Hi there! I’m John Zangari, founder of Happy Valley Snapshot (HVS), and if you’re wondering, “What in the world is Happy Valley Snapshot?”—you’re not alone. Let me explain.
HVS isn’t just another sports photography brand. It’s a mission-driven project born from a simple truth: some of the most powerful stories in sports never get the spotlight they deserve.
For over seven years, I’ve worked as a professional photographer, capturing everything from football’s bone-rattling tackles to the quiet intensity of a swimmer’s final lap. I’ve shot for universities, built my own media company (shoutout to Zangari Media!), and collaborated with athletes across disciplines. But along the way, I noticed a frustrating pattern: even when I delivered *50+ high-quality images* from a game or meet, institutions often used just one or two. The rest? Buried in archives, forgotten.
So I started sharing “leftover” moments on Instagram. But let’s be real—algorithms don’t care about underdogs. My football photos thrived; rugby shots flopped. Swipe-worthy galleries got chopped into 10-image grids. Worse, I began tying my self-worth to likes and views. It felt…empty.
Then it hit me: Why let platforms dictate which stories matter?
At Happy Valley Snapshot, we’re rewriting the playbook. Our focus? Sports that others overlook. The grit of a track athlete pushing past limits. The unyielding focus of a tennis player mid-match. The raw camaraderie of a rugby scrum. These moments aren’t “niche”—they’re humanity in motion, and they deserve more than a part-time photographer snapping five frames before clocking out.
Based in State College, PA, HVS is committed to covering high school and college sports with the same passion and precision reserved for Friday night football. Think lacrosse, swimming, track and field, rugby, and beyond. No more token photos or rushed write-ups. Instead, you’ll find detailed galleries—dozens of shots, not just one—paired with stories that celebrate why these athletes compete.
But here’s the catch: I’m one guy with one camera (okay, maybe a few lenses). That’s why HVS is built to grow. With support from sponsors, advertisers, and this community, we’ll expand to hire student photographers, cover more games, and amplify even more untold stories.
Because every athlete deserves to see their hustle, heart, and history reflected—not just in a photo, but in a legacy.
Join me in changing the game. Let’s give every sport the spotlight it’s earned.
– John Zangari
Founder, Happy Valley Snapshot