Conversations with Anthony Sorbellini

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Sorbellini.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
I started sports photojournalism as a hobby while earning my bachelor’s in journalism, enrolled in grad school at Iona College, and covered all sports at Iona while also covering sports around the New York City area. After grad school, I was hired by the NBA while I was a freelance sports photographer on the side. I was let go from the NBA due to Covid, leading me to freelance full time and becoming a freelancer for Iona College, then Minor League Baseball and the Hudson Valley Renegades. After completing my contract with the Renegades, I saw a job application for a staff photographer position with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and applied for the hell of it. I was hired by UNC in October and moved from New York to North Carolina, and it’s the best thing I have ever done.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The furthest thing from smooth. My girlfriend can attest to that – there have been times when I’ll cover a game, and I hate everything I shoot. A lot of self-doubts, even to this day, I put an immense amount of pressure on myself because I love what I do. Covid was the hardest thing. I got my first ever full-time job in sports at the NBA, then three days after starting, the world went into lockdown. I moved back home with my parents and did NBA work from home until I terminated my contract seven months into my 10-month contract.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a full-time sports photographer at the University of North Carolina, and in addition to my work at UNC, I also freelance for various colleges and professional leagues. I’m proud of my journey to get to this point, and I am entirely self-taught and constantly learn every day and game. My work ethic is the main reason I stick out – I will do anything involving a camera, sports or not.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My family’s yearly day trip to Lake George, NY.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://anthonysorbellini.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorbelliniphotos/

Image Credits
Anthony Sorbellini