NFL's Will Anderson photographed in a stadium, holding a vintage camera, embracing film photography.

NFL’s Will Anderson Jr. Embraces Film Photography with Canon AE-1 Program

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-04

While the offseason often sees NFL players preparing for the upcoming season with rigorous training, Houston Texans’ defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is taking a different approach by diving into film photography. At 25, Anderson has picked up an analog Canon AE-1 Program, alongside a Fujifilm X-T5, exploring a new facet of art.

A New Creative Outlet

In an insightful video with Sports Illustrated, the athlete reveals his recent introduction to photography, starting at the offseason’s dawn. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, he is known for sacking quarterbacks, yet his new creative outlet is capturing moments through his lens. His philosophy on photography is refreshing, emphasizing the importance of noticing the overlooked details in a scene.

“Instead of just being focused on one thing, there are so many different things in the picture that you can focus on,” Anderson shares. His approach mirrors art’s essence: seeing beyond the obvious and finding significance in the subtle. His perspective is a mark of a budding photographer, eager to explore and capture the world uniquely.

If you’re interested in unique artistic approaches, discover how Nikolas Weinstein’s glass sculpture transformed the art of manufacturing from Brooklyn to the Philippines.

The defensive end documents his journey on his photography Instagram page, blending film photos, iPhone snaps, and digital images. He’s part of a growing trend among football players embracing photography, reminiscent of retired NFL star Marshawn Lynch, who returned to Seattle as a photographer last year.

For those who appreciate the charm of analog visuals, explore how the Kodak EC35 film camera revives analog simplicity in vibrant colors.

Sources & Links

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

What artistic hobby has Will Anderson Jr. picked up?

Will Anderson Jr. has picked up film photography with a Canon AE-1 Program and a Fujifilm X-T5.

What is Will Anderson Jr.’s philosophy on photography?

His philosophy on photography emphasizes the importance of noticing the overlooked details in a scene, seeing beyond the obvious and finding significance in the subtle.

How does Will Anderson Jr. share his photography work?

He documents his journey on his photography Instagram page, blending film photos, iPhone snaps, and digital images.