Arthur “Art” Seitz, a name synonymous with the photographic chronicle of tennis, passed away on August 23 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the age of 82. For more than half a century, his lens provided an unparalleled window into the sport, not only capturing the fierce competition on court but also, perhaps more significantly, the candid, unguarded moments that revealed the true essence of its greatest figures. His death, caused by heart and kidney failure, marks the end of an extraordinary career that profoundly shaped how the world viewed tennis.
Seitz’s work transcended the typical boundaries of sports photography, offering an intimate perspective that endeared him to players, colleagues, and fans alike. He built deep, lasting relationships within the tennis community, earning a trust that allowed him to document moments of vulnerability, triumph, and everyday life with a rare authenticity. This unique approach cemented his status as a tenacious documentarian, preserving a visual history that is invaluable to the sport.
His passing, shortly before an upcoming birthday on October 7, leaves behind an archive described by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, the widow of Arthur Ashe, as being “of importance and value to the history of the sport and all who knew him in the tennis community.” This article delves into the remarkable career of Art Seitz, highlighting key aspects of his journey and some of the iconic individuals and events he so eloquently captured, beginning with the foundations of his storied career.
1. **Early Career and Foundational Roles**Art Seitz’s journey into the world of photography was as organic as it was distinguished, deeply intertwined with his lifelong passion for tennis. Born on October 7, 1942, in Lakewood, N.J., Arthur MacGregor Seitz III played tennis at Lake Wales High School and later attended the University of Florida on a tennis scholarship, graduating in 1965 with a degree in advertising. Even during his college years, his nascent photographic talents emerged, as he would pause during games to photograph other players, publishing his first images in local newspapers.
Following his academic pursuits, Seitz served for four years as a captain in the Air Force, stationed in Germany, France, and on Long Island, demonstrating an early commitment to service and discipline. Upon returning, he continued his education, earning an M.B.A. from Florida Atlantic University on the G.I. Bill and even embarking on a Ph.D. Initially, photography was a means to earn extra money, but it quickly blossomed into a profound passion that would define his professional life.
His early appointments were groundbreaking for the sport. Seitz became the first official photographer for the Virginia Slims Circuit, the pioneering women’s professional tennis tour that launched in 1970, playing a crucial role in documenting its formative years. He was also the first staff photographer for the then-fledgling World Tennis magazine, further establishing his presence in the burgeoning professional tennis landscape. Additionally, he contributed extensively to Tennis Week for three decades and was the inaugural official photographer for World Team Tennis, a coed league that began in 1973. These foundational roles underscored his dedication and positioned him at the very forefront of tennis photography as the Open Era dawned.
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2. **The “Tennis Family” Documentarian**One of Art Seitz’s most distinguishing characteristics was his profound ability to transcend the standard transactional nature of professional sports photography. He was not merely an observer capturing moments from a distance; he was an integral, cherished member of what has often been described as the “family of tennis.” This deep immersion and genuine connection allowed him to build relationships with players and supporting figures alike, fostering an environment of trust and familiarity that translated directly into the unique character of his images.
Seitz’s lens extended beyond the top-tier stars, embracing a comprehensive view of the entire tennis community. He meticulously documented not only the athletes but also the myriad of supporting personalities who contributed to the sport’s ecosystem. This included journalists, publishers, fellow photographers, designers, agents, and managers. Adam Stoltman, a former Deputy Feature Photography Editor at Sports Illustrated, remarked that “Art had a relationship with all of them, and a love for the tennis community, which is reflected in his images.”
This holistic approach ensured that his archive captured the full spectrum of individuals who animated the world of tennis. The result was a body of work teeming with spontaneous, unscripted, and unguarded moments that conveyed an intimacy rarely seen in professional sports. His photographs possessed a warmth and relatability, offering viewers a glimpse into the authentic interactions and personalities that made the sport so vibrant, truly earning him the title of the “tennis family” documentarian.
3. **Andre Agassi: From Mullet to Stardom**Art Seitz possessed a remarkable prescience for identifying and documenting talent on the cusp of greatness, often capturing future legends during their formative, less-heralded years. This unique skill provided an invaluable historical record, showcasing the evolution of players from promising newcomers to global icons. One of the most vivid illustrations of this foresight is his early documentation of Andre Agassi.
