If you’re a fan or player of the Mustangs, you’ve probably seen Nic Lau ‘28’s work—her impressive photos capturing thrilling moments as classmates, teammates, and even you compete. But what are the stories behind these incredible shots?
Nic’s love for photography began early, at the age of seven, inspired by her father. By middle school, she was taking it more seriously, but it wasn’t until a concussion in January in Project Adventure (PA) that her role with Milton athletics began. While her concussion was at its worst, Molly Purcell, her PA teacher and Milton’s Associate Athletics Director, encouraged her to photograph more games. Since then, Purcell has been crucial for her. “Her belief in me, especially during periods of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, really helped me become the photographer I am today. I owe so much of my success to her.”
For Nic, sports makes for the perfect photography subject. She loves the adrenaline, unpredictability, and stories behind every play. “There’s some-thing so special about freezing a split second that tells a story—like an athlete mid-jump, a goal being scored, or even just a candid expression that nobody else noticed.” For her, it’s not just about art, it’s about honoring the athletes’ work and giving them something tangible to remember. She dreams of working with professional teams or outlets like ESPN.
Her dedication is evident in her routine. “I normally have games on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays! Normally, I'd stop at Hallowell after school to grab my camera before heading straight to the game. After the game, I'll go back to my dorm to edit the photos…I normally spend my lunches, free periods, Tuesdays and Thursdays on schoolwork and always plan ahead so I can focus on photography when I need to!” Weekends are equally packed, often spent entirely at games and editing sessions.
Nic has witnessed unforgettable moments, like a rainy Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse game at Groton, won in the last second. Another highlight came at the Curry College football game. Nic described, “the entire student bleachers section started chanting, ‘We love Nic!’ It was so sweet that I almost cried. Moments like that remind me why I do what I do—it’s not just about the photos, it’s about the connections I make with people through my work.”
Nic also forged a bond with the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse teams. “Girls’ Lacrosse is often overlooked, so I made it a point to show up…I got to attend team dinners and banquet[s], and share those experiences with them. Being included like that is something I’ll always treasure.”
She’s also found inspiration from the photography community. “Tim Carey, for example, is a photographer for Nobles. I met him at the Nobles Day basketball game last year. He’s 83 now, a retired teacher, and still shoots sports for the school. He’s been such a mentor, helping me learn how to stand my ground in an unforgiving industry, make a name for myself, and even bringing me to college games.”
But Nic’s job isn’t always easy. She acknowledges the assumptions, sexism, and pressure to prove herself. “It feels like you constantly have to prove yourself twice over: once as a photographer, and then again as a woman. That’s exhausting, because at some point you just want your work to stand on its own. But instead, you’re always fighting against this wall of stereotypes.”
Despite having sailed at nationals, skied, run, and played a number of different sports, Nic finds herself constantly receiving questions and comments that reduce her efforts—questions such as whether she takes photos only because she wants to “get with the guys.” “It’s like people can’t even imagine a woman being in the sports world for any reason other than chasing men, which is beyond insulting,” said Nic.
For Nic, photography is more than a craft; it’s a way to connect, honor stories, and capture incredible moments. “It’s tough. But I keep showing up because this is what I love, and I’m not letting anyone take that away from me.”
Give her a follow on instagram! @_nictakesphotos