Photographic Timing

Photographic Timing

Author: Steve Brazill July 1, 2021 Duration: 45:45

Damian Strohmeyer is a Boston based photographer that’s just as comfortable photographing a Super Bowl, as he is shooting a portrait. His body of work spans from fast action sports, like The World Series, The World Cup, The Stanley Cup, The Olympics, and 27 Super Bowls, to commercial or editorial work. I have had a lot of world class photographers on this show, and Damian takes that to the next level.

Damian’s career is like a highlight reel. Throughout his over 25 years at Sports Illustrated magazine he worked on over 2,000 assignments and produced 72 covers. I thought that was a typo the first time I read it. Having 72 SI covers on its own puts you head and shoulders above your peers. It’s no wonder his work is exhibited at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Damian is a member of the exclusive Canon “Explorers of Light” program, a group that includes some of the world’s most influential photographers.

I am always fascinated by the common threads in a photographer’s portfolio, and in Damian’s case I am awe struck by his ability to capture the perfect moment. His sense of photographic timing is some of the best I have seen. While in the midst of a live, fast action moment, he has the ability to seemingly slow the moment down, and allow himself to freeze time with his camera at the perfect instant. It’s amazing. As a live music photographer I have to capture these types of fleeting moments regularly, and yet I feel like I’d miss the majority of the same moments Damian captures, were I in that situation.

On the education side of things Damian does group and individual photo lessons, along with various speaking engagements through the Explorers of Light program.

Join photographer, educator, and Canon Explorer of Light Damian Strohmeyer and me as we explore the keys to improving your photographic timing, and discuss his image of a slide into home plate during a game between Oregon State and North Carolina, on this Behind the Shot.

Connect with Damian

Website: damianstrohmeyer.com
Facebook: @damian.strohmeyer
Instagram: @damianstroh
LinkedIN: @damianstrohmeyer

Damian’s’ Photographer Pick

Atiba Jefferson: Atiba Jefferson


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Photo, Video & Audio Gift Ideas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:10
A few episodes ago I talked about how I edit and finish some of my images in the episodes on Dodge & Burn + and Photoshop + Nik Color Efex Pro + Nik Silver Efex Pro. After those shows went live I received a few comments…
Using Remote Cameras [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
David Bergman has been on the show many times. Along with twice on the normal shows, first back on Episode 48 for “Composition, Creativity, and Workflow”, and then on Episode 137 for a “Making Better Action Photos”, he w…
Photoshop + Nik Color Efex Pro + Nik Silver Efex Pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:43
A few episodes ago I talked about masking in Lightroom, which is one of my favorite new features in the program. It wasn’t a deep dive into masking, but a demonstration of how I use masks in Lightroom to add depth to my…
Creative Lighting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:28
There are rankings in photography that I had no idea even existed. For example, the #1 Fearless Photographer in North America, and Top 3 in the World, for 2021 is Jason Vinson. He’s also ranked as one of the Top 100 Fear…
Focusing On The Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:13
I know a lot of photographers that work in multiple genres, but Kevin Jairaj is unique among them. One day he might be shooting a wedding, and a few days later college or pro sports. Then, on the days in-between, you mig…
Best Photo Advice You’ve Been Given? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
Today is another special episode, at least to me it is. In the almost six years I have been doing this show I have had guests share so much knowledge, and that got me thinking. “What is the Best Photo Advice You’ve Ever…
Dodge & Burn + [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:09
I have always had a love / hate relationship with Lightroom, meaning 20% love and 80% hate. There are just parts of this app that drive me crazy, or seem like they’re designed by someone that has never edited a photo in…
Creating Better Corporate & Environmental Portraits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
Corporate portraits can be challenging. Everything from tight spaces and limited time, to a mix of personalities and desired goals, the photographer has to become the fixer. Adding to that, telling the story of what some…
Favorite Light Setups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:16
LA based photographer Ian Spanier was first on the show back in 2019 for a conversation about Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting, discussing a portrait of actor Jeff bridges. His lighting style immediately struck me as…
Complex Photo Shoots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:15
I get guest suggestions often, very often in fact, and almost all of them are for amazing photographers, but on occasion the suggestion stops me in my tracks. On those very rare occasions, no matter where I am or what I…