Pedro Garcia, a passionate sports photographer who began taking photos of his son to follow and document his development almost seven years ago. It was only three years later that Pedro got more serious with his photography after buying his first DSL camera, and by then, he was hooked. Pedro has taken photos for Kemblawarra in the District League, South Coast Taipans (Futsal), Wollongong Wolves and other local Clubs who have requested his talent and exceptional photographs. Pedro continues to take photos for Taipans, Wollongong Wolves and other clubs and has now been appointed as the official Photographer for Football South Coast which is an exciting and challenging role for him to grow and learn further as a photographer.

He began taking photos of his son (Christian) after stepping back from coaching so to follow his son’s progress, and as Christian developed, so did Pedro. The more opportunities to take photos, the more he got to experiment and learn with the lighting and the settings on his camera. Pedro makes reference to YouTube as his teacher/mentor, and by also asking fellow photographers for hints and tips for taking better shots. It was because of his son Christian; Pedro fell in love with sports photography.

Pedro is very excited to be associated with Football South Coast, stating that taking photos for an association is something he has never undertaken before and he can’t wait to tackle the challenges that lie in stall for him. This role will ensure a level of professionalism both behind the camera and in front, which in his eyes is nothing but a positive step towards his goals as a sports professional and budding photographer.

Pedro draws his inspiration and motivation from three key areas, the first being FSC’s very own Bobby Mazevski, whom challenges Pedro in more ways than one to do better, be better and want more, because great potential needs unlocking. Secondly, from his son Christian whom remains adamant that his father continues to strive higher and to never stop getting better. Christian has recently taken a break from playing football to concentrate on other areas of his life, but told his father to continue taking photos and being involved in football because in his words, “you’re an incredible photographer, so don't stop just because I am”. Lastly, Pedro takes inspiration from the people he photographs on the field, especially the younger ages whom whether win, lose or draw, love seeing themselves in action; “kids love the action shots of themselves playing, they’re there to have fun and I feel a sense of joy knowing that I’ve helped them love the game, and the fun they’ve had playing it”. Pedro reminisced on a conversation he had with a parent, whom because of shift work was unable to watch his daughter play football. He feels blessed that because of the photos Mr. Garcia has taken, he can now share this experience with his daughter who absolutely adores playing football. Pedro loves making people happy and putting smiles on faces, which is testament to his overall character and demeanor.

What advice can you give to new sports photographers, and photographers in general?

“Be patient, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your knowledge and skill as a photographer. Learning photography is like learning football, start off small and simple, learn the basics, and as you develop as a photographer, you will grow out of your camera and need to get a bigger and better one. If you’re shopping for a camera, look for something simple, robust and not too expensive. Learn how to use it and its basic functions; no point on buying a $2000.00 camera if you are going to use the automatic settings. Learn to shoot manual, experiment with the lighting and once you’ve mastered the basics, challenge yourself, ask for advice from people who know more. There is nothing wrong with saying ‘I don't know how to…, can you help me?’ Most of all, take your time, photography is far more than point and shoot, and once you understand this, you will be well on your way to being a successful snapper!”.

Pedro is aiming high with is aspirations, claiming that in a perfect world, he’ll be taking photos at the international level, but he is in no rush to get there, “I’m just enjoying my journey, the possibilities are endless, and at this stage, I just love taking the steps in the right direction”.

Feature Story by Samantha Jordan.