Women Photographers Forge Ahead in Sports Journalism
In a field historically dominated by men, women sports photographers are making significant strides, as evidenced by their prominent roles in major events like the NBA Finals. This shift reflects a broader advancement in the realm of sports photojournalism, with many talented women now capturing the most exhilarating moments in athletic competition.
Pioneering Women in Sports Photography: A New Era
The 2026 NBA Finals mark a significant moment for female sports photographers, with talents like Sam Owens of the San Antonio Express-News leading the charge. Owens, who is covering her inaugural NBA Finals, embodies the evolution of women's roles in documenting elite sports. She highlights the remarkable progress achieved over the years, attributing this ongoing trend to a rising enrollment of women in photography programs.
A notable example is Maddie Meyer, Owens' former college classmate and roommate, who joined Getty Images in 2015. Meyer, along with colleague Sarah Stier, is slated to photograph aquatics at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, underscoring their year-round involvement in major sporting events. Emilee Chinn, another Getty Images recruit, joined Meyer and Stier at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, further solidifying the growing presence of women in this competitive sector. These three photojournalists also captured the intensity of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Elsa Garrison, a renowned figure in news photography, broke new ground as the first woman staff photographer at Getty Images in 1998, continuing her career after Allsport photo agency was acquired. Garrison now dedicates her time to mentoring aspiring women and underrepresented photographers.
This upward trajectory is not confined to basketball. The 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Photo Contest recognized women like Abigail Dean, Kathryn Riley, and Stephanie VanWagoner for their exceptional work in action and feature photography, affirming their growing influence across various sports.
The roots of women's participation in sports photography trace back decades. Mary Schroeder, hired by The Detroit Free Press in 1979, was a true pioneer. The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame notes that when Schroeder entered Detroit's professional sports scene in 1983, it was predominantly male. She was the sole female photographer in the nation covering sports full-time for a major newspaper. Schroeder played a pivotal role in a lawsuit that successfully challenged unequal access for female reporters and photographers to the Detroit Lions locker room, leading to equitable access for all media members. Her iconic photograph of Kirk Gibson celebrating his second home run in the 1984 World Series remains legendary. Schroeder's contributions were recognized with inductions into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2019.
Despite sports photography remaining largely male-dominated, Sam Owens attests to positive experiences with colleagues, regardless of gender. She often finds humor in the common assumption that her name, 'Sam,' implies she is male. Owens has traveled extensively, covering the Spurs' 2026 playoff journey across Oklahoma City, Portland, and Minneapolis. For the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Express-News deploys two staff photographers for home games, while Owens covers away games in New York. She became part of the San Antonio Express-News team in 2021, and her extensive portfolio includes covering the tragic mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022. Her exemplary work earned her the 2022 Star Photojournalist of the Year award from the Headliners Foundation of Texas. Prior to this, she was recognized as the 2019 Indiana Photographer of the Year during her tenure at the Evansville Courier & Press.
Owens maintains a meticulous pre-game routine, akin to professional athletes. Arriving hours before tip-off, she meticulously sets up her equipment, verifies technology for rapid image transmission, captures pre-game shots, and ensures she's fueled for the long haul. Throughout the games, she continuously transmits her photographs.
Just days before Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio, Owens contemplated crucial logistical questions: whether she would secure her usual courtside position or be assigned a more distant spot, a decision impacting her equipment choices. She also pondered if New York celebrities, known for their fervent support of the Knicks, would travel to San Antonio as they did for the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland. Despite the demanding playoff schedule and a recent head cold, Owens looks forward to sharing her accumulated wisdom and insights with future newcomers to the field, regardless of their gender, once the 2026 NBA Finals conclude.
The growing representation of women in sports photography not only enriches the visual narratives of athletic events but also challenges long-standing gender stereotypes within the industry. The increasing visibility and recognition of talented female photojournalists like Sam Owens and her peers inspire a new generation to pursue their passions, proving that dedication and skill transcend traditional boundaries. This progress signifies a more inclusive and dynamic future for sports media, where diverse perspectives are celebrated and championed.