At the 2024 Summer Olympics, nearly 2,000 photographers were credentialed to cover one of the most global, diverse, and emotional spectacles in the world. Fewer than 10% were women.
That statistic should stop you. It means the story of sports was told almost entirely through a male lens.
When men dominate the sidelines, they dominate the narrative. The way a moment is framed. The way female athletes are portrayed. The emotions and perspectives amplified or ignored.
We know it’s time to shift that. Champion Her Shot’s mission is to make sure women sports photographers aren’t just included, but seen, hired, paid and promoted to shape the visual legacy of sports for generations to come.
4 Reasons hiring women in sports photography is good for everyone:
– Representation matters. Female athletes deserve to be captured with the same power and respect as their male counterparts without being sexualized or diminished. Women behind the lens are more likely to showcase strength, emotion, and nuance not objectification.
– New perspectives spark stronger stories. The best journalism offers depth, balance and empathy. Women bring fresh angles, different instincts and possibly a deeper understanding of how to frame moments that resonate beyond the scoreboard.
– Brands and teams gain cultural credibility. Hiring women photographers shows your audience you care about equity, diversity and the full story. You’re not just capturing a game; you’re helping shape a more inclusive future for sports.
– Boys and girls need to see it. When young fans see powerful, emotional images of women athletes captured by women photographers, it reshapes who they believe belongs in sports in front of and behind the camera.
“We need more women behind the lens in sports,” said Chamberlain Smith, a photographer for UGA Athletics. It’s not just about fairness—it’s about elevating the entire field.
Champion Her Shot is a community built to lift up women in sports photography through contests, features, magazine showcases, mentorship and professional development.
If you’re a photo editor, team or brand: Please follow and connect with us. If you’re a photographer: This is your space. Come grow with us.
Let’s expand the storytelling of sports together.
Legend Suzi Mellano @suzimellano, who just covered the Super Bowl.