Some people chase the action on the field. Others capture it, frame by frame, forever.
For Madison Penke, lead photographer at 4 Star Sports Media, every click of the camera tells a story bigger than the scoreboard. Her work hums with energy — the emotion in victory, the silence in defeat, and the heartbeat of Memphis sports culture echoing through every shot.
To watch Madison work is to see passion in motion. She kneels in the corner of the end zone, lens focused, emotions steady, composing moments that fans will replay not on screens — but in memory.
A Spark Ignited in the Stands
Madison’s journey didn’t begin with credentialed access or fancy equipment. It started one ordinary night in high school.
“I was part of everything, clubs, sports, our spirit team ‘The Wildcat Crazies,’” she remembers. “One night, the lady who ran it handed me her camera and said, *‘We don’t have a photographer tonight. Want to give it a try?’”
That single moment set her trajectory. “I took the photos, and they came out way better than I expected,” she says. “From then on, I filled in whenever they needed me. Eventually, it just became who I was — not something I did.”
For Madison, the realization that this “hobby” was more than a pastime came with time and growth. “Around 2021, I knew photography was it. The deeper I got into shooting college sports, the more I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else. It stopped being a hobby—it became my identity.”
Fueled by Emotion
Ask Madison if she keeps her emotions out of the work, and she’ll stop you mid-question.
“ALL. THE. TIME,” she says with a grin. “Every time I shoot, I’m rooting for the team I’m covering. I celebrate their wins and I carry their losses. Not forever, but in that moment, I feel what they feel.”
That empathy doesn’t cloud her vision—it gives her work its edge. Every photo she takes is a translation of emotion: the raw joy of a game-winning touchdown, the quiet heartbreak of players walking off the court after defeat. Madison doesn’t just capture moments; she lives them.
March Madness and Pure Memphis Energy
Sports photography offers many electric atmospheres, but for Madison, none rival March Madness in Memphis. “The energy is on another level,” she says. “The fans, the noise, the stakes, it’s chaos in the best way possible.”
She’s spent countless nights inside FedEx Forum, but those tournament games are different. “You can feel the passion in the building,” she recalls. “Every shot, every timeout, every cheer, it’s all charged.”
Her runner-up moment? The 2024-25 Memphis Tigers’ regular season finale. “That night was special,” she says. “You could sense something in the air , pride, excitement, finality. Everyone in that arena knew it wasn’t just a game. It was a story.”
Standing Strong on the Sidelines
Being one of the few women behind the lens used to be a regular occurrence. Madison met that reality with quiet confidence.
“It never fazed me,” she says. “Representation has come a long way since I started. But even when I was the only woman on the sideline, I wasn’t worried. I was there because I belonged there.”
Her approach is direct and earned. “I’ve put in the hours, done the work just like anyone else,” she says. “I’m not defined by who’s beside me — I’m defined by the photos I deliver.”
That mindset radiates professionalism. Madison shows up early, observes the smallest details, and captures the split seconds others miss. The respect she’s earned isn’t given — it’s built shot by shot.
The Soul of Memphis Through a Lens
Madison’s heart beats in sync with her city. “Memphis is unmatched,” she says, her voice steady but full of pride. “I’ve covered everything — Tigers football and basketball, the Redbirds, the Hustle, the Showboats — and every event has its own rhythm.”
It’s not just about access; it’s about authenticity. “The people here love their teams. They embrace us photographers, they cheer for us, they thank us. That’s what makes this work so special. You’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
In her photos, Memphis comes alive — the passion in the stands, the intensity on the field, the community that binds it all together. Each image mirrors what this city stands for: grit, heart, and unshakable pride.
A Leader Behind the Lens
At 4 Star Sports Media, Madison has become more than a photographer. She’s a creative force, a mentor, and the heartbeat of our visual identity. Her consistency, composure, and eye for storytelling have made her a fixture on the sidelines throughout the region.
Fans recognize her not just for the moments she captures, but for the presence she brings -steady, professional, and passionate. Her images define what “sports from behind the lens” truly mean: every shot rich with feeling, every frame a story.
Because of Madison, 4 Star Sports Media is not just known — it’s trusted. Her talent set a new standard for sports photography in Memphis and beyond. She turned a borrowed camera in high school into a calling that now defines our brand’s excellence. Through Madison’s lens, our athletes are immortalized, our stories last longer — and our name shines brighter.
