NFL Player Turns Photographer

Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil recently traded his football helmet for a Nikon DSLR camera. He photographed the NHL’s Washington Capitals as they faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Capturing the Action

While marketing is involved, Sainristil’s foray into photography adds to a growing trend of prominent figures embracing the art. He successfully captured two goals on camera during the game, despite it being his first time shooting sports.

A Challenging Sport to Photograph

“It takes a lot of skill for your eye to follow a puck across ice, it’s not like a basketball, it’s not like football,” Sainristil explained. “So it’s definitely something I’d be willing to do again, just continue doing it and keep better at it.” He found the experience enjoyable and expressed a desire to repeat it.

Part of a Growing Trend

Sainristil isn’t the first professional athlete to pick up a camera. Last week, WNBA and NBA players were spotted photographing an Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Lakers game. In December, Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Suni Lee used Sony Alpha kits to photograph NFL games in San Francisco and Minnesota, respectively.

Enthusiastic Athlete-Photographers

Some athletes are more than casual photographers. Baseball Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald has been a dedicated photographer for years, even during his playing days with the Arizona Cardinals.

Positive Reception and a Lucky Charm?

The NHL praised Sainristil’s work, stating he “did not disappoint!” The Capitals, who won the game 6-4 against the Flyers, may consider inviting him back soon. The victory was crucial as the Capitals attempt to secure a playoff spot, trailing the Flyers by only one point in the standings.

Sainristil's Thoughts on the Experience

“I think it was really fun. I captured a lot of good moments, in my opinion, so we’ll see how they come out,” Sainristil said. “I enjoyed it a lot, it was super fun,” he added, reiterating his interest in pursuing photography again.