My name is James Leyva, I am a sports photographer for Zuma Press and non-proft media company, The Sky Boat. Fan Photographer for Jowdy Photography that partners with the NFL Franchise Dallas Cowboys. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with Bachelors in Mass Communication in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Photography. I have covered games in the NFL, MLB, College Football, Auto Racing, and more. Notable sporting events I have covered: Super Bowl LX, 2018 Indianapolis 500, 2019 Rose Bowl, 2025, and 2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game, Sugar Bowl, and Cotton Bowl.…

James W. Leyva

My name is James Leyva, I am a sports photographer for Zuma Press and non-proft media company, The Sky Boat. Fan Photographer for Jowdy Photography that partners with the NFL Franchise Dallas Cowboys. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with Bachelors in Mass Communication in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Photography. I have covered games in the NFL, MLB, College Football, Auto Racing, and more. Notable sporting events I have covered: Super Bowl LX, 2018 Indianapolis 500, 2019 Rose Bowl, 2025, and 2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game, Sugar Bowl, and Cotton Bowl.…

Available to hire

My name is James Leyva, I am a sports photographer for Zuma Press and non-proft media company, The Sky Boat. Fan Photographer for Jowdy Photography that partners with the NFL Franchise Dallas Cowboys. I graduated from Sam Houston State University with Bachelors in Mass Communication in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Photography. I have covered games in the NFL, MLB, College Football, Auto Racing, and more.
Notable sporting events I have covered: Super Bowl LX, 2018 Indianapolis 500, 2019 Rose Bowl, 2025, and 2026 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal game, Sugar Bowl, and Cotton Bowl.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Fan Photographer at Jowdy Photography
August 1, 2023 - Present
Capture high-quality digital images of people at events (Dallas Cowboys games, concerts, college football) at ATT Stadium; notable events include the Dr. Pepper 2024 Big 12 Championship and Super Bowl LX.
Freelance Photographer at ZUMA PRESS
December 1, 2021 - Present
Contributor photographer for sports, breaking news, and event images for a wire service distributed to international media; covered collegiate sports, UFL, and more; notable events include 2024 Sugar Bowl, 2024 Leagues Cup, and other major events.
Photographer at Lauren Studios
September 1, 2022 - Present
Capture studio images for college seniors and graduates for yearbooks, business portraits, cap-and-gown photos at multiple universities in Texas.
Production Assistant at TEGNA NBC KAGS
March 1, 2019 - April 1, 2024
Set up camera shots, ensure equipment is in sync and focused; manage production equipment before/after news; assist with teleprompter, provide scripted news to anchors, direct Aggie Sports Overtime, manage audio/graphics, and shoot photos for news sets and sports.
Photographer at Photo Texas Photography
July 1, 2018 - June 1, 2024
Capture portraits for yearbooks, sports, faculty, and group photos; travel around Central Texas to set up studio photography; assist with cap-and-gown fittings.
Photographer / Writer at The Sky Boat
September 1, 2016 - Present
Contributor photographer covering collegiate and professional sports; interview players and coaches for previews and post-game articles; provide game/score updates via social media; capture press conferences and celebrations; cover conferences including SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, AAC, Pac-12, and Mountain West.
Photo Pass Photographer at The Walt Disney Company
August 1, 2012 - May 1, 2018
Captured guest images in front of major icons; organized shoots for post-production; advised guests on image options; assisted in the Photo Pass store with orders and print layouts.
Photo Pass Photographer (Disney College Program Internship) at The Walt Disney Company
January 1, 2012 - August 1, 2012
Disney College Program Internship focusing on phototography, guest relations, basic and advanced photography, Disney post-production processing.
Sports Videographer at VYPE MEDIA
September 1, 2020 - September 1, 2021
Operate video camera to film sports games and highlights for local teams; cover multiple sports and engage local communities to support student-athletes.
Freelance Photographer at The Eagle
June 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020
Contributor photographer capturing high-quality photos of games, events, and news stories; first assignment notable for front-page publication.
Videographer at BALLERTV
June 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Operates video cameras and keeps score; produces basketball tournament highlights for ages 12–17.
Broadcast and Research Intern at Yahoo Sports Radio, 1560 The Game
June 1, 2011 - August 1, 2011
Researched and prepared sports updates for on-air hosts; earned on-air interviewing experience; participated in mock interviews with boxing legends and college coaches.
Maintenance Crew Member at Carolina Creek Christian Camp
May 1, 2009 - July 1, 2009
Maintained facilities and grounds to ensure seamless operations and a valuable experience for campers.
PR Internship at Tony Fay, Public Relations - College Football Playoff
December 1, 2017 - Present
Assisted CFP media members at AT&T Playlist Live and Playoff events; helped media navigate complex venues and supported CFP staff.

Education

B.A. Mass Communications/Broadcast Journalism; Minor in Photography at Sam Houston State University
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011
at Houston Community College
January 1, 2011 - February 12, 2026
at Alvin Community College
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
at Elkins High School
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services

Skills

Experience Level