Catriona Nunn From university hockey matches to the world’s biggest sporting events, professional sports photographer Will Palmer has captured the thrill, emotion, and intensity of sport across the world. In this feature, he shares his journey from the University of York to photographing iconic moments in sports and nature, including his award-winning shot of “Thor” the walrus, in Scarborough Harbour.
“From a young age, sports were always a huge part of my life. Growing up in Scarborough, just a stone’s throw from York, I was an avid hockey player and cyclist. However, it wasn’t until I started university that I found myself behind the lens, capturing the very sports I loved. Today, as a professional sports photographer, my journey feels like a blend of fortunate circumstances, ultimately led by dedication. Each seemingly small step led me closer to where I am now; on the frontlines of some of the world’s most exhilarating sporting moments.
It all started at the University of York, where I didn’t stray too far from home to study. In my downtime between classes, and when I wasn’t playing myself, I began photographing my friends’ hockey matches. What began as a hobby soon turned into a passion. I found joy in capturing the intense emotions of the game, the fleeting moments of triumph or loss, and the sheer athleticism on display even at university-level hockey. My work gained traction covering BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) hockey, football and women’s rugby union matches for both York University, including the iconic annual Roses varsity tournaments and for other northern universities as well. Working for the individual sports teams, quickly moved to also shooting content for BUCS and YUSU (York University Student Union), often promoting the wide expanse of student opportunities through both of these organisations.
A major turning point came when I was asked by Adidas to cover a Women’s Hockey World Cup shoe launch. A friend of a friend saw my work on Instagram, and that simple connection provided an unexpected opportunity, which I seized with both hands. Without the access that university sport provided, it would have been much harder to break into the professional scene.
Sports photography wasn’t the path I originally set out on, though. At university, I was studying Environment, Economics and Ecology, motivated by the desire to be a wildlife and conservation photographer. However, my opportunity to shoot university sport at York was amplified when the chance to photograph the Women’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 came about, and I knew this would change the direction (and subjects!) of my photography.
I remember asking Adidas if I could shoot some of the on-pitch action during the actual event, and to my surprise, they agreed. Soon enough, I found myself working closely with brand directors like Richard Mantell, shooting towards the final stages of the tournament. From there, I started building relationships with other industry professionals, including my now long-standing mentor, Frank Uijlenbroek, who brought me into World Sport Pics, the leading hockey agency globally. That connection turned out to be pivotal, and it opened doors I hadn’t even considered before.
One of my most memorable assignments early on was photographing the Commonwealth Games. Spending time at the velodrome shooting for selection of national teams and the world governing body, the UCI, on behalf of the Leeds-based team at SWPix. It was hard work, but being at the centre of such significant sporting events made every challenge worthwhile, and ultimately, those “pinch-me” moments keep me coming back for more. It’s not every day you get to document history as it unfolds, and I’ve been fortunate to do so at events like cycling World Championships and the Rugby League World Cup.
One standout moment for me was photographing the crash involving Matt Walls at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He veered out of the velodrome and into the crowd, creating one of the most dramatic and terrifying moments in recent track cycling memory, leading to changes in velodrome infrastructure. Capturing that moment was a mixture of skill and luck, and the image went on to win several awards. That assignment, and the friendships that I built with the athletes along the way, have been highlights of my career.
It’s capturing the emotions behind moments like these that remind me why I love sports photography. There’s something special about freezing a moment in time that requires no words to describe the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Whilst capturing the technical aspects of a game, like a striking shot of a battle for the ball in football, is crucial, it’s the human side of the game that resonates most with viewers. Some of my favourite shots aren’t of athletes hoisting trophies above their heads, but rather the quiet, introspective moments of struggle and perseverance.
Of course, this job comes with its challenges, particularly the logistics of travelling. Based in Scarborough, I often find myself making long trips to stadiums and airports alike in cities like Manchester or London. A standard shoot day might involve leaving home after brunch, driving for hours and arriving at the stadium three hours before game time; with not a football fan in sight. After the match, it’s another three+ hours back home, sometimes longer if there’s heavy traffic alongside fans or road closures; often in the early hours of the morning. But that’s part of the job. The privilege of capturing a game makes it worth it, even when I have multi-day travel adventures across the world to shoot events such as the Women’s World Curling Championships in South Korea, the Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket in the UAE, or junior hockey world cups in Malaysia.
