British Football (Soccer) Question...

[JoeCanonUser]

Hi all, wondered if someone could help me out on this one... Ive always been in interested in photography and enjoy my sports, in particular football and rugby... was wondering how would you end up taking photos at the big games eg. Premier League. Im on about the pros that you see on the sidelines with their big lenses etc, not just taking a small camera in the stands. I assume theyre all working for companies like national newspapers, reuters and the like? Im well aware that only people with the right passes get in, and rightly so if you ask me, but how do you end up getting there, is it a case of working your way up at smaller papers and getting recommended, word of mouth, etc - have these guys practiced at non-league level and worked their way up, how does it work? This is something im seriously considering, taking photography as a career change (doing weddings et al) and so id really appreciate it if someone in the know could help fill me in. Cheers.

[Rene_Vienna]

Hello,

i think that most photographers on the sidelines are working for them selves - just selling to newspapers...
just call the F.A. or the club you would like to photograph and ask them what you can do - i think they might help you... and if you get a NO there might be another chance.

you´ve to be insistent - thats all...

regards
René

[snapzz]

Most photographers you see are working for either national/local newspapers or are on contract or freelance for agencies. You will also have the club(s) photographers there also.

You can only gain access with a permit or by working with any of the above. There are very few photographers who have their own licences as they are now virtually impossible to get.

Contacting the FA is a total waste of time as the person responsible for issuing licences is clamping down harder on current holders. It has been mentioned this is an attempt to reduce the number of photographers who attend matches.

I was attending the Blackburn v Spurs game and there must have been only about 10 photographers.This would be due to Man City playing Chelsea which would have had twice as many photographers.

Your best hope is to start with non-league as restrictions are less and clubs are more likely to give you access.

[DarrenL]

Graham speaks from experience here.

Most of the people on sides lines (well it's normally goal line) are working press, either staff photographers or freelance shooting for newspapers, most clubs also have their own photographers for PR and print sales.

In order to go to a league Football match you need a licence, the requirements for obtaining a 'league' licence are very high and although they are possible, they are very very hard to get. The requirements for each tier of football, league 2, league 1, Championship and Premiership get harder and harder as you progress.

Without your licence you can not attend league games, even with a licence you still have to apply in writing and ask if you can attend. If the club have filled all 25 photographers slots (as an example) for a game then it will be a no.

The only way of getting to those games (unless you know someone) is to have a proven track records of being able to shoot sports well and getting in touch with an agency, newspaper or club.

My advice
Non-league football is your friend, get friendly with a club, start going along to their games, post the images somewhere the players and fans and us at potn can see them and then go from there. Learn how to predict the action, the players reactions, look for different angles where possible and enjoy your self.

It's not a quick fix, if you want to get into the big leagues, you have to put in the graft, learn the trade, get the right equipment (when you are shooting for publications you will have to submit live from the touchline 95% of the time) and then apply.

Hope this helps, pm me if you need to.

Darren

[Red Dog]

I can concur with the two posts above. Although on a much smaller scale, I started about 3 years ago working for my local club, providing match photos and working on the club website and programme. I soon put together a portfolio of shots and contacted local photo agencies about freelance work. With the ability to freelance, it opens up the chances of covering International games at lower levels and then with a bit of experience up to full International level. To me its like a dream come true, a wonderful experience and something I'll always remember when the photos have ling since faded.

[DarrenL]

To me its like a dream come true, a wonderful experience and something I'll always remember when the photos have ling since faded.

Hasn't anyone told you that digital photos don't fade :cool:

Darren