FROM SOLDIER TO STORYTELLER: HOW DAKOTA GRAF FRAMES SOCCER’S GROWING IMPACT IN AMERICA

Feature, Sport
C.S

December 19, 2024

“It’s been a blessing to freeze a moment in time and turn it into an everlasting memory.”

DAKOTA GRAF

IN CONVERSATION WITH DAKOTA GRAF

In just one year as a freelance photographer, Dakota Graf has experienced a whirlwind journey, capturing defining moments of the MLS season. From photographing Lionel Messi in a packed Lower.com Field to covering the MLS All-Star game and the Campeones Cup, Dakota’s lens has not only portrayed iconic players of the game but also the emotions and stories that define the sport.

Dakota reflects on his highlights in this exclusive interview with Atlantic Dispatch, including a chance encounter with Messi after two missed opportunities earlier in the year. “Seeing the impact one player had on an entire stadium was nothing short of amazing,” he shares.

Dakota also recounts the thrill of photographing Olivier Giroud’s debut goal for LAFC and leading photography coverage at the Campeones Cup, an experience that validated his creative vision and dedication.

More than just documenting the action, Dakota is passionate about storytelling through his work. “Anyone can shoot players playing soccer. For me, it’s about telling the story and bringing the art of the game out through the images I take,” he explains.

In our conversation, Dakota also delves into the lessons he’s learned, from patience and creativity to the importance of building connections in the photography community. As a U.S. Army veteran, he reflects on the honour of photographing the U.S. Men’s National Team, a moment that holds deep personal meaning.

Dakota, also touches on the growth of the game in America, “Soccer in America isn’t where it is compared to other countries, but it’s growing,” he says, crediting both the sport’s growing profile and the photographers who tell its stories.

EVERYONE IS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP EACH OTHER

So far, my first year as a freelance photographer has been an incredible journey. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and pushing myself creatively.

From photographing the soccer GOAT, Lione Messi, to capturing the MLS All-Star game, I’ve been fortunate enough to be in situations I didn’t think were possible when I first started my photography journey. It’s been a blessing to freeze a moment in time and turn it into an everlasting memory.

Through this journey, I have been able to connect with many talented photographers, all who have been key in my progress.

One thing I love about this community is that everyone is always there to help each other. It doesn’t matter if you are a first-year photographer or a seasoned vet, there is always somebody that is willing to offer advice or guidance if needed.

As I reflect on the past year, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, the images I’ve captured, and the connections I’ve been able to make. I am excited to see what the future holds and to continue pushing myself creatively.

IT SHOWS THE PASSION AND FIRE THAT GIROUD STILL EMBODIES

For me, the one highlight that stands out above the rest was getting the chance to photograph Lionel Messi.

There were two chances earlier in the year that I missed out on. During All-Star week, Messi was unfortunately injured from Copa America, so he didn’t make the trip. Then just a month later, Inter Miami visited Ohio to play the round of 16 in the Leagues Cup against the Columbus Crew and Messi was still sidelined due to injury.

Finally, midweek during the first week of October, I got my chance. Messi and Inter Miami came to Ohio for a regular season game, where Miami ended up winning the Supporter’s Shield. A sold-out Lower.com Field and over half the stadium wearing an Argentina or Inter Miami kit with number 10 on the back, even if they were Crew fans.

Seeing first-hand the impact a singular player had on an entire stadium was nothing short of amazing.

Another highlight came during the Leagues Cup Final. Just 12 days after making his LAFC debut, Olivier Giroud, the all-time leading goal scorer of the French National Team notched his first goal in his new colours. I love this image because it shows the passion and fire that Giroud still embodies.

The last highlight for me this year was getting to cover the 2024 MLS All-Star game. Being able to see the best of MLS go head-to-head against the best of Liga MX made for an exciting week.

The skills competition was unique in its own way and allowed for some creative shots. What made it even more special was that the team that got me to fall in love with the sport, Columbus Crew, was able to host it, as well as have five players on the roster.

WHILE DIFFERENT IN NATURE, THE FOUNDATION AND HONOUR REMAIN THE SAME

When I think of the images that mean the most to me, it’s easiest to break it into two different photos.

The one that means the most to me, is of Christian Pulisic during the National Anthem, and the one I’m most proud of is the celebration photo of Victor Davila and Kevin Alvarez with the Campeones Cup trophy in the locker room.

The picture of Christian Pulisic, while in its simplicity is just a headshot, for me it holds a deeper meaning.

Being a United States Army veteran, being able to photograph the United States Men’s National Team was a huge honour.

Being able to see what it meant for the players to wear the crest and stand proudly during the anthem reminded me of my time in the military and the honour I had donning the uniform.

While different in nature, the foundation and the honour remain the same.

I am most proud of the locker room celebration because this was the first time I oversaw photography coverage for an event as the lead photographer.

Devin L’Amoreaux, a photographer that I’ve looked up to since I started my career approached me to cover the Campeones Cup for his agency, Starting Eleven.

The fact that someone I look up to thought my work was good enough and trusted me to cover an event of its magnitude meant a lot to me.

While it’s the players celebrating winning the trophy, inside, that is exactly what I was feeling myself; Excitement, Joy, and Passion.

NOTHING COMES EASY

This year has taught me a lot of lessons. A few of the biggest lessons have been patience, creativity, and storytelling. In my opinion, these all go hand in hand with each other.

Anyone can shoot players playing soccer. For me, it’s about telling the story, but also how I can get creative with it. How can I bring the art of the game out, through the images I take?

Whether it’s the game-winning goal, losing in a final, or making a debut, being creative with the story allows me to convey those emotions through my images.

The last one is patient. While I’ve been fortunate to shoot MLS games from the start, I know that it takes time to get to my end goal of being a recognised photographer in the community. Just because I am there shooting MLS games, that doesn’t mean I’ve made it.

This quote is something I live by, “Nothing comes easy. Nothing comes overnight, and you may not be where you want to be for weeks, months, or even years. But eventually, you will be where you want to be if you don’t give up.” By staying consistent and patient with my work I know in the end it will all pay off and I will be in the position I want to be.

GROWING THE GAME THROUGH THEIR LENS

While soccer in America isn’t where it is compared to other countries, I definitely think that it is continuing to grow.

Whether it’s MLS or NWSL, each year you are starting to see viewership grow. Having big names such as Messi, Busquets, Giroud, and Marco Reus, has brought a different lens on American soccer that I don’t think we have had before.

Additionally having these major international competitions Stateside brings a new set of eyes.

I can also give credit to the photographers who are passionate about growing the game through their lens and portraying the amazing stories we have to share here in America.