The breadth of women’s sport in Australia has been captured in the variety of images that have been named today as finalists for the 2022 Women in Sport Photo Action Awards – #WISPAA.
The 2022 judges – Selina Steele, News Corp Head of Sport Partnerships at Newscorp, Cassie Trotter, Director of Editorial for Getty Images Asia Pacific and Michael Willson, Chief Photographer of the AFL, pored over hundreds of images to narrow down the best 15 amateur and 15 professional finalists.
Just like the previous three years of the women’s sport photography awards, the standard of both the amateur and professional categories was of a high calibre.
Cassie Trotter said the selection process wasn’t easy, but it highlighted the incredible variety of photos entered.
“The entries represented a variety of sports, and the quality was extremely high.”
“Ultimately, we were looking for images that showcase a photographer’s skill and ability to use light creatively and capture moments, but also meet the unique WISPA brief to celebrate images that highlight the athleticism, strength and skill of a woman or women participating in sport.”
In 2022, a new category was added for emerging photographers under 21, with a number of photographs entered by those up and coming in the industry.
The winners of each category will be announced on June 1, 2022 at the Women Sport Australia WISPAA Awards in Melbourne.
Sports captured by the finalists include: AFLW, Netball, Softball, Cricket, Gymnastics, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Surfing, Surf Boats, Water Polo, Tennis, Track & Field and Triathlon.
Women Sport Australia (WSA) conceived and launched #WISPAA in 2019 to help showcase Australia’s sportswomen as role models and leaders.
“It’s fantastic to see so many incredible images of women participating in and excelling in their sport,” said WSA President Gen Dohrmann. .
“We hope the strength, athleticism and skills captured will encourage women and girls to continue chasing their sporting goals.”
The amateur finalists (by photograph title, photographer name and state) are:
“Airborne” by David Layden (QLD)
“Emma Webb Charging Bells” by Katey Shearer (VIC)
“Extension” by Fred Enter (NSW)
“Hold or Offload” by Kev Nagle (QLD)
“Howzat” by Tarrant Yelds (QLD)
“It’s My Ball” by May Bailey (NSW)
“Living on the Edge” by Malcolm Trees (NSW)
“Michelle Heyman” by Megan Brewer (VIC)
“Mine” by Johan Schmidt (WA)
“Oh No You Don’t” by Nick Bamber (QLD)
“Seems So Easy” by Alexander Bogatyrev (VIC)
“Something to Crow About” by Phillip Barnes (WA)
“Strength vs Determination” by David Layden (QLD)
“Two Wheel Royalty” by Gavin Scene (NSW)
“Wallaroo Bound” by Kev Nagle (QLD)
The professional finalists (by photograph title, photographer name and state) are:
“A Flare for Winning” by Stef Hanson (VIC)
“A Hairy Tackle” by Dylan Burns (VIC)
“All Star Yeehaw” by Mark Kolbe (NSW)
“Determination” by Quinn Rooney (VIC)
“Diving Catch” by Robert Cianflone (VIC)
“Fingertip pitching” by Ryan Schembri (SA)
“It’s Not Over” Matt King (NSW)
“Jamie Kah” by Scott Barbour (VIC)
“Jumping Shadows” by Robert Cianflone (VIC)
“Kyra Checker Header” by Daniel Pockett (VIC)
“Lightning Strike” by Matt King (NSW)
“Mikkaela Ruef” by Marl Evans (NSW)
“Mine” by Daniel Pockett (VIC)
“Over the Top” by Robert Cianflone (VIC)
“You Bet She Dig” by Nicci Grace (QLD)
The winners will be announced on Wednesday 1 June. News Corp are running an online People’s Choice Award competition which will be announced shortly.
You can download images showing all the professional finalists and amateur finalists here.
Publication of the images must carry this credit: Courtesy of Women Sport Australia and #WISPAA.
You can also view all the finalists’ images on Women Sport Australia’s website and social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
#WISPAA is a product of Women Sport Australia, the peak national advocacy body for women in sport.