This month marks a special milestone in my journey as a commercial photographer in Lincoln. It has been 25 years since my dad, Andrew, and I photographed our first game for Lincoln City. As we sat at LNER Stadium capturing another match, we couldn’t help but reflect on how much photography, and our approach to it, has progressed over the years.
A Journey That Started with Film
On March 4, 2000, we photographed our very first game for the club: Lincoln City’s 5-0 victory over Carlisle United. I was just 14 years old, studying GCSE Photography, and eager to find a way into the industry. When we spotted an advert in the club program looking for a club photographer, I knew I couldn’t take on the responsibility alone. That’s when I asked my dad to join me. After all, he already had experience photographing a match between Cwmbran Town and Manchester United in a pre-season friendly!
Back then, everything was shot on film. We had just one roll, 36 exposures, to capture an entire match. That meant every frame had to count. Timing was crucial, as we needed to ensure we had enough images for the club program while saving frames for potential key moments at the end of the game.
The Evolution of Football Photography
Fast forward to today, and the way we work has changed dramatically. Digital photography has transformed our workflow. Instead of waiting for film to be developed, we can now upload images directly from the camera within seconds, making them instantly available for social media. The demand for real-time content has transformed matchday photography from simply covering the game to telling a full story - before, during, and after the 90 minutes.
Our focus is no longer just on the match itself. We capture everything from the pre-game atmosphere and team preparations to fan interactions and sponsor branding. The shift to a digital presence means that photography now plays a crucial role in connecting fans to the club in real time.
Beyond Matchday: A Commercial Perspective
As my business has grown, so has my involvement with the club beyond matchdays. Football photography is no longer just about action shots; it’s also about the commercial side of the sport. From commercial partnerships to promotional campaigns, our images help showcase the club’s brand and partners.
Working as a trusted photographer in Lincoln, I’ve seen firsthand how quality images can enhance marketing efforts, whether for a football club or a business looking to grow its brand presence. The storytelling power of photography remains as strong as ever, but the platforms we use and the expectations of clients and audiences have changed significantly.
Looking Ahead
Reaching this 25-year milestone is both surreal and rewarding. The industry has evolved in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first started, and I’m excited to see where it goes next. One thing remains the same, though - our passion for capturing moments that matter, whether on the pitch or in the commercial world.
So, here’s to the next 25 years of photography, innovation, and storytelling!