We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ben Rowe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ben, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

The story behind my creative services business idea is intertwined with my high school journey. Through my artistic endeavors, I overcame the challenge of being an unfamiliar face in my new district. I gained recognition among my classmates and discovered the potential to turn my pursuits into a thriving career. But let’s start at the beginning.

I became involved in sports media in 2017. At that time, I was a competitive soccer player. I captured photo and video content of me and my friends playing soccer at the park. My strong athletic background and passion for content creation meant I was learning new skills daily. Athletes surrounded me throughout my school years. I was enrolled in the Northern Burlington Regional School District at that time. Sports were always a hot topic in day-to-day life. My classmates and I were constantly playing sports and discussing sports. It was a lifestyle, so entering the field with a camera felt like second nature. Although I was interested in sports media during my Northern years, I never got involved with their athletic program – primarily because COVID’s introduction in 2020 set significant limitations on high school athletics. I considered getting involved with content creation at Northern, but it was difficult to start due to these limitations.

In the fall of 2021, I transferred to Bordentown Regional School District as a junior. After this huge life change occurred, I realized I had a second chance. COVID restrictions eased, which allowed me to pursue my passion at this new location. However, I was still juggling the complications of being a new student. It is nerve-wracking to be in that position; you only have one chance to make a good first impression. It requires mental and emotional preparation. I was determined to assimilate into this unfamiliar environment, and I knew that my creative vision could come to life through the school’s athletic program. This task was more challenging than I had anticipated, though. Because I was an unknown entity at Bordentown, I had to earn the administration’s trust first. On my second day of school, I spoke with the athletic director about my plan and asked permission to take photos on school grounds. I got the green light after a delay of about two weeks due to school adjustments. Within the first month of school, I began photographing fall sports teams – football, soccer, cheerleading, and field hockey.

I continued exploring sports photography’s ins and outs during this time. With various players and teams at Bordentown, there was always something new to capture. My constant involvement on the sidelines helped me understand the fundamentals of this subject. Yet, that was not enough for me, as I consistently pushed myself to reach higher levels. I enjoyed the challenge of finding new angles, playing with lighting, and capturing the essence of a moment. Ultimately, this position allowed me to express my unique perspective on the sports world. It acted as a channel for my thoughts, ideas, and emotions to flow through and share with others. Now, a 2023 graduate from Bordentown High School, I can reflect on my time and see how I built a rapport with the coaches, parents, student-athletes, and the entire student body through creative photography.

Along this journey, I recognized the immense potential of this endeavor, extending beyond high school to encompass college and even the prospect of a lifelong career. The passion for sports in America ensures a constant demand for athletic content creation, providing a wealth of opportunities for those dedicated to their craft. I am confident I can generate additional success in this industry by continually honing my skills and believing in myself.

Ben, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not be familiar with me, I will share a bit about myself and my journey in the industry. As mentioned earlier, I started my creative endeavors as a high school sports photographer, specializing in capturing the dynamic moments of various sporting events. While I offer my services to a diverse range of clients, my primary focus now lies in catering to soccer organizations, as soccer holds a special place in my heart.

One of my key objectives is to contribute to the growth of local soccer through creative media. I have had the privilege of collaborating with prominent soccer organizations, including EDP Soccer, New Jersey Youth Soccer, and Real Central New Jersey. These partnerships have allowed me to significantly impact the sport’s development within the region.
One of my proudest achievements to date is reaching the professional level of sports photography during my high school career. This entailed capturing memorable moments from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) matches. These experiences have not only honed my skills but have also provided me with invaluable insights into the world of professional sports photography.

As I continue on this exciting journey, my focus remains on expanding the sport of soccer in New Jersey. Through my dedication and commitment, I aim to create visually compelling content that showcases the beauty and passion inherent in the game. By providing top-notch photography services, I strive to offer my clients captivating images that evoke emotions and preserve cherished memories.

My dedication to my craft and my genuine passion for soccer sets me apart from others in the industry. This combination enables me to capture unique perspectives and convey the essence of the game in a way that resonates with viewers. Furthermore, my commitment to professionalism, attention to detail, and consistent delivery of exceptional results distinguishes me as a trusted and sought-after sports photographer.

I want readers to know that my work is not just about capturing moments but also about contributing to the growth and promotion of the sport. Whether showcasing the energy of a thrilling match or capturing the camaraderie among players, I aim to bring soccer to life through my lens. I will continue documenting the game’s beauty and fostering its development in New Jersey.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My fearless approach in reaching out to everyone helped me build my reputation within my market. I had no hesitation and stepped in with confidence. After realizing the impact that my sports photography could make, I became eager to establish meaningful connections with students from various areas across the state. I didn’t limit myself to just my own school; I also offered my services to other high schools in New Jersey – Princeton, Notre Dame, Peddie, and many more. Recognizing the potential in every opportunity, I photographed a wide range of sports, refusing to confine myself to just one. Consistency was key—I never stopped pursuing my passion and delivering quality work. I constantly sought new levels to push myself and expand my skills, always looking for ways to grow and improve.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a sports photographer and creative is the knowledge that I have captured a future core memory for someone. Whether it’s freezing the moment an athlete scores their game-winning point, capturing the elation on a coach’s face as they win a big game, or documenting another significant event, I am privileged to be part of creating those lasting memories. Seeing the impact of my work on the individuals involved is incredibly fulfilling. When athletes, coaches, or their loved ones express their gratitude and appreciation for the moments I’ve captured, it validates the importance of my role as an artist. Knowing that my photographs have the power to transport people back to those exhilarating moments and evoke emotions is a constant source of motivation. As these images become part of history, they can contribute to the legacy of the athletes and teams I have documented. It’s a privilege to do this work, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bybenrowe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bybenrowe/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bybenrowe/

Image Credits
Ben Rowe