Jen Reagan
ATHLETE & PHOTOGRAPHER
In the world of sports, I have found my passion and place through a combination of athletic participation, photography, and a drive to succeed. As a student-athlete on Brockport's cross country and track teams, I am immersed in the competitive world of sports on a personal level. Alongside my athletic pursuits, I work as a sports photographer for Brockport Athletics and as a freelance photographer for D3GloryDays, capturing the moments that tell the unique stories of athletes. These roles have allowed me to combine my love for sports with my creative skills, and I am deeply involved in the sports community in ways that keep me connected both on and off the field.
My journey into this world began in high school when I was sidelined with an injury on my basketball team. Unable to compete physically, I brought my camera to practice and games, documenting my teammates and their efforts. This was where my passion for sports photography was born, and my internal drive to succeed in the field has been the most significant factor in my progress. I've always believed in pursuing opportunities, no matter how small, and my love for sports and respect for athletes fuels this determination. What motivates me the most, both in sports and photography, is the team dynamic—the idea that I am working not only for myself but for my teammates and everyone who supports me. This sense of commitment and selflessness has played a key role in my development as an athlete and a professional.
Throughout my journey, I've found inspiration in those who have walked similar paths. I look up to the women photographers who have come before me and those I work alongside. Their work not only inspires me but also reassures me that my dreams are possible. They are trailblazers in a field where women are often underrepresented, and their success offers hope and motivation for my own career. Moreover, I draw strength from my teammates, whose dedication to their craft and their sacrifices for the team inspire me to push through challenges. We all work together with a shared goal—to become better athletes and better individuals—and this unity is something I deeply admire.
Balancing the many facets of my life has been a significant challenge. As a student with a demanding college workload, combined with my roles in athletics, sports photography, and my pursuit of becoming a certified teacher, there are moments when it feels overwhelming. Being in a male-dominated field like photography, especially sports photography, has its challenges too. While I haven't faced extreme adversity, I am aware of the hurdles that come with being a woman in the industry. Despite these challenges, I remain focused on the bigger picture, always reminding myself that each opportunity I take on is part of a greater purpose. I have learned to prioritize and manage my time effectively, finding balance amidst the chaos and staying true to my passion and goals.
One of my proudest achievements is managing to juggle the multiple commitments in my life. It takes immense dedication to succeed as a student-athlete, a photographer, and a future educator, and I am proud of the way I’ve learned to navigate these roles. My growth in sports photography is another accomplishment I hold dear. Building my brand and gaining recognition in the field has opened doors to incredible opportunities, including photographing national championships and working alongside talented peers. These experiences have been some of the most rewarding of my college career, and they have allowed me to forge lasting connections and friendships that will stay with me throughout my life.
Looking ahead, my ambitions are centered on working in professional sports. There are several paths I would love to take, including securing a contract with a brand to create content for them and their affiliated teams, particularly in the world of professional running. While the structure of professional running can be complex, with training groups and sponsorships changing over time, the opportunity to merge my passion for photography and athletics with a brand would be a dream come true. Alternatively, I would love to work for organizations in the WNBA, NBA, or MLB, following in the footsteps of my experiences with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the Northwoods League last summer. The energy of the sports industry is something I find exhilarating, and it’s a world I’d love to be a part of. Additionally, I have my sights set on the 2028 LA Olympics, where I will do everything in my power to secure a spot as a credentialed photographer, capturing the energy and excitement of the world’s greatest athletic event.
As I look forward to the future, I am hopeful for the continued progress of women in sports. I envision a future where women are empowered in all areas—whether through broadcasting, content creation, leadership roles in sports organizations, or photography. The women who are currently shaping the landscape of sports are paving the way for the next generation, showing young women that they belong in these spaces and that they too can chase their dreams. The more women who step into these roles, the more the industry will evolve and embrace diversity.
Going forward, I plan to use teaching as a stabilizing force in my career while continuing to build my portfolio and freelance during the summers. I will remain committed to my sports photography career, with aspirations to work in professional or college sports, depending on location and opportunities. While my future may hold many moving parts, the constant will be my dedication to hard work, my passion for sports, and my unwavering pursuit of my dreams. Through perseverance, focus, and a relentless drive, I am confident I will continue to make strides toward achieving my professional and personal goals.
