The Women in Sport Photo Action Awards (WISPAA) aims to bring female photographers to the forefront.
With the focus of the awards on women in action in their sport of choice, it also provides an opportunity to highlight those behind the lens.
Since its inception, 13 female photographers have been finalists with 29 of their photos making the final cut.
Casey Sims has twice taken out the amateur award, and says she has the best seats in the house to watch some of the best athletes in action – regardless of gender.
“[I’m] In a fortunate position with track and field compared to some sports where at the National Championships, the women and the men are viewed and celebrated equally.”
“It’s a privilege to be able to have the capacity to capture these moments and share them with the community.”
Like many aspects of the sports industry, female sports photographers feel they can be outnumbered on the sidelines.
But according to 2021 finalist professional photographer Daniela Tommasi, the passion and talent for what female photographers can do outweighs any statistics.
“Just like female athletes are outnumbered by men, the same is true for female sports photographers. To be recognised as a female sports photographer in a world dominated by men requires a lot of work and passion.”
While WISPAA began as a way to profile women in action on the field, it also now shines a spotlight on the women behind the lens, capturing historic moments in time.
“WISPAA and the attention it attracts is a great help to promote not only women in sports but the female photographers behind the cameras,” says Daniela.
2x finalist Casey Sims agrees that WISPAA helps bring talented photographers shots to the main stream.
“When you used to look at the back pages of newspapers, you’d rarely see images of women’s sport. WISPAA gives the opportunity to showcase images of female athletes captured at the peak of their performance, participating in sport just like the men do.”
“There aren’t many female sport photographers about and if there is someone [who] can see other female photographers on the sidelines capturing these athletes, hopefully they think they can do it too.”
Entries for WISPAA 2022 close on May 2 at womensportaustralia.com.au/wispaa
