Mitchell Seaworth didn’t start out with a camera in hand. For most of his life, he was on the field—playing sports, coaching, and cheering from the sidelines. Sports weren’t just a hobby for him; they were part of his identity.
A few years ago, that began to shift. He started bringing a camera to games just for fun. At first, it was about snapping action shots—catching the big plays and celebrating wins. But soon, he realised there was more happening in the quiet moments between the noise.
“I started noticing the little things,” Mitchell says. “The looks, the hugs, the glances to the crowd. That’s where the real story was.”
Now, Mitchell is a familiar face on the sidelines of local games—not as a coach, but as the guy with the camera. He captures local sports in a way that’s honest and full of care. His photos have become keepsakes for players and families.
What began as a hobby turned into something more meaningful. Through photography, Mitchell found a new way to stay connected—to the game, to his community, and to the stories that often go untold.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early. I’m at the gym or at the lake fishing before most people wake up. From there, I’ll check my messages. I plan out my shoots for the week. I don’t overschedule. I leave space in my day so I can respond to what comes up, which keeps me grounded and flexible
How do you bring ideas to life?
Most of my ideas come from just showing up. I don’t sit down and brainstorm. I go to a game, I watch, I wait. Bringing ideas to life, for me, is about being present and ready.
What’s one trend that excites you?
More people are documenting everyday life again. With phones, everyone’s a photographer. I think that’s a good thing. But I love seeing people go back to printing photos too—physical reminders of moments. There’s something powerful about holding a memory in your hand.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I go to the gym most mornings. No phone. No music. Just space to think. That quiet headspace helps me focus better than any to-do list ever could.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush through everything. It’s okay not to know where you’re going right away. Just keep showing up and paying attention. The rest works itself out.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Not every moment needs to be shared online. Sometimes the most meaningful things are the ones you keep just for yourself or your family.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Look around. Literally. Wherever you are—at a game, on a walk—observe what’s going on. You’ll see things most people miss. That’s where connection and creativity start.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I leave. I go outside. Even five minutes away from a screen helps. Nature resets me fast. I’ll fish, walk, or sit in silence. That usually clears the fog.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Consistency. I show up to games even when no one asks me to. People began to notice. Eventually, they started reaching out—asking for photos, inviting me to events. It wasn’t about marketing—it was about being present and reliable.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I lost a memory card with a full game’s worth of photos. It was awful. Now I back everything up twice—sometimes three times. It taught me to take responsibility and put systems in place before it’s too late.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Plan your shoots and show up consistently. People will notice. It builds community and promotes your work without being pushy.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Photoshop and other digital editing software. I keep a basic workflow—batch edits, colour correction, then export to folders by sport and date. I don’t over-edit. Clean and quick works best.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’m currently reading The Storm and the Tide: Tragedy, Hope and Triumph in Tuscaloosa by Lars Anderson. It’s all about overcoming adversity. You can get through anything if you have good community support.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Friday Night Lights. I’ve watched it more than once. It gets the emotion of small-town sports exactly right. It’s not just about football—it’s about connection and identity.
Key learnings
- Slowing down and observing your surroundings can lead to more meaningful ideas and work.
- Consistency and being present can build trust more effectively than promotion.
- Real stories often happen between the big moments—not during them.
- Grounding practices like morning workouts or unplugging can boost clarity and focus.
- Failure isn’t final—but it can be a teacher if you’re willing to adapt.