shooting celebrities arriving on the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby this year. It was amazing to talk with him and think of all the historic images he’s created. Being around good people who are also great photographers makes me want to be better.
Camera of choice: I’ve always shot Canon. I’ve dabbled into the mirrorless line with the Canon R3 and really like it, but I’m still attached to my old standards, and use a trio of Canon 5D Mark IVs.
Dream photo-shoot: I would love to do a Super Bowl. I’ve shot a lot of NFL football, including playoff games, but I’ve never had the chance to shoot a Super Bowl. That’s the top of my bucket list.
What do you do when not taking photos: I love to travel and see historic places and movie locations with my family. My wife and I are also big sports fans, and we attend a lot of games together. We are working on visiting every Major League Baseball stadium.
Favorite place on earth: I love to travel across the U.S. and other countries, but as the old saying goes, there’s no place like home. I grew up in a small town called Ravenna, Kentucky, and there’s just something special about going back home, seeing family and friends, and returning to the place where so many of my lifelong memories were made.
One piece of advice for someone at the beginning stages of their photography career: Be patient and be persistent. That applies to a lot of areas of photography. including waiting for a good shot and waiting for opportunities. Nobody starts at the top, and if you work hard and try to learn something new every time you pick up your camera, you can always get better. More than once I’ve landed a job or assignment by being persistent. Always be professional, but don’t give up too easily when seeking photography work.
How do you “Live the Moment”: Whatever I’m doing, I try to appreciate it and take in the environment and the experience. I know that as a photographer, I’m fortunate to get the opportunity to do what I love, and often on some very big stages. I never take that for granted.
