If you’ve followed international volleyball in recent years, chances are you’ve come across the work of Josh Nekoba, better known online as @nekobavisuals. With bold visuals, dynamic edits, and a talent for storytelling through stills and motion, Nekoba is helping shape how we see the sport.
From courtside at College level events to the heart of the National Volleyball League (NVL) in the United States, his visuals have become instantly recognisable. They are rich with motion, emotion, and technical precision.
What sets Josh apart isn’t just the quality of his content, it’s the intent behind it. His work doesn’t simply document games. It builds a visual language around the sport that reflects its intensity, community, and spirit.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
We asked Josh what advice he would give to aspiring photographers and videographers looking to break into sports. His responses were direct and encouraging, offering insight for anyone starting out.
“Getting into sports photography can be hard due to having to compete with people who have been in the industry longer and who also have more experience. I would recommend trying to find ways to stand out. Utilizing social media is a great way to do that.”
He also acknowledges common struggles, particularly burnout.
“Burnout is a common challenge I find myself encountering. I would recommend focusing on the process and enjoying the process, as opposed to focusing on the outcome.”
On technical skills and gear, his advice is refreshingly grounded.
“For newer sports photographers, I would recommend finding older Canon gear that you can afford and just mastering the basics of photography there. Once you get the hang of it or maintain the interest, then I would recommend upgrading your gear. For video, I would recommend starting on your phone and mastering the basics of shooting video on your phone.”
Relationships Matter
While talent and technique are essential, Josh stresses that success in sports media also hinges on trust and relationships.
“Building relationships with athletes and teams helps you get into more games and also more access with them when they trust you.”
It’s this trust that allows him to get the moments others can’t, the candid, the vulnerable, the celebratory, all essential to the deeper narrative of the sport.
Staying Inspired
Josh stays motivated by looking outward.
“I get inspired daily from seeing what other creators make. They also are innovating a lot, causing me to want to improve to keep up with them.”
In a fast-moving creative world, that open mindset is vital. His work continues to evolve with each event, and his growth as a creator shows no signs of slowing down.
A Visual Legacy in the Making
Josh Nekoba’s work is more than aesthetic, it’s meaningful documentation of a sport still finding its global media voice. In volleyball, where mainstream coverage is often limited, creators like him are providing athletes and fans with the kind of visibility and energy they deserve.
For young photographers, his story offers both inspiration and a practical blueprint. Get creative. Get connected. Keep learning.
