A budding student photographer is inspired by other local Perrysburg photographers

Riya Shah and Sophia Lanno
eSomethin Staff

The sun has dimmed, and the Friday night lights have turned on. Hundreds of people bring spirit for a Perrysburg High School football game. Imagine hearing a group of classmates repeatedly cheer your name, over and over, and over again, begging for a picture. For Jack Bowe, this is a typical Friday night.

Bowe, a Perrysburg senior and class president, started his photography career this year and is making a big impact in the Perrysburg sports photography community. Standing on the sidelines, capturing the atmosphere, with the attention of peers wanting photographs with their friends, Bowe is at ease.

A local photographer captures Bowe in his natural state – on the sidelines with a camera in hand. Bowe sometimes faces the difficult choice of being on the sidelines versus being in the student section. “Sometimes I think I won’t bring my camera to a game, but usually I end up bringing it anyway,” Bowe said.

What inspired him?

Ken Falls, local photographer enthusiast, unknowingly inspired Bowe’s passion. “He takes cool pictures,” Bowe said. A young Bowe would take notice of Falls being at many Perrysburg sporting games and admired the pictures.

Bowe said that, “[nowadays] most of my improvement and advice comes from my friend, Jacob Peters” who is another local sports photographer.

What is the deciding factor in which sporting events to photograph?

Currently, Bowe is involved in PHS varsity soccer, and with a busy schedule, he is not able to photograph every sporting event. Most of the time, Bowe tries to get to everything he can in Perrysburg.

“If somebody were to invite me to an Anthony Wayne game then I would probably want to get paid for that, or an individual athlete reaches out and wants pictures of a video of them, and I am doing individual work [of them]” Bowe said.

Bowe stated that he enjoys taking pictures of his friends for free, but if necessary he would ask to get compensated.

What is Bowes favorite event to photograph?

Football games are very fun for Bowe to photograph because he loves the atmosphere and seeing all the commotion with the players, students, and coaches. However, his most frequently photographed event is girls soccer, which he enjoys a lot due to his friendships with the players and the strength and depth of their team.

“[Girls soccer] is what I’ve shot the most because we are all friends with them and they are very good this season, plus I love shooting soccer,” Bowe said.

Junior football player, Grey Swanson, captured by Bowe, mid celebration. This was Bowe’s most recent time photographing a football game. Bowe mentions that, “the atmospheres at football games make it so fun to photograph”. (Courtesy: Jack Bowe)

When did the interest in photography begin?

Bowe has always had an interest in photography, but his interest in sports photography is new and budding. He was a little nervous to start, but with the enormous support he received and many friends in the same field, he felt much more comfortable. Bowe has always had a strong desire to do everything he does to the best of his ability and tries to make constant improvements. Bowe mentions, “the first couple pictures I did were not good, but I got better”. Below are some before and after photos showcasing his first few pictures versus his most recent pictures.

Bowe photographs Senior captain, Amelia Taylor, as she balances the ball getting ready to warm up her serves. This was the first tennis match Bowe captured. Taylor quotes, “I could tune [Jack] out, I am really focused on my sport”. (Courtesy: Jack Bowe)

What camera does Bowe use?

Experimenting with Jacket Sports Network’s provided cameras, Bowe decided he wanted his own, that he could take out into the wild. Bowe owns his own Cannot T-7 to capture his photos. Bowe wanted to purchase a camera that was cheaper, but also takes quality photos. Bowe says that “it doesn’t matter what camera you have, as long as you can master it, the pictures will turn out good.” Bowe also stated that people can in fact use their iPhone to get good ‘atmospheric’ pictures, however in the case of sports photography, it might be best to invest in a professional camera.

How does he get permission?

If the events are at Perrysburg, Bowe is typically able to photograph with no issue. When games are away, he makes sure to reach out to athletic directors or other photographers that might be there to make sure he is allowed and that there is enough space. Bowe affirms that he “never wants to break photography etiquette” and does his best to ensure he follows all rules.

Bowe’s photography career is increasingly requested in the area. He does miss sitting in the student section for home games, but has a very strong passion for taking pictures which fuels his work.

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