In the dynamic, high-stakes universe of professional sports, where every move is scrutinized and every moment captured by a legion of media professionals, a fascinating new trend is emerging: athletes are stepping behind the lens themselves. This isn’t just about snapping casual phone pictures; it’s about elite sports stars picking up professional-grade cameras, earning media credentials, and documenting the very world they inhabit. Among this growing cohort, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga is quickly distinguishing himself, not just with his burgeoning skill on the hardwood, but with a serious passion for NBA photography that hints at a future beyond the game.
This movement represents a unique crossover, where individuals accustomed to being the subject of the shot are now embracing the role of the shooter. Their perspective is inherently unique: having lived at the epicenter of professional sports, they possess an intimate understanding of timing, emotion, and the subtle narratives that unfold during a live game. They know precisely when a key play is brewing, where the light hits just right, and what raw emotion looks like in the heat of competition. For many, photography offers a profound creative outlet, a way to channel their competitive drive and keen observational skills into an art form that keeps them connected to the rhythm and energy of the sporting world.
The list of athletes who have embraced photography is both illustrious and diverse, spanning multiple sports and generations. Perhaps the most celebrated example is Ken Griffey Jr. The former MLB superstar, renowned for his effortless swing, has developed a significant second career as a professional photographer. Post-retirement, “The Kid” is a regular fixture at major events, having earned credentials for prestigious tournaments like the Masters, as well as NFL, MLS, and IndyCar races. His work for Masters.com in April 2025 underscores his commitment and skill, proving that his eye for detail extends far beyond the baseball diamond.
Another gridiron legend, Marshawn Lynch, has also traded his helmet for a camera. The famously enigmatic former NFL running back has been spotted on the sidelines as a credentialed photographer for NFL preseason games, including a Raiders-Seahawks matchup. Lynch, known for his “Beast Mode” runs, now brings a similar intensity to capturing moments with a camera, offering a glimpse into the game from the perspective of someone who once dominated it.
From the NBA, Kevin Durant famously joined this photographic fraternity during Super Bowl 50. The perennial All-Star worked as a credentialed photographer for the event and later shared his experience with The Players’ Tribune, calling it a “dream offer.” Durant’s reflections highlighted the immense respect he gained for the craft, acknowledging the skill and dedication required to capture the essence of such a massive sporting spectacle.
The New York Knicks organization, in particular, has seen several players embrace this artistic pursuit. Guard Landry Shamet, for instance, recently garnered attention for his work as a credentialed, unpaid photographer for the USTA at the U.S. Open finals in 2025. Shamet, whose passion for photography has developed over years, documented championship matches with a keen eye, even capturing high-profile events like the Alcaraz vs. Sinner match. This tradition of artistic expression within the Knicks roster also extends to former center Tyson Chandler, who held a dedicated photography exhibition titled “A Year in a New York Minute” in 2012, auctioning his work for charity. The team itself even recognized the value of this intersection of talent, hiring former player Jon Lopez as a content creator and photographer for the 2018-19 season. These examples underscore a growing appreciation within professional sports for the unique visual storytelling that athletes can provide.
Yet, amidst these compelling narratives, Jonathan Kuminga is emerging as a particularly intriguing figure. While many athletes, like Griffey and Lynch, have gravitated towards the spectacle of football or the precision of golf, Kuminga’s focus is much more laser-sharp: NBA photography. When presented with the idea of him following in the footsteps of others by shooting NFL games, his response was immediate and definitive: “Nope, no NFL, I wanna do NBA photography.” This declaration speaks volumes about his specific passion and commitment to capturing the nuances of the game he plays at the highest level.
Kuminga is already putting this ambition into practice. During a recent game in Cleveland earlier this month, the Warriors forward was observed swapping his game-day jersey for a camera during the pregame window.
In a striking photo provided by One Shot Photography photographer Aigner Spencer, Kuminga was captured in a moment of intense focus, meticulously taking professional-grade photos at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
This wasn’t a casual phone snap; it was a dedicated athlete, camera in hand, immersing himself in the visual rhythm of the court before the roar of the crowd.
Kuminga’s decision to specialize in NBA photography makes perfect sense. Who better to capture the athleticism, strategy, and emotional highs and lows of a basketball game than someone who lives and breathes it every day? His unique access to locker rooms, pre-game rituals, and on-court dynamics provides an unparalleled vantage point. He understands the subtle body language between teammates, the intensity in an opponent’s eyes, and the precise moment of explosion for a dunk or a game-winning shot. This insider perspective allows him to create images that go beyond mere documentation, offering authentic glimpses into the soul of the sport.
As Kuminga continues to develop as a vital player for the Golden State Warriors, his parallel journey into photography adds another fascinating dimension to his public persona. It showcases a young athlete with diverse interests and a creative drive that extends beyond his athletic prowess. His early forays into capturing the NBA’s essence suggest a promising future where his vision, both on and off the court, will continue to expand. Jonathan Kuminga is not just scoring points; he’s composing visual narratives, proving that for some, the “snapshot” is just as powerful and compelling as the “jumpshot.” As this trend of athlete-photographers grows, Kuminga’s dedication to his chosen craft is positioning him as a leading figure in this exciting convergence of sports and art.
