Sports Photography·Season 1 · Episode 6·Feb 8

Zamani Feelings — Sports Photography, Portraits & Why DSLRs Still Rule

Zamani Feelings, Philadelphia sports and portrait photographer, capturing a tennis player at Temple University Athletics

Zamani Feelings behind the lens at Temple University Athletics. Photo Credit: Zamani Feelings Photography. Used with permission.

Zamani Feelings shoots sports photography for Temple University Athletics and runs his own photography business out of Philadelphia. He’s also the guy your host calls Clark Kent with a camera, a regular day job and a pro-level shooter on the side.

In this episode Zamani breaks down why he still prefers DSLRs over mirrorless cameras, and shares the advice that’s guided his entire career: find what excites you, and shoot that relentlessly.

Why It Matters

Most beginners chase the newest gear before they’ve found what they actually love to shoot. Zamani’s path runs the other way. He found his passion first, sports and portraits, and let that pull dictate his equipment choices and his career. For anyone overwhelmed by gear decisions, that’s the right order to do it in.

About This Guest

Zamani Feelings is a Philadelphia-based sports and portrait photographer who shoots collegiate athletics for Temple University alongside running his own photography business. His work spans game-day action, portraiture, and brand photography, and he’s built a loyal following for his color science and DSLR-first approach in an increasingly mirrorless world.

Zamani’s Bonafides

The thing that you’re drawn to, that you see and get excited about, is probably connected to your passion and your talent. I think that’s a signal of what direction you should go, and never look back.

— ZAMANI FEELINGS, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Hear This Episode

Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 Welcome & guest introduction
  • 03:00 How Zamani found sports photography and built his passion for it
  • 10:30 Why DSLRs still win for his work over mirrorless cameras
  • 19:00 Shooting Temple University Athletics: access, workflow, and approach
  • 28:00 Color science and why it matters in sports and portrait work
  • 37:30 Running a photography business alongside a day job
  • 46:00 Passion over gear: the advice that changed his trajectory
  • 53:00 What’s next for Zamani Feelings

Your ZoomPod — Exit Ticket

After this episode, you'll know:

  • Why following what excites you matters more than chasing trends in gear
  • What makes DSLRs still a smart choice for some working photographers
  • How shooting college athletics differs from general sports photography
  • Why your passion is often a better compass than the latest camera release

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 doesn’t increase the price of your item.

Explore More

Check out our other great podcast episodes. Link and follow for more great learn-photography content: IG @tvcommandomedia | FB @ZoomWithOurFeet.

Zamani found his passion first, then built everything else around it. Same instinct applies behind any camera you pick up.

Stop Shooting From the Stands →

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