Breaking the Status Quo: Women in Sports Photography

Being a woman in sports photography means showing up to every game worrying about whether I’ll be perceived as just a little girl with a camera or as a competent photographer. However, my worries stall when I see another female photographer sharing the sideline. She will never fail to shoot a little smile my way that says, “Yes, we belong here.” After an incredible shot against Penn State, Michigan basketball player Laila Phelia fell to the floor in ecstasy, letting loose a powerful yell. To me, Phelia’s raw emotion in this shot embodies being a woman.

In high school, I started noticing the disparity in the treatment of female and male sports photographers. At games, I was asked to move off the baseline because refs didn’t want me to “get hurt,” while the male photographer beside me was never asked to move. I was surprised to see so many women at my first photostaff meeting, but I am forever grateful for the incredible support and friends I’ve been given. Whether it’s the first game or 10th game, an exhibition game or a championship game, we all support each other’s achievements. This photo represents the support I feel every day from these incredible women and the celebration of each female photographer on staff constantly raising the bar. 

The world of sports photography is male-dominated. Though the photostaff of The Daily may be an exception to this, it is still scary to be the only woman in the media room. Being a woman in sports photography involves hard work, determination and resilience— much like gymnastics. I captured this heartfelt moment between a gymnast and her coach right before she began her beam routine. Being a woman in sports photography, to me, means being able to recognize those little moments of connection that tell a unique story of womanhood. 

I am continuously blown away by my fellow Daily photographer’s passion and talent. For almost two years, I have had the pleasure of learning and growing alongside a group of beautiful and capable women, and for this, I am irrevocably grateful. My pride, in myself and others, is fueled by my community — a sentiment I feel is reflected in this photo. 

Anyone who has watched a Michigan women’s sports team play knows how incredible it is to view their talent in person. However, from the sidelines, I have the honor of witnessing their grit up close. I would never equate the work I do with the time and effort these incredible athletes put in, but for the few hours I get to be next to them and be a part of that energy, I am reminded of why I continue to pick up my camera. This photo reminds me so much of the team environment, guidance and support I’ve had the privilege of experiencing on The Daily’s photostaff — a unique environment where women photographers are celebrated and a community I am grateful to say has shaped me as a photographer and a person.

I am honored to document the courage and passion of women in sports. These athletes are not only inspiring to me, but to the thousands of girls and women, young and old, who read The Daily. We write our narrative, and often we must work to rewrite it; I will start. Women are powerful. Women play hard. Women are fierce. Women fight. Women win.

As a woman engaging in photography since I was a young girl, my life has undergone a transformative journey. I’ve not only captured the intensity and beauty of athletic prowess in sports like gymnastics, but also shattered gender norms. In a field predominantly dominated by men, my presence challenges stereotypes and inspires others. Each image taken is a testament to my passion and resilience. Embracing this dual identity has not only enriched my craft, but also empowered me to redefine boundaries, both on and off the field.

Being a woman in photography is a unique and wonderful experience. How lucky I’ve been to come into my freshman year and be surrounded by so many creative, insightful and successful women. Growing up in a male-dominant household, it was inspiring and awakening to be reminded that womanhood makes us special and gives us the opportunity to see things in a different light, capturing life in a valuable way. This photo embodies what it means to be a woman, because no matter how high the bar, we’ll always strive to find a place above it. 

The Daily photostaff is a rare environment where women outnumber men. For the past three years, I have learned from and been supported by a group of women, who continue to amaze me with their talent and relentless energy, despite often being the only female photographer at every sporting event. To get the opportunity to capture this Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking moment surrounded by a sold-out crowd and every sports media organization was incredible. Here was a woman who was smashing expectations; yet, there were only three female photographers there to capture it, which was unfortunately expected. This staff reminds me that we are also actively working to change this norm.  

I still remember exactly how I felt walking into my first Sunday photostaff meeting last fall. I was full of nerves and excitement and had no idea what to expect. I was greeted by a conference room of (mostly) women, who immediately made me feel welcome. The past few months have been a whirlwind of emotions, but when I look back on it all, I keep coming back to the word “joy,”. It is a privilege and an honor to be surrounded by the talented women on this staff, whom I am constantly inspired by. I chose this photo because, to me, it encapsulates the word “joy.”

The Michigan Daily photostaff is such a special community, and I will forever be grateful for the support I receive from my fellow female photographers on staff. Everyone on staff is so talented and passionate, and I am constantly learning from all of them. Being a woman in sports can be scary and isolating in such a male-dominated space, but the community we’ve built at The Daily has empowered me to continue to push myself to be a better photographer. This photo not only shows the new skills that I have learned during my time on staff, but also the grace and strength of female athletes.

There’s an empowering feeling when I see other female photographers at sports events; it’s reassurance that I belong in these spaces. I have seen the drive and determination of The Daily’s female photographers, and I continue to watch them grow in ever-persisting passion. This photo represents the drive and the approach I have seen the women photographers on the sidelines demonstrate. Composed but powerful, we face our challenges head-on.

It has been an honor to be surrounded by a majority-female staff during my four years on The Daily’s photostaff. The resilient, courageous and talented female photographers I work beside inspire me every day. I am grateful to have welcoming faces in the newsroom after I return from the sidelines, where I am surrounded by a sea of majority male sports photographers. Additionally, it is an honor to capture moments of strength in female athletes. I chose this photo because of the poise, form and strength that is shown in this moment. Diving takes grace and grit — two qualities that my fellow female Daily photographers embody. 

I love sports photography and photographing women in sports. It is so unbelievably empowering to be a part of sports journalism and watch as my peers break boundaries and create beautiful work. Particularly in a world that is male dominated, it can be scary to walk into a field or speak to male counterparts. I have grown to have confidence in these spaces now, and to take pride in my work. I also get to talk about the wonderful women who work for The Daily. They are amazing and it is an honor to photograph sports at the University of Michigan and to work with the women on The Daily! 

Being a female photographer who photographs women’s sports makes me appreciate the support and camaraderie that every women’s sports team has. Being on The Daily has shown me what it truly means to be a part of such a supportive community, and I can see that same community in every women’s sports team I photograph. In times of losses or wins, that unity is evident not only behind the lens of a camera, but also in the unwavering support every female athlete has for their teammates. 

I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many talented women. It has been a privilege to share the same passions as my fellow photographers and celebrate the important moments within our community. We continue to push boundaries and inspire others. This picture encapsulates the future of women in sports and how we are all each other’s inspiration.

Being a woman in sports photography means being part of a supportive community of talented individuals who share the same passions as me. It’s about celebrating important moments in women’s sports and inspiring others from behind the lens. It’s been incredible working alongside fellow female photographers and capturing the essence of female athletes while also highlighting the collaboration that exists both on and off the field. This photo embodies being a woman, because I think that women make difficult tasks look easy.

I have always been told that to be a woman photographer is to be second best when it comes to opportunities. I never imagined that I would be surrounded by so many incredible women photographers and have the chance to shoot sports. The environment creates a space that allows for growth and comfort. Photographing women’s tennis has allowed me to discover an appreciation for the sport that I never had prior. The team’s camaraderie creates an atmosphere that draws you in. That feeling radiates through this photograph. 

Until this semester, photography had always been a very individualistic endeavor for me. Joining The Daily, however, transformed that experience. I began to receive the encouragement and support of a very strong community of women — one that actively redefines the stereotypes of sports photography. Standing on the sidelines, capturing the prowess of the women’s tennis team as each player artistically navigated between each rally, I, too, felt a part of that redefinition.