Focusing on the Future: Teen Isaac’s Launch into Sports Photography

Some kids freeze when asked the classic question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Not Isaac. “I want to be an IP lawyer,” the 16-year-old from Dallas, TX, says confidently. What may seem like an unusual dream for a teenager was born out of a passion for photography—especially sports photography. “One day, I looked through my dad’s camera lens and I saw my future through that lens.”

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Isaac found opportunities to get more “exposure” to his passion. At age 13, he entered a Boys & Girls Clubs photo contest — and won, earning free registration for a photography bootcamp through Outschool.

During the bootcamp, Isaac learned essential photography principles like lighting, composition, focus, shutter speed and brightness. Each day, he was sent on a “photography mission” and was mentored by sports photographer and editor, Jay Gorodetzer.

“Isaac was incredibly enthusiastic about learning photography,” Gorodetzer said. “He seems to have a passion for it, particularly photographing sports and action.”

But then, Isaac’s home state was struck by disaster in February 2021.

Photo featuring Isaac behind the scenes capturing action shots, featuring Greater Dallas Boys & Girls Club youth at “Beyond the Field: Tacking STEM” event.

Weathering the Storm

Like many homes across Texas, Isaac’s house was flooded after Winter Storm Uri came through. He and his mom, Stephanie, lost everything and moved into a hotel for over a month.

While Stephanie worked to get their lives back to normal, Isaac kept his focus on school and photography. With support from Outschool and the Club, Isaac kept up with his Zoom bootcamp from the hotel, diving further into his favorite photo subjects: sports and action.

At the end of bootcamp, Isaac was tasked with a “final mission” at the Dallas Cowboys World headquarters and practice facility. There, Isaac was gifted a camera of his own — and a photoshoot with former Dallas Cowboys player, DeMarcus Ware.

“It doesn’t feel real!” Isaac said, between snapping photos of the retired linebacker.

Photo taken be Isaac featuring DeMarcus Ware at “final mission” photoshoot.

Isaac In Action

Isaac’s photography training didn’t stop there. This past March, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, Science of Sport, and Lenovo, hosted the “Beyond the Field: Tacking STEM” event. More than 150 Club kids participated in hands-on STEM experiments, and even drills with Dallas Cowboys players, to learn how football and STEM intersect.

“It really helps connect the dots to make learning fun through something they love,” said Dwaylon Whitmore, director of teen programs at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.

Isaac not only went to the event but was asked to document ALL the action. He even got to experiment with video shooting and editing using equipment gifted by Lenovo.

“With sports photography, you can never get a wrong shot,” he says, “You still got the motion and action. I’m dramatic so I love action.”

Lining Up the Next Shot

Photo taken by Isaac featuring youth at “Beyond the Field: Tacking STEM” event

Isaac is one of many youth who find the supportive programs, mentors and safe spaces to chase their dreams at Boys & Girls Clubs. “The Club gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream and do things like this,“ he said, referencing the Tackling STEM event. Not only that, he’s also helping to create new marketing materials for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.

In addition to photography, he enjoys helping out at the Club front desk and looking out for younger members. “I like being someone they can talk to,” he says. These qualities helped Isaac earn the 2024 Youth of the Year title at Greater Dallas Clubs by participating in BGCA’s premier teen leadership program.

At his initial photoshoot with Ware, Ware told Isaac, “The reason why you’re here is because we believe in you. We believe in what you want to do.”

Because, as Boys & Girls Clubs and our partners know, when youth have the right opportunities, great futures are always within sight.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with Lenovo since 2017 to support exposure and experiences that spark interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Lenovo Foundation supports Clubs through volunteering, funding, and in-kind donations of Esports equipment and more that have helped over 25 Club communities provide for their youth. This commitment to STEM education empowers Club teens with the skills and technology access to create brighter futures.

Pursuing a STEM Career Starts Here

Boys & Girls Clubs believe in fun, hands-on learning. Our dedicated mentors and innovative programs provide the tools and support for all youth to explore the exciting world of STEM. In fact, over half of 12th-graders at Boys & Girls Clubs are interested in pursuing a STEM career, compared to 27% of their peers nationally. By building a love for STEM, we’re not just preparing kids for their next test — we’re helping them unlock endless possibilities. Learn more about how Clubs support academic success.