Football: Manchester City Training – UEFA Champions League
Carlos Tevez of Manchester City takes questions from the media at Manchester City’s Carrington training facility
Roberto Mancini, manager of Manchester City at Manchester City’s Carrington training facility
Mario Balotelli of Manchester City stands alone at Manchester City’s Carrington training facility
Scott Sinclair of Manchester City struggles with a bib at Manchester City’s Carrington training facility
Scott Sinclair of Manchester City struggles with a bib at Manchester City’s Carrington training facility
Squash: British Grand Prix
Squash was one of my first assignments when I began working for Colorsport back in January 2010. Just over six weeks in, and I was listed to do the National Championships at Manchester’s National Squash Centre. It was the first sport that I’d done for the agency that wasn’t football. A difficult sport it turned out to be too.
Firstly, was the positioning available for photographers. It was brilliant. Located directly behind the glass wall which was used as the main part of the court, it gave fantastic views of the action unfolding literally feet in front of me. What’s so terrible about that I hear you cry? Small rubber balls, flying at 100mph plus make quite a racket I can tell you! When it hits the glass wall inches from your face it certainly lets you know about it.
Secondly, the sheer speed of the play and unpredictability of players movements made it difficult to keep up and frame the action nicely before it moved on. Thankfully this is one of those things that you pick up relatively quickly and after an hour or so you can beat the players to the next spot on the court.
My plan of action was the get a clean action picture of each player during the warm up, this meant I’d have a picture of each of them on their own with as little background distraction as possible. The first couple of sets would consist of more action, but with both players in the frame. Lastly, as the match was drawing to a close I’d concentrate on interactions and facial expressions.
Somewhere amongst all that I intended to take a wander up into the stands to get shots looking back down on the court. This was something that I added during the first game, as I’d realised that players turned their backs on the court when they were contesting a referee decision.
Gregory Gaultier of France consoles Adrian Waller of England
Saurav Ghosal of India and Adrian Grant of England in action
Saurav Ghosal of India and Adrian Grant of England in action
Saurav Ghosal of India and Adrian Grant of England appeal a referee decision
Chris Simpson of England and Alister Walker of Botswana in action
Tom Richards of England vents his frustration at defeat on his racquet
A general view of the court
Boxing: Ricky Hatton announces come back
Ricky Hatton speaks to the media
Ricky Hatton speaks to the media
Ricky Hatton poses for photographs
Ricky Hatton poses for photographs
FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifier: Wales v Belgium
Chris Coleman, manager of Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium
Gareth Bale of Wales challenges Dries Mertens of Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium
James Collins of Wales is shown a straight red card by referee Stefan Johannesson (SWE) at the Cardiff City Stadium
Vincent Kompany of Belgium heads in the opening goal at the Cardiff City Stadium
Simon Church of Wales goes down under a challenge by Vincent Kompany of Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium
LV County Championship: Warwickshire become champions
Keith Barker of Warwickshire in action at New Road, Worcester
Chris Wright and Keith Barker of Warwickshire in action at New Road, Worcester
Warwickshire unsuccessfully appeal for LBW at New Road, Worcester
Varun Chopra of Warwickshire celebrates catching Brett D’Oliveira of Worcestershire with captain Jim Troughton at New Road, Worcester
Chris Wright of Warwickshire in action and Jim Troughton with the trophy at New Road, Worcester
Warwickshire’s captain Jim Troughton celebrates with the trophy at New Road, Worcester
Warwickshire celebrate becoming champions at New Road, Worcester
The trophy sits on the grass at New Road, Worcester
Frankel Finishes First at the Ebor Festival, York
Frankel, ridden by Tom Queally leads on the home straight in the Juddmonte International Stakes
Frankel, ridden by Tom Queally leads on the home straight in the Juddmonte International Stakes
Frankel, ridden by Tom Queally leads on the home straight in the Juddmonte International Stakes
Spain v Morocco – London 2012
Spain team group at Old Trafford
Spain’s Iker Muniain and Morocco’s Zouhair Feddal at Old Trafford
Spain’s Javier Martinez tussles with Morocco’s Abdelaziz Barrada at Old Trafford
Spain’s Juan Mata at Old Trafford
Wrexham v AEK Athens – Pre Season Friendly
Nikolaos Kourelas of AEK Athens in action at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Nikolaos Kourelas of AEK Athens in action at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Roger Guerreiro of AEK Athens in action at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Roger Guerreiro of AEK Athens at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Christos Papadimitriou of AEK Athens scores his sides first goal at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Spyridon Matentzidis of AEK Athens in action at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Antonios Stavros Rikka of AEK Athens at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Dimitrios Grontis of AEK Athens chips the ball over the Wrexham goalkeeper to score his sides second goal at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
USA v North Korea (DPRK) – London 2012
USA team group at Old Trafford, Manchester
United States’ Abby Wambach opens the scoring at Old Trafford, Manchester
USA celebrate Abby Wambach’s opening goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
USA celebrate Abby Wambach’s opening goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
USA celebrate Abby Wambach’s opening goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
United States’ Abby Wambach goes close with a headed attempt on goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
United States’ Heather O Reilly goes close with a chance and knocks North Korea’s O Chang Ran at Old Trafford, Manchester
North Korea head coach Sin Ui Gun consoles Choe Mi Gyong after her red card at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil v Belarus – London 2012
