Photography
When I started yearbook, I had never even used a camera; a DSLR might as well have been a foreign language. Since then, I’ve become an avid Canon mirrorless R5 and 70-200mm sports lens enthusiast. Adobe Lightroom now feels like a second language, and I’ve grown to love photojournalistic photography for its power to tell stories. When I see a moment, my first instinct is, "I want to capture this."
Take a Look!
Browse some of my work samples to see what you like! When you're ready feel free to contact me at connorhsiao@gmail.com or (949) 798-9773
Welcome! Enjoy
STUNT 3/7
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INAUGURAL STUNT SEASON (3/7/2025)
During IUSD's inaugural season, I had the privilege of capturing Portola High School's very first STUNT game. My photography highlights key moments, including partner stunts, tumbling sequences, and pyramid formations.
Captured with: Canon EOS T7, Canon RF 70-200mm lens
Edited in: Adobe Lightroom
Portraits & Candids
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SENIOR YEAR
When I originally started taking photos, I avoided the bench, the student section—anything off the court. I thought the real action was only where the game was happening. But I’ve come to realize that athletes are often some of the most emotional people you'll find. Whether it’s a memorable win or a heartbreaking loss, they show it all.
Now, I make a point to take breaks from the game itself to capture what’s happening beyond the court. Sometimes the most powerful stories aren’t in the scoreboard—they’re in the sidelines, the huddle, or the quiet moment after the buzzer.
Life Shots
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GRADUATION & STUDENT LIFE
Unfortunately, I fell victim to one of the most common signs of weak photography: single-person shots with no action. At first, I didn’t realize it, but those photos felt flat and meaningless. There was no story, no context. Looking back, I think: what’s even going on in those shots?
By sophomore year, I wanted to redeem myself. I made it a priority to take photos that people would actually care about—because visuals are often the first thing viewers see. My mindset shifted. I started priding myself on capturing moments that told a story.
My technique? Always look for the ball and follow it. Where the ball goes, the story follows. I've come to appreciate the beauty of freezing the action, capturing a moment that holds emotion, movement, and meaning. Wherever the ball goes—the formation, the stunt, the energy—I follow it.
I've realized how important it is to take great photos, because the best ones make people say, "Oh yeah, I remember that." That’s the goal: to bring people back to the moment.
This sample of photography includes a variety of people, not just players, to tell the full story of the game. It’s about more than just the score because it’s about the emotion, the action, the energy.