Do You Really Belong Here? Being a Female Sports Photographer in a Male-Dominated Industry

Do You Really Belong Here?
Being a Female Sports Photographer in a Male Dominated Industry

By Amee Freeman

“Do You Really Belong Here?”

That’s a question I’ve asked myself countless times over the course of my photography career—and in nearly every creative endeavour I’ve pursued.

I’ve found myself drawn to sports photography. After years of shooting food, restaurants, events, and lifestyle content, I discovered a different kind of rush. The dopamine hit after a challenging day of snowboarding and photography rivalled any other feeling of gratification I’d experienced after a shoot. To put it simply, I fell in love with capturing moments that demanded not just creative skill but physical effort. The sweat, the focus, the grit—it all became part of the story I was telling through my lens.

Being a woman in the male-dominated field of sports photography can be an internal battle of passion and perseverance. It feels like a constant balancing act—not just proving your skills as a photographer, but also your physical strength and ability.

A huge challenge for me has been putting myself out there—finding the confidence to claim my place in a space where so many others are just as capable, if not more so. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, to question your worth.

They call it imposter syndrome, but it feels more like a shadow—always there, whispering doubts, questioning your place. It tells you that your successes are luck, your skills are insufficient, and that one day, someone will pull back the curtain and reveal the fraud you secretly fear you are. For women, particularly in physically demanding professions like sports photography, this shadow can feel larger. It’s not just self-doubt; it’s the weight of stereotypes and expectations that amplify it.

I often catch myself wondering: Why did they choose me? Why not someone who can lift heavier gear, run faster, hike further, snowboard better? These questions come unbidden, a chorus of insecurities.

But let me be clear—I’m not here to push the ‘woe is me’ narrative. I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with incredible creatives—both men and women—who inspire me, offer advice and constructive criticism, and lift me up when I need it most. Without these people, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve come to truly believe that there are equal opportunities for men and women—when you’re in the right space, surrounded by the right people.

I believe being a woman in the sports photography industry offers an exciting and invaluable perspective that challenges traditional narratives. Whether it’s uncovering untold stories, capturing raw emotion, or shining a light on underrepresented athletes, women bring something truly unique to the field.

I had the privilege of being part of a grassroots snowboarding event in Aotearoa, New Zealand, called She’ll Be Right. This event creates opportunities for girls, women, and non-binary participants who might not have otherwise had the chance to get in front of or behind the lens. It provides a safe, empowering environment where emerging sports photographers can showcase their talent, and athletes and riders can do the same. By giving these individuals a platform, She’ll Be Right fosters a community of support and encouragement that is vital for anyone struggling with self-doubt or battling the challenges of breaking into the industry.

This event reignited my love for photography and reminded me why I do it. It’s not just about the images—it’s about the stories behind them. It’s about how each person’s journey led them to that moment, and the privilege of capturing that journey is ultimately what drives me.

I am learning to turn my voice of doubt into a reminder of my strength. I’ll stop apologising for being here and start celebrating it. I need to remind myself that this space belongs to anyone willing to claim it.

The truth about imposter syndrome is that it never fully disappears. But neither does your strenght. As women in challenging fields, we are redefining what it means to succeed. We are proving that skill, grit, and vision know no gender. To any woman standing on the sidelines of her dream, doubting her place, I say this: you do belong here.

About Amee Freeman

Amee Freeman is a photographer based in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and was the photographer for our New Zealand 2024 running experience.

She grew up in a small beach town in Tasmania/lutruwita. Amee began her career in media and photography, working for a small production company on food TV programs in Australia. In 2019, she moved to Queenstown, NZ, where she fell in love with the mountains. After a hiatus from photography, she quickly rediscovered her passion for it, inspired by the stunning landscapes of NZ and a supportive community. While she will always cherish her roots in food photography, her focus has shifted to sports photography, reconnecting with sport and running after her years of track experience.

You can learn more about Amee’s work at a meefreeman.com and connect with her on instagram @ameefreemanphotography