Brazil’s Alexandre Pato scores to make it 1-1 at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Alexandre Pato celebrates his equalising goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Marcelo at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Marcelo challenges Belarus’ Stanislav Dragun at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Neymar takes on Belarus’ Igor Kuzmenok at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Neymar lies in pain following a rough challenge at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Neymar celebrates scoring a free kick with team mates at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Hulk at Old Trafford, Manchester
Brazil’s Oscar thanks Neymar for providing the pass which led to his goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
Egypt v New Zealand – London 2012
New Zealand team group at Old Trafford, Manchester
New Zealand’s Adam Thomas and Egypt’s Eslam Ramadan at Old Trafford, Manchester
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah scores to level his side at 1-1 at Old Trafford, Manchester
New Zealand’s Michael McGlinchey and Egypt’s Mohamed El Neny in action at Old Trafford, Manchester
New Zealand’s Michael McGlinchey and Egypt’s Hossam Hassan in action at Old Trafford, Manchester
New Zealand’s Shane Smeltz and Egypt’s Ahmed Fathi at Old Trafford, Manchester
Team GB v Senegal – London 2012
Ryan Giggs of Team GB at Old Trafford, Manchester
Craig Bellamy of Team GB scores the opening goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
Craig Bellamy of Team GB celebrates scoring the opening goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
Craig Bellamy of Team GB and Saliou Ciss of Senegal battle at Old Trafford, Manchester
Daniel Sturridge of Team GB strikes past Ousmane Mane of Senegal at Old Trafford, Manchester
United Arab Emirates v Uruguay – London 2012
Luis Suarez of Uruguay at Old Trafford, Manchester
Edinson Cavani of Uruguay lets out his anger at a missed opportunity at Old Trafford, Manchester
Ahmed Khalil of UAE has a late shot at goal at Old Trafford, Manchester
Ahmed Khalil of UAE lets out his anger at missing a late shot at Old Trafford, Manchester
The Open 2012 – Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
A general view of the 1st hole flag at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Yoshinori Fujimoto of Japan at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Sergio Garcia of Spain looks dejected as his shot fails to make the 18th green at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Tiger Woods of the USA at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Dew sits on flowers in the rough at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Tiger Woods of USA tees off on the 11th at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Tiger Woods of USA strikes the ground with his club in anger as his tee off the 11th strays off target at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
A general view of golfing attire at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Tiger Woods of USA in action on the 2nd fairway at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Brandt Snedeker checks his alignment for putting on the 4th green at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Graeme McDowell and Adam Scott pictured at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
Carlos Tevez of Manchester City acts as caddie for Andres Romero of Argentina at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Tiger Woods of USA escapes a bunker on the 15th at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Adam Scott of Australia escapes a bunker on the 15th at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
The scoreboard confirms Ernie Els of South Africa’s victory at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Ernie Els of South Africa poses with the trophy at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Ernie Els of South Africa poses with the trophy at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club
Thunderbolt and lightning, very very frightening.. UEFA Euro 2012
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Lightning strikes in the distance, in central Warsaw
Spain v Ireland – UEFA Euro 2012
Spain team group at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Fernando Torres of Spain scores the opening goal at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Fernando Torres of Spain celebrates scoring the opening goal at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Xavi Hernandez of Spain escapes Stephen Ward of Ireland at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Gerard Pique of Spain bursts past Aiden McGeady of Ireland at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Robbie Kean of Ireland fends off Gerard Pique and Alvaro Arbeloa of Spain at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Sergio Busquets of Spain and Keith Andrews of Ireland at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Ireland training – UEFA Euro 2012
A general view during training at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Shay Given of Ireland during training at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Head coach of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
Head coach of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni during training at the Baltic Arena, Gdansk
A set up shot of 'Euro 2012' written in sand at Brzezno beach, Gdansk
Poland v Russia – UEFA Euro 2012
A giant flag proclaims 'This is Russia' at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Poland fans show their support at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Poland's Damien Perquis challenges Aleksandr Kerzhakov of Russia at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Alan Dzagoev of Russia opens the scoring with a headed goal at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Vyacheslav Malafeev of Russia at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Robert Lewandowski of Poland goes close with a chance on goal against Vyacheslav Malafeev of Russia at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Armed police stand guard in front of the Russian fans at the National Stadium, Warsaw
Republic of Ireland v Croatia – UEFA Euro 2012
Four days in, and on to the second game. Poznan was the destination for our lunch time train and Republic of Ireland v Croatia at the Municipal Stadium was our target. The train outbound had been jammed, with standing room only much of the way. Leaving Warsaw in glorious sunshine, it was a tad disappointing to disembark into a grey, overcast Poznan. The shorts had clearly not been thought through properly. Still, hopes were high that rain would hold off. See if it did or not, below.
