by Josh Weimer, assistant online editor

The Roar talked with senior Raymond Tjhia, a former soccer player who now photographs every game and is in charge of Consol Soccer’s social media photos.

When did you begin developing an interest in photography?

It wasn’t long ago, I’d say probably about a year ago. Last summer, I was on a trip to Oklahoma, Palo Duro canyon, and I wanted to see if there was a way to help preserve memories better.

Were you naturally good when you started, or did it take some practice?

No, not at all. When I started I was taking pictures just like anyone else, I had everything on automatic. When I went on that vacation that’s when I wanted to see if I could do more. I started studying YouTube videos online and websites about photography.

You photograph the soccer games, correct? Why? Is there a specific place that you post these photos?

I wanted to take pictures for soccer because I used to play soccer as an underclassmen. I wasn’t on varsity, so I asked Coach Salerno if I could take them, and he was happy to [let me]. When I was on the soccer team, there wasn’t anyone taking pictures, there were only the ones you had to pay for, the ones from the official photo takers. They weren’t ever doing the games, and I wanted parents and family members who couldn’t make it to be able to see their kids play; and I wanted the kids to have something to share with their families for years to come. Other than that, I do post the photos online, there’s a Consol Soccer Facebook page, and I run the Consol Soccer Instagram page, and I link with Coach Salerno on the Twitter page.

Do you photograph every game, or only a select few?

So far, every game.

Do you have any photographers that inspire you, or a certain style you try to mimic?   

I wish I could say that I mimic a style. [In] sports photography, in general it’s pretty tough to mimic someone who has really high-end equipment. At least with what I have, I try to learn a little bit from the Sports Illustrated photographers. I’ve watched several lectures by Sports Illustrated photographers and they’ve taught me about ‘filling the frame’ and just general settings stuff, as well as finding the right moments to capture.

Do you hope to continue with photography as a profession, or is it more of a hobby?

For now it’s just a hobby, but I have started thinking about going beyond, maybe having a side career in photography. I’ve just begin thinking about it, so it’s definitely a possibility.

Anything else you want to tell me?

It’s a bunch of fun; I’m having just as much fun photographing these guys as I would be if I were on the field.

Visit Consol Soccer’s Facebook or Instagram to see his work.