Women worldwide have worked hard for decades to break down barriers and prove they can do anything men can. So when the historic announcement came that an all-female photo crew would be shooting a WWE event for the first time in Louisville, Kentucky, it was a dramatic and inspiring step forward in female empowerment — no matter your views on sports entertainment. It’s an incredible achievement, not only for female professionals everywhere but also for fans who have seen firsthand how powerful representation within any industry can be. Women photographers and photo editors made this milestone possible, showcasing their talents by creating strong visuals to capture every moment of WWE’s history-making broadcast. Read on to explore what went into making history with this all-female crew!
Breaking barriers: An all-female crew covers the WWE event in Louisville
History was made on November 14th, 2022 when WWE RAW descended upon Louisville, Kentucky. For the first time ever, an all-female photography team was working the event. This team of trailblazers shattered gender stereotypes and proved that women can excel in the male-dominated world of sports photography. Comprised of two talented photographers, Georgiana Dallas and Andrea Kellaway, the team also included the skillful eye of photo editor, Julia Robinson. Their unique perspectives and artistic talents came together to capture the electrifying energy and excitement of the night in stunning detail. This landmark moment is a testament to the power of determination and serves as an inspiration to women everywhere who are breaking barriers and chasing their dreams.
We had the opportunity to chat with each of these talented women. From their career paths to the gear they rely on, they opened up and shared invaluable insights into the world of sports photography.
The power of diversity: Bringing fresh perspectives to sports photography
The all-female crew that covered WWE RAW in Louisville was as diverse and talented as they come. Georgiana Dallas has a BFA in Photography and brings superior technical experience to the table. She’s worked with the WWE since she graduated college, working her way up from photographing merchandise to working live events.
Andrea Kellaway got her start as a successful commercial photographer in Canada, though she always had her goals set on shooting for the WWE.
And Julia Robinson got her start working for newspapers across the United States. Her background in photojournalism gave her a unique insight into visual documentation, making her the perfect choice for the photo editor role.
The team’s collective experience and diversity of backgrounds allowed them to see the action from different angles, while simultaneously creating a cohesive visual narrative. This unique combination of creative perspectives breathed life into the event’s photographs, adding an extra layer of emotion that can only be achieved through collaboration.
Before we dive into to the WWE RAW event, we were interested to hear what some of the most memorable events they’ve covered where, and why they were significant.
Photographer Georgiana Dallas told us, “The events that stick with me the most are the community events. The most special, true, and pure moments between talent and fans happen at these events. Being able to witness the joy on someone’s face, whether it be a child or a grown adult while they meet their hero, is so amazing. It’s hard to put into words. I can’t tell you the number of times these moments have brought tears to my eyes. When you’re witnessing these events, it becomes so clear that it’s about so much more than just wrestling. The mission really is about putting smiles on people’s faces, and nobody does it better than our superstars. It’s really an honor to get to be in the same room capturing these incredible moments.”
Andrea Kellaway told us she was most proud of shooting the RAW event in Kentucky for a few reasons — “We had WWE’s first-ever all-women’s photography crew. It was a dream come true to be a small part of WWE photography history.”
The creative process: Capturing the most amazing shots of the event
From discussing their go-to gear to how they seek out unique angles, it was fascinating to hear how each woman approaches her art. The most striking detail we discovered was their ability to capture moments that truly convey the energy and spirit of the event. They are true artists, carefully curating their shots through a deliberate process.
When asked about her creative process, Kellaway told us, “Before I even pick up the camera I like to ask myself ‘What is the image’s purpose? What is it for, and where is it going to go?’ It could be for advertising, social media, web galleries, blogs, print media, etcetera. All of those serve different purposes and bring on many different creative options. What am I trying to say or communicate with the viewer? I like to take images that let the viewer have an emotional response to the image while telling the story of the person or event I am photographing.”
And in response to the same question, Dallas said, “I actually have a very unique job within WWE that nobody else has. While I am mostly a photographer, I am also a photo editor. When I am a photo editor, I am working on requests for multiple departments within WWE, pulling photos for presentations, press releases, galleries, etcetera. Since I work on these requests, I am very familiar with the images that are of high value, images that are constantly used, and constantly searched for. Often when I am shooting shows, I am thinking and shooting specifically for these requests. Now I am not saying that every image I shoot is to fulfill a request, but I do find that having this insider knowledge is very helpful.”
Overcoming challenges: The determination and resilience of the all-female crew
We were curious about how each of the women prepared for the historic night. What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them?
Kallaway told us, “As prepared as I was when I started with WWE, nothing can prepare you 100% for shooting on live TV with WWE. That is in the unique experience that you can only learn here. And I’ve learned to expect the unexpected, and enjoy the adrenaline rush.”
