Philadelphia Inquirer
Editorial Sports Photography
Editorial sports photography combines the excitement of athletic competition with the storytelling power of photojournalism. This portfolio showcases images and stories that capture defining moments, emotional reactions, and the people behind the game. Through a documentary approach, Margo Reed creates visual narratives that go beyond the final score. Her work highlights the dedication, passion, and perseverance of athletes and teams.
In 2023, Maddy Siegrist broke the all-time scoring record in Villanova Basketball history. Her success at Villanova led directly to a record-breaking season and a place in the WNBA. Through this editorial sports photography project, I documented Maddy, her coach, and her team throughout the season. The goal was to tell the story behind one of the most accomplished careers in Villanova athletics.
The Art of Editorial Sports Photography
This series follows Maddy’s final season with the Wildcats. It begins with her cementing a place in Villanova Basketball history. The project also introduces the coach and teammates who helped shape her success. From there, it follows the team through the Big East Tournament and concludes with WNBA Draft Day in New York.
Great editorial sports photography is about more than action. It captures emotion, personality, and the moments that make sports meaningful. Some of the most powerful images happen away from the spotlight. Celebrations, anticipation, and quiet reflection can tell just as much of the story as the game itself.
I worked as a one-woman band throughout this project. That approach offered major advantages for both access and storytelling. Working alone helped create an environment where subjects felt comfortable and relaxed. It also allowed me to move quickly and adapt as events unfolded.
For much of the season, I worked from the floor with a monopod, audio mixer, and two microphones. This setup allowed me to capture high-quality audio while staying mobile. I could respond quickly to changing situations and document authentic moments as they happened.
The finished project combines editorial sports photography with video storytelling. It celebrates athletic achievement, teamwork, and determination. It also provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most memorable seasons in Villanova Basketball history. More importantly, it tells the story of the people who made that season possible.
You can read more about the one-woman band approach, its benefits, and its challenges in an upcoming blog post. You can also watch the complete series and read additional reporting about Maddy Siegrist and her journey to the WNBA through the related coverage linked below.
