Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of the Yankees’ Elite Photographer

Outstanding photography demands exceptional artistic and technical proficiency. Remarkably consistent photography, however, hinges on dedication, enthusiasm, the capability to perform under pressure, and often, solid relationships. The official chief photographer for the New York Yankees, Ariele Goldman Hecht, possesses all these attributes in abundance, evident not just in her images but in the manner she captures them.

Establishing the Scene: The Tale of a Baseball Match Begins Long Before First Pitch

On a cool, overcast September afternoon, with the Yankees engaged in a fierce competition for division leadership — which they ultimately secured, but not on this particular occasion — I embarked on a brief flight to New York City to observe Goldman Hecht throughout the event day. With six hours remaining before the first pitch, there was much to accomplish.

Given that the Yankees might have clinched the division on that day, preparations were essential. The immediate task was to set up remote Canon cameras in specialized camera slots that hang just beneath Yankee Stadium’s upper level. With a light drizzle falling, the cameras were anchored into place, settings modified for the evening conditions, and compositions finalized.

Collaboration in Sports Applies to Photographers, Too

During this sequence of events and much of the overall day, Goldman Hecht collaborated closely with Yankees staff photographer and photo editor Jessica Frankl. A relative novice at the Yankees compared to Ariele, or “Arie” as everyone at Yankee Stadium refers to her, Frankl and Goldman Hecht discussed the remote camera setup, the agenda for the day, and how they planned to navigate the locker room celebration that eventually did not occur.

It became clear that every aspect of Goldman Hecht’s, a nearly 20-year-veteran, approach is heavily reliant on collaboration. Ideas circulate openly among the chief photographer, Frankl, and this season’s intern, Sammy. The atmosphere can be fast-paced, demanding swift responses, yet never at the cost of teamwork. Just as the Yankees themselves must collaborate and elevate each other, the group of photographers do so as well.

After perfecting the composition for the remote camera shot, it was time to shift gears for some routine tasks. Checking all batteries, securing the appropriate lenses — the staff’s equipment room is limited but well-equipped with top-notch Canon cameras and lenses, both DSLR and mirrorless — and reviewing any backlogged images.

The Evolving Domain of Sports Photography

As for where all these photographs are sent, it varies. When Goldman Hecht first joined the Yankees ahead of the 2005 season, while they were still operating at the iconic old Yankee Stadium, a significant portion of her responsibilities revolved around taking photographs for Yankees Magazine, which is still published. A lot has transformed since that time, and social media is now where many of Goldman Hecht’s images end up. Whereas she once had the luxury of leisurely selecting and editing images, nowadays, photos can transition from capture to publication.

in moments due to wireless communications. Nevertheless, a substantial array of images persists on the pages of Yankees Magazine and the franchise’s yearly Yearbook.

In numerous respects, technology has simplified her responsibilities. Cameras are now quicker and superior to any time before, and lenses are more precise and lightweight. Conversely, in additional respects, the evolving environment has intensified the speed and requirements of the job.

There is a great deal to manage, and fresh tasks emerge regularly. While conversing prior to batting practice, Goldman Hecht received a message requesting her to capture some images of new menu offerings at Yankee Stadium. She occasionally photographs concerts and other athletic events at the stadium as well, and, naturally, is in charge of the team’s headshots. It’s a varied workload for a sports photographer that keeps her alert.

The other facet of Goldman Hecht’s responsibilities that became evident swiftly during game day is less about the tasks she performs, but how she conducts her work. It may sound like a platitude, but Yankee Stadium resembles a large family. Whether it’s a security officer in the stadium’s lower levels, a janitor in the press box, a team trainer, or a player, Arie is familiar with them all. She inquires about people’s families, holiday intentions, and how they have been faring. This kind of rapport is uncommon for an ordinary sports photographer, yet it is a crucial element of Goldman Hecht’s role with the Yankees. It’s a hectic, unpredictable profession, and the baseball season stretches on for a long duration. Knowing everyone you may encounter on any given day is essential.

Narrating the Journey of a Team

Advancing to batting practice, the initial real action of the day. This is a section where the augmented influence of social media affects Arie’s work. Yankees supporters online are eager to gain an intimate, behind-the-scenes view of the entire game day experience, which encompasses warmups. Whether it’s Aaron Judge sending a batting practice ball into the stands — an act he performed frequently — or the day’s pitcher tossing a ball, fans desire to witness it. They crave the narrative of the game, which starts long before the first pitch.

Goldman Hecht and Frankl sprang into action without delay, capturing diverse angles of the proceedings, swiftly changing lenses, and seeking out the most captivating stories to document.

After that concluded, it was back to the office to recharge batteries, transfer images, and ensure the necessary files made their way to the social media team for rapid dissemination.

