Classes

Ready to stop shooting frozen, lifeless sports portraits and start creating images that actually feel like the game? This hands-on class with Sondra LaRay is completely focused on mastering shutter drag to create sports portraits packed with movement, energy, and controlled chaos.

Sondra will break down exactly how she uses shutter drag to create dramatic motion blur, intense action effects, and sports portraits that look fast, gritty, and cinematic. You’ll learn how to combine flash with movement, control ambient light, and direct athletes in a way that creates powerful images straight out of a hype video or highlight reel.

This class isn’t about safe, perfectly still portraits. It’s about pushing motion creatively, embracing chaos, and learning how to create sports images that instantly grab attention.

In This Class You’ll Learn:
-The fundamentals of shutter drag and how it works
-How to combine flash and motion for dramatic sports portraits
-Creating intentional motion blur without losing your subject
-Camera settings for different motion effects and environments
-How to direct athletes for movement that looks powerful and natural
-Using light to amplify speed, action, and intensity
-Building sports portraits that feel loud, energetic, and alive

If you’ve ever wanted your sports portraits to feel more dynamic, cinematic, and unforgettable, this class will show you exactly how to make it happen.

Ready to break into the world of school sports photography and create images athletes actually get excited about? In this lecture-style class, Sondra LaRay shares the strategies behind building a successful sports photography brand that stands out to schools, coaches, athletes, and parents alike.

You’ll learn how to find opportunities, build strong relationships with athletic departments, and create bold, high-impact images that go beyond standard team photos. From working in challenging gym lighting to marketing your work like a pro, this class is packed with real-world advice and actionable steps you can start using immediately.

Topics Covered:
-Finding opportunities and connecting with schools, coaches, and athletic directors
-Building trust and credibility within sports programs and local communities
-Shooting strategies for gyms, stadiums, fields, and fast-paced environments
-Creating epic athlete portraits that stand out from traditional sports photography
-Marketing your work through social media, school partnerships, and local exposure
-Pricing, presentation, and growing long-term school relationships

Sondra’s sports work has been featured by ESPN, SportsCenter, and House of Highlights, giving her firsthand insight into what makes sports imagery grab attention. You’ll leave with practical tools, marketing ideas, and a roadmap for building a thriving school sports photography business.

Join Sondra LaRay for a live demonstration class focused on creating senior sports portraits packed with movement, intensity, and energy. This class goes far beyond traditional “hold the ball and smile” sports photos. You’ll learn how to create images that feel fast, dramatic, and full of life.

Sondra will break down how she directs athletes, builds movement into her concepts, and uses lighting techniques to amplify action and emotion in every frame. From creating cinematic energy to using shutter drag for motion effects, this class is designed to help you create sports portraits that instantly grab attention.

Topics Covered:
-Directing athletes for natural movement and intensity
-Using motion to create more dynamic sports portraits
-Lighting setups that enhance energy and drama
-Shutter drag techniques for movement and action effects
-Building concepts that feel cinematic and game-ready
-Creating standout images athletes actually want to share

Sondra’s sports portraits have been featured by ESPN, SportsCenter, and House of Highlights, and she’ll walk you through the techniques and creative approach behind the images that helped her stand out. Leave inspired and ready to create sports portraits that feel powerful, fast, and unforgettable.