The 15% Rule: Why I Shoot the Way I Do
Sydney Kosa (Olympia High School) dominates the track. Her photos should communicate that.
Built into the fabric of my business is a conscious decision regarding the media coverage of women. I have a mission to take more photos of the girls' races at every event I attend. Is this unfair to the boys? I don’t think so. In fact, seeing as girls and women receive only 15% of total sports media coverage, I’m just trying to balance the scale.
A visual representation of the current media landscape: The purple overlay obscures 85% of the frame, illustrating the massive gap in coverage for women's sports.
SECURE THE 85%
The media ignores 85% of female athletics. We don't.
My lens is dedicated to closing the coverage gap. I treat every heat, every race, and every athlete with the cinematic intensity they deserve. See the difference equity makes.
This was a trend I recognized immediately, both as a sports fan and a photographer. When I started documenting races, I realized I had an obligation to use my platform to elevate women.
To that end, I have a personal "Rule Book" for how I shoot. It applies to all gender identities, but it is especially critical when photographing young women and girls:
1. No "Bad" Photos
If an athlete is making a weird face, landing awkwardly on their lead leg, or just having an unflattering split-second moment—that photo gets trashed immediately. No exceptions.
Catherine Harju (Stadium High School) poses for a shot during a photo shoot at Puget Sound University.
2. The "Optics" Check
I always ask: Is this a photo someone might tease you about? It doesn’t matter how much I love the composition or the light; if the answer is "maybe," it doesn’t get posted. If I’m unsure, I ask my wife. She doesn’t mess around—if she says no, it goes.
A pack of distance runners led by Sloan Dickson at the WIAA State Track & Field Championship
3. Respecting the Low Points
I believe tough moments are part of the journey, but they must be handled with dignity. Last season, I captured an athlete crying after a hard race. I had people get annoyed with me for taking it, but those photos were never for the public. I sent them to the athlete in a private gallery because that emotion is part of their story. You will not find them in my portfolio or archive. I will never allow my work to be used to make fun of an athlete.
A high school athlete smiles while standing on the start line at the WIAA State Track & Field Championship
4. The Critique Policy
I am always open to removing an image. I have only had one athlete ask me to take a photo down, and I did so without hesitation. I wondered why, but I reminded myself: It’s none of my business. Agency belongs to the athlete.
The Olympia High School girls cross-country team celebrates their second place finish at the WIAA State Championship.
I try to disperse my coverage evenly, but there is a reason I do what I do. It is part of my brand and mission to elevate those who are systematically underrepresented.
The Bigger Picture
Today, on National Girls & Women in Sports Day, I want to congratulate every athlete who has stepped onto the turf, field, court, or track. It takes bravery to compete knowing that, statistically, 85% of the time your efforts will be ignored by major media. But if I am around, I will do everything I can to make you look like the hero you are.
Lil Desler (Sehome High School) soaks in the moment while catching her breath at the finishing area of NXN.
However, celebration isn't enough. As I write this, Title IX is under attack and sports equity has become a civil rights battle. Trans inclusion has become a volatile friction point, but my stance is clear: Trans women are women and should compete as such.
The Noise vs. The Focus. Last year, Veronica Garcia faced protests and vitriol just for stepping onto this track. The noise on the sidelines was loud, but her performance was louder. She didn't just compete; she won. This is what bravery looks like in spikes.
The inequalities don't stop there. Girls who come from low-income backgrounds and minority ethnicities are significantly less likely to be active than their peers. By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. The transition from middle to high school is monumental in a girl's life.
Adding a bit of care, showing appreciation, and elevating them through photography is my way of keeping them in the race.
Visualizing the Void: A graphic representation of the participation gap that widens significantly during adolescence.
Women's Sports Resources & Media
The "Culture & Aesthetic" Peers
- Togethxr: Founded by Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Sue Bird, and Simone Manuel. Where culture, lifestyle, and activism converge.
- Glorious Sport: A digital magazine focusing on the art and culture of women's sport. High-fashion editorial aesthetic.
- Just Women's Sports (JWS): Clean, professional coverage focused on making athletes look like rockstars.
- Indivisa: Women's soccer culture with a distinct street-style aesthetic.
The "Running & Track" Authorities
- Fast Women: The "bible" for women’s distance running news. Deeply feminist and critical of systemic failures.
- Voice in Sport: A community platform pairing young female athletes with pro mentors. Focuses on mental health and body image.
- Trail Sisters: Focuses on safety, equity, and community for women in off-road running.
Advocacy & Deep Dives
- Power Plays: A newsletter by Lindsay Gibbs investigating the business and sexism of sports.
- The GIST: Sports news with a witty, feminist voice. Excellent summaries of complex equity issues.
- Burn It All Down: An intersectional feminist and anti-racist sports podcast.
Class of 2026/27:
Define Your Legacy
You've put in the miles. You've earned the scars. Don't settle for generic "yearbook" photos. Book a senior session that captures the grit and the glory of your high school career.
INITIALIZE SENIOR OPS