Heather McLaughlin is setting an example for photographers and women across the globe as she became the first female photographer to shoot a WWE show ringside in Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for an all-female photo crew just days later in Kentucky. An ambitious woman, McLaughlin blazed her own trail by breaking down barriers in an industry often characterized by gender imbalance, becoming an inspiration to many. With her courage and determination, she has inspired countless others to take on challenges and pursue their dreams, regardless of obstacles. This post will explore McLaughlin’s journey to becoming a pro photographer with the WWE and how she navigated the challenges of being a woman in this traditionally male-centric industry.
WWE and Saudi Arabia Controversy
Since 2013, WWE has been performing shows in Saudi Arabia. The events have grown both in popularity and scale since then, leading up to the Crown Jewel event of 2022 – which was the event McLaughlin photographed. In a country where gender roles are clearly defined and women’s rights are limited, the presence of a female photographer was groundbreaking and sent a powerful message about inclusion.
WWE events in Saudi Arabia have been controversial for a variety of reasons, including the country’s restrictive policies and lack of gender equality. Heather’s presence as a photographer was groundbreaking, but there were other historic events taking place at the same time:
- For the first time in history, WWE held a Last Woman Standing match for the title at a premium live event in Saudi Arabia between Bianca Belair and Bayey.
- Bianca Belair became the first woman to compete in three different matches in Saudi Arabia.
- Aja Smith became the first Black woman to referee a match in Saudi Arabia.
WWE Photography
The expansive global photography division is dedicated to ensuring that the team can capture the essence of each event, while still meeting the client’s needs and expectations.
With an experienced team in place, WWE provides newer photographers with an extensive training program that covers everything from how to shoot their shows to what exactly they need to capture the perfect shot. With visual examples to follow, the ultimate goal is to document their product, while still taking into account the importance of talent, fan experience, and branding. As a result, the WWE’s photographers not only capture the excitement of the events but also help to tell the stories of the performers, the fans, and the brand as a whole.
Diversity in the Team
While the more experienced crew remains a vital part of the visual assets that WWE produces, management emphasizes the importance of offering opportunities to up-and-coming photographers as well. In fact, in the last four years alone, the company has more than doubled the size of its core photography group. For the team, the key is always to put together a roster that can work together effectively and deliver top-notch content to WWE fans.
The advice for up-and-coming photographers who are interested in shooting WWE events is to do your homework. Make a comprehensive list of all the things you should cover, including behind-the-scenes moments, studio portraits, pre-show tapings, sponsorship activations, celebrity attendance, crowds — both large and intimate, signage and branding, as well as the staff and crew. Additionally, it is crucial to practice at local, smaller shows to hone your skills. Remember to always tell a story and capture decisive moments to create a compelling narrative. With dedication and preparation, aspiring sports photographers can capture the magic and excitement of live events.
Meet Heather McLaughlin
Heather had always been drawn to the world of photography, and after completing a brief program after high school, she began honing her skills by assisting commercial photographers. It was during one of these gigs that Heather found herself working for a photographer who shot assignments for the WWE. Thanks to his introduction, Heather soon found herself assisting the staff photographer, eventually earning the opportunity to shoot assignments for the organization, too, becoming the first woman to ever shoot ringside for the WWE. It’s a testament to Heather’s hard work, focus, and talent that she’s able to capture such exciting moments in the wrestling world.
We asked Heather a few questions about her experiences with the WWE and how she felt about making history and breaking barriers. She told us she has had some amazing experiences working with the WWE, one of the most exciting aspects being the opportunity to travel around the world for shoots.
“Saudi Arabia was an unexpected opportunity that I never thought I would be able to take advantage of, so I was excited when I was hired this past November to shoot The Crown Jewel event in Riyadh,” she told us.
We were curious about her most memorable experience at The Crown Jewel and she shared, “I created an image of Logan Paul and Roman Reigns during their match that went viral and was highlighted in CNN’s 2022: The Year in Pictures.” That image was a huge accomplishment for Heather and only further cemented her place in the WWE’s history.
Of course, Heather is no stranger to breaking barriers — as the first female photographer to shoot ringside for the WWE, she has been paving the way for other women photographers ever since. Although there have been other women shooting ringside for the team since then, Heather is proud to have been a pioneer in her field.
The Challenges of Shooting WWE Events
We asked Heather what she finds most challenging about photographing live WWE events and she told us that shooting ringside is potentially very dangerous, but she likes the challenge of having to stay on her toes at all times and be present in the moment. “I’ve been hit by folding chairs, TV monitors, stairs, and the wrestlers themselves. It’s all just part of the gig,” she said.
We asked Heather how she approaches getting the best shots at WWE live events, and what she looks for when shooting. She told us, “It’s a bit of a dance with the camera operators at the ring. It’s a television production first, so not getting in the way of their shot is important. With that in mind, I need to figure out where I can stand without getting in their way and without having them in my frame. I have been shooting these events for so long that I’ve learned to anticipate important moments and be quick on my feet.”
Heather’s Gear
Heather’s go-to gear kit includes Sony A9 bodies and a range of lenses including 24-70mm, 16-35mm, and 70-200mm. However, when it comes to gear, she says the importance of memory products cannot be overlooked. “Having memory cards that I trust won’t corrupt is very important so that I don’t lose an entire shoot. We switch out memory cards in between each match so I rotate with several cards during a show,” she told us. With reliable memory products by her side, she can focus on capturing every moment with confidence.
Her Advice for Aspiring Photographers
We wanted to know what advice Heather had for female photographers looking to make a mark in a field that is typically dominated by men. Heather has only one piece of advice — “The advice I would give to women is the same advice I’d give to men. Photography is a competitive field so be prepared to outwork everyone else.”
Final Thoughts
Heather McLaughlin is a true inspiration for aspiring photographers — not only for her amazing talent but also for her courage and determination to break barriers and make history. Along with the support of an organization that’s dedicated to inclusion, she has achieved the impossible and become the first female photographer to shoot ringside for WWE in Saudi Arabia. With her willingness to challenge the status quo and an unwavering commitment to excellence, there’s no telling what she might accomplish next. We look forward to seeing more of her work in the years to come!
