The 7 Best Sports Photographers in Cleveland

Excited to see the work of some of the most talented Cleveland sports photographers? At Peerspace, we get it! As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we make it easy for photographers and other creatives to discover hidden gem spaces to perfect their shoots, events, and other projects. And yes, there are plenty of amazing venues to rent in Cleveland alone!

In the Rock and Roll Capital of the World, major teams like the Browns and Indians need constant coverage, so Cleveland is undoubtedly home to incredibly talented sporting and event photographers. These creatives have so many shooting styles and specialties, so we worked hard to scout out the cream of the crop! These are the top sports photographers in Cleveland for your next youth or professional sporting event.

1. Michaelangelo’s Photography

Covering what they term “an eclectic array of photography,” Michaelangelo’s Photography is your one-stop shop for high-quality visual media. Whether it’s sports images, food photography, events, products, or weddings, Michaelangelo’s team of five creatives, comprising photographers and videographers, can meet and exceed your needs.

Head photographer Cheryl brings over 25 years of experience behind the lens. Plus, the unique perspectives of her team all add to the talent and reach of Michaelangelo’s Photography. One aspect we particularly enjoy about their portfolio is the diversity of styles they provide. From studio sports portraits and digital editing to photojournalistic gameday coverage, these Cleveland creatives are some of the best in the business right now! 

2. Ken Blaze Photography

“Today is different. Both for me and the industry. The internet is changing the way photographers work and live and everyday there is new technology. Photographers are struggling to find work and publications are downsizing,” says Ken Blaze. As a lifelong lover of photography, Ken has seen the photography world expand and shrink as publications shifted to today’s freelance market.

Rather than hanging up his camera, Ken adapted and thrived in the new niches that opened up. As one of the best sports photographers in Cleveland, Ken’s work has been featured in major local and international publications, including The New York Times, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Cleveland Magazine. Events and clients covered through his photography include the Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago Cubs World Series game, as well as the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors during the NBA Finals. 

3. Martin Lerman of MSL Photography

With 20 years of experience and counting, photojournalist Martin Lerman boasts extensive experience in the worlds of newspaper and freelance photography. In that time, he has finely honed his eye for detail and composition. Whether he’s covering a wedding or sporting event, Martin is never out of place and continually delivers quality images.

As a lifetime photographer, Martin went from graduating with a journalism degree from the Ohio State University to working as a staff and freelance photographer for several local publications. Regardless of your event, his photojournalism background enables him to blend into the scene to capture events as they occur with minimal distraction. This is especially relevant for sports photography. 

4. Bismark of BIZ Photography LLC

Sports photography at its core is a branch of documentary photography. And like all documentarians, Bismark seeks to tell a compelling story through the language of moments and emotion. As he describes his craft, “I believe photography, at its best, is a powerful language which speaks to our emotions. Let your images tell your story and show others your journey of the world around you.”

BIZ Photography LLC has been in service for over 20 years, covering creative design and marketing for agencies, international motorsports, and technology organizations worldwide. His sporting images range from sports portraits to live game coverage, all using a moody, timeless color character that stands apart from traditional sports photography. If you’re looking for a one-man solution to your visual sports coverage, Bismark is clearly one of the most gifted sports photographers in Cleveland!

5. David Richard Photography

Cleveland-based sports, editorial, portrait, and wedding photographer David Richard covers the Cleveland Indians and Browns. Not only that, but he also shoots high school and college sports throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. With over 25 years of photography experience behind each shoot, David’s sports talents also extend to VR 360-degree panoramas of stadiums, arenas, and businesses.

David’s a former Ohio Photographer of the Year and counts USA Today, ESPN Magazine, the Associated Press, and other major agencies and publications as former and current clients. And looking at his images, it’s easy to see why.

We appreciate his use of true-to-life and slightly muted color casts for a character ranging from natural to cinematic. Instead of blowing your senses up with oversaturated colors, David’s work is all about the moment. Expressions and emotional releases comprise documentary images of the game day and, of course, the play-making moment!

6. Brent Durken Photography

Professional sports shooter Brent Durken is a gameday photographer for the Cleveland Browns, as well as the International Soccer Network. When not covering matches on the sidelines, he also shoots landscapes, real estate, and portraiture throughout the Cleveland metro. If you’ve passed through Hopkins Airport, Cleveland State Art Gallery, or any number of restaurants in the area, it’s possible you’ve seen Brent’s work without even realizing it!

Brent’s work is the epitome of the sports photographer’s craft, treating you to action portraits from a distance that freezes time for the big play. He also captures intense expression, complete with vibrant, true-to-life colors. As one of the best sports photographers in Cleveland, Brent’s partners include the Cleveland Browns, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Thrillist.com, and Admiral Soccer.

7. Anthony Vence Photography

Anthony Vence is one of the youngest Cleveland sports photographers on our list, yet his education, experience, and obvious passion make him a natural fit. He shoots both local and national sports, from high school to major league. Anthony has also worked for Getty Images and Panini America, Inc. shooting NFL and NHL games after studying photojournalism at Kent State University. So you know his technical chops are strong!

While he does capture plenty of action-packed moment, we especially appreciate the in-between images he shoots. With these, you see sports players in deep contemplation, almost like on-field portraits that resonate the mental focus and determination these players need to succeed.

Bonus: Russell Lee

Russell Lee is a Cleveland-based commercial photographer who just happens to take incredible sports images! He started his own company in 2005 after working as a professional photographer since 1993.

His decades of experience working with individuals and businesses has really honed his eye. Because of this, we see action shots on the field and portrait shots of star players, all of which show us the people behind the uniform. His portrait series of the Cleveland Indians players are especially effective as they pump us up for the next match, making us want to buy a jersey and cheer from the sidelines along with the other diehard fans!

Cleveland sports photographers: conclusion

These Cleveland sports photographers are some of the best in the country, let alone the city. We hope you are as impressed with their work as we are!

And remember, whether you’re a photographer looking for fresh spaces to shoot or someone just looking for a cool place to host their next birthday party, Peerspace has you covered. Check out all the amazing spaces you can book in Cleveland and beyond today!

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