Seitz photographed Agassi when the future superstar was merely 16 years old, long before his distinctive charisma and powerful game had fully captivated the world. The resulting image, which shows Agassi blow-drying his signature mullet, is an iconic testament to Seitz’s ability to capture unguarded, character-defining moments. This photograph, far from the intensity of a match, reveals a youthful Agassi in a remarkably candid setting, offering a glimpse into the personality that would later define his public image.
The image of Agassi with his mullet is more than just a snapshot; it is a piece of cultural history, emblematic of an era and a player who would go on to achieve immense success. Seitz’s ability to be present for such early, intimate moments, often before players became household names, underscored his deep integration into the lives of his subjects. These photographs narrate a compelling story of growth and transformation, providing a crucial early chapter in the storied careers of tennis’s elite.
4. **Roger Federer’s Grand Slam Ascent**Art Seitz’s extensive career spanned multiple generations of tennis, allowing him to witness and document the rise of various legendary figures, including the illustrious Roger Federer. His remarkable longevity and consistent presence at the sport’s major events ensured that he captured significant career milestones that would later become etched in tennis history. The moment Federer reached his first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal in 2001 stands as a notable example of Seitz’s comprehensive coverage.
In that pivotal year, Seitz was present at the French Open, capturing images as Federer embarked on a journey that would redefine the sport. Documenting a player’s initial breakthrough in a major tournament is a testament to a photographer’s dedication and understanding of the game’s unfolding narrative. These early images of Federer, before his era of unprecedented dominance, provide a foundational visual record of his ascent, offering a glimpse into the early stages of a career that would yield 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Seitz’s ability to remain relevant and engaged across decades meant that he captured not only the established greats but also the nascent talent that would soon take their place. His photographs from 2001 of a young Federer signify his unwavering commitment to chronicling the sport’s ongoing evolution, ensuring that moments of both historical significance and personal triumph were preserved for posterity. His camera was a constant witness to the changing guard and the enduring excellence of tennis.
5. **Billie Jean King and the “Battle of the Sexes”**Art Seitz’s career was marked by his indelible presence at some of the most culturally significant and transformative events in tennis history. Among these, his documentation of the much-watched “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in 1973 holds a particularly prominent place. This event was not merely a tennis match; it was a societal spectacle, a clash of ideologies that captivated the world, and Seitz was there to capture its every nuance.
The match, held at the Houston Astrodome, pitted the reigning queen of women’s tennis against a self-proclaimed male chauvinist, transcending sport to become a powerful statement on gender equality. Seitz’s photographs from this historic encounter, including images from the dramatic press conference that preceded it, remain iconic. They vividly depict the tension, the theatricality, and the profound social implications of a moment that had a lasting impact on both tennis and the broader women’s movement.
His ability to chronicle such a pivotal event underscores his role as more than just a sports photographer; he was a visual historian. The images he captured of Billie Jean King’s triumphant victory over Bobby Riggs are not just records of a tennis match; they are powerful symbols of resilience, progress, and a changing world. They continue to serve as vital historical documents, reminding us of the significance of that day and the courage of the figures involved.
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6. **Arthur Ashe’s Trust and Transparency**The depth of trust that Art Seitz cultivated with the athletes he photographed was truly exceptional, often leading to profoundly intimate and powerful images that transcended the typical public persona of sports figures. This unique rapport allowed players to drop their guard, revealing moments of personal truth that spoke volumes about their character and experiences. A poignant example of this deep connection is his photograph of Arthur Ashe.
In a powerful demonstration of trust, Arthur Ashe lifted up his shirt to show Mr. Seitz his scar after undergoing heart surgery in the 1970s. This image is not just a record of a physical ailment; it is a profound testament to the bond between photographer and subject, showcasing Ashe’s vulnerability and resilience. It provided an unvarnished glimpse into the personal struggles faced by an athlete who was not only a tennis champion but also a significant humanitarian and civil rights advocate.
Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Arthur Ashe’s widow and a photographer herself, eloquently attested to this bond, noting that Seitz’s “ability to engage his subject made him known to all.” She further stated that “Art’s archive of tennis; yesterday, today and tomorrow is of importance and value to the history of the sport and all who knew him in the tennis community.” This particular photograph with Arthur Ashe exemplifies how Seitz’s work went beyond the game, capturing the human spirit and the stories that lay beneath the surface of sporting achievement.
