Storytelling through photos: Practice made perfect for Titan graduate sports photographer Jacob Miller
POWAY, Calif. — In the fall of 2023, Jacob Miller needed an additional arts class in his schedule for his senior year at Poway High School. Glancing over the list of courses, he chose photography. Little did he know this random decision would prove to be a turning point in his life. In the two years since then, Miller’s commitment has fueled a desire to grow as a photographer.
Beginner behind the lens
Miller spent his free time outside of school exploring techniques he learned in class: framing, playing with shadows, slow shutter. “I brought my camera to all the Padres games. That’s how it all started—by taking pictures of the players,” he shared. He practiced alone and with friends. He also frequently visited the zoo to try different photography methods. “Whenever I could find time, I would just practice, practice, practice.”
Miller created an Instagram account to showcase his photos, especially the pictures he took at Padres games. Shortly after creating the account, he had a moment of high engagement with one of his photos when San Diego Padres star center fielder Jackson Merrill reposted one of Miller’s photos on his own Instagram page.
Capturing college sports at Boise State
Miller’s hard work paid off when he earned a position at his new school, Boise State, as a sports photographer. He shot pictures at virtually every event: football, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, softball. “Through this job, I learned a lot about making connections with people and being social. I developed friendships with photographers, videographers and athletes,” Miller said.
As he discusses the context behind his photos, Miller lights up. From an exciting moment in a playoff basketball game to the momentous last tennis match for a senior captain. “I love telling stories with my pictures,” he shares. “For me it’s emotion over action.”
First on the field during football games, his favorite time was warm-ups. He enjoyed engaging with the players. “The team was relaxed but still had a lot of intensity and would get hyped up when they saw the cameras.” Miller favored a wide-angle lens during this pre-game routine: “The athletes were closer in proximity during their warm-ups, so I was able to use a lens that allowed me to capture a lot of emotion.”
Photographers tend to postpone photo editing, but Miller dives in. “Taking photos is only half the process. I edit my photos chronologically and get excited about seeing the photos I captured at the end of my shoot, so that keeps me going.” He happily admits to staying up well into the night editing after working a game.
New year, new opportunities
Miller is now a sophomore at Boise State and back on campus pursuing a business degree. Due to school program restructuring, unfortunately, several sports photography positions were eliminated. Being a recent hire, his position was affected. This slight setback hasn’t deterred Miller. He now has a position with another local Boise organization and has been taking sports photos for nearby colleges and local high schools. He looks forward to likely getting back on the Boise State football field with his camera in his new role. “There is such an enthusiastic atmosphere with college sports. If I can keep shooting in this environment forever, that would be a dream,” he shared. “I would love to continue down this path.”
You can find Jacob Miller on Instagram: @jacobmillerphotos.
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