Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough Sport Photographer | Commercial Advertising Photography

In my job as a North East freelance photographer I’ve photographed hundreds of sporting events at venues across the North of England, from Middlesbrough Riverside Football ground, Gateshead Stadium to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. 

In view of all the photography jobs needing pin-sharp close ups in venues where it is hard to get close the subject, I’ve recently invested in a fantastic high performance telephoto lens, a Canon 300mm f2.8L IS. The optics are stunning, the quality of pictures is breathtaking in their crispness, helped by an image stabiliser minimising camera shake keeping the focus staying rock solid, even in low light conditions.

Redcar Sea Front

Along the way in my 30-year background in press and commercial photography I’ve picked up the North East Sports Photographer of the Year and photographed a series of national and international rugby and football matches. My new lens will make specialised jobs like this, where I need to get close up shots while standing yards away, much easier.

I’ll predominantly use it to photograph events such as this year’s Nova Great North Run, where I'm officially booked or the River Rat Race as these are fast-paced events where you have one chance to get the perfect shot. I photographed Mo Farrah at a Great North Run two years ago, but I suspect even the ‘gentleman of running’ is unlikely to go back and do a stretch again for photographic purposes if someone turns up without the right kit for the job. 

Because the new lens in effect knocks the background out of focus, I’m looking forward to using it for commercial photography and nature shots too. I’m really enthusiastic about its uses - horse racing at Gosforth Park, motorsport events at Croft Circuit in Darlington, activity shots for outdoor brands such as Berghaus and Go Outdoors – the list of potential jobs it can cope brilliantly with is endless.

Redcar Trunk Road 

Successful outdoor photography can dependent on the weather, and can involve several visits to a location to get the right conditions.  I don’t know whether I’m pleased or not that my new sports lens can shoot in appalling weather and still generate stunning images. I foresee some cold, wet winter shoots this year, but as long as I get the shot, I’ll be happy with that.

Year after year camera equipment gets smarter and faster – although sadly, the cost never seems to go down at the same rate - and I’m pleased that I’ve made continuous investments so that whatever type of photography I’m doing, whether it’s a commercial photography job in North Yorkshire, outdoor events or a large business award event in Harrogate, I’ve got the right range of camera equipment for the job.

Combined with my compact studio lights and kit, I’ve got everything I need and it can all be carried on the go from job to job too.

The end result is that no job is impossible – try me!