7. **Chris Evert: A Life Documented**Art Seitz’s photographic chronicle of Chris Evert is perhaps one of the most comprehensive and intimate long-term documentations of a single athlete’s life and career within his vast archive. His lens followed Evert through multiple decades, capturing her evolution from a prodigious young talent to a dominating force in women’s tennis, and subsequently into her roles as a mother, charity organizer, and renowned television broadcaster. This extensive coverage highlights Seitz’s unparalleled access and the deep, enduring relationship he shared with the Evert family.
His journey with Chris Evert began in her “shy and whimsical young teenage years,” capturing her innocence and nascent talent long before she became a household name. He famously visited her at her parents’ home in Fort Lauderdale, where they kept meticulous scrapbooks of her burgeoning career, offering a personal glimpse into her foundational years. This early access allowed Seitz to establish a connection that would last a lifetime, providing a rare continuous narrative of her life in and out of the spotlight.
Seitz’s camera was present for many of Evert’s significant personal and professional milestones. He documented not only her on-court triumphs, such as tossing her racquet skyward after winning her first Wimbledon title, but also more personal, challenging moments, like her surveying the damage in Homestead, Florida, after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. He also photographed her wedding and many of her ongoing charitable endeavors, including nearly all of the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrities events.
Chris Evert herself acknowledged the profound impact of Seitz’s work and his friendship, stating, “Art was the most dedicated and passionate photographer in the tennis world. His love for capturing special, iconic moments went unmatched. He was a great ally of women’s tennis who was a familiar presence over so many years, and I was proud to call him a friend.” His body of work on Evert stands as a testament to his unique ability to tell a complete, compelling story of a person through his lens.
8. **Bjorn Borg’s ‘Ice-Borg’ Persona**Beyond the raw power and artistry displayed on court, Art Seitz possessed an exceptional talent for distilling the essence of a player’s public persona into a single, memorable image. One of his most iconic and widely recognized photographs perfectly encapsulated the mystique surrounding Bjorn Borg, the Swedish maestro often referred to as “Ice-Borg” for his calm, unflappable demeanor under immense pressure. Seitz’s camera captured Borg not just as an athlete, but as a cultural phenomenon, forever linking his image with his legendary nickname. This ability to go beyond the scoreline and into the heart of a player’s identity was a hallmark of Seitz’s extraordinary career.
The early 1980s saw one of Seitz’s most striking images grace the cover of World Tennis magazine: a photograph of Bjorn Borg with a monumental 40-pound block of ice. This visual metaphor was a brilliant commentary on Borg’s renowned composure, a quality that allowed him to dominate Wimbledon from 1976 to 1980, achieving unprecedented success. The image, far from a conventional action shot, showcased Seitz’s creative vision and his understanding of how to tell a deeper story about an athlete. It was a testament to his knack for crafting narratives that resonated with the public and offered a glimpse into the personality behind the champion.
Seitz’s intimate access extended to more personal moments, allowing him to capture Borg in a variety of settings that further humanized the “Ice-Borg” image. He photographed Borg and his first wife, Mariana Simonescu, strolling through the romantic streets of Paris, holding hands and embracing. These images, alongside the more dramatic portrayal with the block of ice, collectively painted a multifaceted portrait of one of tennis’s greatest stars. Seitz’s ability to capture these spontaneous, unscripted, and unguarded moments provided an intimacy and familiarity uncommon in professional sports, enriching the visual history of Borg’s illustrious career.
9. **The Vibrant Spirit of Vitas Gerulaitis**Art Seitz had a particular fondness for the unique personalities and “characters” that animated the world of tennis, often remarking that he found immense pleasure in the camaraderie they brought to the sport. Among these vibrant figures, Vitas Gerulaitis stood out as an embodiment of the era’s flamboyant spirit, and Seitz’s lens captured him in some of his most legendary, off-beat moments. These photographs transcended the boundaries of traditional sports imagery, offering an extraordinary look into the charismatic life of a tennis icon who believed in living fully.
Seitz immortalized Gerulaitis with a glass of champagne, not on a victory podium, but perhaps in his hot tub, or alongside his distinctive Rolls Royce. These images were more than mere snapshots; they were vignettes of a lifestyle that epitomized the glamour and free spirit of the time. Another memorable capture placed Gerulaitis alongside John McEnroe at a Santana concert, a setting far removed from the strict confines of the tennis court, yet perfectly reflective of the player’s larger-than-life persona and his connection to the broader cultural scene. These candid portrayals offered a rare glimpse into the unscripted moments that made Gerulaitis such a beloved figure.
