Sports Photography That Serves the Brand: Claire Komerak on Design, Discipline, and Big Moments

The ZoomWithOurFeet Photography Podcast

The ZoomWithOurFeet Photography Podcast
Sports Photography That Serves the Brand: Claire Komerak on Design, Discipline, and Big Moments
Oct 26, 2025 Season 2 Episode 33
Timothy "TMac" McCarty

Claire Komerak joins the ZoomPod to break down how design thinking and photography work together, from college sidelines to national broadcasts and championship moments.

Episode Snapshot

In this episode of the ZoomPod, Claire Komerak traces her path from disposable cameras and yearbook sidelines to shaping TCU’s visual identity, designing promos for CBS Sports, and photographing an MLS Championship with the Columbus Crew. Claire shows how design instincts sharpen photographic decisions—and how intentional visuals sell both the story and the feeling behind a moment.

What You’ll Learn:

How color and brand choices reinforce team identity

  • Moving from sport mode to manual with mirrorless cameras
  • A crash course in leadership and visual consistency at TCU
  • CBS Sports promo workflows, specs, and delivery expectations
  • Building proof-of-partnership through shot lists and trust
  • Compact Sony kit choices and real-world lens strategy
  • Handling stadium light, smoke, and peak fan emotion
  • Lessons for aspiring photographers on curiosity, grit, and growth

About This Guest:

Claire Komerak is a staff sports photographer for the Columbus Crew, and broadcast graphic designed for CBS Sports. Her work spans collegiate athletics, professional sports, and broadcast media. Her background in design informs how she builds images that align with brand goals while still capturing authentic emotion in live sports environments.

Guest Bonafides


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