I think we all can agree that our parents and guardians have a lot to do with the way we are, and hopefully everyone feels the gratitude that I feel when thinking about the impact their parents had, and still have, on their persona. But there comes a time when we start picking up on things we like, things that make us feel passionate and alive, and it can have very little to do with the environment we are used to, and a whole lot with the environment we are trying to create for ourselves.
I am not really sure when my love for arts (and basketball) first came to life, some days it feels as though it has always been a part of me, but when thinking about how I was molded in that aspect, I am often reminded of some of the moments and people that made their mark on this journey of exploring creativity, and myself. I am confident that I would have been completely different – my thoughts and opinions, the way I look at the world – if it wasn't for everything and everyone I encountered along the way.
One of the people that has been a cherry on top, whose vision, personality and mentality has brought on a sense of both familiarity and admiration is Maggie Zerbe – a content creator, producer, photographer; a storyteller.
Before diving into one of the most enjoyable and heart-warming conversations I've had, here is the shortest ever autobiography on Maggie.
autobiography in a tweet.
"Me: 25, passionate about art & basketball. I love to tell stories and creatively blend visuals & music to evoke emotions. My favorite stories to tell are the ones that nobody else is telling, specifically about women & underrepresented groups.”
Take me back
Before asking her about all of her current work, I wanted to fly back into the days that made Maggie realize what she was creating was special, different, and original. From her earliest days and the exposure to painting and drawing (thanks to her dad), to the first time she felt that rush after creating something that stuck out, Maggie talks about the baby steps on her path to the creative eureka effect.
"I've always been drawn to art because of my dad. He went to art school and can draw and paint. For most of my childhood, he worked as a Creative Director at an ad agency. I used to try and draw like him, but truthfully I never was very skilled at sketching or painting. He had a few digital cameras he would use to take photos at my basketball games and on vacations. I used to mess around with them and photograph random things around the house, but I really liked it. It felt like something I could be good at. Fast forward many years and I got really into documentaries and storytelling. In college, we had an assignment to produce a documentary and most of my peers did, basically, a slide-show with a voice-over. I went to a college that wasn't really known for video production, but I was really lucky because I had a new professor who was a filmmaker. I wanted my project to look and feel more like a movie than a research project. So, I filmed a bunch of scenes (on my iPhone) and pulled footage to support my thesis (the film was on gendered media coverage of women's sports) and put a ton of work into it to give it the look and feel that I wanted. When we watched all of our films back, mine stuck out amongst the rest of my classmates'. I realized that I really loved the work, as energy and time consuming as it was, I loved it. I loved taking a blank slate and creating a story with images, video and music. That project really changed everything for me."
After establishing what the first creative piece of hers was, Maggie touched on the reasons why she found it creative (and different) than any other piece she had created before then. I was sincerely surprised to hear her answer, not because I didn't believe it, but because I wasn't expecting it. Maggie expressed the importance of including many of her passions in that one single project. "From music choices, to the visuals, to the subject matter", she says, "it stimulated my creativity in a bunch of ways and served as a jumping off point" for the rest of her academic, and now her career as a producer/photographer.
To break it down, I guess I was surprised because I don't know much, or enough, about producing, not professionally anyways. I did not think, in depth, about all of the things production work involves; how much attention to detail it really takes to create a well-rounded project. From a viewer's standpoint, It's about getting people into the work, with all of their senses, feelings and emotions – it's all-encompassing.
And I guess being able to use all of her passions to deliver that magical product to people, and herself, was exhilirating and rewarding. Definitely sounds like it…
First steps in the sports community
After grabbing an opportunity that landed her on Broad Street, Maggie soon realized that even though she may have found herself in the production world and felt comfortable and satisfied there, the doors of sports photography were starting to open up as well.
"There was an opportunity to step in and assist with photography on a few big events – the first being the NBA Draft and then NBA Summer League. From there, I grew and understood more about the craft. I've really only been taking photos full time for about 2 years now with the 76ers. And although I did a bit of photography in college, I'm proud of the progress I've made."
It's all about focus, observation and emotion
Even though I believe basketball itself is art, and swear by the poetry in motion idea, not everyone can capture those moments, the essence and the beauty of the game. Being able to do that has to involve some delicate skills, involve more than just an idea, the eye and a camera.
When I asked Maggie about what her style was, she didn't talk about editing photos or the plan and process she has before taking them. Again, I realized how shallowly I was looking at sports photography, how little imagination and originality I thought was needed to capture it all. In reality, Maggie's is the work that evokes emotion, memories and the connection to something greater.
Commenting on how we can recognize her photographs, what she does to create them, and her (potentially subconscious) influences, Maggie says the following:
"With sports photography, I try to capture moments that many people might not notice. I've always been a very observational person, and quiet – I think those traits help immensely when capturing moments & events. I also think we're all influenced by those around us, and especially now – who we follow on social media. I forget who said it, but there's a saying about the art of stealing – basically saying that everything is stolen or recycled. I don't think that's necessarily 100% true, but I do think we're influenced by what we see. I think as I've become more entrenched in sports photography, my style has evolved and I've been able to see past the game or event and find moments that help tell the story of the game or an event. But I've also picked up on certain techniques through my network and those I follow and admire."
