Megan Ewens
Written by Leah Godfrey
Megan Ewens began her journey as a photographer two years ago this month, "out of nowhere" - a curious phrase from one of the most promising female sports photographers in the WSL. Spend a few moments with Megan, and her warmth, openness, and near-raw authenticity draw you in. Her vulnerability takes courage, especially for someone usually behind the lens. Yet, when she speaks about her reverence for the "privilege of capturing WSL players," her love for the game and the amazing legends she’s capturing fills the whole room.
As a Chelsea fan, Megan regularly attended matches and gradually felt a pull to contribute and to belong. Guided by those silent undercurrents that often lead creatives to their rightful places, she purchased a cheap camera and began showing up. Two years ago, access to WSL matches was fairly unregulated, giving Megan the space and time to hone her craft. Deciding who you are and walking in the footsteps of this identity requires monumental courage, and it was this fire that burned on all the chilly and unpaid days, as she crafting her definition of greatness.
In sports, we typically define greatness by scores, stats, and measurable metrics, but we step back from this black-and-white analysis when discussing creatives. Their journeys and successes are less tangible and not as straightforward. Artists and creatives blend a myriad of life experiences, with many factors shaping and inspiring their outcomes. It often seems they have a thinner membrane between themselves and life, allowing them to absorb, reimagine, and share more of our world—accessing essences, vibes, and happenings that most might not notice at all.
Megan, like all true creatives, has taken these experiences and her unique worldview to offer us a new angle. She is both seeking and sharing another space and she effortlessly transports us into this exact moment in women’s football which is both imperfect and joy-filled. Her lens doesn't just capture one-on-one duels to deliver us into one of the hundreds of micro-battles on the pitch: while the ball and the battle are dominant in her shots, it's the soul of the player she captures—an amalgamation of dreams, sweat ethic, and imperfections, all while hunting for immortality. Megan finds these moments and transports us, if only momentarily, to understand the plight of female footballers in this game-changing era.
At most WSL clubs, male photographers comprise over 70% of the workforce, a number that rises to 85% at major matches. Supporting young women to join these ranks is critical as we work towards a more diverse and inclusive workforce. As with all modern women in sports, Megan focuses on advising and mentoring young female photographers entering the field. "Just keep going," she nudges them.
Megan is eager to see WSL clubs develop pathways for these young women to ensure they have the space to develop and nurture their talents, allowing the game to benefit from their unique world experiences and the depth of the lens they bring to the rise of women's football.
To enjoy more of Megan’s work please follow her IG and share widely!