2015 - A Year In Review

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Year in

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

Review

Grandmaster Ik Pil Kang K.R.Ali Taekwondo Academy

A Cracking Little Yorkshire Run, Wetherby

FOREWORD Some time ago, I had the idea to put together an end of year review in an online book that contained images from some of the local sports photographers around the district.

I’ve been taking photos now for many years. I spent a long time as an amateur photographer, taking some awful pictures, but slowly learning (I hope) what works and what doesn’t.

Ed is the Sports Editor, working some incredible hours to put together the weekly sports section in the paper. He tries to incorporate all the local clubs and at times it can be a thankless task.

When I sent out the idea to a few of them, I got a mixed reception from strong interest to no answer at all. I wanted to be inclusive; not producing something that had a few photographers and seemingly excluded others. So I decided it was all or nothing.

I went semi-pro and then just under three years ago, I decided to make a living at what I do, specialising in sports photography.

Ed has been incredibly supportive and I would like to thank him for that and for the work he does.

Ultimately, I think it is a real shame that I’m not writing a foreword to that particular publication as these unsung heroes do some fantastic work, spending long hours devoted to local clubs, most working for nothing and providing their own camera equipment.

Some of the images that they produce are spectacular and I don’t believe that the vast majority of people realise exactly who they are and what it is they do.

Well I would like to put on record my appreciation for what they do and the countless hours they put in. I won’t name names - you know who you are. You’ve all produced some awe-inspiring images in 2015 and I look forward to seeing more fantastic photos in 2016.

To the spectators; please take a moment to thank the media people at the side of the pitch, track or field taking photos of the sportsmen and women for you to enjoy later - just a simple thank you means a lot!

If my wife had known how difficult and for that matter expensive it was going to be, she’d have slapped me and told me to go and get a proper job!

But Monica has been amazingly patient and supportive as I have spent very long hours setting up the business, getting the right equipment to do the job and heading out as she returns from work.

With two young children, as many working parents know only too well, it is often difficult to try and balance work with family time. I can admit, I probably fail at this aspect miserably. For that, Connor and Aibhlinn I am truly sorry.

I’d also like to thank Harrogate Railway for taking a chance on an idiot with a camera who approached them. It has been my pleasure to work with you guys.

I set myself the task of choosing one [and only one] image a month from 2015 to reproduce here. I didn’t realise exactly how difficult that would be.

I failed!

I sneaked a few extras onto the cover and opposite this foreword!

But I hope that you will forgive me for doing that and also for missing out any that you may have seen on my various sites and think are better than the ones I have chosen.

Over the course of the last three years, I have been made welcome at so many clubs in and around the Harrogate district.

This has, over the last two years, extended all around the country.

I’d like to thank all those clubs and events for allowing me to come and take photos.

The reason for choosing the images in this review of the year, is not that they are technically good, aesthetically pleasing or artistically appealing.

There are simply too many to name here - again you know who you are.

I hope you like what you see.

I’d also like to give a mention to Ed White and the Harrogate Advertiser.

I chose them because I like them and they mean something to me.

I make no apologies for that.

Finally, I’d like to wish you all a happy New Year and a great 2016!

Cau

erty h o y D P grtaph o Mark t o h ight P ght L

Harrogate Railway play in the Evo-Stik League One North; Tier eight of the English Football League.

This league is classed as one of the ‘nonleagues’, but has a tremendous support base. Each season runs between August and May, playing every Saturday and midweek.

Railway travelled to Warrington in January 2015 at a time when their hosts were having a fantastic run in the FA Cup. Ultimately the game ended in a draw, with the British weather throwing wind, rain, hail and snow at the players and supporters during the 90 minutes.

January

Often unappreciated, disliked for the job they do and shouted at - the officials at football matches get on and do a job that everyone has an opinion about!

The photo is of Ken Haycock, refereeing a night game in February.

Here, he is watching the players carefully as a corner is about to be delivered.

FEBRUARY

I’ve been lucky to cover some of the Women’s football league games in 2015.

The ladies are every bit as enthusiastic about playing the game as their male counterparts.

Playing in all weathers, their dedication to playing and skill shown is amazing.

With the Women’s World Cup held during 2015 and the England team doing so well, there has been a surge in interest at the grassroots level, which is fantastic to see.

Harrogate Railway Ladies had a particularly successful year - winning both the league title and the League Cup.

March

Harrogate Rugby Union Football Club play in the National League Two North.

In April, they played Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Cup final and won 16-12 to win the cup for the fourth time in their history.

april

Harrogate Boxing Club held a competition night in the Royal Hall, Harrogate in May. Showcasing fighters of all ages, the event was hugely popular, filling the venue with sponsors and spectators.

MAY

June saw Bramham International Horse Trials being staged again. The four day event is held in the fantastic grounds of the Lane-Fox Bramham estate.

William Fox-Pitt is shown in a relaxed mood while meeting with the press having won his event that day.

In October, he suffered head injuries having fallen during a cross-country competition.

June

Harrogate Cricket Club play in the Yorkshire County Premier League.

2015 saw the team in transition, ending the season a respectible fourth in the league.

The team also reached the T20 finals, played in Doncaster and were going strong until a freak thunderstorm interrupted play in the final. They narrowly lost the reduced over game to Barnsley.

The photo is of Captain, George Ross watching the ball speed to the boundary during the league game against Barnsley in July.

july

I’ve lost count of the number of cricket games I covered during the summer; mostly local club sides playing in the various leagues.

It is incredible to see the passion that these players have for the game, playing several times each week during the season, in a variety of league and cup competitions.

In this photo, Andy Ellis plays a shot during a game between Pannal v Ouseburn in the Theakstons Nidderdale Cricket League.

August

Ireland v Canada Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Rugby World Cup 2015

SEPTEMBER

New Zealand v Tonga St. James’ Park, Newcastle Rugby World Cup 2015

october

Halifax Town 0-4 Wycombe Wanderers The MBi Shay Stadium, Halifax FA Cup First Round

november

Harrogate Town 2-4 Chorley CNG Stadium, Harrogate Vanarama Conference North League Danny Stephenson turns the Town defender to score Chorley’s second goal.

december

CAUGHT LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED WWW: CAUGHTLIGHT.COM TWITTER: @CAUGHTLIGHT FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/SPORTSFOTO EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@CAUGHTLIGHT.COM TELE: 07792 606591

Cover photos Front top - York Autograss, May 2015 Middle left - Ouseburn v Burton Leonard, June 2015 Middle right - Joe Seddon, former Elite British Trials Champion, Ripley Castle, May 2015 Bottom left - Harrogate Railway, March 2015 Bottom right - Ryan Bradley Memorial, Tour of the Sperrins Rally, Northern Ireland, May 2015 Back Cover - Ireland v France, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, October 2015 No agency or private commission photographs were used in this publication

All Images Copyright 2015