Seattle Kraken Photo Editor Liv Lyons is an example of chasing dreams and breaking down barriers. Lyons has been creating space for Black women in the industry after she began shooting Mariners games at T-Mobile Park with Circling Seattle Sports just 18 months ago. Thanks to her work, drive, and dedication, Lyons was approached by MLB to be one of their photographers for All-Star Week 2023, as well as the Seattle Storm who hired her as a team photographer for the 2023 season. Thanks to those opportunities, she caught the eye of the Seattle Kraken, who hired her as their photo editor as her career continues to skyrocket and community continues to grow.

“All I want to do is make sure that folks who are seeing my pictures feel like they’re right there,” Lyons said. “They feel the rush of the ice, they’re right next to the action, and I try to amplify those elements.”

Lyons has had the opportunity to shoot a variety of sports, including Baseball, Basketball, Soccer and more. Among all the options, hockey still stands out.

“Photographing hockey is like no other sport that I’ve had the privilege to cover,” Lyons said.  “Whether I’m down by the Ice or up here on the concourses the action is absolutely palpable.”

Lyons has also been able to find community through her photography. Thanks to organizations like Black Women Photographers, Lyons has connected both with those she aspires to be like and those looking to follow in her footsteps. One such connection was Amanda J. Cain, the first Black woman to be an official NHL team photographer. 

“We still talk all the time. She’s been a wealth of resources and a mentor for me,” Lyons said. “It’s a great thing for folks to see themselves and see people they identify with in these roles. I think the Seattle Kraken do a really good job of authentically representing different folks and different groups.”

You can see more in the video and see more of Liv’s work on her page @_livlyons and livlyons.com

This segment originally aired on Back2Besa. Make sure to tune in to Back2Besa at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and stream the replay at 10 am on Sunday on FOX 13+ for more great stories.