On arrival at the stadium, another brief trip to the friendly folk at Canon Professional Services was completed in return for the 1D X and 8-15mm fisheye. It’s an addictive combination. Anyone need a kidney?
Sure enough, on walking out pitch side, the heavens had opened. The stadium roof provided some cover however a light breeze would soon have the rain driving into you. None the less, I began setting up and decided to put the remote camera out. It’s one way of beating the UEFA fifth/sixth officials whom are often (and were) directly between myself and two goals scored in front of me. It paid off to a degree tonight, however as is usual with remote cameras it is entirely luck as to whether it captures anything worth while.
The game finished a disappointing 1-3 defeat for the Irish, but spirits we’re still high. Pictures were edited and sent out, then the homeward journey began. The tram back to the railway station was made all the less weary with a gaggle of vocal Irish support, providing much craic. We’d purchased our tickets as we arrived in Poznan, hoping that we’d be guaranteed a seat. A quick Google Translate later, and we’d discovered we had no reservation. First come first served it was. Initial delight at acquiring a seat was soon replaced with numbness as the four hour ride rolled on. It’s not comfortable sleeping sat up. Bed was a welcome sight back at the apartment.
Ireland fans make a point about defying the financial recession with their banner at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Jonathan Walters of Ireland and Vedran Corluka of Croatia at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates scoring his opening goal at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Sean St Ledger of Ireland equalises with a headed goal at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Nikica Jelavic of Croatia celebrates scoring his sides second goal as Head coach of Ireland, Giovanni Trapattoni lets him know his feelings at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Luka Modric of Croatia fends off Simon Cox of Ireland at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
The Croatian bench welcome Mario Mandzukic after he scores at the Municipal Stadium, Poznan
Russia v Czech Republic – UEFA Euro 2012
UEFA’s Euro 2012 in Poland & Ukraine had been a trip long in the planning. Thursday 7th finally saw the plans come to fruition as I boarded the train that would lead me to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport for my flight to Warsaw.
It was a cold, damp morning in Manchester, and I’d become soaked before I’d even left. It didn’t appear to be a great start to what was destined to be a great trip. Things did however begin to look up, with my transport connections all meeting their schedule and before I knew it I was on the big pink (WizzAir) metal bird headed east.
On arrival in the Polish capital, I met fellow photographer Jake whom I’d be spending the trip with and we made our way to meet Janusz who had kindly agreed an excellent price for rental of his city centre apartment. After being extensively briefed on the operation of the studio flat we were left to our own devices. Job #1 was to collect accreditation from Warsaw’s National Stadium. Easy peasy. Alas, it would have been had we not arrived after it’d closed for the day. A quick rethink later and we opted to collect our pass from Wroclaw before the game the next day. Job #2, bed.
An early train awaited us, for a 5 hour journey to the southern city of Wroclaw to cover the second game of the competition, Russia v Czech Republic. The journey passed by without incident, much in the same vein as the previous day’s had. Accreditation was collected and once settled in to the large, multi storey marquee that was acting as the media centre it was finally time to think about taking some photographs!
Canon Professional Services are onsite at all Polish stadia for the duration of the tournament. This is always welcome news, as it means that cameras can be cleaned properly and some of the more pricey equipment loaned out to give a whirl. My personal choice on this occasion was to be the brand new Canon 1D X body, and the lovely, new 8-15mm fisheye lens. I won’t go in to detail, but it was a dream combination, as was the 1D X and my current 70-200 lens throughout the game itself.
Moving on to the game, my luck had seemingly changed direction. Russia went 2-0 up in the first half with both goals scored at the far end of the pitch. Brilliant! Prayers were done at half time to wish the Russians well on their attacking style in the second half. It paid off, and they thankfully put another two past the Czechs at the right end.
The day ended, in a manner of speaking, with making the return trip into central Wroclaw where a two hour wait for the train back to Warsaw was endured. At 4am we clambered aboard and promptly dropped off to sleep, only to be awoken a couple of hours away from Warsaw with the bright sunlight streaming in through the carriage window. Shattered wasn’t the word. Sleep will be greatly enjoyed this evening.
