New York Knicks shootinng guard Landry Shamet was spotted working as a photographer during the US Open in New York . The 29-year-old captured action shots for the US Tennis Association (USTA) during the quarterfinal match between Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.
Capturing Pegula vs. Navarro for the USTA
Landry Shamet, a prominent shooting guard for the New York Knicks, was seen worrking in the photo pit during a recent Tuesday night session at the US Open. Rather than watching the tennis from the spectator stands, Shamet was immersed in the professional environment,snapping high-speed images for the US Tennis Association (USTA). He was specifically tasked with documenting the quarterfinal match between American tennis stars Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.
As reported by the source, Shamet’s presence in the pit was not merely a celebrity appearance. Dressed in a branded black shirt, green pants, and a backwards cap, the athlete was actively engaged in his role for the USTA. this professional crossover highlights a growing trend of elite athletes finding creative outlets that allow them to engage with different sporting worlds through a technical lens.
From unpaid stints to a $24 million Knicks contract
This creative pursuit is far from a recent whim for the NBA player. According to the report, this marks Shamet's third year shooting at the US Open, following two years of unpaid opportunities in 2024 and 2025. While his basketball career has reached significant financial milestones—including a $24 million contract with the New York Knicks—his commitment to photography appears to be driven by passion rather than profit .
Shamet’s journey to the Knicks in 2024 follows a career that has seen him play for several major franchises, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards. His ability to balance the rigors of a professional NBA schedule with the demands of a major tennis tournament speaks to a high level of dedication to his secondary craft.
Why the USTA describes him as a "student of photography"
The transition from athlete to photographer was not an easy one for Shamet. He admitted that he was initially hesitant to move away from the convenience of mobile devices, once questioning the need for dedicated cameras in an era of smartphones. However, after picking up professional equipment, his perspective shifted entirely. He noted that he now carries a camera even while traveling on the road with his basketball team .
His technical growth has not gone unnoticed by the professionals at the tournament. A USTA representative named Jenn noted that Shamet is a "student of photography" who asks "amazing questions" and produces "tremendous" action photos. The connection between the NBA and the USTA was facilitated through the players' union, showcasing how professional sports networks can support multi-disciplinary talents.
The question of whether Shamet will ever put the camera down
While Shamet has expressed a deep commitment to the medium, several questions remain regarding the future of this side hustle. He stated, "I don't really foresee a day where I put it down," but it is still unclear if he intends to pursue photography as a professional career path or if it will remain a high-level hobby. furthermore, the report does not specify how much of his off-season or travel time will be dedicated to future USTA assignments.
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