FPA Member Profile

What came first, sport or photography?
“I started photographing local rugby league matches for weekly newspapers in Yorkshire like the Dewsbury Reporter and Castleford and Pontefract Express.”

Who did you look up to when you were young, and who has helped you most with your development?
“I started late, as I had other jobs before photography (one was coal mining), and the people I looked up to for help were David Ashdown, Michael Steel and Max Nash.”

One change for the better to improve football photography for the next generation of photographers?
“During the Covid pandemic we had a chance to try different positions, to shoot matches and set up remotes in places not usually accessible. It would be great to try and keep some of these positions to get a fresh look on football from the next generation of photographers when the crowds are back.”

Favourite football ground to work at and why?
“Bradford City as it’s the place where I started my football photography.”

Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote from your time as a football photographer?
“Euro 2000, with Alan Shearer scoring the winning goal against Germany then running straight at me celebrating. It made a few papers the next day.”

Favourite footballer to work with and why?
“Sir Alex Ferguson…When I was late for a photo call due to traffic he was willing to pose for a photo with a new signing and gave me time to get the picture.”

Canon, Nikon or Sony?
“I have used a mixture of camera gear including Nikon, Canon and Sony. At the moment I have Sony A9 bodies and Canon lenses.”

First match photographed?
“Bradford City v Somebody.”

If you weren’t a photographer what would you be?
“Film maker.”

Some advice for youngsters?
“Alway look for something different to everyone else, and grab every chance you get.”

Biggest lesson learnt?
“Not to beat yourself up for missing something.”