A general view at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
An entertainer amuses Czech fans at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Czech Republic team group at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Petr Jiracek of Czech Republic passes Yuri Zhirkov of Russia at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Yuri Zhirkov of Russia challenges Theodor Gebre Selassie of Czech Republic at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Alan Dzagoev of Russia strikes at goal to score his sides third goal at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Alan Dzagoev of Russia celebrates scoring his sides third goal at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Roman Pavlyuchenko celebrates his sides third goal at the Municipal Stadium, Wroclaw
Stobart Super League: Magic Weekend 2012 at the Etihad Stadium
Leed's Danny McGuire scores a try at the Etihad Stadium
Wakefield's VInce Mellars celebrates scoring a try at the Etihad Stadium
Richard Mathers of Wakefield scores a try at the Etihad Stadium
Catalan's Remi Casty pushes through the London line to score a try at the Etihad Stadium
Catalan's Steve Menzies gets to grips with London's Scott Wheeldon at the Etihad Stadium
Salford's Joel Moon crosses the line to score a try at the Etihad Stadium
St Helen's Paul Wellens is challenged by Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin at the Etihad Stadium
Wigan's Liam Farrell celebrates his try with Sam Tomkins at the Etihad Stadium
Widnes' Patrick Ah Van looks dejected at the Etihad Stadium
Warrington's Joel Monaghan takes a catch ahead of Widnes' Rhys Hanbury to score the games final try at the Etihad Stadium
BT Paralympic World Cup 2012
Day One
Glorious sunshine, streaming in through the gap in my curtains woke me this morning. Brilliant, I thought! A day of athletics at the BT Paralympic World Cup, and a big portion of my annual vitamin D was on the cards. The drive into Manchester with windows down and Prodigy’s “Out of space” playing on XFM was all too good. Something had to go wrong somewhere, didn’t it?
Upon arriving at the Regional Athletics Centre, Sport City, I suddenly realised that I’d be spending the day shooting into the sun. Focussing on harsh shadows moving towards me rather quickly, debating whether to expose for the highlights or the faces, and squinting until it hurt for the entire day. The sun at this time of year is indeed, more or less directly overhead alas not quite as much as I needed. Still, I thrive on challenge.
Personal records tumbled throughout the day, and British runner Graeme Ballard set a new world record of 25.12 seconds in the T36 Men’s 200m event. A tremendous achievement for a cerebral palsy athlete. The penultimate event of the day saw South African, Oscar Pistorius, leave his competition in the heat haze and romped home to victory unchallenged in the T42/43/44 Men’s 200m.
British runner Graeme Ballard rejoices in victory and a new world record as fellow Brit Benjamin Rushgrove looks dejected following the T36 Men's 200m at Sport City
South African Oscar "Blade Runner" Pistorius crosses the finish line without another competitor in sight as he competes in the T42/43/44 Men's 200m at Sport City, Manchester
A female competitor holds up a BT Paralympic World Cup medal at Sport City, Manchester
Day Two
Ireland's Peter Cotter scores his sides second goal past USA goalkeeper Keith Johnson at Sport City, Manchester
Ireland's Gary Messett takes the ball around USA goalkeeper Keith Johnson at Sport City, Manchester
Ireland's Simon L'Strange and USA's Bryce Boarman in action at Sport City, Manchester
Japan's Kazuyuki Kyoya shoots at Sport City, Manchester
USA's Trey Jenifer beats Japan's Tomomi Masubuchi to the ball at Sport City, Manchester
Brazil's Wanderson Oliveira and Britain's Ibrahima Diallo in action at Sport City, Manchester
Brazil's Jan Costa and Britain's Matt Dimbylow in action at Sport City, Manchester
Head coach Lyndon Lynch reflects on defeat at Sport City, Manchester
USA's Mary Alison Milford vocally attempts to distract Britain's Laurie Williams before she shoots at Sport City, Manchester
Britain's Amy Conroy in action at Sport City, Manchester
Britain's Laurie Williams and USA's Sarah Castle in action at Sport City, Manchester
Britain's Ademola Orogenemi breaks free to score at Sport City, Manchester
Germany's Sebastian Wolk attempts to block Britain's Ademola Orogenemi at Sport City, Manchester
Germany's Matthias Heimback attempts to block Britain's Jonathan Pollock at Sport City, Manchester
Day Four
USA's Chad Jones chases Brazil's Jan Costa at Sport City, Manchester
Britain's Matt Dimbylow scores at Sport City, Manchester
Britain's Ibrahima Diallo and Ireland's Luke Evans at Sport City, Manchester
Britain's Ibrahima Diallo is congratulated on his goal by team mates at Sport City, Manchester
A general view at Sport City, Manchester
Champions Manchester City parade the Premier League trophy
The press focus their cameras on the Manchester City squad
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City holds up the Premier League trophy
The Manchester City side begin their bus parade through Manchester
Manchester City fans surround the parade bus as it makes it's way through Manchester
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City leads celebrations as the bus makes it way through Manchester
A Manchester City fan holds up an 'RIP Fergie' sign, which later ended up with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City