John established Risley Sports Photography in 2003 following a long career in secondary and higher education. The catalyst for launching this second career was having the opportunity while working at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games to photograph the men’s and women’s speed events at Snow Basin. Sports photography became the ideal way to incorporate his life-long interest in athletics and passion for capturing through still photography the intensity and athleticism of competitive sports. John is a member of the National Press Photographers Association, the American Society of Media Photographers, and a Senior Member of SportShooter.

On his way to becoming a sports photographer, John earned a doctoral degree, coached high school and collegiate skiing and earned a USSA National Level Alpine Ski Coaching certification, taught in an MBA program, and raised a family. In addition to running Risley Sports Photography, John works for a charitable foundation that encourages girls and young women to participate in competitive team sports. He competes regionally and nationally in masters alpine ski racing and is an avid cyclist and wilderness canoe camper. John and his wife live in Northampton. Massachusetts.

Matt Risley has worked with his father for three years and is now a full-time member of the staff. Prior to joining Risley Sports Photography, Matt worked in customer relations for Lowe Alpine Systems and in sales for Eastern Mountain Sports. Matt is an alumnus of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts where he majored in Liberal Studies and played lacrosse. He is also a graduate of Wilbraham & Monson Academy where he played football, lacrosse and helped start the school’s outdoor program. When Matt is not busy with sports photography, he enjoys skiing, canoeing, hiking, reading, writing and spending time with family.

Both John and Matt are contributing photographers for Inside Lacrosse Magazine and their images have appeared in numerous publications.