Goldman Hecht adores baseball. In fleeting moments of downtime, it becomes instantly clear while observing her that she cherishes the role, the venue, the franchise, and the colleagues she collaborates with. Nearly two decades and thousands of games later, the experience has yet to lose its excitement.

You would never guess that Goldman Hecht was raised a passionate Cubs supporter in Chicago. Throughout the day, I was entertained with facts and trivia regarding the Yankees, their players, and their prestigious history. We even ventured out to the remarkable Monument Park beyond the center field fence, where the Yankees commemorate past players and keep their legacy alive. As a devoted baseball enthusiast myself, it was difficult not to feel awed by the history — a respect that Arie and I both cherish and one that evidently influences her artistry. Many of the players she has captured are now honored here, legends such as Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and Bernie Williams. Several players she documents today will surely find their place here in the future.

Although this September evening did not showcase a franchise- or career-defining moment for anyone, Goldman Hecht and Frankl had to remain prepared for the unexpected, as the beauty of sports lies in their unpredictability. Anything is possible. You might plan, and Arie and Jess certainly do ample preparation, yet ultimately, the most pivotal moments lie beyond their influence. Sports undoubtedly improve due to their inherent chaos, but it does complicate a photographer’s undertaking.

Game Time

As the time arrives for the match — number 158 of 162 regular season games — the unpredictability of sports is prominently evident. Marcus Stroman steps onto the mound and is instantly challenged by the top of the Orioles’ order. They hit Stroman for three runs, and the excitement that had once surged through the stadium as fans anticipated a division-clinching performance melted away. Such is the nature of life in professional baseball.

Goldman Hecht glanced at me just before the conclusion of the first inning while we reviewed photos on our respective Canon cameras from the photographer’s enclosure adjacent to the Yankees dugout on the first base side, somewhat apologizing on the team’s behalf for the challenging start to the game and humorously questioning whether I had brought bad luck to the event. Like numerous sports enthusiasts, Arie holds superstitious beliefs. I do not, but as a Red Sox supporter, from the moment I was capable of throwing a ball, perhaps I did bring some unfortunate vibes.

The Yankees re-entered the game during the second inning, diminishing the Orioles’ advantage to a manageable 3-1, which sparked some excitement back in the Bronx. The Orioles responded in the fourth, adding four additional runs. By this moment, the result seemed inevitable — there would be no division championship that evening and no celebratory champagne in the locker room. That distant camera positioned above Arie and me would not be activated that night.

Nevertheless, Goldman Hecht and Frankl must persist in photographing, staying vigilant to observe the unfoldings. Should the Yankees execute a remarkable comeback, which would be significant any day of the season, particularly remarkable in the given context, every inning would hold significance. Each hit (and out) contributes to the larger narrative.

And for a fleeting moment in the ninth inning, it seemed as though a comeback was brewing. The Yankees pursued a reliever, Judge propelled a 412-foot homer, and the Yankees rounded up four runners at home plate. The comeback endeavor ultimately fell short, and the Orioles triumphed 9-7. The Yankees clinched the division title on their journey toward a World Series appearance the following evening, with Goldman Hecht and Frankl present, poised to document the unfolding moments.

Throughout the match, Goldman Hecht and Frankl, stationed on opposing foul lines, consistently capture photos, equipped with a Canon EOS R3 and a Canon EOS 1DX, respectively. They primarily utilize telephoto lenses but occasionally opt for a shorter, broader lens to provide a wider perspective at Yankee Stadium. While the action is erratic, the lighting remains consistent, so they typically shoot in JPEG for an efficient workflow. After all, images are ceaselessly sent to the social media squad positioned in the press area.

Yankees Photographers Assume Multiple Roles

The photographers accompanied the team throughout their extensive and nearly flawless postseason journey. Although the Yankees did not claim the World Series title, the experience was remarkable, and owing to the expertise of Goldman Hecht, Frankl, and the Yankees’ additional staff members, the team’s millions of supporters were capable of staying engaged.

Baseball and sports in general hold great significance for countless individuals. Arie understands this intimately, having had the chance to share the long-anticipated curse-breaking Cubs World Series triumph with her father in 2016. The visuals and recollections of that occasion will remain with her and other fans for eternity.

As the Principal Photographer for the Yankees, she enjoys the remarkable opportunity to document those identical moments for Yankees supporters. Although the team did not secure their much-sought 28th World Series championship this year, perhaps they will next season. Should that occur, you can count on Arie Goldman Hecht being present, with camera at the ready, prepared to capture the pivotal moments on the journey.

And if my time spent with her is any indication, she will share in the excitement of the victory as deeply as anyone else, a fervor that is palpable in every shot she takes. Ariele Goldman Hecht is an exceptional photographer donning many hats, but the one she most commonly wears is that of an exceedingly passionate baseball enthusiast.

Image credits: All photos by Ariele Goldman Hecht (New York Yankees) unless stated otherwise.