Joe Scarnici, a seasoned sports photographer in southern California, sees sports photography as a dynamic and engaging discipline. Whether it's shooting golfers against the backdrop of a pristine course, highlighting athletic footwear for a major brand, or creating dynamic light effects in a studio setting, if it involves athletes, it's sports photography.

He thrives on the diversity that comes with the job. Each day presents new challenges, but the common thread is the essence of sport—the energy, passion, and drive that athletes bring to their craft. His goal is to translate that intensity into every shot, whether it's the raw emotion of the game or the polished precision of a commercial campaign.

Balancing editorial action with the commercial side of sports is key for Joe. From the sidelines' adrenaline to the studio's control, he captures the spirit of sports in every frame.

What is California photography? Is it capturing celebrities? Magic moments at iconic venues? Models on sun-soaked beaches? Movie backlots?

The answer is yes—it’s all of that, and more. Southern California is the heart of production, the birthplace of glamour, and the land where everyone aims to be somebody. For over 20 years, Joe has been working the California beat, fortunate enough to photograph the glitz and glam that make Los Angeles, well, Los Angeles.

But for Joe, it's the stories behind the camera that truly matter. Whether it's a high-profile event or a quiet, intimate portrait, he’s driven to capture the authentic spirit of this vibrant and ever-changing place he calls home. It’s not just about the flash—it's about finding the soul in the scene, and that’s what keeps him inspired every day.

Joe Scarnici, a professional photographer in Southern California, believes portrait photography is about capturing personality, creating connections, and conveying a brand's message. Despite its challenges, it's a rewarding discipline that brings out the best in people and creates impactful visual experiences. Time constraints can be a significant hurdle, as tight schedules sometimes leave little room to work magic. Effective communication, quick direction, and establishing a creative flow are essential to maximizing time and capturing perfect shots.

Attention to detail is crucial in portrait photography; every tiny aspect, from lighting to composition, posing, and expressions, matters. A compelling image reflects the subject's essence, and even slight changes in facial expression or body language can make a difference in the final portrait.

One of the most significant advantages of portraits is that they humanise a brand, building trust and relatability. Seeing the faces of real people, whether role models, athletes, celebrities, or everyday individuals, makes a brand more approachable and relatable, creating familiarity and connection that profoundly influences audience perception.

Every photoshoot comes with its own challenges, and establishing rapport with the subject is crucial. Joe loves the challenge of bringing out someone's unique quirks and making them feel at ease during the shoot, ensuring their genuine personality shines through.

"Growing up in Farmville, western Massachusetts, I was captivated by the allure of the West Coast through Baywatch, David Lee Roth's Venice Beach escapades on MTV, and iconic surfing movies like Point Break. These glimpses into California life sparked my longing to experience it firsthand.

Today, I'm living my dream as a photographer, fully immersed in the Southern California lifestyle. From collaborating with iconic brands like Airwalk and Vision Streetwear to capturing the vibrant essence of California's sun-drenched beaches and bustling streets, every moment here fuels my creative passion.

This journey has been a testament to the irresistible charm of California, a place that continues to inspire and invigorate my work every day."

"Though not a sneakerhead or collector, I've always enjoyed capturing footwear. I've shot photos for Nike, Adidas, K-Swiss, Prince Tennis, Airwalk, Vision Street Wear, Vans, and more. I love shooting these lifestyle campaigns because they require a unique approach to creativity. You have to think from the shoe's perspective and ultimately give it its personality! Shooting at ground level, I establish a connection between the shoe, wearer, and environment, weaving stories that resonate with the objective.

My distinctive approach has led me to collaborate with industry giants like K-Swiss and Adidas, translating their brand essence into dynamic visual tales. Each shoot presents a challenge: distilling a sneaker's essence, design, and cultural significance into a single frame. It's more than product photography; it's about capturing a lifestyle, a movement, an energy.

Every angle tells a different story, evoking diverse emotions and making each shoot an adventure in storytelling. My goal is to showcase the footwear and evoke the sensations of wearing it, creating images that resonate deeply with viewers, ultimately supporting the marketing initiative to buy."

"Living in Southern California offers an incredible lifestyle. As a child in Farmville, western Massachusetts, I vividly recall watching Baywatch, David Lee Roth videos on Venice Beach via MTV, and surfing movies like Point Break -- everything originating from the West Coast! This exposure fueled my desire to leave and explore everything California has to offer.

Fast-forward a few years, and I'm living my dream as a photographer, fully immersed in the Southern California lifestyle. Working with dream clients like Airwalk and Vision Streetwear, I thoroughly enjoy creating content on California's sun-drenched beaches and diverse streets!

