Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Gilmore.

Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My name is Katie Gilmore, and my story begins long before I was born. I was adopted by a single mother who has given so much to ensure I have every opportunity to succeed. Growing up, I was always fascinated by my mom’s digital point-and-shoot cameras. She often said I had an eye for creativity and making things look good, and that’s where my passion for photography began.

In high school, I received my first “real” camera, a Nikon D3500, and joined the yearbook staff for all four years, eventually becoming an editor. One of my yearbook advisors assigned us a photography project that changed everything for me. I discovered my love for responding to a creative prompt in my own unique way. My senior year was particularly special as I had the opportunity to design and oversee the creation of two yearbooks.

A pivotal moment in my journey came last year when I completed my first sports internship with the Norfolk Tides. It was during this time that I realized my deep passion for photography and creative services, especially in the sports industry. I gained invaluable experience, learned from amazing mentors, and grew both professionally and personally.

Currently, I’m pursuing a dual degree in psychology and communications (advertising/PR) and will graduate in May 2025. Alongside my studies, I work part-time at my university, holding positions in both the Graduate School of Education and the Athletics Department. Over the past three years, I’ve gained experience as a Graduate Assistant in Education and two years in Athletics, which has allowed me to combine my passions for creativity, sports, and academia.

Looking ahead, I’m hope to continue working full-time in the sports industry. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people in the community who have been supportive, and I’m eager for what the future holds.

One of my long-term goals is to merge my passion for sports with my interest in psychology, particularly in the realm of marketing, through a graduate program. I would love to explore how psychological principles can enhance fan engagement, athlete branding, and sports marketing strategies. By combining these two fields, I believe I can contribute to building more meaningful connections between athletes, teams, and their audiences.

Long story short, I know my journey is just beginning, and I’m excited for the opportunities and challenges that the next few years will bring.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

In terms of obstacles and challenges, I would say that my journey has been relatively smooth overall. While I’ve faced some personal struggles, I believe what’s more important is how we respond to them. Everyone encounters challenges in life, and I see them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. These challenges, though difficult at times, are often meant to shape us into the people we are meant to become. The way I choose to respond to adversity has played a significant role in shaping my resilience and determination.

A personal anecdote I’d like to share is that I faced a life-changing medical diagnosis in high school. Hearing the news was devastating, as I was told that everything I loved to do might no longer be possible. It felt like my world had been turned upside down. However, it was in that difficult moment that I learned the true importance of perseverance and adapting to change. I was surrounded by my friends and family as I learned to rely fully on God. This experience taught me that, in hindsight, major life challenges often become minor setbacks. I learned how to adjust, find new paths forward, and live a fully rewarding life despite the obstacles.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I consider myself a sports photographer, and while I may not have a dozen seasons of experience, I’ve found my true passion in capturing the energy and emotion of sports. My focus is on sports photography and creative media within the sports world. Whether it’s action shots, behind-the-scenes moments, or team branding, I specialize in telling the visual stories that make sports so compelling.

While I wouldn’t say I’m “known” for anything just yet, I’m in the process of developing my own style. I focus on capturing those “money shots,” honing in on the intensity of the action. At the same time, I strive to bring a fresh perspective by exploring unique angles and moments that others might overlook.

During my internship with the Norfolk Tides, one of the players referred to me as “the girl that runs around”. I would definitely say that is endearing and would agree 100%. I developed a systematic approach to photographing games, both during the day and throughout the week. My routine always started in the visiting dugout, then moved to the stands, up to the roof, through the crowd, and ended the night back in our dugout.

Depending on the promotions and events for the week, I would mentally plan out what I wanted to capture, while also keeping in mind what my boss wanted me to focus on. It’s also important to remember that your photos might be used in a graphic or other creative forms, which is always a cool part of the process!

My goal is to showcase sports in a way that feels both dynamic and original, giving fans and viewers a fresh look at the moments that make the game unforgettable.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?

Great question! I see the creative and marketing world in sports shifting in subtle yet impactful ways. I actually have the opportunity to study and research technology and advertising in my courses right now, so I love this question.

As we’ve seen, the use of technology and AI in sports photography and media is growing rapidly. For instance, remote cameras are now being used to capture unique angles during games—shots that may not have been possible with more traditional methods. It’s a fantastic way to be “everywhere at once” and to capture those dynamic moments from new perspectives. Looking ahead, AR/VR will revolutionize fan engagement by offering more personal and immersive experiences. New technologies will open up fresh opportunities for sports photographers to capture these evolving experiences in innovative ways.

When it comes to fan engagement, I see a shift towards more interactive social media platforms and digital content. Photographers will continue to capture those iconic, award-winning moments on the field, court, or wherever, but there will also be a greater emphasis on behind-the-scenes content, fan interactions, and stories. It will feel more personal. People crave authenticity and human connection, and this will undoubtedly shape future consumer behavior and trends in sports marketing.

Don’t worry—I don’t think we’ll lose the traditional forms of media we’re accustomed to today. While technology and consumer behavior are certainly driving change, I believe the foundational forms of media will still exist. They may just evolve and adapt to meet the demands of the digital age. Traditional media, like print and broadcast, will likely remain relevant but will look slightly different as we integrate new technologies and respond to the changing way people consume content.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katiegilmorephotog.wixsite.com/my-site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiegilmore.photography/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinemgilmore/

Image Credits

Katie Gilmore