Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Grace Griffin.
Hi Mary Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sports has always been a major part of my life. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career within the sports industry in some capacity. I still remember those “What do you want to be when you grow up?” assignments in school- mine were always something along the lines of sports. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I discovered photography was the path I wanted to take.
At the time, I was working on the promotional team for the South Carolina Stingrays. One of the team photographers, Brain Stone, reached out to me and said if I was ever interested in photography, he’d be happy to help me get started. That conversation opened a door. My first game was a high school football game at Hanahan. I had the bottom of the barrel camera to start out. Then I went to a Citadel football game and realized, wow I can really see myself doing this as a career. From there, I began investing in better equipment and dedicating myself to learning. I will never forget the excitement of buying my first lens. I texted Brian to share the news and he said “keep that excitement and you’ll go far.” That piece of advice has stayed with me ever since. Every step I take in this journey big or small is driven by that same passion to keep moving forward.
Now, photography is more than a creative outlet, it’s a way I connect with people and tell stories visually. I’m still growing, still learning, and always looking for ways to push myself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that is part of what has made this journey meaningful. Starting out in sports photography with very little experience and basic equipment was intimidating. I was stepping into fast paced environments where capturing the right moment required skill, timing, and confidence, all things I was still developing in this field.
Every new step I took, there was always someone right there telling me “you will never make it with that equipment.” However, one thing I learned was not to take things personally. When I hear that now, it gives me fuel to prove myself even more and want to work harder.
Another big challenge early on was access. Breaking into the sports industry, especially as a photographer, isn’t easy. You have to prove yourself, build a portfolio, and network constantly just to get your foot in the door. Even now, I am continually working to strengthen my portfolio so that when I ask for an opportunity, the quality of my work makes it impossible to say no.
Through all of that, I have learned about persistence, patience, and trusting the process. Every setback has pushed me to grow, and every challenge has taught me something that makes me better at what I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now, I specialize in sports photography, and I have become known for my work in hockey and football in particular. I have had the opportunity to cover a range of sports including baseball, and I am always looking to expand my skill set and explore new areas. In addition to sports, I have photographed corporate events and am currently in the process of building my portfolio for wedding photography.
What sets me apart is my ability to capture high-intensity, fast paced action while still telling a story through each frame. I am not just trying to document a game but, I aim to freeze moments that reflect emotion, energy, and drama of live sports. I pay close attention to detail and I always show up with a mindset to push myself creatively.
One of my proudest achievements so far has been making it to the American Hockey League and shooting for the Utica Comets. That was a huge milestone for me. Not only did it represent a step up professionally, but it also validated the work I have been putting in. It was the moment I realized that others are recognizing the quality and passion behind my photography. That experience continues to motivate me and reminds me that with persistence and hard work, the next opportunity is always within reach.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by reaching out directly for photography opportunities, whether it’s for sports, events, or creative collaborations. I am always open to working with teams, brands, or individuals who are looking for dynamic, high quality visual content.
The best way to connect with me is through email or social media, where I regularly share my work. I am also open to freelance assignments or even just grabbing coffee and talking photography with others in the industries.
For those who want to support me, sharing my work, referring me to others, or simply engaging with my content online goes a long way. Every bit of encouragement exposure helps fuel the next step in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary.gracephotography/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygracegriffin/
Image Credits
Mary Grace Photography
