FPA Member Profile

What came first, sport or photography?
“Football for me began at an early age, having played competitive league football every year of my life since U8’s! The photography world developed a bit later for me, covering my first Premier League match at the age of 24.”

Who did you look up to when you were young, and who has helped you most with your development?
“I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredibly successful photographers in my career. Joe Meredith and Simon Bellis have both been fantastic in helping me develop technically, as well as giving me a platform to gain valuable experience and learn a lot of lessons about the industry.

Huge shout out as well to Victoria Haydn at Manchester City, who I’ve worked under for three years now. Vics has taught me a lot so far, especially away from the pitch in the organisational side of the job, which has been just as important for me as a club photographer.”

One change for the better to improve football photography for the next generation of photographers?
“I personally found it quite difficult to get a foot in the door within football photography when I was starting out. I’d like to have some input in easing this for future young photographers who are looking to gain experience and get involved in the industry.

Whether it be better access into the lower league matches to build experience, a portfolio, or being able to shadow and learn from the more experienced photographers.”

Favourite football ground to work at and why?
“In the UK, the Etihad & Emirates stadium’s for me. The low angle when shooting from the pits at the Etihad is unique and you can’t beat the clean backgrounds at the Emirates.

Outside of the UK, the Stade Velodrome in Marseille was special. I really want to go back with a full crowd to experience the famous atmosphere.”

Do you have a favourite memory or anecdote from your time as a football photographer?
“My favourite moment so far was the Manchester City trophy parade in 2019, shooting on an open top bus through Manchester before jumping on stage and shooting amongst the celebrations on a beautiful sunny evening in May.

An experience I will never forget.”

Favourite footballer to work with and why?
“Bernardo Silva. Always polite, happy to do whatever is asked of him, and one of the few players I’ve worked with who’d rather take longer on a shoot to get a better set of images.”

Canon, Nikon or Sony?
“Always been Canon, although currently trialling some Sony gear.”

First match photographed?
“Rochdale v Morecambe back in 2013. My first Premier League match was a Manchester derby the same year.”

If you weren’t a photographer what would you be?
“Probably a football coach, or involved in the game somehow, having taken my Level 1 & 2 coaching badges at college.”

Some advice for youngsters?
“Get out and shoot as much as possible, perfect a workflow, ask questions and always look for new ways to improve.”