Nimo Ren '25
Mason Fullerton ‘25, a senior at Abington Friends School, has spent his last three years contributing to the sports program as the sports photographer.
Fullerton has been able to capture emotion and action in each shot he takes. With each photo it is clear why he is held in such a high regard amongst students.
In Fullerton’s experience, he has made AFS photography a way to remember each game in a special way.
His passion for photography came from his childhood love for sports. When he was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder that prevented him from playing contact sports, he had to find a new way to participate in sports.
“I’ve always been a sports fan, but due to connective tissue disorder I am not allowed to participate in contact sports, so it took me a while to find out how I could participate,” Fullerton said.
In 2020, Fullerton joined the Play by Play Sports Broadcasting Camp, an experience that sparked his interest in sports media.
Finding His Passion in Photography
Fullerton’s journey into photography began after he won a camera at camp. The camera he got wasn’t that good for sports photography, so he traded it in and started taking photos just before his junior year.
He started to receive tips and advice from teachers and students after only a short time of taking photos.
When asked why he chose sports photography over any other types of photography, Fullerton said, “I’ve always wanted to be involved in sports, even if I can’t play them. There’s something about capturing a moment—the emotion, the intensity—that I really enjoy.”
Fullerton doesn’t just focus on action shots, but the emotional moments that define what it means to be part of the AFS community.
“For me, a great photo doesn’t always have to be a dunk or a goal,” Fullerton said. “Sometimes it’s the quiet moments, like the team huddling before the game, that capture the true spirit of the sport.”
Overcoming Challenges
While Fullerton has a passion for sports photography, there are also challenges that he explains.
“The hardest part is staying focused,” Fullerton said. “Sometimes I get too involved in the game, and it’s hard to remember that I’m there to take photos, not just to watch or worry about the score.”
But he also says that photography is a great way to escape stress at times.
“Sometimes, when I’m distracted by schoolwork or other challenges, my photography isn’t as good,” Fullerton said. “But, at the same time, taking photos can help clear my mind.”
Capturing Emotion vs. Action
When it comes to finding the “perfect shot,” Fullerton says that it’s not always about the action.
“A lot of people think the best sports photos are the action shots, but I disagree,” Fullerton said. “For me, it’s about capturing the emotion the moments before the game, the expressions on the players’ faces. That’s what makes a photo great.”
He uses these ideas not just at AFS, but also at out of school events.
He photographed high school basketball stars at the Kobe Bryant Gymnasium in Lower Merion.
Future of Fullerton
As Fullerton looks to the future, he dreams of expanding his work in sports photography.
“I’m really into high school sports and hope to do more in that area,” Fullerton said. “But, of course, working at a big event or even for a professional team would be a dream.”
For now, Fullerton is focused on capturing the moments that make AFS sports special.