That's when you know you've been bitten by the California love bug."

"The sports scene in Southern California (and globally for that matter) is a constant source of excitement for me. With a wide array of sports, from football and baseball to surfing and beach volleyball, this place, along with the worldwide sports arena, has it all. I absolutely love being part of the pulse of the sports culture here in Southern California and around the globe. It's a lot of hard work, no doubt, but the results are always worth it.

Getting that "one" photo that makes you go "wow" keeps me coming back for more and more hard work. Being part of the action, capturing those unforgettable sporting moments, is what drives me. It's an addiction, really. The late nights, the effort, it's all worth it for that one perfect shot.

Southern California's sports vibe and the global stage are like no other, and I'm here, in the midst of it all, chasing those incredible moments."

Joe Scarnici is a passionate commercial and editorial sport photographer hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Southern California.

"With a profound love for the energy and artistry of sports, I've made it my life's work to freeze those exhilarating moments that define athletic brilliance. Capturing live action is very challenging, and getting "the" shot is a feeling that keeps me chasing the next athlete. Through a meticulous blend of lighting, composition, and timing, I strive to encapsulate the spirit of the game and the determination of the competitors in every photograph.

With Southern California as my backdrop, I've had the privilege to chronicle the triumphs and struggles of athletes, conveying their stories through my lens. It's this blend of creativity and dedication that has allowed me to etch my mark in the world of sports photography, bringing the magic of the game to life one frame at a time."

Joe Scarnici is a Los Angeles-based photographer specialising in commercial sports and lifestyle photography. With his incredible talent and keen eye for capturing captivating moments, Joe has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His recent projects include an exciting campaign for Asics, which took place in the breathtaking landscapes of Boulder, Colorado.

Joe's photographs beautifully showcase the energy, passion, and authenticity of both sports and everyday life. Through his lens, he effortlessly captures the essence of each subject, creating visually stunning images that tell compelling stories. Whether freezing a dynamic sports action or highlighting the natural beauty of everyday moments, Joe's work always leaves a lasting impression.

With his LA base serving as a creative hub, Joe has gained recognition both nationally and internationally for his exceptional skills. His ability to seamlessly blend creativity with technical expertise allows him to produce visually striking photographs that resonate with viewers. Joe's dedication to his craft and relentless pursuit of excellence make him a sought-after photographer in the sports and lifestyle genre.

"As a professional photographer, delivering much more than just a pretty photo is the name of the game.

The goal is to capture a feeling, a moment, or an experience that evokes various emotions. It's all about working with models and talent and making them feel comfortable enough to explore their unique personalities.

I like to focus on bringing out their quirks and natural features to capture creative, casual, and candid poses that truly showcase their individuality. Through their body language, eccentricities, and natural gestures, we successfully craft these photoshoot experiences, resulting in a wide range of tones and sentiments within our imagery.

When human nature is involved, the possibilities are endless, as are the challenges! Collaboration with our clients is vital to creating the perfect synergy for each photoshoot, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved."

Joe Scarnici is a photographer/director based south of Los Angeles specialising in commercial sport, lifestyle, fitness and portrait photography. Joe thrives in fast-paced, collaborative productions worldwide and enjoys the challenge of capturing both the real and playful moments of his subjects.

Joe has collaborated on projects with some of the most recognised brands across the globe, including Adidas, K-Swiss, Asics, Pepsi, Moet, AT&T, The US Olympic Committee, Prince and many more. His work has been published in magazines such as Variety Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, The Surfers Journal and across many advertising campaigns.

Between projects, Joe is a highly regarded stringer photographer for Getty Images and mentor for new photographers entering the sport/entertainment industry and when not behind the camera, Joe can be found spending time with his family, surfing the coastline or backpacking around the world.

Joe Scarnici is a photographer/director based south of Los Angeles specialising in commercial sport, lifestyle, fitness and portrait photography. Joe thrives in fast-paced, collaborative productions worldwide and enjoys the challenge of capturing both the real and playful moments of his subjects.

Joe has collaborated on projects with some of the most recognised brands across the globe, including Adidas, K-Swiss, Asics, Pepsi, Moet, AT&T, The US Olympic Committee, Prince and many more. His work has been published in magazines such as Variety Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, The Surfers Journal and across many advertising campaigns.

Between projects, Joe is a highly regarded stringer photographer for Getty Images and mentor for new photographers entering the sport/entertainment industry and when not behind the camera, Joe can be found spending time with his family, surfing the coastline or backpacking around the world.