Legendary Sports Photographer Peter Read Miller Passes Away

Legendary sports activities photographer Peter Read Miller handed away earlier this month in his sleep at his Manhattan Beach, California, house. Miller was 78 years previous. Miller is likely one of the most completed and prolific sports activities photographers in historical past, together with his pictures gracing the quilt of Sports Illustrated over 100 instances throughout his lengthy profession.

The award-winning photographer’s prolific profession spanned greater than 40 years, throughout which period Miller lined 9 Olympic Games, an astounding 41 Super Bowls, 14 NBA Finals, and a lot extra. He photographed different occasions just like the Stanley Cup Finals, Kentucky Derby races, the World Series, NCAA March Madness, and the World Cup. If one thing was taking place in sports activities, Peter Read Miller was almost all the time there, digital camera in hand, capturing award-winning pictures.

“Peter was that rare breed of photographer who was able to excel at shooting action and portraits including lighting and set building,” mentioned Steve Fine, former director of pictures at Sports Illustrated. “He shot football almost exclusively vertically, because in his words ‘What’s the point of getting out of bed in the morning unless you’re shooting for the cover?’”

This sentiment is emblematic of Peter Read Miller’s dedication to the craft of sports activities pictures and his unmatched ability.

As reported by Pasadena Star-News, fellow sports activities photographer Robert Beck had immense respect and admiration for Miller. Peter Read Miller was employed virtually instantly out of faculty by Sports Illustrated and quickly climbed the ladder on the publication.

“He was that good. He was one of the best of the best for over 35 years… churning out over 100 Sports Illustrated covers while hitting every major championship (more than 40 Super Bowls alone with nine Olympics and 14 NBA Finals [thrown] in for good measure) and excelling in portrait work,” Beck wrote. “If you ever turned a page of Sports Illustrated, you knew his work.”

“Peter was not just a legendary photographer,” added photographer Keith Birmingham. “He was truly a wonderful human. He would take the time to not only introduce himself, but to talk to you like you’re one of the guys.”

Peter Read Miller was a longtime Canon Explorer of Light and a member of Canon Legends, a really choose group {of professional} photographers who’ve made a profound influence on pictures.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of professional sports photographer and beloved member of the Canon family — Peter Read Miller,” Canon mentioned in a press release.

“For more than four decades, Peter documented athletes, competition, and sporting life with a vision and dedication that helped define modern sports photography. His work appeared on countless covers and editorial platforms, capturing some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Beyond the sidelines, Peter was a passionate educator, sharing his knowledge through workshops and teaching for over 20 years, and continuing to inspire through his work and online presence.

“We mourn his loss alongside his family, friends, and the global photographic community, and honor a legacy that will continue to influence generations of photographers to come.”

Peter Read Miller leaves behind a legacy of unimaginable, award-winning sports activities pictures that outlined key moments for generations of sports activities followers. He was additionally an exquisite particular person and a devoted instructor who helped mildew future generations of sports activities photographers via workshops and mentorships. Peter Read Miller’s influence on all features of sports activities pictures was immense, and he will likely be significantly missed.

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Image credit: Images of Peter Read Miller offered courtesy of Canon