Why this is Important to Me

Women in sports photography is a topic close to my heart, not just because I'm passionate about the job, but because I've faced the discouraging notion that I can't pursue it simply because I'm a woman. Yet, I've persevered, and I want to share this resilience with you.

When I think of women in sports photography, the two that come to mind are Monica Bradburn and Misty McElorey. That said, only two come to mind; for most people, none. That is because only 36% of personal photographers are females.

Monica Bradburn Instagram

A big reason that number is so low is the stereotype that sports are for men. Most men think just because you're a female, you don't know what you're doing or what is going on during that game when you are taking pictures. I have even been told by grown men that "a guy should be doing my job because I'm a girl so I must not like going to the game." This mindset is what pushes young aspiring female sports photographers away.

Recently, on my FYP page on TikTok, I have seen a lot of posts by females talking about how they have to fight to be in this career. The posts range from high school to professional. It is wild that so many people, including females, can't do this. Knowing that makes me want to prove them wrong.

Thankfully when I was told that I had a support system that helps me know that I am more than capable of making this a career but not all of you females have that type of support. That is why I want to make this blog, to help inspire other female sports photographers. With this blog, I plan on talking to different female sports photographers about how they have gotten started, what it is like as a job, and what type of adversity they have faced. Reading these stories will help young females know they are not alone in this country.

Hopefully, by the end of this, there will be a community of female sports photographers leading each other up and helping each other.