She continued, “Shooting ringside can be very challenging. As a photographer, you need to be aware of the action happening inside the ring as well as being mindful of the crew working alongside you ringside. You need to be able to think fast, move quickly, and anticipate all while capturing amazing content.
I think one of the biggest challenges we face as photographers is that we are taking images of a live television show, and sometimes you have to sacrifice a shot or an angle so that the television crew can get the shot or angle. Our purpose is to take exciting images that support a television product.”
Photo Editor Julia Robinson explained, “The challenges we face change from night to night. Sometimes we have equipment malfunctions or interruptions in our internet connection that can back up the entire workflow. The photo editor is typically the only team member who has time to fix a problem with a remote camera or grab a backup from backstage. We support the photographers on the floor with anything they might need to keep documenting the action whether that’s a battery, a lens, Tylenol, or a snack. The WWE has a wonderful teamwork ethic so being flexible and asking for help will overcome almost any problem.”
Clearly, these women aren’t intimidated by a little adversity. Their determination and resilience is the reason that they were able to break barriers and prove that women can excel in sports photography. Their hard work paid off and their photos from the WWE event didn’t just capture remarkable moments — they made history.
Staying ahead of the curve: Mastering new trends and technologies in sports photography
The world of sports photography is rapidly changing, with new technologies and trends appearing every day. The all-female crew shared their tips for mastering these changes so they can stay ahead of the curve.
Kellaway explained, “I am on an advisory board of the college I went to. It is helpful for them to hear from the industry about what we are looking for in a teammate, as well as the struggles we are facing as a community. It is also great for me to listen, and hear what others are experiencing. I stay in touch with other working professionals in the photography industry, attend as many seminars as I can, and do a lot of online studying.”
She continued, “I try to challenge myself every time I go to work. The team I work with is amazingly creative. We chat every week about techniques we want to try. We are constantly helping each other explore and create.”
Dallas says she’s lucky to work with a large team of photographers and editors who are so well-versed in the latest technology. “I give all the credit to them for keeping me relatively current with the latest technology. Everything I learn is from them.”
And Robinson told us, “I look to others, more experienced colleagues to keep up with new trends and technology. If there’s a faster, more efficient way to get through a three-hour live show, I am always on board to learn. WWE has hired the best in the industry to streamline our process and innovate new ways to capture great images.”
Get inspired: Advice for women pursuing a career in sports photography
Hearing from each of these talented women, you can’t help but feel inspired. Their passion for capturing a moment is undeniable, and their dedication to their craft is admirable. When we asked for their advice for other young women on pursuing a career in photography or sports photography specifically, each of them had something unique to offer:
Andrea Kellaway said, “If you really want to work in sports photography, do it. Surround yourself with people in the industry you want to work in. Immerse yourself in the industry, take every opportunity given to you, and do it to the best of your ability. Be kind to everyone. Don’t give anyone a reason to say no to you. And no matter how many people tell you to give up, don’t listen.”
Georgina Dallas told us, “I actually receive a ton of emails from people looking to get into the industry, wondering how I got to where I am and how they can do the same. What I consistently tell anyone who is looking to get into this business is that you need to start with a foundation. Build a portfolio that reflects the type of work you are looking to do. I personally think a digital portfolio is best, so it’s always accessible. Practice as much as you can. The work truly never ends, and there is always room for learning and improvement. Don’t be afraid to fail. You will learn more from your failures than your successes. Put yourself out there, and build a network of connections. Networking is key when it comes to finding work. A lot of the time, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Any opportunity to learn and practice your skills will only make you better.”
And Julia Robinson said, “There are many paths into the industry, so don’t be daunted if one avenue seems closed to you at the moment. Start by being a photographer, or at least consume great photography and have an advanced understanding of camera equipment. Reach out to local sports teams, newspapers, wire agencies, and anyone who might have an internship, job shadowing, or even a mentor who’d be willing to work with you. If you are going the college route, join your campus newspaper or athletics department photo team. Be persistent and try not to take any setbacks as a reflection of your self-worth. Keep an eye on the annual photo awards programs to see what the best in the field are doing. Some of these programs, like POYi, offer a live stream of the judging process where you can see a ton of great photography and hear the judges talk about why they reward one picture over another.”
Final thoughts: Breaking barriers and inspiring others
The world of sports photography has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but the all-female crew that covered the WWE event in Louisville, Kentucky, has made history by demonstrating that women are more than capable of excelling in this field. Andrea Kellaway, Julia Robinson, and Georgiana Dallas embody strength, creativity, and determination, and their achievement has opened new doors for future generations of women in sports photography. To create a more inclusive and diverse society, let’s continue to support and promote gender equality in all industries. Together, we can celebrate talented women like Andrea, Julia, and Georgiana who are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more equitable future.
