Tillman: The man who captures the best moments in local sports

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For over two decades, photographer Cedric Tillman has been capturing memorable moments of athletes and events that players and fans can enjoy for a lifetime.

A native of Carriere, Mississippi, Tillman graduated from Alcorn State University in 1994, where he majored in mass communication. From there, he began working in radio, but eventually found a love for taking amazing photos of live sports.

“Sports photography really excites me the most, but I always find a joy when people just notice me and walk up and ask for me to take their picture,” Tillman said.

Tillman has been the videographer for the Vicksburg-Warren School District (one of the first districts in Mississippi to livestream sports) for the past 17 years where he is seen live-streaming games or taking pictures at events that parents and students can cherish forever.

When Tillman first came on with VWSD, his job was mostly centered around creating videos, but he began taking photos as a hobby and found a passion for sports photography. As social media grew bigger, more and more individuals began to view his pictures and appreciate his work.

Tillman not only stays on top of capturing memorable moments, but he also helps guide and inspire the next generation of future photographers.

“We’re in the process of helping kids get more into the media field by letting them volunteer with filming and working the Jumbotron,” Tillman said.

Although Tillman has been working in Vicksburg for a while, his talents expand out to his alma mater where he has served as the sideline reporter for WPRL Alcorn radio station since the year 2000.

Just as Tillman’s photos are very popular in the city, he is will known at ASU for taking pictures of the crowds and players.

A testament to his unwavering commitment, Tillman recently live-streamed the Red Carpet Bowl football game in Vicksburg and then flew to Atlanta the same night to capture photos at Alcorn’s first football game of the season.

“I know that there are a lot of fans out of state, so it’s always a good feeling share the photos with those who can’t make it,” Tillman said.

Aside from taking pictures for his job, Tillman also has his own side photography business which includes headshots, graduation photos, and funerals due to the rise of COVID-19.

Since Tillman has been in the photography game, he has really shown the beauty in sports and inspired many around him who wish to enter into the field.

“Be hands on and keep doing the work on a daily basis and someone in the files can point you in the right direction,” Tillman said as advice to those wishing to get into photography.

Those who appreciate Tillman’s work can catch him at sporting events, where he will be doing what he does best: highlighting the students’ great moments with beautiful photographs.