Meta Description: Discover how Philadelphia Flyers photographer Kate Frese broke into sports photojournalism, the challenges of licensing, essential gear, and actionable tips for aspiring sports photographers.
From a Graphic Design Major to the Flyers’ Press Box
This ARCHIVE EPISODE of the 10 Frames Per Second podcast reveals the untold story of a rising star in sports photography.
Keywords: sports photojournalism, Kate Frese, Philadelphia Flyers photographer, sports photography tips, photo licensing, sports gear guide, aspiring photographer advice.
Who Is Kate Frese?
- Current role: Staff photographer for the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and freelance sports photographer.
- Background: Grew up with an amateur‑photographer mother, studied graphic design before switching to photography after a pivotal professor‑recommendation.
- Previous experience: Music and underground punk photography, covering the Philadelphia Union (soccer) and ultimate frisbee before landing the Flyers gig.
“I’m the only female photographer on the Flyers’ roster for the first few years… now there are three of us.” – Kate Frese
What Makes a Great Sports Photograph?
Kate treats each shot like a fine‑art piece, not just a freeze‑frame of an action moment.
- Emotion & Expression: Capture genuine reactions, not just sweat and jerseys.
- Composition: Use strong lines, leading‑room, and interesting angles to stand out.
- Creativity: Double exposures, prisms, and black‑and‑white conversion keep images fresh.
- Storytelling: Aim for a picture that makes viewers pause and ask, “What’s happening here?”
“I want to create something that stops you and makes you think, not just a sweaty player.”
Gear Checklist for Aspiring Sports Photographers
Kate’s “bare‑minimum” kit for anyone starting out.
| Must‑Have Lens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 24‑70 mm f/2.8 (wide‑to‑standard) | Versatile for rink‑level shots and tight spaces. |
| 70‑200 mm f/2.8 (telephoto) | Captures distant action without losing light. |
| Optional 10 mm fisheye | Great for dynamic band gigs and creative angles. |
| Full‑frame camera | Better low‑light performance; invest in glass first. |
| Crop‑sensor backup body | Faster frame‑rate for high‑action bursts. |
| Teleconverter (optional) | Extends reach of a 70‑200 mm if you can’t afford a 300 mm. |
| Sturdy strap & rain cover | Protect gear in icy arenas and muddy motocross tracks. |
Pro tip: “Invest in lenses before the body—glass makes the difference.” – Kate Frese
Understanding Photo Licensing in Sports
Sports leagues fiercely control image rights. Here’s what Kate shared:
- Standard usage: Images go to publications, wire services (AP, Getty, USA Today Sports).
- Photographer rights: Limited to portfolios and social media; selling prints usually requires a separate license.
- Getty’s impact: Since Getty bought NHL images, licensing fees have skyrocketed, making it costly for freelancers to sell prints.
- Workarounds:
- Request special permission for prints or calendars.
- Negotiate per‑image licensing fees (often thousands of dollars).
“It’s a bleak market for freelancers—most are paid per piece, not per hour.”
Inside the Flyers Press Box: How Games Are Covered
- Press‑box meeting (1 hour before tip‑off). PR assigns shooting spots based on a tier system.
- Best spots: Ice‑level “hole” positions reserved for AP, Getty, USA Today.
- Mid‑tier spots: Concourse level, shooting over the glass. Kate typically gets an icelevel spot.
- No tape‑tied shoving: At the Flyers arena, each ice‑level spot is for one photographer only, reducing “elbow wars.”
Kate’s Top Advice for Aspiring Photojournalists
1. Leverage Internships
- Three internships during college helped Kate build a network and gain real‑world experience.
2. Never Stop Shooting
- Personal projects keep your creative energy alive, especially when commercial work feels draining.
3. Network Aggressively
- Follow, comment, and engage with photographers you admire on Instagram and Twitter.
4. Master Your Craft
- Experiment with double exposures, black‑and‑white conversion, and unconventional angles.
5. Be Realistic About Money
- Expect unpaid or low‑pay gigs early; treat them as stepping stones toward paid assignments.
6. Know Your Rights
- Read every contract; understand the licensing limits before signing.
Recommended Resources & Inspirations
- Women in Sports Photojournalism: Elsa Garrison (Getty), Maddie Myers (USA Today Sports), Shanna Lockwood (Getty).
- Books: Bruce Bennett – Greatest Hockey Pictures, works by Gregory Crutzen & Todd Hito.
- Organizations:
- National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) – conferences and networking.
- Association for Photojournalism (AP) – mentorship programs.
Take the First Shot
If you’re dreaming of capturing the roar of a crowd, the grit of a puck, or the split‑second drama of a goal, remember Kate Frese’s path:
- Start with the right lenses.
- Take every unpaid gig as a learning lab.
- Network relentlessly—online and offline.
- Know the licensing landscape before you sign.
Your next iconic sports image could be just a click away. 🎞️
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