In more than 25 years as a professional photographer, I've found myself in some unusual places.
I've photographed Champions League finals, stood on top of trains, climbed onto the roof of Lincoln Cathedral and worked everywhere from football stadiums to construction sites.
Recently, I added another unusual assignment to the list: climbing a scaffolding tower inside Lincoln Cathedral to photograph the Lincoln Imp wearing a Lincoln City shirt.
Like many of the best projects, it started with a conversation.
The whole story starts a few weeks prior, while at the Cathedral photographing another event, and I was speaking to the Dean about where he wanted me positioned during the service. Before I'd even finished asking the question, he interrupted.
"Do whatever you want! You know what you're doing around here, Chris. We trust you to get on with it."
Having worked with Lincoln Cathedral for many years, that level of trust has been built over time. It's one of the things I value most about long-term relationships with clients. The best results often come when you're treated as part of the team rather than simply someone hired to take photographs.
Later that day, while chatting with the marketing and communications team, I joked that I was going to paint the Lincoln Imp red and white. What started as a throwaway comment quickly became a conversation about how the Cathedral wanted to mark Lincoln City's title-winning season.
Before long, the Cathedral, the football club, and I were discussing how we could make it happen.
A date was found that worked for everyone's diary, and plans were put in place. The idea was simple: create a series of publicity photographs featuring Lincoln City's title celebrations and one of the city's most recognisable symbols.
I've been photographing Lincoln City since March 2000.
Over those years, I've followed the club all over the country, photographed play-off finals in Cardiff and Wembley, covered promotions, celebrations and countless memorable moments along the way. From the highs of Wembley victories to the excitement of title-winning campaigns, I've been fortunate enough to document a significant part of the club's modern history.
At the same time, I've worked with Lincoln Cathedral for around a decade, if not more.
I've photographed from the top of the central tower, explored roof voids, worked on the roof itself and spent time in workshops and behind-the-scenes spaces that most visitors never get to see. The Cathedral is more than just a client. It's the building that defines Lincoln's skyline and one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.
There's a personal connection too. My dad is a Canon of the Cathedral and has his own stall there, so it has always been a place that holds special meaning for me.
That's why this particular project felt special.
It brought together two organisations that have played an important part in both my professional and personal life. In many ways, it felt like two different parts of my career colliding in the best possible way.
The shoot itself lasted around an hour.
We created a series of publicity photographs featuring Stuart Boyfield of Lincoln Cathedral along with Jack Moylan and Ivan Varfolomeev from Lincoln City, and a replica Imp wearing a Lincoln City shirt. The final part of the assignment involved photographing the real Lincoln Imp wearing its own miniature red and white shirt.
To do that, I had to climb a scaffolding tower that had been erected close to the famous carving.
As someone who isn't particularly comfortable with heights, this provided plenty of entertainment for everyone standing safely on the ground.
I carried only the equipment I absolutely needed and carefully made my way up the vertical ladder while various members of the team enjoyed watching my less-than-confident ascent.
Once I reached the top, though, for the first time in my life, I was face-to-face with the Lincoln Imp.
Not looking up from the floor of the Cathedral, but standing within touching distance of a figure that millions of visitors have admired over the centuries.
I remember looking across at it and wondering how many people had ever been this close.
The position also gave me a photographic opportunity that simply wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Because the scaffolding was already in place, I was able to photograph the Imp from angles I've never had access to before.
My favourite image from the shoot shows the Imp wearing its Lincoln City shirt with the Cathedral's stained-glass windows beyond it. It places the celebration firmly within its historic surroundings and shows the famous carving in a way that most people will never see.
Seeing the Imp sitting there in a red and white shirt was slightly surreal.
But it also felt completely appropriate.
The Lincoln Imp has become a symbol of both the city and the football club. Lincoln Cathedral has always been a place at the heart of the community, and Lincoln City's achievements this season have given supporters and residents plenty to celebrate. Bringing those stories together felt like a fitting way to mark an incredible achievement.
Looking back, what I enjoyed most wasn't the climb up the scaffolding tower or even the final photographs.
It was being able to play a small part in bringing together two organisations that mean so much to Lincoln.
After more than 25 years photographing Lincoln City and around a decade working with Lincoln Cathedral, it felt like one of those rare moments where different parts of your career unexpectedly come together.
Although I have to admit, the people laughing at me from the ground while I tried not to look down from the top of the scaffolding tower will probably remember it differently.
