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College Sports Photography·Season 2 · Episode 24·Sep 26

Bryce Mitchell — College Sports Photography, University of Florida & Building a Career Before Graduation

Florida Gators swimmer at the surface, water frozen in a perfect bubble around the head, lane lines reflected below — photographed by Bryce Mitchell

The bubble shot. Water frozen at exactly the right moment. Bat on ball. Photo Credit: Bryce Mitchell Photography. Used with permission.

Bryce Mitchell was shooting D1 college sports for the University of Florida Gators and a professional soccer team in the NPSL before she’d even finished her degree. Today she’s the Photography Coordinator at Wake Forest University. Proof of how fast a career can move when talent meets opportunity.

In this episode Bryce breaks down what it actually took to build that resume while still a student, and the advice she says matters more than any piece of gear: say yes to everything, and stay in your own lane.

Why It Matters

Most young photographers wait until they feel ready before raising their hand for an opportunity. Bryce’s career proves the opposite works better. She said yes before she felt qualified, and the work taught her the rest. For anyone early in their photography journey wondering if they’re ready, this episode is the answer.

About This Guest

Bryce Mitchell built a college sports photography career most professionals take a decade to reach, shooting D1 athletics for the University of Florida Gators and professional soccer for Hickory FC of the NPSL, all while still an undergraduate. Since graduating she has moved into the role of Photography Coordinator at Wake Forest University, continuing to build a career defined by speed, consistency, and a willingness to take on assignments before she felt fully ready for them.

Bryce’s Bonafides

“

Stay in your own lane. Focus on your own work and getting better. Say yes to every opportunity you’re given, even if it’s scary or out of your comfort zone. You never know where it can take you.

”

— BRYCE MITCHELL, PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR, WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

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Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 Welcome & guest introduction
  • 03:00 How Bryce got started shooting Gators athletics as a UF student
  • 11:00 Hickory FC and shooting professional soccer in the NPSL before graduation
  • 20:00 The bubble shot: what it takes and how she learned to get it
  • 29:00 Imposter syndrome and how she beat it
  • 38:00 Moving to Photography Coordinator at Wake Forest
  • 46:00 Stay in your lane: the advice that cuts through comparison
  • 54:00 Say yes to everything, even when it’s scary

Your ZoomPod — Exit Ticket

After this episode, you'll know:

  • Why saying yes before you feel ready is often the fastest way to grow
  • How to avoid comparison and imposter syndrome early in a creative career
  • What it actually takes to shoot D1 athletics while still in school
  • Why staying focused on your own work matters more than watching everyone else’s

Gear & Affiliate Links

Trick out your kit, and your wardrobe. Both Adorama and SmallRig are having sales right now. Or wear your photography mood, grab a ZWOF set-wear tee shirt. If you use a ZWOF link, we may earn a small commission that does not increase the price of your item.

Bryce said yes before she was ready and stepped into rooms she didn’t know yet. Same instinct applies every time you raise a camera.

Stop Shooting From the Stands →

BUILD NOTE: Full transcript pending paste-in from Buzzsprout.

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