EPISODE · Sep 11, 2026 · 47 MIN
Episode 129: Sydney Bezelik—Translating an Athlete’s Intuition into Photographing the NBA and WNBA
from The Zicast · host Ryan Ziaks
On Episode 129, I'm joined by sports photographer: Sydney Bezelik! We discuss her journey from training as an elite gymnast to photographing courtside at NBA and WNBA games, the intricate technical work behind arena strobes and remote camera rigging, her time working inside the photo archives at NBA headquarters, and her advice for young creatives on building authentic industry relationships. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#sportsphotography #sportsphotographer #nba #wnba #basketball #basketballphotography #courtside #washingtonwizards #washingtonmystics #lebronjames #jmu #gettyimages #behindthescenes #sportsmedia #freelancephotographer #creativeadvertising #lacrosse #gymnast #photographypodcast #podcastinterview #behindthelens #athlete #athletics #linkedin #linkedintips #networking #media #advice #trending #youtubeshorts #youtube 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 129! 00:29 — About Sydney & Interning at NBA Headquarters 01:29 — Retiring from Elite Gymnastics & Picking Up a Camera 03:33 — Shadowing Her First NBA Game as a High School Senior 04:38 — Building a Client Roster Through Cold Outreach & LinkedIn 07:22 — Photographing Lacrosse vs. Basketball10:51 — Learning Under Team Photographer Steven Gosling 15:11 — What Photographing an NBA Game Actually Looks Like19:42 — Digging Through Historic NBA Film Slides & Digital Archives 24:21 — Capturing LeBron James’ Iconic Chalk Toss 28:58 — Photographing the WNBA & Lessons in Mentorship 32:25 — Handling Sensitive Assets, Embargoes, and Establishing Trust 35:41 — Advice for Aspiring Photographers37:43 — Get to Know You's 45:36 — Outro & Closing Thoughts
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Episode 129: Sydney Bezelik—Translating an Athlete’s Intuition into Photographing the NBA and WNBA
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