Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Olivero.
Hi Roberto, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been doing photography since 2004 sport has been my life especially baseball. Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been obsessed with the game, but the reality is, my own path on the diamond didn’t go exactly how I expected it to. Looking back, though, that redirection ended up being the best thing that could have happened.
Even when I was playing, I was mesmerized by the sports photographers on the sidelines—that ability to freeze a moment in history. When I realized I wanted to capture the game instead of just playing it, I took a leap of faith. But I didn’t take that leap alone. My wife, Ismary, and our four kids have been the backbone of this entire journey. They are the reason I work as hard as I do.
That’s actually how 1st Pick LLC started. I wanted to take that deep appreciation for the game and channel it into high-end, cinematic storytelling. Now, I’m still immersed in the intensity of sports, but I’m doing it from behind the lens. I’m still chasing those same ‘frozen moments’ that hooked me as a kid, just from a different perspective.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest hurdles were the basics: funding and the learning curve. This industry is expensive. Between the high-end gear and the constant need to stay up to speed with technology, it’s a massive financial commitment. It’s a constant juggle.
Then there’s the ‘school of hard knocks.’ I’m completely self-taught, which meant thousands of hours of trial and error, endless tutorials, and figuring out the business side on the fly. There were no shortcuts. But looking back, that’s exactly why I don’t take any of this for granted. I know exactly what it took to get here, and that makes every shot I capture feel earned
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the end of the day, I’m an action photographer and videographer. Through 1st Pick LLC, I specialize in high-performance sports content—it’s all about capturing that split-second intensity that the average fan might miss.
What am I most proud of? Beyond working hard to provide for my family, it has to be placing silver in the 2022 World Sports Photography Awards—in the basketball category. That recognition was a massive milestone for me.
What sets me apart? I think it’s the perspective. I’m not just a guy with a camera; I’m someone who has lived the game his whole life. I know how to anticipate the play rather than just react to it. It’s that blend of technical skill, athletic intuition, and a relentless work ethic that defines everything I do.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Being able to play baseball because of my parents’ sacrifice and help. Baseball prepared me for the future and all the things that have happened in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1stpickphotos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_1stpick_?igsh=Mm85eGI2YjNxajJs&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FW8Y4VmNz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
