Local Player Using Photography to Grow Tennis
BILLERICA, MA - What do a biochemist, a life coach, a photographer and a tennis player all have in common? Well, not much, except that local Billerica, MA player Carlton SooHoo has successfully done them all. SooHoo’s professional journey has taken him to some incredible heights all while he’s been able to provide tremendous value to whatever industry he’s in.
For example, in 2013, he became the first Boston area Google Trusted Photographer to photograph 360-degree views inside businesses, via his virtual tour photography company, Panospin360.
SooHoo, who turns 60 this fall, has also been an avid tennis player since the eighth grade. He plays competitively in USTA Leagues and is involved in the game now more than ever.
“I love tennis. I’ve always loved the game, specifically the hand-eye coordination, being outdoors and the social camaraderie aspect, especially in doubles,” SooHoo said.
A longtime volunteer at League Championship events, SooHoo was looking to broaden his tennis volunteer experience, so in 2021, he applied and was accepted to USTA New England’s Public Relations Committee.
“I always enjoyed volunteering on behalf of the USTA, and I was interested in more education and finding something that could help expand the number of people who try tennis. Being self employed and having experience in sales and marketing for my own company, I thought it would be the best fit,” SooHoo said.
Over the past year, he’s parlayed his volunteer experience into becoming one of USTA New England’s most reliable freelancers, photographing tournaments, community events and photoshoots for the organization. SooHoo’s recent tennis work has been published online, in print, on marketing materials, billboards and more. He was the official photographer for the organization's ‘I am a tennis player’ campaign last year.
Carlton SooHoo shoots a community tennis event for USTA New England in May.
SooHoo attended this year's Miami Open
SooHoo has been playing USTA League tennis for six years.
SooHoo attended this year's Miami Open
SooHoo hits a volley at the net.
- Carlton SooHoo shoots a community tennis event for USTA New England in May.
- SooHoo attended this year's Miami Open
- SooHoo has been playing USTA League tennis for six years.
- 4
- 5
“It’s really cool to have your work featured, and it gives you that added layer of confidence. There’s something validating when you see your images in magazines, websites or billboards; it’s confirmation that someone else thinks your work is of good quality,” SooHoo said.
It’s never really about the recognition for SooHoo, who goes out of his way to assist whenever he’s needed. To him, it’s about using his craft for good and bringing joy to people who view his work.
“When people look at photos, they ask themselves, ‘is this a lifestyle that I can enjoy myself?’ You see a photo and try to relate to what the person in that photo is doing,” SooHoo said. “My hope is for people to see my photos and say ‘I could be having that kind of fun playing tennis,’ and that’s what I think about when I’m capturing the emotion in each shot.”
He added, “Tennis is a sport that I really know, but what makes photographing it exciting and challenging at the same time, is the anticipation factor. It can be difficult to get the ball right on or in front of the racquet, but capturing that or the raw emotion after a good or bad shot gives me a great sense of accomplishment, especially given the manner in which the photos will be used.”
SooHoo plans to work and volunteer at a number of upcoming New England tennis events with the ongoing goal of using his platform to encourage growth and participation of the game in New England and beyond.
For some of Carlton's recent work with USTA New England, click below:
Related Articles
-
![Visit the Joanna Beall Spotlight page]( "Joanna Beall (center) pictured with Sandy Foster and Jenn Driscoll.")
Joanna Beall SpotlightMay 01, 2026Joanna Beall, President of USTA Vermont, is dedicated to growing tennis across the Green Mountain State through youth and high school programming, inclusive initiatives, coaching development and facility support. A passionate advocate for community-driven growth, she works to expand access, strengthen volunteer engagement and connect local efforts with section and national resources. Joanna believes the USTA New England Board thrives on diverse perspectives and welcomes anyone eager to help grow the game. Read More -
![Visit the Adam Molda Board Spotlight page]( "Adam Molda Headshot")
Adam Molda Board SpotlightApril 27, 2026Adam Molda serves as President of the USTA New England Board of Directors. With 34 years in the tennis coaching industry, including working as a Director of Tennis and Club Owner, he brings extensive leadership and a practical perspective to the Board. Adam is dedicated to facility sustainability and expanding access to the sport through initiatives like the NJTL network. Read More -
![Visit the Mason Bultje Highlight page]( "Mason Bultje and his wife pose for a photo at the US Open.")
Mason Bultje HighlightApril 17, 2026Originally from Minnesota and now based in Massachusetts, Mason Bultje joined the USTA New England Board of Directors in 2023 after previously serving on the USTA Northern Board. A lifelong player, coach and advocate, Mason has built his career around growing the game through nonprofit and community tennis organizations. He currently serves as Director of Partnerships & Programs at Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center and also coaches MIT Women’s Tennis. Read More
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
