At this year’s US Open, a familiar face from the NBA was spotted behind the camera instead of in front of it. New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet wasn’t just a spectator; he spent the weekend working as an official photographer, capturing the thrilling moments of the men’s and women’s finals right from the sidelines.
Shamet’s journey into photography highlights a growing trend of athletes pursuing creative passions outside their main sport. What started as a simple hobby with a phone camera has evolved into a serious skill, earning him a place among professional photographers at one of tennis’s biggest events and showing a different side of the professional athlete.
📸 From a Fun Hobby to a Serious Passion
Landry Shamet, an NBA player since 2018, began exploring photography about four years ago. It started out casually, just for fun. He was initially hesitant to buy a professional camera, thinking his phone was enough. However, after a friend’s encouragement, he got one and quickly discovered a new passion. He enjoyed taking his camera on road trips with his team or simply capturing scenes around his city, which helped him develop his skills and eye for great shots.
🎾 Capturing the Action at the US Open
This was Shamet’s second time collaborating with the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) in an unpaid role. After a successful stint during the first week of the tournament in 2024, his work was so impressive that he was invited back to photograph the prestigious final weekend this year. He was positioned in the photo pit right beside the court, snapping pictures during the intense men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, as well as the women’s trophy ceremony.
🤝 Earning Praise and a New Appreciation
Shamet’s hard work and talent did not go unnoticed. Jen Pottheiser, a professional USTA photographer, praised his excellent action photos and his positive attitude, calling him a “great teammate” who was always asking questions to improve. This unique experience has also deepened Shamet’s interest in tennis. He shared that being so close to the players and understanding their stories has made him a much bigger fan of the sport, beyond just recognizing the most famous names.
