Show notes
How Are Photographers Entering The Volume Sports World?
(Hint...It starts with that first team)
REAL Talk Photography Podcast Episode 79
Host: Vickie Black
Special Guests: Nicki Hufford & Joshua Sharp
How Are Photographers Entering the Volume Sports World?
(Hint… it starts with that first team)
Breaking into volume sports photography can feel intimidating but every photographer who’s doing it successfully started in the same place: with one team and a lot of figuring it out along the way.
In this candid conversation, Nicki and Josh share exactly how they got started in the volume sports world, what their first opportunities looked like, and how saying yes to that first team opened the door to growth, confidence, and scalability.
We’re talking real experiences, real learning curves, and real talk about what it actually takes to step into volume sports photography without the fluff.
In this episode, we cover:
• How Nicki and Josh landed their first volume sports gigs
• Why that first team matters more than getting everything perfect
• Mindset shifts photographers need when transitioning into volume work
• Lessons learned the hard way (so you don’t have to)
• Encouragement for photographers who feel stuck on where to start
If you’ve been curious about volume sports photography but unsure how to break in, this episode is your permission slip to start small and start now.
🎧 Tune in and let’s talk REAL.
Your Host Vickie Black...
Vickie is the founder of Senior Style Guide (SSG), a community built to support and connect senior photographers in the photography industry. Launched as a blog in 2011 and the first senior industry print magazine in 2012, SSG has grown into a comprehensive platform featuring print and digital education, online events, Facebook communities, shootouts, The PUSH Conference, destination events and in 2013 she launched the HOT 100, an annual contest created to highlight exceptional senior photography across the globe. Through every facet of SSG, Vickie remains dedicated to educating photographers, creating authentic connection, and raising the standard of senior photography worldwide.
INSTAGRAM: @seniorstyleguide
WEBSITE: seniorstyleguide.com
Today's Guests Nicki Hufford And Joshua Sharp
Nicki Hufford is an award-winning senior photographer and educator, inducted into the SSG Hall of Fame in 2021. With over 16 years of experience and 20+ national recognitions, she’s known for capturing seniors’ personalities with creativity and heart.
Nicki shares her expertise at conferences like The PUSH Conference, PPA, Sync, Masterminds, and Focus and runs Nicki Hufford Photography with her husband, Paul. When she’s not behind the camera, she enjoys off-roading, cheering at sporting events, and spending time with their daughter, Maddy.
INSTAGRAM: @nhuffphoto
WEBSITE: nickihuffordphotography.com
Joshua is a photographer based in Teays Valley, West Virginia, dedicated to helping every client feel their absolute best. Specializing in high school seniors, team sports, fashion, children, families, and styled portraits, he captures moments that empower, inspire confidence, and celebrate individuality. Josh loves creating images that make people feel proud to be themselves and he’s always ready to collaborate on something unforgettable.
INSTAGRAM: @joshuasharpimagery
WEBSITE: joshuasharpimagery.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seniorstyleguide
Website: http://www.seniorstyleguide.com
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THE PUSH CONFERENCE: Hosted by Senior Style Guide, The PUSH Conference is the photography education event of the year that you do not want to miss!! From a range of speakers from across the nation that are industry leaders in their field of expertise to hands on shooting, there is something for every photographer there in a small learning environment. It is three non-stop days of learning and you’re going to be kicking yourself if you’re not there this year! https://www.shopseniorstyleguide.com/push-conference
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