In my previous photo essay I took the time, with help, to set out the proceedings in the days that lead up to a running of Il Palio. This was a factual exercise aimed at giving an outsiders view of proceedings and explaining the different aspects of the event.
2018 has been a great year in many ways, but there have been a few bumps along the way.
Having setup Replay Images with Craig Thomas at the end of 2017 our venture has moved forward over the last twelve months. Mike Jones joined the team and established Replay Images as the club photographers for Pontypridd RFC. In terms of bumps after Judgement Day IV at the Principality Stadium I fell ill with what turned out to be cellulitis, that led to a period in hospital followed by a spell of recuperation.
2017 has been a fantastic year for me with some notable events under my belt, the two biggest being Wales v England in the RBS Six Nations, where one of my images made the front cover of The Observer. The second major event was Il Palio in Siena in August where I got to cover every aspect of the spectacle over a four day period. my images from Il Palio were featured in The Malta Independent and have been used widely on social media. by Palio di Siena
The following are some of my favourite images of the year, I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I have enjoyed capturing them.
Here Scarlets’ Scott Williams scores a try under the posts against Saracens. This try put Scarlets into the lead with not much time left on the clock. I took a gamble in the second half, rather than follow Saracens I stuck with the Scarlets attack. Had Saracens not levelled the game right at the death this would have been the winning try and possibly may have had some usage.
European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 3 – Scarlets v Saracens – Sunday 15th January 2017 – Parc y Scarlets – Llanelli – © CameraSport.
2016 has been a busy year covering lots of Rugby and a first International Cricket match for me. As we move into 2017 I thought I would post some of my favourite images from last year. Often as photographers we are given a brief to follow and it is key that you get the images requested by clients. Sometimes you get the opportunity to go beyond the brief and capture images that appeal on a personal level, this selection showcases those photographs.
This image shows Alun Wyn Jones looking thoroughly dejected after the Ospreys lost to Leinster in the Guinness Pro 12 back in January. For me sport is not just about the action but also about the emotion, the highs and lows and as a photographer it is key to capture that.
Guinness PRO12 Round 12 – Ospreys v Leinster – Liberty Stadium – Swansea © CameraSport
