For more than half a decade, Josh Dendy and his long lens camera have captured the triumphs, tears and timeless moments that are synonymous with the sporting events at Athens High School and Athens Middle School. 

“I’m sure when I first started people asked, ‘Who’s this big guy with muttonchops and overalls taking pictures of everybody?’ because I stick out like a sore thumb,’” Dendy told The News Courier. “But, that never slowed me down any. The response I got to those pictures was so encouraging, and everybody loved them so much I just couldn’t stop.”

Dendy has become known by the Athens community for dedicating his time to preserving the memories of student athletes since he first started in 2019. He has attended hundreds of sporting events at Athens High School and Middle School, camera in hand — ready to freeze moments that will become lifelong keepsakes for those students.

“Everytime I get the chance to take pictures, I try my best to make sure that every player has a snapshot to treasure,” Dendy said. “I try to get an interesting picture of every kid doing something neat, and that’s really hard sometimes, but it pays off to see their excitement when they get those pictures back.”

Dendy’s impact extends far beyond the sporting events, as he plays a part in the high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes program. He has counseled students through life’s challenges, offering guidance and support during the stressful times of high school. 

According to Dendy, his strong faith and unwavering belief in God has been a guiding light to him throughout his journey as a photographer. 

“I want to be a role model for the kids and show them that you can use whatever God has given you to serve others,” Dendy said. “Whether it’s dance, football, cheer or baseball, whatever it is, I want them to know that they can use it to bring glory to God and help others. I enjoy sports photography, but it’s really about the kids. I use it as a tool to build them up when it seems like everything is trying to tear them down.  I think my favorite thing to do is to pray over the cheerleaders and see them off when they leave for nationals every year.”