FPA Member Profile

What came first, sport or photography? 
Sport. As a boy I would sleep and drink football and then my dream came true when I became a photographer.

Who did you look up to when you were young, and who has helped you most with your development?
As a kid I looked up to Kent Gavin and David Ashdown. As a Photographer I had great teachers in both Andy Cowie and George Herringshaw who give me help at my first World Cup 2006

One change for the better to improve football photography for the next generation of photographers?
Keep a tight ship on who comes into the industry.

Favourite football ground to work at and why?
Upton Park, I used go they as kid with my Dad before I come a photographer

Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote from your time as a football photographer?
David Beckham was substitute for England during a match against Andorra in Barcelona. While he was warming up I said to him ‘when you come on, if you score then please celebrate this way’. Sure enough he came on, scored and then said to me ‘was that a good celebration for you?’.

Favourite footballer to work with and why?
Joe Cole he would never look down at you and would always say hello at anytime

Canon, Nikon or Sony?
Canon

First match photographed?
I started covering non-league football but my first ‘big’ game was Chelsea against Manchester United. My second was 4 days later abroad – Barcelona v Chelsea!
I got my first publication of a Didier Drogba red card from that match.

Some advice for youngsters?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Failure is the most important part of learning.

Biggest lesson learnt?
Never make some mistake twice!