What is the Doug Pensinger Photography Fund?
About the Doug Pensinger Photography Fund
The Doug Pensinger Photography Fund supports emerging sports photographers by building a community that develops skill, vision, and confidence.We help promising photographers grow into thoughtful storytellers who can thrive on the biggest stages, not only through financial support, but through mentorship, professional development, and access to a community built around generosity.
Who We Are
The fund was created in memory of photojournalist Doug Pensinger. Doug brought a human touch to everything he photographed. From the Tour de France, the World Series, the Olympics, World Cup Soccer, and the Super Bowl to skateboarding and cyclocross, he told honest stories with craft and care. He pushed his own artistry, shared knowledge with colleagues, and mentored surrounding photographers.
The fund continues that work.
Our Advisory Board includes leading sports photojournalists and editors in the United States. Their images appear with Getty Images, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, The New York Times, National Geographic, and other major outlets. They bring recognition from World Press Photo, NPPA, the International Olympic Committee, and Pictures of the Year International.
Most importantly, they give their time, expertise, and care. They help create an open, collegial space where emerging photographers can learn, ask questions, build confidence, and grow.
What We Do
Grants: Financial support that removes barriers and lets emerging photographers focus on the work. Grants help recipients pursue projects, strengthen portfolios, and gain access to assignments.
Mentorships: Sustained one to one guidance with Advisory Board members that often continues beyond the grant cycle. Mentors review work, share practical workflows, and support story development, access, ethics, editing, and career decisions.
We also prioritize opening doors through thoughtful introductions, portfolio reviews with editors, and structured shadowing or observation opportunities when appropriate. The aim is to offer guidance, practical support, and access to a caring professional network as photographers build confidence and continue developing their work.
Professional Development: Hands on learning through the biannual Sports Photography Gathering and quarterly webinars. Sessions cover lighting, timing, editing, business practices, safety, and working with editors. Just as important, these programs place emerging photographers in conversation with professionals who have built 20 plus year careers, adapted through a changing industry, and continue to work at the highest levels today.
The goal is practical growth that photographers can carry into the very next assignment.
How We Work
We center community, connection, and inclusivity. We look for potential and hunger to learn. We value curiosity, reliability, respect for subjects, and respect for colleagues. We want recipients to be trusted by clients because they are trusted by peers.
Why It Matters
Sports move fast, and so do careers.
The right guidance, the right opportunity, and the right supportive network can change what is possible. By investing in emerging talent, DPPF helps new voices tell the stories that keep sport human.
Ways to Take Part
Apply for a grant when the next cycle opens.
Share our calls for entries with someone who is ready for a push.
Follow along and send questions you want covered in future sessions.
Through photo grants and mentorship, the foundation supports emerging photographers as they develop their voice and navigate the industry.
Thank you for being here. If this work speaks to you, follow along for updates on grants, mentorships, events, and grantee stories.