Madeleine Penfold’s Impact on Women and Inclusivity in Sports
Written in partnership with S99.
The world of sports photography is witnessing an incredible change, and leading the charge is none other than Madeleine Penfold. Her lens doesn’t just capture athletes; it celebrates their authenticity and diversity, shining a spotlight on inclusivity.
Selected as one of the 30 Under 30 Ones to Watch at the tender age of 23, Penfold’s talent is undeniable. Her work speaks volumes about her abilities, presenting intimate portrayals of some of football’s biggest names: Ronaldo, Lucy Bronze, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Jurgen Klopp, Mary Earps, and Alessia Russo. Each image transcends the ordinary, capturing the subject and the passion and drive that define them.
But Penfold’s vision extends beyond the football pitch. She doesn’t just take photographs; she shapes narratives. This is evident in her award-winning campaign for the University of Leicester, Citizens of Change, and her contributions as a panel judge for various photography awards. Her voice resonates far beyond the confines of the camera frame, reaching the lecture halls of the University of Manchester, where she’s a noted speaker.
Penfold’s unique perspective stems from a balance she has created. She’s a qualified yoga and mindfulness teacher with an impressive 500 hours of yoga teacher training. This practice permeates through her approach to photography. She steps into high-pressure environments, takes a deep breath, and injects calm into the chaos. Her ability to tune into a situation and connect on a profound level with her subjects distinguishes her work.
During the Adidas Global Women’s World Cup Campaign in 2023, Penfold’s talent truly shone. Through her lens, she made a powerful statement about the strength and diversity of women in sports. Her keen eye captures the unspoken emotions, quiet determination, and blazing passion that every athlete carries within them. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the individual. And when Penfold is not capturing emotions through her lens, she champions them in real life as an ambassador for football legend Rachel Yankey’s charity. She embodies the definition of a self-driven entrepreneur who has forged her own path, never formally studying photography, yet making a significant impact in the field.
Penfold’s impact is not just about the stunning images she creates; it’s about the values she represents and the change she is championing. Inclusivity and diversity are the cornerstones of her work. She aims to shine a light on athletes who defy societal standards of the ‘perfect’ sports body, sending a clear message: sports are a space for everyone.
In the future, Penfold envisions herself as the go-to photographer for all things sports, culture, and documentary on a global scale. Her work is not merely about the talent she captures but about how she works—connecting with her subjects, coaxing emotions out of the most reserved, and maintaining a serene atmosphere even during the most stressful shoots. Penfold isn’t about playing on the ‘female photographer’ card; she’s more than that. She is reshaping the industry of sports photography.
Visit her website to dive deeper into her story and explore her unique perspective or follow her journey on Instagram. Madeleine Penfold isn’t just capturing images; she’s creating a revolution, one click at a time.
