Emerging Photographer Runner-Up
Will Palmer is an accomplished young sports photographer who has already had work published in the national press, global brand channels and advertising
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
When did you start taking photographs and when did you realise that it was something you wanted to take seriously?
I picked up my first camera in 2014 at school, capturing my friends cycling or playing field hockey for Scarborough Hockey Club. A form tutor at the time encouraged me to present my work in an assembly to the whole school. I later had the opportunity to photograph sports regularly while studying at the University of York and it led to a placement year where I captured international cricket and hockey players. The turning-point came during the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London. The vibrant atmosphere and the challenge of capturing those moments solidified my desire to pursue professional photography as a career.
What inspired you to shoot this project?
These photographs reflect the privilege of working at incredible events with inspiring athletes. Capturing their dedication and unique stories is an inspiration. Being at the front row of historymaking moments is both a thrill and a challenge, pushing me to capture a standout image. It’s an enjoyable challenge, driven by the passion to freeze these significant moments for others to cherish.
What challenges did you have to overcome?
Living and growing up in the small seaside town of Scarborough posed challenges as there were no major sports teams to which I could reach out for experience, and there were limited opportunities to connect with local photographers in the same field for advice and to have my work critiqued. Additionally, the high cost of professional equipment, particularly long prime lenses for sports photography, proved to be a significant challenge.
