Capturing Community

The Creative Lens of Local Photographer Jake Rytlewski

In every community, there are people whose work helps shape how we experience the world around us. For central Indiana, one of those people is local photographer Jake Rytlewski, a creative whose images capture not just moments, but emotion, energy and connection.

Whether he’s standing on the sidelines of a packed stadium, weaving through festival crowds or documenting meaningful community initiatives, Jake’s photography reflects a deep appreciation for people and the stories unfolding around them.

Jake’s career has taken him into a wide range of settings — sports, music, community events, nonprofit work and more. His ability to adapt to different environments, while still maintaining his signature vibrant and heartfelt style, has earned him a reputation as one of the area’s most versatile photographers.

One of his earliest standout opportunities came when he stepped in to photograph for the Indianapolis Indians, one of the city’s most beloved sports organizations. Being able to capture the action of professional baseball gave Jake valuable experience in shooting high-movement sports and reading the rhythm of a game — skills that would become foundational in his later work.

He then expanded into college athletics, covering Purdue football for Nuvo. Photographing Division I athletics brought a new level of speed, intensity and scale. For Jake, it wasn’t just about getting the perfect action shot, it was about documenting the atmosphere — the traditions, the students, the pride and the emotion that define college football in Indiana.

Jake’s work also extends far beyond sports. Over the years, he has been heavily involved with the Festive 500, covering a wide variety of their events. From pop-up gatherings to full-scale community celebrations, he’s become known for capturing the joy, creativity and neighborhood spirit that these events bring to life. His work with Monumental Indy has added another layer to his portfolio. Monumental Indy organizes several major races and public events, including the well-known Monumental Marathon.

Photographing thousands of runners winding through the heart of downtown Indianapolis is no small task, but Jake approaches it with enthusiasm — showcasing determination, personal triumph and the unique energy that comes with one of the city’s biggest annual traditions.

In addition to sports and festivals, Jake has also photographed concerts and a variety of unique, one-off events. These opportunities allow him to push his creativity, experiment with lighting and motion, and capture performances that blend music, art and crowd interaction.

Perhaps some of his most meaningful work has come through photographing community-focused initiatives.

One project that stands out is his coverage of “The Court Is Hers,” a powerful partnership between the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and Eli Lilly. The initiative was created to give more girls access to basketball by removing the financial barrier of registration fees. This program officially launched in August and quickly became an inspiring movement supporting young female athletes.

At the Irsay Family YMCA, Jake photographed an event led by Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston, who hosted a clinic for a group of young girls. His images from that day captured not only the excitement of learning from a WNBA standout, but also the confidence, encouragement and empowerment radiating across the gym. For Jake, moments like these remind him why he loves what he does — the chance to preserve moments that matter and highlight efforts that uplift the community.

With every assignment, Jake brings passion, professionalism and a thoughtful eye for detail. Whether he’s on the sidelines, backstage or in the heart of a neighborhood event, he focuses on authenticity — capturing people as they are, in moments they’ll want to remember.

As Jake continues to grow his portfolio and expand his impact, one thing remains clear: he isn’t just taking photos. He’s telling stories. And through his lens, the Indianapolis community continues to shine.