Hosted in the Virginia Room, the panel brought together freelance photographer Eli Elmore, ATYL Media social media coordinator and motorsports photographer Eryn Harris ’24, and Flagler College Athletics Communications Coordinator Laurel Plexico ’25. The discussion was moderated by Maggie Windle, a current digital media production and journalism student, athletics communications intern, and former social media intern for the Jacksonville Sharks.
Throughout the conversation, panelists shared both the rewards and challenges of working in sports media, offering students a candid look at the industry. Topics ranged from building a portfolio and finding freelance opportunities to navigating the realities of equipment limitations and the business side of photography.
Students in attendance asked questions about identifying freelance opportunities, developing an efficient workflow, and capturing the best moments during live sporting events.
Elmore, a Jacksonville-based photographer whose work includes major live events and professional sports organizations, encouraged students to focus on the value of their work while remaining open to opportunities that help build experience.
“Don’t shoot for free unless you see some value coming from that,” Elmore said. “If you have good work then the support will come.”
Elmore shared how his own career began by photographing local Jacksonville high school athletes and selling images directly to families. Despite limited equipment at the time, he continued pursuing opportunities, eventually gaining a media credential that allowed him to photograph a Jacksonville Jaguars game from the sidelines.
“I didn’t let my equipment limit me and took the opportunities that came,” he said.
Persistence, he explained, also played a key role in expanding his career. After being denied media credentials multiple times by Inter Miami, Elmore continued applying and now photographs the team’s games. He also discussed the advantages of freelance work, noting that he prefers it for the creative freedom it provides.
Plexico, a Flagler graduate who now works in the College’s athletics communications office, reflected on her journey from student to professional. She said her path began early during her time at Flagler when she connected with the athletics communications department and started working with the team’s social media accounts.
Her advice to students centered on getting involved and embracing opportunities whenever possible.
“Just say yes. Meet everyone you can,” Plexico said. “Build up your portfolio. Have work to show this is what I’m good at and this is why you should hire me.”
She also emphasized the importance of building an online presence to showcase work.
“Instagram is great. There is power in social media in building a portfolio,” Plexico said. “You never know who somebody else might know. So having an interaction with someone can be very powerful.”
Harris, a Flagler alum who now works in motorsports media, shared how her career began unexpectedly. She admitted she did not initially see herself working in sports photography until attending the Daytona 500, where she connected with media professionals and secured her first opportunity.
Reflecting on her time as a student, Harris encouraged attendees to take advantage of opportunities while they are still in college.
She also advised students to pursue areas of photography they are passionate about in order to sustain long-term creativity.
“Find a discipline or area that you love,” Harris said.
Windle contributed her perspective as a student athlete and athletics communications intern, discussing her experiences working in sports media at Flagler and her efforts to advocate for mental health awareness among athletes.
The panel was one of several events held during COM Week, an annual series hosted by Flagler’s communication department that connects students with professionals working across the media and communications industries.