Seitz’s keen eye for personality extended beyond capturing the high life, as he also documented Gerulaitis’s commitment to giving back. His work with charitable causes, including the Vitas Gerulaitis Foundation, showcased another dimension of the player’s character. Seitz’s unique approach to photography ensured that the full spectrum of Gerulaitis’s vibrant spirit, from his on-court prowess to his off-court exuberance and philanthropy, was preserved. As Seitz himself once commented on the distinct personalities of that era, these images serve as enduring testaments to the unforgettable characters that graced the sport of tennis.
10. **The Modern Triumphs of Maria Sharapova**Art Seitz’s remarkable longevity in sports photography meant he was a constant presence across multiple generations of tennis champions. His expansive career, spanning from the dawn of the Open Era to the 21st century, allowed him to document not only the legends of yesteryear but also the modern titans who would redefine the sport. Among these contemporary stars, Maria Sharapova, with her powerful game and global appeal, represented the new wave of talent that Seitz continued to meticulously chronicle, ensuring his archive remained a comprehensive record of tennis history.
Seitz was present at one of Sharapova’s most significant career milestones in 2012, capturing her triumphant victory at the French Open. This moment was pivotal, not just for Sharapova, who completed her career Grand Slam with this win, but also for Seitz’s portfolio, demonstrating his continued relevance and keen eye for capturing historical sporting achievements. Documenting a major championship victory requires a photographer’s unwavering focus and an innate understanding of the emotional weight of such an event, qualities Seitz consistently brought to his work.
The inclusion of Sharapova’s victory in Seitz’s extensive body of work underscores his commitment to providing a continuous narrative of the sport’s evolution. From teenage prodigies to established champions, his camera chronicled their journeys, ensuring that their successes were visually preserved for future generations. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape of tennis, consistently capturing the most compelling stories and triumphs, solidified his legacy as a comprehensive visual historian of the game.
11. **The Candid Moments of Novak Djokovic**Art Seitz’s photographic journey extended well into the contemporary era of tennis, capturing the sport’s ongoing narrative through the eyes of its current champions. His ability to connect with players, transcending standard sports photography norms, allowed him to capture intimate and unscripted moments even with the most globally recognized figures. This approach was exemplified in his documentation of Novak Djokovic, one of the most dominant players of the modern game, offering a unique perspective beyond the intense competition.
In 2022, Seitz was present at the U.S. Open in New York, where he photographed Novak Djokovic on a practice court. This image, taken away from the glare of center court, speaks volumes about Seitz’s talent for capturing unguarded authenticity. Such photographs are often the most treasured, as they provide a glimpse into the athletes’ preparations and personalities outside the high-stakes environment of a match. It demonstrates Seitz’s continuing pursuit of the human element, even with players at the pinnacle of their profession.
Adam Stoltman, a former Deputy Feature Photography Editor at Sports Illustrated, often highlighted how many of Seitz’s most valued photos were taken in these “spontaneous, unscripted and unguarded moments.” The image of Djokovic on the practice court aligns perfectly with this philosophy, showcasing Seitz’s consistent ability to foster an environment where players felt comfortable enough to reveal aspects of themselves rarely seen by the public. These photographs enrich the historical record, offering a more complete and relatable portrayal of the sport’s elite.
12. **His Overarching Photographic Philosophy**Art Seitz’s enduring impact on tennis photography stemmed from a distinct and deeply personal philosophy that guided his lens for over half a century. More than just an observer, he was an artist with a profound intuition for human connection and the subtle nuances of a scene. His own words, “I’m intuitive, I notice things in people. The quality of the light, the patterns of things,” reveal a photographic approach rooted in observation, empathy, and an almost spiritual appreciation for the visual world. This intuitive understanding allowed him to capture not merely actions, but emotions and stories.
His dedication to capturing what Chris Evert described as “special, iconic moments” was unmatched. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Arthur Ashe’s widow and a photographer herself, further illuminated Seitz’s approach, noting that his “keen instincts for the ‘shot’ were always in motion” and his “dedication to recording the important moments that tell a story in a single image; focused.” This unwavering commitment to narrative and significance ensured that his photographs were not just records, but powerful visual statements that resonated deeply with viewers.
