One morning, a text popped up on my phone from someone claiming to be a photo editor at Sports Illustrated. In an era of endless digital noise, I casually deleted it, assuming it was spam. Then came the voicemail. Then the follow-up email.
It wasn't spam. It was Sports Illustrated reaching out from NYC with a specific vision: they needed me to photograph the young BYU Basketball phenom, AJ Dybantsa, for a special feature.
As a lifelong basketball fan (a passion that started the moment I moved to the U.S. back in '92), this was more than just a commission; it was a full-circle moment. AJ is a generational talent, widely projected as a top-3—if not the #1—pick in the upcoming NBA draft. To have the opportunity to document his journey at this pivotal chapter was an immediate "yes."
I’d be lying if I said there weren’t a few nerves, but I've learned that a photographer’s most important job is to lead. Even in high-pressure moments, I make it a priority to provide the direction and confidence my subjects need to feel they are in capable hands.
Every high-stakes shoot brings its own set of variables, and this one was no different. My goal in these sessions is always the same: to move past the surface and capture a subject's true essence through a unique, intentional lens. We pivoted where we needed to and adapted to the energy of the day, ensuring the final images were truly magazine-worthy.
The result is a series of frames that capture the genuine personality and upside of a future NBA star.
And a few BTS:
A look behind the lens during our Sports Illustrated cover shoot with AJ Dybantsa. This video captures the movement and atmosphere of the session—from lighting setups and technical adjustments to AJ’s natural charisma in front of the camera. It’s a glimpse into the collaborative process of documenting one of basketball's most exciting future stars