about higher focus photography

Vicky Long & Higher Focus Photography Media Team
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Built for Programs that Expect More

Higher Focus Photography partners with clubs, youth sports organizations, and schools to create media experiences that athletes love and content that elevates program brands.

We believe today's Picture Day should deliver more than a team photo. It should produce the professional imagery, media assets, and athlete experience that programs use to showcase their teams, celebrate their culture, and strengthen their brand all season long.

Founded in 2021 and based in Woodstock, Illinois, our women-led team combines athletic experience, creative vision, and an organized production process to deliver exceptional media days for programs that expect more. From youth leagues and high schools to premier travel clubs and national organizations, we create content that athletes are proud to share and programs are proud to promote.

Guided by our commitment to Raise the Standard, Stay in Pursuit, and Built to Serve, we approach every partnership with professionalism, energy, and a relentless focus on helping our clients stand out.

Whether you're planning a traditional team picture day, launching a full media day experience, or building a season-long content library for your program, Higher Focus Photography is built to be more than your photographer - we're your media partner.

Meet Vicky Long

Vicky Long is the founder and creative director of Higher Focus Photography, a women-led company redefining what team picture days can be.

Recognizing that today's athletic programs need more than traditional team photos, Vicky built Higher Focus Photography around a simple idea: every media day should create professional content that showcases athletes, strengthens program brands, and delivers value long after picture day is over.

A former Division I volleyball student-athlete at the University of Mississippi, Vicky brings an athlete's perspective to every media experience. Her understanding of sports culture, combined with a passion for visual storytelling and exceptional client service, has helped Higher Focus Photography become a trusted media partner for clubs, schools, and youth sports organizations across the Midwest.

Vicky is especially passionate about elevating girls' sports and empowering women to tell these stories. She believes the future of girls' sports should be shaped not only by the athletes on the court, but also by the women behind the camera, behind the creative direction, behind the storytelling, and behind the brands that bring those stories to life.

She lives in rural northern Illinois with her husband of more than 30 years, a former collegiate basketball player at the University of Illinois Chicago, their goofy Boxer dog, and close to their adult children.

For Vicky, sports have always been about more than wins and championships. They're about building confidence, shaping character, and opening doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the game.

Smiling woman in blue hoodie holding basketball
Vicky Long - founder Higher Focus Photography
Vicky Long

Meet the Team

Sarah Caspari - Photographer
Sarah Caspari - Lead Photographer for Higher Focus Photography

Sarah Caspari

Lead Photographer

Smiling woman in light blue zip-up hoodie
Wendy French - Photographer

Wendy French

Photographer

Heather Hidden - Photographer/ Social Media Manager
Heather Hidden - Photographer/ Social Media Manager

Heather Hidden

Social Media Manager

Sami Long - Studio Manager Higher Focus Photography
Sami Long - Studio Manager Higher Focus Photography

Sami Long

Studio Manager

Daisy Garcia - Posing Assistant
Cheering person in blue hoodie, fists clenched

Daisy Garcia

Picture Day Assistant