Perhaps the most defining aspect of his philosophy was his ability to build profound relationships, as attested by Adam Stoltman: “One of Art’s most remarkable qualities was his ability to transcend standard sports photography norms and connect with players in their own environments, beyond the courts and locker rooms.” This intimate connection fostered trust, leading to images that were “spontaneous, unscripted and unguarded moments,” offering an intimacy rarely found in professional sports. Peachy Kellmeyer aptly summarized his gift, calling him “a very brilliant man with a gift of using the camera to reflect his creative talent to get the PERFECT PICTURE!” His work was, in essence, a loving chronicle of the “tennis family” he so adored.
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13. **The Global Impact of His Work in Various Media**Art Seitz’s influence extended far beyond the tennis courts, reaching a global audience through an impressive array of media outlets. His discerning eye and unique access meant his photographs were highly sought after, solidifying his reputation as a visual storyteller of international renown. For over two decades, he served as a prolific contract photographer for the Gamma Press Images photo agency in Paris, a partnership that ensured his work was distributed to publications in approximately 40 countries worldwide. This extensive reach allowed his intimate portrayal of tennis to resonate across diverse cultures and languages.
His images were not confined to sports pages; they graced the covers and features of some of the world’s most prestigious magazines, including Time, Newsweek, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, LIFE, and Paris Match. Additionally, his photographs appeared in People, Ebony, Hola, Hello, all of South Florida’s publications, top U.S. Spanish magazine Selective, and every major British Daily and Sunday Magazine. This widespread publication in both general interest and niche periodicals underscored the universal appeal and artistic quality of his work, demonstrating its ability to transcend the sporting arena.
Beyond magazines, Seitz’s photographs became integral to the historical record of tennis, routinely featured in dozens of player autobiographies, including those of Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, Chris Evert, and Billie Jean King. His visuals also translated to the screen, gracing HBO, ESPN, and the Tennis Channel, making him a go-to source for publishers, news producers, and filmmakers alike. This comprehensive dissemination across print, digital, and broadcast platforms cemented Art Seitz’s legacy as a vital visual chronicler, whose work shaped how generations perceived and remembered the world of tennis.
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14. **His Diverse Assignments Beyond the Tennis World**While Art Seitz’s name is inextricably linked with tennis, his photographic talents were far-reaching, extending to a broad spectrum of major events and subjects beyond the confines of the court. His versatility as a photographer allowed him to capture the essence of various sporting spectacles and even significant political figures, showcasing a mastery of his craft that transcended any single genre. This wider scope of work revealed a photographer whose eye for compelling imagery was truly universal.
Seitz was a familiar presence at many of the world’s most high-profile sporting events. His impressive résumé included covering more than 20 Super Bowls, numerous Kentucky Derbys, the prestigious Masters Golf Championship, and the historic UK’s Henley Regatta. These assignments demonstrated his ability to adapt his unique style and keen instincts to different sporting environments, capturing the drama and excitement inherent in each, further cementing his status as a premier sports photographer.
Moreover, Seitz’s assignments were not solely restricted to the realm of sports. He also photographed prominent political figures, capturing candid moments that revealed another facet of his talent for intimate portraiture. Notably, he photographed former President Jimmy Carter at his home in Georgia, and also captured President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan. His work also extended to documenting Marines training at the famous Parris Island in South Carolina, showcasing a remarkable breadth of subjects that spoke to his wide-ranging interests and exceptional professional capabilities. These diverse assignments highlight that while tennis was his lifelong passion, his artistic vision knew no bounds.
Art Seitz’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era in sports photography, but his legacy, illuminated by the stars in the sky, lives on through his vast and intimate archive. He was a man of values, strong convictions, and vision, whose integrity was as steady as his focus. With his camera in hand, he transformed fleeting moments on court, and candid instances off it, into enduring history. His ability to connect with subjects, to find the spontaneous and unguarded, and to meticulously document the evolution of an entire sport, makes his body of work an irreplaceable treasure. The countless images he created continue to inspire, reminding us of the human stories intertwined with athletic greatness, and the profound impact of a life lived with purpose and a talent that will never be forgotten. He truly captured the soul of tennis, and indeed, much more.
