BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Howard Lao

Howard Lao

HowLaoPhotography – Sports

Howard Lao is a photographer born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He learned how to photograph sports as a collegiate hurdler at the University of Washington. Now he combines his unique background as an athlete with his photography by capturing moments that bring fans closer to the competition.

BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Howard Lao 1 — Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce during the World Athletics Oregon 22 World Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on 2022-07-17 (Howard Lao)

He has covered a variety of events, including the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Trials; World Athletics Championships in Beijing, Portland, Eugene, London; the Boston, New York City, and Chicago Marathons; Major League Soccer; and NCAA March Madness. His work has also appeared across commercial brands like Nike, Oiselle, Brooks, and Sketchers, as well as in editorial spreads in the Wall Street Journal, the Seattle Times, and the Oregonian.

BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Howard Lao 2 — World Athletics Oregon 22 World Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on 2022-05-17 (Howard Lao)

Do you have a good photo tip for us?

Don’t just look ahead! But be aware of your surroundings for other action, quiet moments, and to make sure you’re not blocking any other photographer’s view.

BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Howard Lao 3 — World Athletics Oregon 22 World Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on 2022-07-24 (Howard Lao)

A Photoshoot Faster than the Fastest Woman in the world

Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce nicknamed ‘Mommy Rocket” is one of the fastest sprinters of all time. As she was leaving a press conference, and before being stormed by fans and other media, I asked her to step into my portable studio that I set up outside the door. From the moment she stepped in, posed for photos, to when I thanked her it was over before her fastest 200meter race (21.79seconds).