BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Moreland

Jeff Moreland

Jeff Moreland Sports Photography

Jeff Moreland is a Kentucky-based sports photographer. He covers NCAA sports, the NFL, PGA, thoroughbred racing (Kentucky Derby, Breeders’ Cup), and more. His work is regularly featured in print and online versions of national and international publications, including Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and others.

His career includes seven years working for Topps Sports Cards and traveling around the NFL, with his images appearing on hundreds of trading cards and packaging. His current clients include NCAA universities and sports trading card companies, and he loves seeing his work published on sports cards because that’s a big part of what sparked his love for photography as a young boy. Jeff also enjoys concert and celebrity photography, including red carpet events at the Kentucky Derby and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies.

When he’s not covering games he enjoys traveling and attending sporting events with his family.

BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Moreland 1 — Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham (0) dunks in a game between the Illinois State Redbirds and the Kentucky Wildcats on December 29, 2023, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Jeff Moreland) The image was published on a special edition 2024 NCAA Tournament Bowman basketball card.

Do You Have a Good Photography Tip for Us?

Be prepared and know as much as possible about your subject.

I find that being a former athlete helps me know more about what is likely to happen in a particular situation when shooting sports, and that can go a long way toward being in position to get the shot I want.

BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Moreland 2 — Rory McIlroy tees off on the fifth hole during the fourth round en route to winning the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. (Jeff Moreland)

My Friend, the Pop Star!

One of my best friends from childhood became a global pop star when we grew up. I’ve shot some of his concerts over the years, but I’ll never forget the first time I went to one of his shows after he became famous. I was shooting it for a magazine and our hometown newspaper.

My wife and I got to the arena early the day of the show and met with him in the back of the arena before we all went outside to sit on his bus where we could talk. As he swung the arena door open and poked his head out, there were instantly blood-curdling screams from a few hundred young girls waiting to catch a glimpse when and if that door opened.

When the show began, it was surreal to stand in front of the stage shooting photos while more than 20,000 people screamed and cheered for a guy I had grown up with.

That’s something I’ll never forget.

BLACKRAPID SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Moreland 3 — Flightline (4) with Flavien Prat aboard wins in the 2022 Breeder’s Cup Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Jeff Moreland)

What’s in your bag?

I’m a Canon shooter, and I have three Canon 5D Mark IV bodies.
I have several lenses, including a 24mm f2.8, a 24-70 f2.8, a 70-200mm f2.8, and a 500mm f4. I also have one non-Canon lens I love, and that’s a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8. I usually stick strictly with Canon but I tried this out once and really liked the versatility it gives. I especially like it for shooting basketball.
I always use a BLACKRAPID strap, and I go between my original Sport Breathe to the Double Breathe depending on the situation. The Double Breathe has quickly become my new favorite because I can keep a mid-range lens (70-200mm) on one side and a short lens (24-70mm) on the other, all while shooting my 500mm on a monopod. It lets me keep everything close at hand while also keeping it secure.