Looking for a photographer who can capture real kids playing real sports? Commercial sports photographer Troy Nebeker, represented by Sally Reps & Co., photographed a spring youth baseball and t-ball campaign for Academy Sports + Outdoors and Austin agency McGarrah Jessee. The result is a joyful, unscripted look at the game at its youngest level.
If you want to feel genuinely, unreservedly happy, find a t-ball field on a spring morning, pull up a lawn chair and just watch. You’ll be smiling before the first inning ends.
Who is Troy Nebeker?
Troy Nebeker is a commercial photographer specializing in sports, lifestyle, outdoor and fitness. An athlete himself, Troy shoots like one: his work is real, unposed and full of energy. His clients include Academy Sports + Outdoors, Rover.com, Consumer Cellular, Amazon and Hydro Flask.
What was the Academy Sports + Outdoors youth baseball campaign?
Academy Sports + Outdoors and McGarrah Jessee hired Troy to photograph youth baseball and t-ball games during the spring season. The brief was to document the energy and excitement of the season. What Troy delivered was more: a love letter to the sport in its purest, most joyful form, with kids in oversized helmets, coaches bending down to knee height, and no posing for the camera.
What moments did Troy capture?
- The dugout: A young player grips the chain-link fence mid-cheer, red, white and blue war paint on his cheeks, teammates pressed in behind him. He means business. The best stories in baseball are often in the dugout, where the noise is loudest and team spirit runs hottest.
- Gear as self-expression: A Hillside player in a red jersey, blue hat and pearl necklace holds a Rawlings glove in hot pink, sky blue and sunshine yellow. For Academy, it says everything: gear isn’t just functional, it’s personal.
- Where baseball begins: A coach in a red Crawdads shirt sets the ball on the tee for a tiny batter. Shot from behind the batter, the image puts you inside the child’s point of view: the big coach, the wide field and that single-minded focus on the ball.
- Pure comic gold: A player in purple and gold gives first base a full, head-down inspection, mitt on the ground and cap pointed at the dirt. Baseball can wait.
What makes Troy Nebeker’s youth sports photography different?
Troy doesn’t chase the highlight-reel moment. He captures the emotional temperature of the whole experience: the community, the belonging and the funny, honest moments that make youth sports what they are. That authenticity is why brands like Academy Sports + Outdoors keep coming back.
Has Troy Nebeker worked with Academy Sports + Outdoors before?
Yes. Troy has shot multiple campaigns for Academy Sports + Outdoors and McGarrah Jessee, including the “Fun Can’t Lose” campaign and the “Holiday in Motion” holiday campaign.
How do I book Troy Nebeker through Sally Reps & Co.?
- Send your creative brief or deck to our team.
- We’ll confirm Troy’s availability and share work relevant to your project.
- We’ll prepare a detailed estimate covering crew, production and usage.
- We’ll set up a creative call with Troy, then lock in the shoot.
Project credits
- Client: Academy Sports + Outdoors
- Agency: McGarrah Jessee
- Photographer: Troy Nebeker
- Representation: Sally Reps & Co.
Contact Sally Reps & Co.: Sally Bjornsen · 206-351-4246 · info@sallyreps.com
See more of Troy’s portfolio at sallyreps.com/troy-nebeker
