Her Story
About Abrea
Abrea Waddell is a freelance sports photographer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. With three years of professional experience, she specializes in college football, her primary area of expertise, and has also worked in basketball. She earned a communications degree from North Carolina A&T State University, where she was involved in the National Association of Black Journalists and Minorities in Sports. Abrea began her photography journey in high school and transitioned to professional work through an internship with her alma mater's football team media coordinator. She travels for assignments when opportunities arise, including to Philadelphia, and maintains a studio for additional portrait and event work. Abrea attributes her passion for capturing moments to her mother, who frequently recorded home movies and family photos. Her family runs a scholarship program providing $300 to $500 awards to three deserving high school seniors each year. She emphasizes values such as effective communication, staying true to oneself, and trusting the process. Abrea advises young women entering the male-dominated field of sports photography not to be intimidated and to recognize that rejection is redirection, noting that one yes can make all the difference.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Abrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my friends and family, especially my mom who always recorded home movies and took family pictures growing up. That inspired my love for capturing moments, and now I get to do that for others like parents wanting photos of their kids in college football.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Rejection is redirection. Out of all the no's, there's always one yes. It only takes that one opportunity, and you keep trying until it comes.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not let a man intimidate you. Stay true to yourself, and if you think that you can do it, you really can, because you might be able to do it better than them. There's always a woman that needs to do a man's job, and they can do it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is making sure you're comfortable in what you're doing, especially being in male-dominated rooms. You have to give yourself a pep talk like I'm meant to be in this space just as much as anyone else.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication is key. Being 100% truthful to yourself, open and honest, and effectively communicating with yourself and the people you're working with. Put yourself out there and trust the process.
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