Artistic freedom of NBA photography & the importance of Philly
Of course I wondered if capturing the same people day in and day out would suck out the freedom out of creativity present in photography and production, so Maggie explained…
"I've had projects that feel free for artistic and creative expression and then I've had some that are a bit more restrictive or simple, that feel more like work. I think overall though, I'm lucky that the majority of my “work“ feels more like art & creativity, and therefore expressive and liberating."
And on the topic of including her signature in the projects she is working on, in true Philadelphian fashion, she gives major credit to her connection to the city.
"I've been here for three years but I've spent those years getting to know and love what makes this city so unique and loveable. Growing up, my hometown didn't really feel all that special or personal to me – but Philly? Philly's my home. I love it here and I really try to emphasize this city when I work on projects for the 76ers and make the connection between this place, the people and our team. I think that love for the city comes through in my projects and my creative expression."
The video of Brotherly Love
There has been one special video Maggie produced with the Sixers, the Brotherly Love video, and I feel that it gives me goosebumps every single time I watch it. Here, Maggie talks about the process (no, not Joel), thoughts and the idea behind it.
"The idea came from wanting to create something that connected the 76ers to the city during the pandemic. I started brainstorming in early April, during a time when everyone felt isolated. I have a lot of friends that work in hospitals and on the frontlines, and I felt very grateful to all that they were doing and risking. I wanted to find a way to connect our organization to them and express our gratitude, but in a way that felt real and authentic. I kept thinking about all the people I knew that were essential workers and thought that a lot of our employees must have friends and family that work in healthcare and other essential departments. So, this initially started as a project to gather images from all the people we know in hospitals, working in grocery stores, etc. And then cut a short video that thanks them, but uses the real images of real people. We ended up expanding the idea to all the Philly teams, so it really felt like a piece that unites all the sports teams to thank the real heroes. It was great working with the other sports teams, to use big moments from their history, especially since the city has so much love for its teams."
Maggie's Top 3 picks
Even though I can't imagine it, the games, media days, shootarounds.. they can all become a normal and a usual thing to experience. But even if you're around all of it daily, there must be things that never get old or the moments you remember forever. Maggie decided to share three of her favorite photos taken since joining the Sixers organization, and explained why each holds a special place in her heart.
"The photo I took of Matisse Thybulle after he was drafted. This was my first trip with the team as a lead/solo photographer. I had only used the Sony A9 a handful of times, so I was really nervous. This photo sticks out because I remember being proud of the way I captured such an important moment and immediately edited & kicked it over to the social team. Afterwards, Matisse posted it on his accounts and I felt really glad that I could capture a huge moment in his life. After that trip and all the photos I captured, I started to feel more confident in my abilities and passionate about storytelling through photography."
"Another “first“. This time, my first road-trip with the team. It was the first game of a four-game series on the road. We were playing the Trailblazers and the game was intense. It came down to the wire and I had never been on the road, so I had to figure out where to go to shoot when I wasn't shooting from the floor. I ended up in the perfect spot to capture the game-winner. I love the way everything came together in this shot and the faces of all the Portland fans reacting to Furk's game winner. I think it really tells a story and I'm proud of that, and my ability to uncomfortably sit amongst a group of Portland fans wearing a bright blue 76ers sweatshirt (luckily the Trailblazer's fans are nice!)."
Reading Maggie's words and seeing this photo instantly got me hyped up and brought me back to when I watched that game. I guess there's that magical feeling photography can evoke… (btw, what does it for me is the postgame interview with Furkan, and him saying that was the best day of /his/ life... *insert wholesome energy*).
"This one is a bit more common, but never gets old. Joel Embiid is a player that I feel fortunate to witness on a regular basis. He is legitimately electrifying to watch and his celebrations are my favorite to capture. I have a few photos like this one, but this game especially ranks as one of my top 5 favorites. This was captured during the Christmas game last year, versus the Milwaukee Bucks. The game was so exciting and the energy was infectious. My whole family was at the game, so every big play felt extra special knowing my people were there to see and feel it."
Inspiration and the things worth standing for
Ending this on a heart-warming and incredibly powerful note, go ahead and check out what this amazing woman had to say about her inspiration and why she does all that she does.
"I do think we're all a bit influenced by who we follow and which styles we are drawn to. I think the biggest influence on my work, especially my video work is my need to do something “good” with my skills. I’m talking less stylistically here... I’ve always had a desire to have a positive impact with my work – whether it’s drawing attention to the folks on the frontline during the pandemic with “Brotherly Love,” or helping promote small businesses with the “Spirit of Small Business“ project (my current project). I want to keep working on things that matter to people and will help amplify the voices of folks who aren’t always heard. I think that’s something I’ve always stood for, as long as I’ve been telling stories through my video and photo work. I want to amplify the voices of marginalized people and find a space to help tell their stories. I want my work to have meaning and purpose, and I think it is that desire that influences and drives me. I hope that the desire to do good continues to drive me as long as I’m creating."
Maggie, I am so proud of you, and grateful for the joy and memories your work brings us.
Check out some of my favourite work by Maggie Zerbe. All of the photos are from her IG.
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