BEVERLY, Mass. — Endicott College graduate Nick Grace '20 (Stoneham, Mass.) recently worked with the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)'s media team as a photographer for the organization's 21-day Championship Series Challenge.
The marketing major and photography minor landed the gig through tireless networking with several members of the PLL. Here's a look into Grace's experience as a PLL photographer.
1) How did you get involved working with the PLL?
A: Last summer, I decided to take a shot in the dark and DM [direct message] the PLL main account on Twitter about shooting their inaugural game at Gillette Stadium. It was a brand new league and I knew it would be an incredible opportunity if I could get a press pass and shoot for them.
Luckily, about a day later, their director of marketing (Tyler Steinhardt) DM'd me back and a few days later I was shooting their inaugural game and meeting their incredible media team. Those relationships that I made ended up paying off and landed me the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Utah with them for their championship series.
2) Describe your experience in Utah.
A: Wow, where do I even begin. It was definitely a lot of work, but even more fun. Twenty-one straight days covering the best lacrosse players in the world. It was a grind, to say the least, but also just an incredible experience. I shot everything from traveling to Utah on a charter plane to training camp to product shots for the league sponsors, and of course all 20 games of the championship series.
I don't think I've ever shot so many photos in three weeks but it was all worth it. The level of play that I got to cover was on par with every other pro sport I've covered. I got some incredible shots that I am very proud of (showcased below in question five).
I think one of the best parts for me was getting to work so closely and create great relationships with the players and coaches from all of the teams. They always treated me with respect and I had the best access I've ever had to teams. Being around each team, watching them grind every day, and train for each game was incredible to watch. Then of course seeing the emotion shown both pregame and post-game in the locker rooms. Each team had their own back story, their own why, and I was lucky enough to get to tell their story through photos.
And finally, working with the PLL's media team. The PLL's media team is filled with some of the most talented creatives I've ever worked with. From photo to video, to podcasts and vlogs and social. They do it all and they do it at an elite level. I'm truly just grateful to have been a part of that team for the three weeks of the championship series.
3) What did you learn from a photography and networking standpoint?
A: I think the main thing I learned is networking really pays off. And if you put yourself out there and do some free work from time to time, whether it's an internship or just shooting a few games, you never know when that networking is going to come back around and lead you to an incredible opportunity.
From a photography standpoint, I think I learned what it takes to be a true professional. I felt this was a great transition from a student photographer to a professional photographer role. Twenty-one days of work in a row is tough, especially when you're stuck in a bubble, but being able to grind it out and create amazing work day after day takes a certain level of skill. I was not perfect by any means, but I think it really helped me hone in on my skills and now I feel that I can take on any job in the future.
4) What was it like as a photographer with COVID-19 protocols?
A: It was weird for sure, thankfully I can do most of my job from a distance. Being in the bubble we were required to wear a mask all the time unless we were in our designated social groups. And when we were around teams we had to wear special glasses to protect our eyes but still allow us to use our cameras. It was an adjustment for sure, but after a week it just became normal.
The only thing that was really tough was wearing a mask in 100-degree heat. But honestly, none of this could have been pulled off without the PLL's COVID-19 committee and their medical and ops staff. Those people worked tirelessly to pull off the championship series so a huge thank you to them.
5) Give us your top-3 photos and describe why they are your favorite.
1) Cutting the net - I loved everything about this photo. Not only is it a unique moment that happened once the broadcast was over, but I also loved the framing I was able to get looking at former MVP Matt Rambo cutting his piece of that net.
2) White & Green jersey goal - Before this, I never felt that my action photos were anything incredible, but after the championship series, I felt that I significantly improved my action shooting and this was a shot that made me a lot more confident about my action shooting.
3) Archers - flying through the air. I like to call this photo - Air Ament. This is a photo of Archers' rookie Grant Ament flying through the air to score a goal. I felt it showed just how good every PLL player was on the field. Grant was only a rookie and his stats were off the charts and he was pulling off goals like this. Defiantly one of the best shots I got of the series by far.
6) What advice would you give to Endicott students post-graduation, especially now?
A: First, be patient and be able to adapt, especially right now. All of my post-grad plans got thrown out the window because of COVID-19. But, I was patient and previous networking got me this opportunity out of nowhere. As weird as this time has been it's really helped me get my plans in order and I think I'm coming out better prepared and with a better plan than I had before the pandemic. So if you can stay patient and adapt as life changes post-graduation, it really will make all of the difference.
With that being said, the second is: network and put yourself out there. This is the second time that a simple DM or a cold email has led me to opportunities that only come once in a lifetime. You may get left on read a few times and you may get a few no's along the way, but stay persistent, that one yes could lead you to incredible places.
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(Photo Credit - Nick Grace '20)
