Breakout season
On March 23, 2013, at 8:31 p.m., the nib Stadium in Perth buzzed with anticipation. In the final minute of a thrilling Super Rugby match, a young, electrifying fullback from the Cheetahs, Willie le Roux, broke down the grandstand touchline to score the winning try against the Western Force. That moment wasn’t just a game-changer for the Cheetahs—it was a pivotal spark for my journey as a professional sports photographer in Australia.
This weekend, Willie le Roux reaches a monumental milestone: his 100th Test match for the Springboks, a feat achieved by only a handful of Springbok rugby legends. As I reflect on that unforgettable night in 2013, I’m reminded of how a single frame can capture not just a moment in sport but the start of something much bigger.
When Willie next returned to Perth, I had the chance to meet him and share an 8x10 print of that iconic try, printed on stunning metallic paper that made the colours pop like the roar of the crowd. In return, I asked him to sign a print for me—a memento of a moment that marked the beginning of my career in sports photography. That image, shot with a Nikon D4 and a 200-400mm f/4 lens at ISO 2800, 1/1250s, f/4, and 250mm focal length, remains one of my proudest captures. The settings allowed me to freeze Willie’s explosive speed and the key moment and joy of his triumphant dive for the winning try.
A breakout year for both of us. For Willie, 2013 was a breakout season, propelling him from a promising talent to a Springbok star. For me, it was the year I dove headfirst into professional sports photography. That try against the Force was one of my first major assignments, and it ignited a passion for capturing the raw emotion and athleticism of elite competition. Since then, I’ve been privileged to photograph Australia’s national teams—the Wallabies, Cricket team, Kookaburras, Hockeyroos, Soccerroosand Diamonds—facing off against global powerhouses like the Springboks, Proteas, All Blacks, China, India, Argentina, and even the rare and revered British & Irish Lions.
Each match and different challenges of each sport, has taught me something new about the craft: how to anticipate the decisive moment, how to work with challenging light, and how to tell a story through a single frame. From the thunderous tackles of rugby to the precision of netball and the speed of hockey, every sport has its own rhythm, and I’ve learned to dance to it.
Celebrating a Legend and a Journey As Willie le Roux steps onto the field for his 100th Test, I’m reminded of how interconnected our journeys have been. His try in 2013 wasn’t just a victory for the Cheetahs—it was a catalyst for my career, pushing me to chase moments of brilliance through my lens. Today, I celebrate not only Willie’s remarkable achievement but also the countless hours spent honing my craft to capture the heart and soul of sport. Here’s to Willie le Roux, a Springbok legend, and to the moments that inspire us to keep pushing forward. If you’re as captivated by sports as I am, browse my gallery to relive some of the most thrilling moments I’ve captured, from rugby’s fiercest battles to cricket’s finest centuries. And who knows—maybe I’ll see you at the next game, camera in hand, ready to freeze the next unforgettable moment.
Check out my portfolio for more iconic sports photography, and contact me to book a session. Follow me on Instagram Johan SchmidtPhotography for behind-the-scenes shots and updates on my latest work!