Although junior Laila Krefetz never planned on becoming a high school sports photographer, she discovered a passion for it after taking Digital Photography her sophomore year.
After picking up a few techniques, Krefetz recognized her natural talent for the skill. “I wanted to take it further, so I joined the AP Photography class,” she said.
At the beginning of her junior year, Krefetz began attending football games, where she captured fast-paced action shots and learned to anticipate key moments on the field.
As she took more photos, people started to notice her talent. Athletes reposted her pictures, coaches complimented her work, and parents reached out to thank her for capturing special moments. “I feel extremely grateful for the compliments, whether at a game or when I’m passing someone in the hall,” she said.
“The recognition means the absolute world to me, and I don’t think people realize how much I appreciate it,” Krefetz added.
Krefetz saw a significant difference between her early photos and her current work as her technique and editing improved. “If you look back on some of my earlier photos, like from football season, you can see how much I’ve grown through my photos. My editing and technique make me feel good knowing I’m getting better consistently,” she said.
As her confidence grew, so did her passion for sports photography. Krefetz began attending more games, from water polo to lacrosse, eager to improve and add to her portfolio.
“I like capturing those key moments, like sprinting down the field to shoot a goal, hyping teammates up before the game, or a group huddle with coaches,” she said.
Krefetz explained that while getting the perfect shot can sometimes be challenging, the excitement of the game keeps her motivated. “This opportunity has opened many doors for me, and I owe it all to the athletes, parents, and coaches because they have shown so much support,” Krefetz said. “Their encouragement has made a huge difference.”
Krefetz is already thinking about how to keep photography in her life after high school. Though she doesn’t plan to major in photography, she hopes to continue capturing sports moments in college while pursuing her other academic interests.
“Right now I am saving up for my camera equipment so I can continue it in college,” she said. “It’s a passion that I am serious about, not to study in college, but possibly to take photos on the sidelines of sports games.”
Check out Laila Krefetz’s latest sports photography on her official website, where she showcases her photos from school sports events.
