As we take a pause in WSL action for the first time this season with the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Subway League Cup and a pending International break, it is important to look back at an iconic moment for female photography that happened two game weeks ago that created history.
On the weekend of 4th October, every Getty Images photographer at a Barclays Women’s Super League and Women’s Super League 2 game was female.
Getty Images, the WSL’s official photography partner, is on a mission to improve representation in every level of the game, including its photographers. Speaking on the landmark occasion, one of Beyond the Pitch’s talented photographers, Charlotte Briggs had this to say on the landmark weekend:
“It made me feel recognised and seen as a female sports photographer in a very male dominated industry. I think it’s very important to platform female sports photographers in order to show more young women and girls that there is a place for them in this industry.”
This marks a truly significant step in a stereotypically, more male dominated environment and is a homage to the ‘if you can see it, you can be it’ that has so often been associated with women’s football.
The significance of looking at any Getty Images pictures from that game week, and knowing that it was all females behind the goal with cameras, can only be a good thing when it comes to inspiring the next generation of budding media professionals.
Charlotte Tattersall, was at Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea and Sheffield United v Ipswich Town, spoke about the true emotion of capturing a goal celebration, such as the shot of Anna Sandberg following her superb leveller against Chelsea.
“I loved capturing Sandberg’s goal celebration. It’s such an honour to be pitch side to capture these moments.”
Morgan Harlow, who was photographing at Leicester City v Everton, described the feeling of how it felt to capture content live at a WSL game.
“It was a wholesome moment to capture women supporting each other, no matter whether they’re on the opposing team or not.”
Finally, Jess Hornby who photographed the WSL2 clash between Birmingham City and Southampton, spoke about what capturing the WSL/WSL2 allows her to do.
“Photographing the WSL often provides the ability to capture different angles and more candid moments.”
This seems like a huge milestone for female photography, shattering the previously closed off ceiling and giving opportunities for people who truly deserve opportunities.
