Meet Daryl Batt | Sports Photographer and Social Media Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daryl Batt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daryl, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe risk-taking is essential for both personal and professional growth. While our survival instincts want us to remain in familiar, safe environments, it’s when we step into uncertainty and discomfort that we find out who we are and what we’re capable of. Reflecting on my experiences, the risks I’ve taken have often led to far greater rewards than the times I have stayed in my comfort zone. In fact, the risks I didn’t take often became sources of regret. Even when things don’t go as planned, there is something to be learned —whether it is what-not-to-do or how to turn rejection into motivation.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart in sports photography and content creation is my ability to tell compelling stories through my images. I strive to immerse viewers in the experience, making them feel as though they were part of the game or event. My background in wedding and portrait photography helped hone both my technical skills and storytelling abilities. It also taught me how to adapt quickly, a skill that’s essential in the fast-paced world of sports.

My journey hasn’t been without challenges. One of the most significant turning points was during the height of my wedding photography career when COVID-19 brought everything to a halt. However, that pause gave me the chance to explore sports photography and social media content creation through the volleyball club I was coaching at the time. This shift reignited my passion for creating sports content and marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career.

The most important lessons I’ve learned are to keep pushing forward, trust your instincts, and embrace your uniqueness. Doubt is a natural part of the process, but truly accepting and celebrating who you are is the key to success.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I’d like to recognize my parents. My mom has been with me through every high and low, providing unwavering support and wisdom. She’s not just my emotional anchor, but also my biggest motivator, challenging me to view things from different perspectives. She’s also the reason I fell in love with photography. Growing up, she was always capturing our lives on her film camera, and the magic of that process captivated me. My dad instilled in me an appreciation for the fine arts and taught me the importance of creative problem-solving, a skill that has helped me navigate every aspect of my life.

I also want to give a shoutout to my mentor and friend, Jenni Machir of The Farmhouse Studios. She provided me with some of the most incredible opportunities during some of the most challenging periods of my life. I undoubtedly would not be where I am today without her guidance and support.

Lastly, I’d like to thank two of my college professors, Abbey Hepner and Stacy Platt. Their mentorship significantly influenced the way I approach photography as an art form. Even years after taking their courses, I still revisit those course notes and texts when I need a fresh perspective or creative reset.

I will forever recommend Jen Sincero’s “You Are A Badass” series to everyone, no matter where they are in life. Her stories have had a profound impact on me, and two points, in particular, have stood out: 1) dancing as much as possible, especially when something good happens, no matter how big or small—it’s a powerful reminder to celebrate life and thank the universe, and 2) loin cloth man. If you know, you know… if you don’t know, go get the book (or the audiobook is really good too).

Website: https://www.battmedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryl.batt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylbatt/