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From Playing Soccer to Pursuing Photography

We recently had the chance to sit down with Sebastian Ramirez, a rising star in soccer photography. His transition from playing the game to capturing its essence through the lens is a story of passion and resilience. From his early days experimenting with a phone camera during physical therapy to working with major soccer brands, Sebas' unique style highlights the lifestyle and culture of soccer beyond the field.

Interview with Sebastian Ramirez

Role in Football: Photographer

Q&A:

Q: Can you tell us about your journey from playing soccer to pursuing photography? What led you to focus on capturing soccer culture?

A: My journey from playing soccer to photography was an unforeseen one. I spent my whole life playing the game, it was the one constant through all my eras. My senior year in college I tore my ACL, up to that point I had never had any major injuries besides the occasional twisted ankle, and a broken arm in High School so I was always able to hop back onto the field quickly. With an ACL tear it was the first time I was not going to play or practice for almost a whole year, so let me tell you when the pain settled and the boredom kicked in it was serious. There was only so much TV/movies I could binge on, I wasn't a video gamer, and getting around on my own was an obstacle. My only activity was going to and from physical therapy everyday from Brighton Beach to Harlem. Around this time Instagram was gaining a lot of popularity and it helped spike my interest into photography. My phone was my first camera and from then on it snowballed. Soon enough I was going to watch my friends play games or pick up and I'd take my camera to try to capture them in action. There was a lot of trial and error at this point, I was teaching myself and I slowly figured out what it was I needed to execute my vision. Fast forward this pattern for a while, I took an intro to photography class the next semester, upgraded my equipment a bit, kept drawing inspiration from what I saw the pros do on IG and began my focus on photography as I worked to get back onto my beloved pitch.

_{Q: What inspired you to start photographing soccer beyond the action on the field and explore the lifestyle and culture surrounding it?}

A: Growing up in NYC I could tell there was a huge part of the game that wasn't being documented regularly. I also didnt have access to professionals or pro clubs, so I had to start with what was around me. I've been into fashion since I was a kid (living in New York City you have to be fly), and I knew that what is now known as Blokecore already existed in latin communities for years and I wanted to capture it too. People around me have always worn soccer pieces as lifestyle garments, the same way Americans would wear NBA or NFL pieces. I've been obsessed with every part of the game, and this was just another aspect I wanted to show off to the world.

_{Q: Your work has been featured by big names like NYCFC, MLS next, and major soccer brands. What has been one of your most memorable projects, and why?}

A: Last year I got to organize and execute a photoshoot for MLS and Hispanic Heritage Month. They were releasing new prematch warm up tops for clubs across the league and I needed to capture assets for them to use across marketing. I was able to gather a group of models, stylists, videographers, photographers, producers and we shot the campaign together. It was a memorable day and a memorable project for a lot of us involved to look back on. Some of us were old friends, and some became new friends, but it felt special to put together something that represented my community with a like minded group.

_{Q: Your photography has a distinctive style. How would you describe your approach, and what influences your creative process?}

A: I would tie my approach to street style. I've always admired the album cover work in 90's and 2000's hip hop albums. I would draw inspiration from some of those intimate or blatantly in your face shots and I've always wanted to bring that to photographing soccer. Moments so close to the athlete that you can identify and feel what's happening on the pitch - that sharp cut back, that rough tackle. I've never liked seeing that flat stock photography you often get in newspapers and magazines featuring sporting events. I want my work to be dynamic! Just like my favorite players on the field.

_{Q: Street soccer in NYC is a recurring theme in your work. What draws you to capture these moments, and what do you think they say about soccer culture in the city?}

A: It's another way to play the game. In recent years it's grown a lot of popularity in the main stream, but in some communities it's always existed, it's nothing new. From the moment I picked up the camera, I've wanted to show the game in all its forms, street, pick up, dirt, turf, stadiums, you name it, I want to see it. Soccer culture in the city is on the rise, people want to play everywhere, all the time! Unfortunately the city doesn't provide us with the adequate spaces. So many times I'll see an empty baseball field with its stadium lighting on for no reason, and next to it there will be a soccer field full of players playing in the almost dark. The parks resources arent used properly or fairly but the game goes on and people will create new spaces and new ways to get their runs in and that's beautiful.

_{Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started in soccer photography? Are there any key lessons or tips you’ve learned along the way?}

A: If you're in school use their resources! Take classes, get involved with the school teams, clubs. It's an early way to build a network and learn from possible mentors. Something I wish I had known and done when I was in school. I didn't pick up a camera until I had almost graduated so I had to do a lot of self learning. If you were like me and didn't have these opportunities, now the internet has everything you need. All the basics are just a youtube video away. The one obstacle is getting equipment. If photography is something you truly want to pursue it may cost you some discipline. Equipment isn't cheap, but neither are those Jordans on your feet. Once you're able to have a camera you never know the doors you might open. Lastly, get out there and shoot. Don't be shy. Trial and error will teach you a lot. Just like learning a sport, you have to show up to practice, take all those bad shots until you learn the proper technique and can hit top bins.

_{Q: As someone who documents the evolution of soccer culture, what changes have you observed in how the game is celebrated and represented in the U.S.?}

A: You can't ignore the growth. As a kid there were only a handful of teams in the area. Now there's teams on teams on teams. The popularity is rising for both boys and girls, soccer is no longer a secret. It's the sport that connects people around the world and Americans are learning to accept it and add their flavor to it.