“I Can Do That. I WILL Do That.”: Nadia Zamoida on Finding Her Place in Sports Photography
Nadia, thanks for joining us at Rafters Collective! First off, how did your interest in photography begin? What drew you to sports photography?
Being from New England, I’ve been a huge fan of its sports for a long time, especially the Boston Bruins. In 2013, my sophomore year of high school, my dad snuck me out of school one day and brought me to my first-ever Boston Bruins practice down in Wilmington, MA. I was dealing with a lot of issues with my mental health at the time, and my dad saw the perfect opportunity to get out and escape the chaos for a bit. I brought along my Coolpix digital camera, and I was taking so many pictures at practice. I even met the Bruins beat reporter at the time.
I left the building afterward knowing that I wanted to be a part of sports media as a photographer because being at that practice took me to a completely different world where there was excitement and some hope. However, life took a lot of turns for me, but once I was able to purchase my first camera back in 2023, I started reaching out to local teams. I love being able to capture the excitement and passion that these athletes have for what they do, whether it be through candid moments, action shots, goal celebrations, or championship celebrations. It all captures a story for me and continues to take me to that world of escapism. Being on the field or at the rink now just brings me back to that first Bruins practice I went to, where this dream all started. I wish I still had those pictures.
Is there an image you’ve taken that has stayed with you? What’s the story behind it?
Photo by Nadia Zamoida
I took this photo when the University of Minnesota Men’s Lacrosse team played Iowa State in the MCLA Conference Tournament in April of 2026. I had been trying for a long time to get a clear and crisp shot of this type of goal celebration. Almost every single one I’d taken in the past had been out of focus. I was able to get a couple of clear shots but this one is probably my favorite I’ve ever taken. Photos like this prove to me that I’m capable of capturing some pretty surreal moments in sports.
I love that photo! Do you have any influences as a sports photographer?
I have so many, but there’s a group of fellow college club hockey photographers that I talk to a lot who have produced amazing photos, given some great advice, and shared their experiences. They have helped me build my own confidence in my work, and I am extremely grateful. In addition, I find a lot of inspiration in seeing other female photographers in action whenever I’m at a professional sporting event, like a football game or hockey game. Seeing them at work motivates me to work harder on my own photography because I know that it’s always possible that I could be doing what they’re doing someday.
Speaking of female photographers, what has your experience been like working as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field?
This is tough. I’ve luckily had very positive experiences for the most part. But I’m going to be real—it can be extremely intimidating and sometimes isolating. However, when I was getting ready to leave my apartment to go shoot my first-ever college club lacrosse practice (and first sports-related event ever), I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t let my fears and social anxiety ruin this journey for me—ESPECIALLY because I’m entering a creative world where men make up a higher portion of it than women.
I came into this to, yes, make the athletes I work with happy, but I was also doing this to make myself happy, to allow myself to be creative, and to make a mark on the sports world with my work. I’ve been very lucky to have been able to work with the same couple of teams since 2023, as they’ve helped me build that confidence and comfort within myself and the work I do.
I’m also extremely grateful for all of the fellow female creators I’ve met online or in person who share the same experiences. It’s a breath of fresh air and serves as a reminder of what we are capable of as women in the creative media field.
What do you hope to see with the next generation of women sports photographers?
I hope to see female sports photographers who aren’t afraid to push the limits and do exciting new things with their work. I hope to see the next generation look at current women in sports photography and immediately say, “I can do that. I WILL do that.” I hope the next generation is able to express their creativity and do their work without having to constantly question their own potential, their talent, or their worth in the industry.