There are several sporting events around the globe that capture the imagination of talented photographers.

Think Wimbledon, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Tour de France, Formula 1 Grand Prix, US Masters, Pipeline, AFL grand final and, of course, the NRL State of Origin.

But, top of the list is the Olympic Games.

And, now, a 21-year-old Lake Macquarie lensman will snap the best athletes on the planet next month after securing the opportunity of a lifetime.

TAFE NSW Hunter Street photography graduate Jacob Gower is set to cover the marathon events at Paris, thanks to an international sports magazine.

He’ll also have a chance to take shots inside the Olympic Stadium as an accredited photographer. 

Jacob, who lives in Buttaba, graduated from his Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging on Friday 28 June.

He admitted his own passion for long-distance running enabled him to embody a different perspective for his speciality area of track and field.

“We also had to do a lot of research into iconic photographers as part of my TAFE NSW studies,” Jacob said.

“Absorbing their styles inspired me to emulate a more artistic representation to help build greater recognition of track and field athletes in Australia.

“My teachers’ knowledge and expertise, along with their encouragement to build my portfolio, was part of what inspired me to travel around the country shooting athletes at meetings.

“Learning how to run photography from the business side was also invaluable, things like how to respond to a brief are really important to making a successful career.”

His dedication has clearly paid off with this Olympic-sized opportunity.

Jacob’s started a new role as creative director with Straight At It, a media company specialising in athletics, too.

“Even though my dad was a professional photographer, committing to study photography at TAFE NSW helped me realise my dream career is a possibility,” he said.

“I am really excited by this opportunity.

“It will be challenging but that’s what I love about photographing athletes.”

TAFE NSW Hunter Street campus head teacher, fine art, David Trout said Jacob was a shining example of what TAFE NSW photography students could achieve.

“This is an incredible honour for him and is testament to his talent and hard work,” he added.

“We saw from day one that he was very competent and has pushed himself to develop his own unique style.

“This is key to the recognition and work he is getting.

“Like Jacob, all our graduates are distinguished by their grounding in technical skills and also they learn practical experience in composition, commercial and creative work.

“Our Certificate IV and Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging empowers our students with an array of skills they need to launch their career in the industry.

“The courses provide them with hands-on learning opportunities that broaden their knowledge and expertise across a variety of photographic genres.”

Nationally, the profession is projected to grow by 6.5% in the five years between 2023 and 2028.

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