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I remember at AS level your work was sports related. When did you decide to pursue this as a career?
My plan was that I always wanted to be a PE teacher. I only really picked photography because I couldn’t think of a fourth option!! I enjoyed taking photos, so thought it would be fun. As I was getting to the end of the AS year, I was struggling with the PE theory. I ended up dropping it but carrying on with photography, which was a major decision. I did a series of portraits of different athletes, and then never looked back.
My plan was that I always wanted to be a PE teacher. I only really picked photography because I couldn’t think of a fourth option!! I enjoyed taking photos, so thought it would be fun. As I was getting to the end of the AS year, I was struggling with the PE theory. I ended up dropping it but carrying on with photography, which was a major decision. I did a series of portraits of different athletes, and then never looked back.
What was your path after A level?
I went to The Arts University Bournemouth where I did a Media Foundation degree. I knew I wanted to be involved in media in some way, and I found this year long course gave me the freedom to explore different options. After that I decided to stay at Bournemouth to do a 3 year Commercial Photography degree. There were two different options: BA Photography or Commercial Photography. I went with the Commercial pathway because I felt that it was going to be more beneficial in the long run. We learned all about the business side of photography, as well as having practical assignments.
I went to The Arts University Bournemouth where I did a Media Foundation degree. I knew I wanted to be involved in media in some way, and I found this year long course gave me the freedom to explore different options. After that I decided to stay at Bournemouth to do a 3 year Commercial Photography degree. There were two different options: BA Photography or Commercial Photography. I went with the Commercial pathway because I felt that it was going to be more beneficial in the long run. We learned all about the business side of photography, as well as having practical assignments.
Anyone that knows me is aware I’m a big football fan. It was always something I wanted to be involved with. In my second year of Uni an opportunity cropped up to go to Coventry City and meet some of the staff. I ended up photographing the programme covers the following season, and then continued this work for a few years after. Incidently, a couple of years ago, Bournemouth signed Elliott Ward who I had also photographed during his time at Coventry. I compared 2 photos of him that I had taken, from then and now, and was slightly embarrassed about how bad I used to be! I can’t believe Coventry saw something in me, although I’m glad they did! I’ll be forever indebted to Carl, the head of design there, for giving me that opportunity.
Do you feel your A level studies were a good preparation for your next stages?
This is an easy and short answer. Yes. If photography wasn’t an option for me at A level then I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now. It had never even crossed my mind as a possible career path.
This is an easy and short answer. Yes. If photography wasn’t an option for me at A level then I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now. It had never even crossed my mind as a possible career path.
What moments do you consider the most significant in your career development?
I used to help run a local magazine called Upraw and during that time I found my creative style. I experienced so many things, from photographing Jessie J to capturing some of Bournemouth’s local cuisines. The photos I took helped me get the work at AFC Bournemouth. The head of media, Max, loved the magazine and was keen to transform the Matchday programme to this sort of style. At the end of the season the programme won programme of the year, so his vision turned out to be the right one!
The club has had a transitional few years, but as a media department it’s come on leaps and bounds. I’m lucky that I’ve got a lot of creative people around me, so I am learning all the time. We bounce ideas of each other and help each other improve.
If I had to pick a single moment as my best experience, it would have to be when Real Madrid came to town. I was told that I was going to be at the hotel with the Madrid players before the game, documenting it all – as well as the game itself – which was all pretty surreal. I wouldn’t say that they are the best photos I’ve ever taken, but as an experience, it was by far one of the best.
I used to help run a local magazine called Upraw and during that time I found my creative style. I experienced so many things, from photographing Jessie J to capturing some of Bournemouth’s local cuisines. The photos I took helped me get the work at AFC Bournemouth. The head of media, Max, loved the magazine and was keen to transform the Matchday programme to this sort of style. At the end of the season the programme won programme of the year, so his vision turned out to be the right one!
The club has had a transitional few years, but as a media department it’s come on leaps and bounds. I’m lucky that I’ve got a lot of creative people around me, so I am learning all the time. We bounce ideas of each other and help each other improve.
If I had to pick a single moment as my best experience, it would have to be when Real Madrid came to town. I was told that I was going to be at the hotel with the Madrid players before the game, documenting it all – as well as the game itself – which was all pretty surreal. I wouldn’t say that they are the best photos I’ve ever taken, but as an experience, it was by far one of the best.
What exactly is your role now with AFCB?
At this moment in time I work freelance, mostly photographing the players for the Matchday programme – covers and main features. I’ve also done things such as kit launches; shots for the tunnel walls; player shots for the website; sometimes I’ll go to additional events too. Occasionally you might find me pitch side, but having watched Bournemouth play for about 18 years I’m always wanting to watch the games rather than work! Next year will be different though. With Bournemouth in the Premier League for the first time, I’ll be taking every opportunity I can to photograph those games!
At this moment in time I work freelance, mostly photographing the players for the Matchday programme – covers and main features. I’ve also done things such as kit launches; shots for the tunnel walls; player shots for the website; sometimes I’ll go to additional events too. Occasionally you might find me pitch side, but having watched Bournemouth play for about 18 years I’m always wanting to watch the games rather than work! Next year will be different though. With Bournemouth in the Premier League for the first time, I’ll be taking every opportunity I can to photograph those games!
How exciting has it been to be involved with the club this season?!
It’s been a crazy season! The Championship has been so exciting, with so many twists and turns. When Sheffield Wednesday pegged us back to a draw in the last minute I thought we’d have to settle for the playoffs, but then Fulham and Rotherham ended up doing us a favour, meaning the Bolton game was going to be massive.
I was photographing the game knowing it could potentially go down in the club’s history. I arrived at the stadium early because sitting at home was making me nervous. There were so many people there, filming, reporting, photographing and it wasn’t even 16:30pm. I decided I would document that game a bit differently – to make it more of a story – and it’s some of my favourite work I’ve produced. Being down there with the lads when they were celebrating was a special moment, knowing how far the club had come within 6 years.
The following week I went to the Charlton match as a fan, and even then there were twists and turns right up to the last minute. The whole stadium went quiet as the news from Watford came through that Sheffield Wednesday had scored. And then the next thing I knew, the players on the bench were celebrating. The full time whistle had gone, and we were Champions! There were so many highlights. I would say, for me, that the Bolton game was the biggest one.
Finally, do you have any advice to students thinking ‘I’d love to do that job’?
It’s all about networking. Try to meet as many people as you can!
It’s been a crazy season! The Championship has been so exciting, with so many twists and turns. When Sheffield Wednesday pegged us back to a draw in the last minute I thought we’d have to settle for the playoffs, but then Fulham and Rotherham ended up doing us a favour, meaning the Bolton game was going to be massive.
I was photographing the game knowing it could potentially go down in the club’s history. I arrived at the stadium early because sitting at home was making me nervous. There were so many people there, filming, reporting, photographing and it wasn’t even 16:30pm. I decided I would document that game a bit differently – to make it more of a story – and it’s some of my favourite work I’ve produced. Being down there with the lads when they were celebrating was a special moment, knowing how far the club had come within 6 years.
The following week I went to the Charlton match as a fan, and even then there were twists and turns right up to the last minute. The whole stadium went quiet as the news from Watford came through that Sheffield Wednesday had scored. And then the next thing I knew, the players on the bench were celebrating. The full time whistle had gone, and we were Champions! There were so many highlights. I would say, for me, that the Bolton game was the biggest one.
Finally, do you have any advice to students thinking ‘I’d love to do that job’?
It’s all about networking. Try to meet as many people as you can!
This article first appeared on Chris Francis' blog.