From the Stands to the Sideline: Intro to Sports Photography w/Howard Lao

Sports Photography is one of the most dynamic and demanding types of photography. Howard Lao, a Portland-based sports photographer, will cover what it's like to photograph some of the best athletes in the world and how to improve the efficiency of your photography skills on and off the field.

This event will consist of 3 parts, depending on the ticket purchased. Please see details below.

Sports Photography 101 Lecture

October 29th, 2025 7 PM @ Pro Photo Supply Event Space

(~60 minutes speaking / ~20 minutes learning editing/workflow / ~15 minutes Q&A)

The lecture portion will cover the following topics:

• What makes a good image? Howard will discuss this in detail for Football (but also mentions other sports like basketball, soccer, track & field, etc.)
• Behind the scenes of working on game day
• How to find the best angles at events * Camera gear & best settings to use
• Sports Photography etiquette on and off the field
• Editing (Lightroom), workflow (Photo Mechanic), and file storage.

1st Hands-on Workshop

November 1st, 2025, 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM (game starts at 1:30 PM)

Willamette University vs. George Fox at Willamette University (limit 8 students)
Come experience these two local college football teams go head-to-head from the sidelines while getting the opportunity to photograph them like the pros would. Get those diving passes from turf level. Capture the adrenaline of the snap as the quarterback puts a play in motion.

Get exclusive access, including the sidelines, and be taught in real-time by Howard Lao!

More information about this portion of the class will be provided at the conclusion of Howard's presentation on October 29th.

Hands-on workshop attendees will receive a 25% discount on rental gear from Pro Photo Supply - details for this will be included in your order confirmation email.

2nd Hands-on Workshop

November 8th, 2025, 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM (game starts at 2 PM)

Portland State University vs. Sacramento State at Hillsboro Stadium (limit 6 students)
Come experience the Vikings go head-to-head with the Hornets from the sidelines while getting the opportunity to photograph them like a pro. Get those diving passes from turf level. Capture the adrenaline of the snap as the quarterback puts a play in motion.

Get exclusive access, including the sidelines, and be taught in real-time by Howard Lao!

More information about this portion of the class will be provided at the conclusion of Howard's presentation on October 29th.

Hands-on workshop attendees will receive a 25% discount on rental gear from Pro Photo Supply - details for this will be included in your order confirmation email.

Virtual Image Reviews

Willamette University Workshop Review | November 5th, 2025, 7 PM to 8:15 PM - ONLINE

Attendees from the hands-on workshop will submit 5-10 photos from the workshop to be reviewed via a virtual platform(Google Meet) during a group session. This image review will take 75 minutes and allow participants to discuss what went well and what can be improved on for their next shoot. Howard will also field any of your additional questions during this review session.

Portland State University Workshop Review | November 12th, 2025, 7 PM to 8:15 PM - ONLINE

Attendees from the hands-on workshop will submit 5-10 photos from the workshop to be reviewed via a virtual platform(Google Meet) during a group session. This image review will take 75 minutes and allow participants to discuss what went well and what can be improved on for their next shoot. Howard will also field any of your additional questions during this review session.

ABOUT HOWARD LAO

HOWARD "How" LAO is a freelance award-winning photographer based in the Pacific Northwest, but has covered sports and live events around the world.

He combines his unique background as an NCAA Division 1 athlete with his photography, capturing the essence of athletes and the moments that bring fans closer to the competition.

FREELANCE CLIENTS: Nike, Victory, TrackTownUSA, Hillsboro Hops, The Oregonian, The Associated Press, Getty Images

EVENTS & NETWORKS: 3x Olympic Trials; 4x World Athletics Championships; 7x NCAA Track & Field Championships; NFL/XFL/NCAA League; Major League Soccer & National Women Soccer League; MiLB Baseball - Hillsboro Hops Team Photographer; Winter Youth Olympics & Pan Continental Curling Championships; NBA & NCAA March Madness.

See more of Howard's work on his website and on Instagram under his handle @howlaophotography

ABOUT REGISTRATION

The in-person workshop part of this event is limited to 8 spots with a minimum of 4 registered attendees needed. In the event the minimum isn't met, the session will be canceled and registered attendees will receive full refunds.

Attendees will be required to sign a waiver in order to join us for the in-the-field portion of this class.

This event has limited space; as a result, registration is required for each attendee. If you are on the waitlist for this event, you will receive a notification via email if a space becomes available for you.

PRICING, FEES & REFUNDS

Due to the nature of the exclusive access given to participants during the hands-on sections of this workshop, Refunds will only be considered if notice is given 4 days before the dates of this workshop.

In the event of a refund, Eventbrite Fees are not refundable. Eventbrite fees are only refunded if an event is canceled.

Refunds are unavailable post-event date.

Info: The lecture portion will cover the following topics: * What makes a good image (Howard will discuss this in detail for Track & Field but also mention a few other sports like basketball, soccer, football, etc * Behind the scenes of working game day * How to find the best angles at events * Camera gear & best settings to use * Sports Photography etiquette on and off the field * Remote cameras * Editing (lightroom), workflow (Photo Mechanic), and file storage.

Info: Willamette University vs. George Fox at Willamette University (limit 8 students)
Come experience these two local college football teams go head-to-head from the sidelines while getting the opportunity to photograph them like the pros would. Get those diving passes from turf level. Capture the adrenaline of the snap as the quarterback puts a play in motion.
Get exclusive access, including the sidelines, and be taught in real-time by Howard Lao!
More information about this portion of the class will be provided at the conclusion of Howard's presentation on October 29th.
Hands-on workshop attendees will receive a 25% discount on rental gear from Pro Photo Supply - details for this will be included in your order confirmation email.

Info: Attendees from the hands-on workshop will submit 5-10 photos from the workshop to be reviewed over Zoom during a group session. This image review will take 75 minutes and allow participants to discuss what went well, and what can be improved on for their next shoot. Howard will also field any of your additional questions during this review session.

Info: Portland State University vs. Sacramento State at Hillsboro Stadium (limit 6 students)
Come experience the Vikings go head-to-head with the Hornets from the sidelines while getting the opportunity to photograph them like a pro. Get those diving passes from turf level. Capture the adrenaline of the snap as the quarterback puts a play in motion.
Get exclusive access, including the sidelines, and be taught in real-time by Howard Lao!
More information about this portion of the class will be provided at the conclusion of Howard's presentation on October 29th.
Hands-on workshop attendees will receive a 25% discount on rental gear from Pro Photo Supply - details for this will be included in your order confirmation email.

Info: Attendees from the hands-on workshop will submit 5-10 photos from the workshop to be reviewed over Zoom during a group session. This image review will take 75 minutes and allow participants to discuss what went well, and what can be improved on for their next shoot. Howard will also field any of your additional questions during this review session.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Pro Photo Supply - Event Center, 1801 NW Northrup Street, Portland, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App