Big Cat Country
Logan Bowles did not have aspirations of becoming a professional photographer when he was younger. With a photography career spanning over a decade, he has created an impressive portfolio, featuring multiple pictures in the NFL Hall of Fame and international publications. Bowles strives to create something bigger than himself and the subject matter of his art, weaving together unspoken stories through his camera lens. The Jacksonville native and lifelong Jaguars fan gave me a glimpse into his world by allowing me to shadow him at the Jaguars’ Media Day, where he discussed his career and fandom.
With players set to arrive around 8:30, it was an early start to the day at EverBank Stadium. After checking in and making our way upstairs, Logan began to work. With over 20 media days under his belt, this is like second nature to him. Due to start times that run from 6 am to 11 am, preparation begins weeks in advance. The league sends a template of poses and the necessary shots to various outlets, including Fox, CBS, and NBC, to create graphics, ads, and social media posts. The template includes a style guide and technical specs. The list and research required for the non-Jacksonville teams is shorter, as Bowles aids in capturing every Jaguars player.
Since it is rare for a media day to go smoothly, he ensures that his cameras, camera batteries, and lenses are ready to go. After camera prep, testing lights and flashes, taping cords down, checking the laptop setup, and syncing both stations, we are prepared for the players to arrive. When center Robert Hainsey steps in front of the camera, the room comes alive. Despite a DJ and players screaming while recording hype videos behind the curtain, Bowles controls his station with prompts such as “smile, cross your arms, uncross your arms.” His research comes in handy when speaking to players who appear uncomfortable in front of the camera.
Asking questions about where they went to school, their families, and tattoos, the ease with which he creates rapport with players is that of a consummate professional. When talking with Logan, he stressed the importance of treating players like normal people and being personable so he can make them look as good as possible. As the day progresses, Bowles has captured pictures of 46 Jaguars, including Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter, Foye Oluokun, Josh Hines-Allen, Logan Cooke, and Brian Thomas Jr. Once the players are done, the shots are sorted into specific folders, containing both JPEG and raw images, for the teams and league to edit.
After experiencing his tenth Jaguars Media Day, Logan opened up about the man behind the camera. Despite wanting to be in the stands to offer support, he discovered a love for documenting and telling stories. Drawing inspiration from Duval County, Bowles has photographed nearly every sport imaginable, including football, soccer, basketball, skateboarding, surfing, softball, baseball, and a Call of Duty tournament at Disney. His diverse experience, the importance of continually learning, never settling,...
