Sarah Blecha, senior communications major, isn’t letting the economy slow her down. In fact, she’s there capturing memories for people and families who wouldn’t have them otherwise.
“I have always been interested in photography and athletics and truly enjoy sporting events,” Blecha said. “Today the majority of sports photographers are hired as freelance photographers, so I decided starting my own business would be the best way to start a career as a sports photographer.”
Since October, Sarah’s business, which she named ‘Blecha Photography’, is receiving good responses.
“I’m still working on expanding the number and variety of events I’m shooting and getting the word out,” Blecha said. “I love sports photography, but I am also taking portrait photography, weddings, event photography and even photography for marketing and advertising purposes.”
Kara Cunningham, assistant professor of communication, has watched Sarah develop since she enrolled in the department.
“I think it’s a great idea [that she’s started her own business], it can only help her,” she said. “When Sarah first came in, she just took sports action shots. She has grown so much since then and is also now a great feature photographer.”
While at OU, Sarah has done internships for the Kansas City T-bones, The Ottawa Herald and has held a work-study position with OU’s Sports Information.
“My work study position has allowed me to develop my skills and grow my portfolio in ways that I would have never thought to be possible,” she said. “My internships also helped me determine what I was really interested in doing.”
Sarah’s work-study with Sports Information also has led her into other job opportunities within the department.
“After working for the OU Sports Information Department for the last three years as a student worker, this year I am very excited to be able to hire her as a professional photographer for the department,” Katie Tooley, director of sports information, said. “She does an excellent job of capturing student athletes in motion.”
Although Sarah will graduate in May, she plans on continuing photography.
“My goal is to land a position working for a professional sports team, preferably the NGL team or the PBR,” she said.
And she’ll have the support of OU behind her as well.
“Sarah has grown more confident in her abilities and it shows in her photographs,” Tooley said. “She has the courage to follow her dream in photography and I am going to enjoy watching her grow as a photographer.”
Tooley isn’t the only one that’ll be rooting for her on the other side.
“I think photography is such a big part of her life and will continue to be,” Cunningham said.