An Interview With A Sports Photographer: Eli Carreño

Hi Eli! Could you tell readers about yourself? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in México in a city called Toluca

Did you play sports as a kid?

Yes, I used to practice swimming when I was a kid, and later in high school, I joined the football (soccer) team.

Where do you live now?

In México

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

The degree that I got from the University was in architecture.

I think you are the second photographer I've interviewed with an architecture degree.

Also, maybe is a tough topic, but I have the perception that some of us (female sports photographers) struggle with the feeling of not being enough for the field. Even though the spaces have been a little more inclusive one of the heaviest weights to carry is the impostor syndrome. I would like to know if you ever have talked about this with your coworkers and if is a topic in the industry.

You are correct. It's constant in this industry when you see people getting ahead and with less experience. What I try to keep in mind is that I do good work, I am a good person, and that some of those people just might "know the right person" or maybe shooting for next to nothing or free (which is not good for them or the industry, but people do it all of the time, unfortunately). What is most important is to know your worth and just put your head down and keep working hard. I know it's not a fun answer but it's what I have to remind myself to do. I have been photographing sports since 2013 and it's a grind, and it's hard to get hired. Some people have that one brand or event that loves them and keeps hiring them-- they are the lucky ones! I keep trying to make connections and be a good person and I hope that gets me where I want to be. Keep crushing it for all of the other ladies out there! :)

I seriously have so many conversations online and in person with other female photographers who report dealing with imposter syndrome. It's really common, sadly, but not surprisingly. When you look around, we often see male photographers, especially in sports. I feel like it's changing but it's still very heavily unbalanced in many spaces. It is an area I really want to see change. I hope by sharing our stories, we can show other girls and women that anyone can be a sports photographer.

How long have you been a photographer? When did you start?

I started sports photography in 2022. Before that, most of my work was about architecture photography.

Awesome, that sounds fun. What was your first “pro” camera?

An Olympus OMD

What camera(s) do you currently shoot with?

Canon R8

Another Canon girlie! There are a lot of Canon lovers out in our field of photography.

What makes a “professional photographer” in your opinion?

I think that every person is constantly learning and researching new techniques and views. Also, when you put an amount of economic value into the work you are doing and when you specialize in certain areas.   

I agree with you there. What was your first paid photography gig?

It was for the birthday of a family member.

What was your first paid sports photography gig?

A functional fitness competition.

What was one of your favorite events/competitions/games/matches that you shot?

The world's functional fitness in Sonora, México, and local competitions where you can meet athletes that are beginning their path in the sport.

That sounds really cool, I've not heard of the world's functional fitness, so I'll have to check that out.

Do you do your own photo editing? Do you like photo editing?

Yes, I think the process of editing is just as important as the photo itself. I like the photo editing; however, I consider myself a beginner in that area.

What photography jobs do you have coming up that you are excited about?

A training camp for a coach, I have never done that kind of work so I am excited about the new things that I can learn about and the new content.

What kinds of non-sports-related photo jobs do you take?

Architecture photography for colleagues.

What is a topic related to photography in general, or more specifically sports photography, that you are passionate about?

I think the sport in general is an opportunity to reach equality in terms of gender, race, and social class. Sports photography opens the door to new ways of representation and narratives about certain disciplines; in my case, I am very interested in how the female body has been represented in sports and the importance and responsibility that the media has in the approaching of images. 

I agree with you 100% on this and this area has been an interest of mine as well, since college. I can't remember the name of the course, but it involved learning about how women were portrayed in the media, especially sports media. It was fascinating and eye-opening.



Who were/are your mentors?

In terms of people who have taught me the technique and the profession closely, I would have to say @maurorider has been a great mentor. Also, there are some sports photographers that I consider inspiring because of the quality of their work and the experience they have, like Charlotte Foerschler, Ginnie Coleman, and you, Wendy that is opening spaces for building a true community of creators.

Thank you so much! Charlotte and Ginnie are awesome peers. I love working with them.

What would be an event/competition/game that you would love to shoot someday?

The CrossFit Games.

What sport have you not shot yet that you would love to shoot?

Female football (soccer).

Thank you so much for the interview, Eli Carreño! Readers, please follow @elisapato_ to continue to get updates on her work!

 ~ Wendy