How To Become An Olympic Photographer

Today on the GMM podcast we sit down with SwimSwam’s Chief Photographer, Jack Spitser, fresh off capturing unforgettable moments at the 2025 World Championships. Before we dive into Worlds, I wanted Jack to share his story, the journey that led him to becoming SwimSwam’s eyes at the biggest meets in the sport. When he joined us seven years ago, Jack said his goal was simple: he wanted to shoot the Olympic Games. In this conversation, Jack pulls back the curtain. He talks about how he pieced together his gear (no small feat when photography equipment costs more than most used cars), and how he taught himself a craft that blends technical mastery with raw endurance. Capturing images can sometimes be ugly, a grind, pure brute force. But every so often, the work nets gold: that one image that transcends words and burns itself into the memory of millions of fans. Those are the photos that outlive the moment and become history. I’m proud of Jack, not just for the images he delivers, but for the grit, artistry, and persistence behind them. And I’m grateful for the relationship we’ve built at SwimSwam.