By Lisa Zola-DeLibero
Michael Dill loves taking photos that tell a story.
“I just try to capture an image that is so different,” Dill said. “I don’t just go through the motions. I always try to get a photo that you can look at, and feel it. “
A resident of Hamilton Township his entire life, 58-year-old Dill has been behind the lens of a camera since he was a kid, making an 18-year career of his passion.
“I always remember that my father had cameras and video equipment that he enjoyed as a hobby, ” says Dill about his dad Michael, who passed away recently at the age of 91. “For me, when I get behind a camera, I feel like I am in my element, and I forget about all of the stresses in life. “
Dill, whose photography resume includes ballerinas, commercial real estate and weddings, is most passionate about sports photography.
“Growing up, I have always loved sports,” Dill said. “I started out taking photos at my sons Michael and Joey’s soccer, football and baseball games. I loved it so much, so I started doing more and more with the photography everyday, and eventually started taking photos of professional teams and athletes who play for the Eagles, Phillies and Yankees.”
Capturing pinnacle career moments, like someone getting their 1,000-career point in basketball, and many other outstanding athletic achievements, Dill puts together collages for sports teams and athletes at the Hamilton Township schools, Bordentown High School—where he and his wife, Sandi, each graduated from—and lots of other area schools.
“I have a lot of people who will contact me to do sports action photos and collages,” Dill said. “I also do a lot of portraits and business head shots because I really know how to make people look good.”
Dill, a graduate of Rider University with a degree in business education, is a recipient of three photography degrees: a master of photography from Professional Photographers of America, a photographic craftsman degree from PPA and a certified professional photographer degree, also from PPA.
“I really want to give back to others, as well as developing my skills,” Dill said. “I am now traveling around the country, to places like New Orleans, Texas, New York and Virginia, where I am doing sports photography workshops .”
Not only is Dill well known in the community for his photography, but he has also taught municipal finance courses at Rutgers University, Mercer County Community College and Trenton Catholic Academy. He has also been involved in local government. Dill has been a Director at MCCC, a Robbinsville Township administrator and finance officer and an assistant business administrator in Hamilton.
“I was able to be involved in government and photography,” Dill said. “But the time came when I really wanted to devote more of my time to photography, and this is what I did.”
While providing memories for people, Michael Dill has taken his childhood passion, and has turned it into a career that he loves.
“Being a photographer allows me to relax and do what I do best,” Dill said.
For more information, visit michaeldillphotography.com and mdsportzphoto.com.
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