The Players Tribune - NFL Draft, The Players Spot
April 2025On the eve of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, WI, The Players Spot was an exclusive party put on by The Players’ Tribune, overlooking Lambeau Field. Taking a cue from the Vanity Fair Oscar party, Sam Maller at The Players’ Tribune contacted me about creating a portrait studio for the athletes who attended the party. Sam was able to bring a hand-painted Schmidli backdrop from NYC to help set a warm, worn feel for the set. A chair from the location, along with some apple boxes and cubes from my own collection, gave us options to create a variety of poses and images in the small studio space. Images were sent directly to the athletes just minutes after they were on set—toned and ready with The Players’ Tribune cover lockup. It was super fun to work with a mix of veteran players and the latest NFL Draft class.
Athletes:
Randall Cobb - Retired NFL
Mark Ingram - Retired NFL
Barryn Sorrell - NFL Draftee
Will Johnson - NFL Draftee
Xavier McKinney - Current Green Bay Packers NFL Player
Darrius Miles - Retired NBA
Editor: Sam Maller
Assistant: Steel Brooks
WATCH THE FIVE, 2 Minute Mini-documentaries:
Minnesota Makers
Minnesota Makers is a collection of editorial and commercial projects featuring makers in Minnesota. Blending portrait and documentary approachs, this has been a series I’ve really enjoyed working on.
The chance to showcase makers—artists, artisans, and even athletes—doing what they do is what inspires me as a photographer. I find the juxtaposition of workmanship with the digital world to be interesting. I also enjoy learning about the particulars of each maker’s process or technique.
On most of these assignments, it’s only me, the subject, and minimal lighting equipment. My challenge is to capture and supplement the natural light in the space while staying respectfully out of the way.
My goal for every session is to create a series of images that honor the maker’s work as well as their personalities. Most of the images in this gallery were featured in magazines, including Minnesota Monthly and Midwest Living. Several were part of a campaign for Red Wing Shoe Company.
Sarah Kraning x Lucius – Final Days – Synesthesia Performance
May 2025Synesthesia artist, Sarah Kraning, captures the vibrant colors of 'Final Days' by Lucius.
Sarah experiences all sounds as colors patterns and textures, translating these experiences into her unique art.
Learn more about Sarah's work at https://www.sarahkraning.com
Directed and produced by Nate Ryan
Music: Lucius
Directed by: Nate Ryan
Artist: Sarah Kraning
DP: Kellen Witschen
Editor: Tim Cahill
1st AC: Chad Scheuneman
Set Build: Jacob Garrison
Gaffer: Sam Mayhew
Key Grip: Joe Gallop
Sound playback: Nick Mihalevich
H&M: Shannon Darsow
BTS STILLS / PA: John Fontana
Studio: Acme Stage
Camera Support: CineMechanics
Assistant Editor - Chris Shepard
Post Production Producer - Tracy Spera
ESPN - COVER STORY, JUSTIN JEFFERSON
November 2022 Taking the record for most yards in his first three seasons, Viking wide receiver Justin Jefferson has cemented himself as an all-star within the NFL. Photographed during a bye week, just after the cover shoot, Justin made what could be the most iconic catch of the season against the Bills. While on the field, Justin becomes “Jets”, a ‘swaggy’, confident persona. But off the field, Justin is a quieter guy who loves to spend time with family - including his brother Jordan, a former LSU quarterback, someone whose backyard throws helped shape Justin into an icon of the NFL.
Editors: Nick Galac, Rob Booth
Art Direction: Cornel Beard
Styling: Chanelle Whimper and Darnell Booker
Grooming: Robb Kelly
Digitech: David Anderson
Assistants: Evan Frost, Greg Addison
Studio: Studio Q