Kansas City Chiefs give new RB Kenneth Walker III a first-time experience with one of his biggest passions outside of football
Kansas City Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III is passionate about photography. The team gave him a first-time experience, directing a photoshoot during media production day alongside the team’s director of photography, Steve Sanders.
The Kansas City Chiefs gave RB Kenneth Walker III a unique opportunity to participate in one of his biggest off-field passions during the team’s recent media production day.
Walker isn’t just meant for the NFL spotlight; he’s meant to capture moments himself behind the lens. The newcomer traded in his cleats for a camera ahead of mandatory minicamp, learning from Chiefs director of photography Steve Sanders.
Walker’s love for photography is well-documented. It began during his rookie year in 2022, at the NFL Honors ceremony. He was looking for a photographer and met Connor Macdonald, who helped him learn the ins and outs of photography. He’s since been mentored by Seattle Seahawks lead photographer Rod Mar.
What is Kansas City Chiefs media production day?
An in-house photo/video shoot for players on the 90-man roster that runs alongside the June OTA-minicamp window.
- Media captured serves as a resource for various team outlets, like social media.
- Media pieces will be used in the team’s promotional materials.
- Often, you’ll see videos and images in brand partnerships.
Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker swaps cleats for camera on team media day
Walker isn’t just dabbling in this as any run-of-the-mill hobby. He runs an active YouTube channel with 13.8K subscribers. His Instagram page is built around his own photography.
The Chiefs recently shared a short video showing Walker working the camera on media production day. After his own takes, he moved behind the lens and photographed third-year safety Jaden Hicks.
“I’m an NFL running back, and I’ve never directed a photoshoot,” Walker said.
“This could be fun,” Sanders said.
“As we shoot, you’re going to be in one spot, but the lights are going to give us four different looks,” Sanders explained.
You could hear and see Walker directing Hicks to get some different angles and shots.
“I’ve always liked photography,” Walker said. “But I never really had a camera.”
Walker explained that it’s not just a hobby but an escape that helps him take his mind off football. Players who live and breathe it need something like that to level things out.
“He did great,” Hicks said. “The pictures came out phenomenal. I’m excited to see them, post them. They’re high quality.”
Walker said it was a great opportunity to learn from Sanders about angles and how the lighting works during media production day. It’s just another tool in Walker’s toolkit for when he’s not breaking off touchdowns at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Who knows? Walker could even have a professional future as a photographer whenever he decides to hang up his cleats.