Celebrating Women Around the Game | Jess Rapfogel

So many talented women help make the Capitals organization run smoothly and as a part of the NHL's celebration of Gender Equality Month, the Capitals are highlighting some rockstar women around the game in our local community.

Meet Jess Rapfogel: she is a talented photographer for a variety of wire services shooting sports and teams across the region. She first started with the Capitals as a digital media intern in 2019 where her photography talents were quickly noticed. After completing a season as an intern, she then transitioned into a season-long digital assistant role, then to being one of the NHL's Live Social Contributors for the team and is now currently serving as one of the organization's go-to in house team photographers.

"My favorite part about my job is that every day is different," she says.

"Everything from the ice being painted to community events, from players around the rink with their families to them scoring game-winning goals — every day is an opportunity to capture special moments on and off the ice and give fans a glimpse into their favorite team. With this season being the Capitals 50th anniversary, there has been no shortage of variety when it comes to everything the team has planned and I’m fortunate to work with a lot of great people."

Many of the iconic celebration photos you see on Capitals social media channels from home games have been taken by Jess. We asked her to share some of her favorite photos that she has captured over the years and provide a little insight on what went into capturing them.

Sometimes it just comes down to luck and whether the action or celebration comes in your direction or goes the other way — I just try to be ready for anything and it’s always super exciting when a celebration comes right at your camera.

This angle of Tom Wilson’s goal against Minnesota was captured with a camera that I install inside the net before each game. This angle doesn't always produce a lot of photos, but at the right moment, it can provide an unmatched view.

This view of Carlson stopping the puck on the goal line was captured with a camera that I set up on the catwalk right above the net hours before the game.

Some periods I’ll have Ovechkin’s son, Sergei, sitting nearby. I make sure to have my camera with a wide angle lens ready if Ovi comes by during any goal or win celebrations.

This season I had the opportunity to capture player portraits across two sets during media day celebrating the team’s 50th anniversary season.

Is there anything that you're looking forward to the rest of the season?
I’m really excited to continue to help capture history as Ovi continues on his chase of the goal record and the team’s playoff push. It’s been an exciting year for the team and for me in my current role, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.

To view more of Jess' work, you can follow her on Instagram or visit her website.