Steve Sanders, the visionary Director of Photography for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been capturing the heart and soul of the team for nearly 30 years. With his keen eye and unwavering passion, Steve has immortalized some of the most iconic moments in Chiefs history including, of course, their historic Super Bowl LIV victory.
Steve’s photography career began in high school and has evolved into a role where he captures the essence of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. He has been capturing the Chief’s journey since 1995, documenting everything from the intense focus of training camp to the electrifying energy of game days. Beyond the gridiron, Steve’s work encompasses employee headshots, awards ceremonies, and even the Chiefs Cheerleaders Calendar. Steve’s photography has the power to transport viewers into the heart of the action. His ability to capture the essence of the game has made him a respected and admired figure in the world of sports photography.
We had a chance to sit down with Steve and chat about his creative process, the challenges and rewards of shooting the Super Bowl, his plans for the future, and his invaluable advice for aspiring photographers looking to make their mark in the industry.
“We work under the challenge to each photographer that you need to shoot like you will never get to edit your images.” – Steve Sanders
Our Interview with Steve Sanders
Steve, you’ve had an incredible career. Could you share more about that journey and the pivotal moments or decisions that helped establish your career in sports photography?
Steve: Amazingly, this will be my 27th season covering the Chiefs on a regular basis. The first half of my career I was a freelancer for the team and also operated a full-service studio business, which made it challenging to dedicate myself fully to sports.
However, working in all genres of photography prepared me for a life in football. I was able to perfect my skills as a creator and storyteller for life events like weddings, making sure to capture the once-in-a-lifetime moments and working in a high-stress environment. And, mastering editorial magazine work around the world taught me to adapt to any location and lighting situation.
How do you prepare and guide your team for high-stakes NFL games and Super Bowls? Could you briefly describe your creative process?
Steve: Having our photo team in 4 of the last 5 Super Bowls has allowed me to really refine our process. We went into Super Bowl LVIII feeling as buttoned up as possible. We had a plan in place for a staff of 6 photographers on the field, 2 upper photographers, and 2 editors. We were prepared for a victory and prepared for what we would do if we were to lose.
As a group, we sat together and talked through assignments and how important it was to stick to the assignment no matter what was happening. This kept us capturing unique photos and telling the full story.
Shooting the Super Bowl involves unique challenges. How do you manage these to ensure top-quality photos?
Steve: By carrying over what we do all season long—staying consistent in the quality and color of each image. That is something that I really try and push to my team. We shoot large jpegs, and we work under the challenge to each photographer that you need to shoot like you will never get to edit your images. We are transmitting live to our editors, creative teams, and social media, so the images need to be ready. Being technically sound is the key. I say, “Shoot it RIGHT, not RAW.”
Your role extends beyond just capturing the games. Are there any memorable stories you’ve captured that stand out to you?
Steve: I look at it like you are a historian, keep documenting the story so long after you’re gone, they have a full story. I think that all the other events that take place are the story of this franchise. Showing how we give back to the community is what ties the fans to us.
Getting to visit the White House and meet the President is something that I will never forget. That’s way up on the list of cool stuff I never thought I would do.
With such a rich career in sports photography, what future projects or ambitions are you most excited about? How do you envision your role evolving in the coming years?
Steve: Currently, I’m the Director of Photography for the club. I want to see myself in this role until my body tells me it’s time to transition to another role. I hope to cover every one of Patrick Mahomes’ games he plays in. That is a personal goal of mine, so we will see.
Maybe when my photography career slows down, I will work with the club in a historian role, helping with our Hall of Honor, and spending time with fans and former players.
You’ve been a mentor to many emerging photographers in the NFL network. What essential advice do you offer to those just starting out?
Steve: This is one of my favorite parts of the business. I feel like I have a ton of knowledge to share about photography and working in this industry.
My list of former Interns and Seasonal Employees that I’ve worked with who are now in prominent roles around the NFL and college is impressive. Currently, there are 5 in the NFL working for teams and 5 working in the SEC.
The main message I try to impart is to be consistent in your work, don’t be afraid to try new things and if you see an image you like, don’t hesitate to try and make your own version of it. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be technically sound. And, no matter what, my phone is always on.
Final Thoughts
Steve Sanders’ passion for photography and sports has not only crafted his career but also inspired countless aspiring photographers. His dedication to capturing the story beyond the gridiron is what sets him apart in the competitive world of sports photography. Steve’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and the unique perspective of a storyteller. As we wrapped our interview, it’s clear that his role in preserving memories and moments is invaluable.
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Steve’s advice rings true: stay consistent, keep learning, and always shoot with intention. As he continues to capture historic moments with the Chiefs, we can only anticipate more incredible stories coming to life through his lens. Whether he’s on the sidelines or eventually working in a historian role, Steve Sanders will undoubtedly leave a legacy that transcends photography.
