Behind the Lens: Photographing Jeff Long for AY Magazine

As an editorial photographer, every shoot presents its own set of challenges and surprises. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph Jeff Long, the Athletic Director for the University of Arkansas, for AY Magazine. Given his high-profile status, I was hoping to capture him outside of the typical Razorback setting—a fresh approach that would give the shoot a unique feel.

I had my location scouted, ideas mapped out, and was excited to create something special. But just the day before the shoot, I got a call with a change of plans. Due to Jeff’s schedule, we had to move the shoot to the Broyles Center on campus.

At first, I was a little thrown off. I knew exactly which campus spots I didn’t want to revisit, especially after seeing them featured in other publications, but I didn’t have a new location in mind. I spent the afternoon scrambling to find a fresh angle. In the end, I went to bed with no clear vision, which isn’t the most comfortable place for a photographer to be.

The next morning, I met up with my creative director to work through ideas. We were both eager to make this shoot work, and when Jeff finally stepped into the frame, my nerves started to calm down. There was a lot of pressure—Jeff had been photographed countless times after the Petrino incident, and I had photographed for the Razorbacks before, so I wanted to ensure this shoot was both personal and professional.

We settled on a spot on a hill overlooking the stadium. I knew the light would hit just right, having photographed many early morning football media days over the years. Just as Jeff stepped into the frame, though, a construction crane swung into view and hovered over the stadium for a moment—a brief but memorable interruption! To top it off, a supportive fan drove by, shouting, “We love you, Jeff!” It was an unexpected but authentic moment that added a unique touch to the shoot.

Photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about navigating unexpected hurdles and channeling any anxiety or emotion into the work. While there’s always a bit of stress involved, I’m learning to embrace it and turn those moments into something meaningful.

At the end of the day, the shoot turned out well, and I’m proud of how it all came together, even with a few surprises along the way.