Hey everyone,

I want to give you a quick update on the Hockey Photo Guide workshops that were scheduled for this week.

After running into some technical challenges, I’ve decided to postpone the workshops indefinitely. Instead of trying to reschedule, I’m going to refocus my energy on creating shareable content right here on Substack.

That means you’ll get practical advice and insights to help you capture better, pro-quality action photos at the rink — whether you’re in the stands, at ice level, or photographing your own kids.

Thank you for your patience and for joining this community. I’m excited to keep building this resource with you, one post at a time.

👉 Watch for my next post, where I’ll break down a simple setting change that can dramatically improve the sharpness of your hockey photos.

— Aaron

P.S. What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to shooting hockey photos? Hit reply and let me know — I’ll use your feedback to guide upcoming posts.

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Learn how to capture pro-quality photos of your kids on the ice — even from the stands.

Why This Workshop?

Every hockey parent knows the frustration. You bring your camera to the rink, fire off a dozen shots, and end up with blurry players, dark arenas, or photos that don’t capture the moment the way you remember it.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

For 15 years, I worked as a professional hockey photographer — covering the OHL, Memorial Cup, and hundreds of future NHL stars. But my most meaningful photos weren’t from the big arenas… they were of my own kids and their teammates in minor hockey.

Now, I want to help you do the same: capture those priceless memories of your child playing the game they love.

What You’ll Learn

Over this two-part live workshop, you’ll learn simple, proven techniques you can use immediately — no matter what camera you own.

• ✅ The right settings for indoor rinks to freeze the action (shutter speed, aperture, ISO made simple).

• ✅ Where to shoot from in the arena to get the best angles.

• ✅ How to use the gear you already have (you don’t need to buy the most expensive lens).

• ✅ Tricks for clearer, sharper images — even under bad rink lighting.

• ✅ Pro-level composition tips to make your photos stand out.

Who It’s For

This workshop is designed for hockey parents — moms, dads, and family members who want to capture their kids’ games with pride. Whether you’re brand new to your camera or have been shooting for years, you’ll walk away with practical skills that immediately improve your photos.

When & Where

🗓 Part One: Wednesday, September 10 — 10:00 a.m. (ET)
🗓 Part Two: Friday, September 12 — 10:00 a.m. (ET)
⏱ Each session is 30–40 minutes
💬 Q&A included — get your questions answered

These workshops will be delivered online and you will receive a link to join prior to the session.

About Your Instructor

Aaron Bell was the official photographer for the Ontario Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League for 15 seasons. He has photographed thousands of games — from minor hockey arenas to the Memorial Cup and beyond. Alongside major events, Aaron has spent many seasons photographing minor hockey, junior teams, and countless families — making sure their memories are captured forever.
📍 Online via Hockey Photo Guide (link delivered when you register)
🎥 Replay available — if you can’t attend live, you’ll get the recording
💵 Free to join

How to Join

Click below to sign up. You’ll get access to both sessions, plus a reminder email with the links before we go live.

👉 [Register for Free Here

The best part of this workshop? You’ll not only get sharper photos, but you’ll create lasting memories your kids will treasure forever. Because years from now, those images will mean everything.

Photo by Vincent Ethier/QMJHL

When I first picked up a camera in a hockey rink, I had no idea what I was doing. The lighting was awful, the game was fast, and my shots were… well, mostly a blur.

But I had one thing going for me—curiosity.

Instead of quitting, I started watching. I studied the pros who were already shooting at the rink. I noticed where they stood, how they tracked the play, even when they raised the camera to anticipate a moment. Little by little, I pieced things together.

What I didn’t have was a guide.

Back in 2007, 2008, 2010, there wasn’t the flood of content you can find today. Substack didn’t exist. YouTube tutorials were rare. Social media wasn’t filled with behind-the-scenes clips or gear breakdowns. If you wanted to learn, you had to dig—find a book, flip through The Hockey News, or pick up a photography magazine at the newsstand just to see examples of great hockey photography.

So I taught myself—through mistakes, missed shots, and those few breakthroughs that kept me hooked. Eventually, I went from fumbling in the stands to shooting professionally for the OHL, CHL, and beyond.

Where My Photos Have Been Seen

Over the years, my photos have been published in:

• Newspapers across Canada

• The Hockey News

• NHL.com

• OHL and CHL publications

• Team websites and social media channels

That experience gave me a front-row seat to the best players in the game—and taught me lessons I want to pass on to you.

The Hidden Advantage I Had

Here’s the truth: I had one huge advantage most people don’t get.

Because of my position with the OHL and CHL, I was able to spend one-on-one time with some of the best hockey photographers in the world—from Getty Images, NHL Images, Olympic shooters, and team photographers across the league.

I watched how they worked. I asked them questions. I learned their tricks. That kind of access is rare, and I don’t take it for granted.

I know most people don’t get that opportunity. Parents in the stands and aspiring pros on the outside usually have to figure it out the hard way. That’s where this guide comes in—I want to share the shortcuts I learned from the best so you don’t have to struggle for years the way I did.

Why I Started Hockey Photo Guide

This publication is for people like I used to be:

• Parents with cameras who want to capture real, memorable shots of their kids.

• Aspiring pros who dream of shooting at higher levels but don’t know where to start.

If you’ve ever stood behind the glass with your camera and wondered why your shots don’t look like the ones in the paper—or if you’ve dreamed of one day wearing a media pass instead of a ticket—this is for you.

Every week, I’ll share what I learned by trial and error—and the insider knowledge passed down to me by some of the best in the business. My goal is to give you the shortcuts, the practical tips, and the confidence to capture the moments that matter.

What to Expect

• Practical tips to get better shots right away.

• Stories from the rink that bring lessons to life.

• Guidance for aspiring pros on how to earn opportunities, act professionally, and build relationships.

This isn’t about phone photography or gimmicks. Hockey is too fast, too demanding for that. This is about learning the craft—with the right tools, the right approach, and the right mindset.

Next Steps

If you’ve already subscribed—thank you. You’ll get my first guide soon: The 5 Secrets to Great Hockey Photos.

If you’re reading this but haven’t joined yet, sign up now—it’s free. And it’s the quickest way to start improving your hockey photos immediately.

Let’s capture the game together.

Share Aaron’s Substack

— Aaron

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