For many, working in professional sport is a dream that feels just out of reach. For Dave Williamson, that dream became reality not through a straight line, but through resilience, discipline and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.
Based in Atlanta, Dave is a freelance sports photographer with more than 13 years of experience capturing moments that define games, seasons and careers. From the sidelines of college athletics to the intensity of professional sport, his work focuses on more than just action – it tells the story of competition, emotion and effort.
Currently the main athletic photographer for Kennesaw State University, Dave also covers MLS soccer for various publications. When he is not behind the camera, he is still on the field – coaching goalkeepers and working with the soccer program at Lassiter High School.
Let’s dive into the latest Industry Insider feature with Dave Williamson…
Tell us about yourself, what do you do in your current role and what roles have you done previously?
Hey, I’m Dave Williamson, a freelance photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve been working in sports photography for over 13 years and currently shoot for Kennesaw State University as their main athletic photographer. I also do freelance work for various soccer publications covering Atlanta United and other regional soccer clubs. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m on the field coaching goalkeepers and working with the soccer program at Lassiter High School, just outside of Atlanta.
My path to photography wasn’t a straight line. Before diving into this full-time, I worked all kinds of jobs—from being a Lab Assistant in an EPA lab, to an outside technician for the phone company, to even working with a yearbook photography company. But through it all, my passion for photography kept growing. I got my start in high school, taking photos of my friends and skateboarding, and it just snowballed from there.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Resilient, disciplined and creative
“Normal” isn’t a thing in sport so what does an “average” week look like for you?
I usually have at least 2 to 3 goalkeeper sessions per week. My photography responsibilities are games, media days, recruiting shoots and events with Kennesaw State University Athletics. Which could have me on campus once a week up to 4 days a week.
How did you end up where you are right now? When did you know you wanted to work in sport?
Determination, being at the right place at the right time and a clear vision of where I wanted to be—that’s what got me here. From the start, I knew a traditional 9-to-5 behind a desk wasn’t for me.
Like most kids growing up, I dreamed of being involved in professional sports, but it wasn’t until after high school that I realized photography could be my ticket to making that dream a reality.
Once I figured out I could actually make a living doing what I loved, there was no turning back. That’s when I fully committed to becoming a photographer and carving out my spot in the sports world.
What is your number one focus when it comes to your work?
For me, it’s all about telling the story of the game. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, but the more you shoot, the better you get at capturing the narrative.
I remember a mentor once telling me that someone should be able to look at your photos from a game and know how it played out—without even seeing the score.
That’s the goal: to freeze those key moments that really tell the story and give the viewer a feel for the game, win or lose.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Trusting the process and that hard work always pays off—you just have to trust that the time you’re putting in is worth it.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, and patience is a huge part of this industry.
Stay consistent, keep pushing, and know that every step forward is bringing you closer to where you want to be.
What are you excited about in your industry at the moment?
The transition of sports photography becoming an art form as opposed to to just capturing images of the game
I’m also really excited to see more women stepping into sports media, whether it’s on the creative side or in broadcasting.
The future of sports media is incredibly bright, and I believe we’re going to see some truly groundbreaking creativity in the next few years.
If you could change one thing about your Industry, what would you change?
I would change how competitive and cutthroat it is. I feel like there is more than enough work to go around.
It all boils down to how hard you are willing to work to get to the level you want. At the end of the day, we are all just wanting to be creative and make great content.
Sport is a hectic industry, what do you do to switch off?
I’m a big coffee lover—seriously, if any coffee brands want to send me some to try, my DMs are always open!
My favourite spot to grab a cup or small bucket is Local Doe Coffee House in Kennesaw, Ga. I’ll usually head over to the lake, unplug and spend a few hours soaking it in.
No phone, no distractions—just good coffee and some quiet time to recharge.
If you were to give a piece of advice to someone wanting to do your role, what would you say?
Believe in yourself. Don’t worry about how many follower or how many likes you get. Don’t be afraid to network, learn how to talk to people.
If you DM someone always introduce yourself and ask for advice not for a credential, and the biggest thing in my opinion is to be adaptable, continue learning, and know if you think you are working hard. You have to work harder.
How to connect with Dave Williamson…
IG: @Davewphotography, X: @Davewphoto, Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewilliamsonphotography/
Dave Williamson’s journey is a reminder that careers in sport are built on persistence, adaptability and a genuine love for the craft. From unconventional beginnings to the sidelines of college and professional sport, his work continues to reflect a deep respect for the stories unfolding in front of his lens.
Whether he is capturing decisive moments on game day, developing athletes on the training field, or finding stillness away from sport with a good cup of coffee, Dave approaches everything with intention and authenticity.
As sports media continues to evolve, photographers like Dave are helping shape its future – not just by documenting the action, but by telling stories that last well beyond the final whistle.