One of the biggest challenges of the modern industry is the speed at which we have to deliver images. When I’m photographing football, hockey, or cycling, for example, I’m often sending images live, whether from a portable router or wired into the stadium itself. Editors expect photos to be in front of them within seconds of a goal being scored, and it’s then a race against time (and your competitors – often sat right next to you!) to get the perfect photo shot, sent, edited and available to clients.
This is hugely important, whether it’s for the press to purchase images for live news websites such as the BBC, or for federations and organisations to live update their social channels with scores, keeping their worldwide fan bases tuned into the action. There’s immense pressure, shifting the stress from issues around light, access and backgrounds, to stresses about internet connection, servers and stadium infrastructure… but that’s also part of the thrill.
Despite the logistical hurdles, sports photography is immensely rewarding. I’ve been privileged to be in the front seat for iconic moments of northern sporting history, such as Newcastle United’s first Champions League match in 20 years. The atmosphere was electric as PSG arrived at St James’ Park, and capturing the emotions of the fans and players as they celebrated their return to the European stage was an incredible experience.
Another highlight was working closely with the England Wheelchair Rugby League team. I had been following their journey for a couple of years, including documenting their training sessions, so being there to capture their World Cup win was a deeply personal and moving experience. Moments like these make the long days and tough travel schedules worthwhile.
One of the most rewarding elements of working in this field is getting to know the athletes on a personal level. I’ve formed great working relationships with many players, especially within the GB Hockey team, where I’ve been photographing both men’s and women’s matches for several years. Being close to the athletes allows me to capture intimate moments, whether it’s a huddle before the game or the raw emotions following a tough loss. I’ve often found myself on the pitch at the end of games, just feet away from the action, trying to balance the need for a great shot with respect for the players’ space. Even as a professional, it’s impossible to always get it right. I once had an encounter with a German player who was upset after losing a match and didn’t want certain moments photographed. When there is a language barrier, or a player-photographer relationship hasn’t been years in the making, I have to be sensitive to those dynamics whilst so close to the action and emotions it provokes.
For anyone aspiring to become a sports photographer, my advice is to start small and stay dedicated in your pursuit of learning. It’s easy to dream about shooting Premier League games or the Olympics, but the reality is that it takes years of honing your craft at lower-level events. I started by shooting local hockey and football matches, learning how to capture clean, compelling images in less-than-ideal conditions. Those early experiences taught me the importance of patience, timing, and the ability to read a game. Years on from my York University photography days, I am still grasping every opportunity to learn from photographers who shoot differently from me. A recent mentee opportunity, after winning a place at the coveted Doug Pensinger Photography Fund in Colorado, emphasised that there is so much knowledge to be shared within this community, and you’ll never know it all – a humbling element of this creative industry. On that note, the need to network never ends; building relationships with players, coaches, and other photographers. It’s not just about taking great photos; it’s about being someone people want to work with.
In recent years, the rise of mirrorless cameras has changed the game for sports photographers. These cameras are lighter, faster, and can take over 20 images per second. That kind of speed is crucial when you’re trying to capture split-second moments in a fast-paced game. Technology has come a long way since I started, and it’s exciting to see where it will go next.
Whilst sports photography will always be my primary passion, I’ve also started to explore environmental photography. After all, my background in Environment, Economics and Ecology never left me. Recently, I captured a once-in-a-lifetime moment when a walrus, dubbed “Thor,” arrived in Scarborough Harbour. It was just after Christmas, and I was playing video games late at night when a friend casually mentioned seeing a walrus on Facebook. I immediately grabbed my gear and headed to the harbour, scribbling a note to my parents: “Gone to shoot a walrus”, albeit this wasn’t my usual memo to my Mum and Dad, and they only believed me when I showed them the picture of Thor the next morning!
That night, I arrived to find the harbour almost empty, save for a few curious onlookers. I spent 20 minutes lying on the cold stones, waiting for Thor to lift his head. When he finally did, I captured an image that has since been featured in newspapers across the world. The shot earned me recognition in national wildlife photography competitions, a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
Looking ahead, I’d love to blend my passion for sports and environmental photography. The skills I’ve developed on the pitch translate well to capturing wildlife; the timing, patience, and ability to tell a story through a single frame. As much as I love the fast-paced world of sports and trackable on-pitch action, I’m also drawn to the tranquillity and unpredictability of nature. Using photography for positive change in conservation practices and reporting, which ultimately helps raise awareness of wildlife’s plight, is something I see as part of my future.
As I reflect on my journey, from photographing university hockey matches to capturing world-class sporting events, I’m grateful for every opportunity. Sports photography is demanding, both physically and mentally, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Whether I’m on the sidelines of a Champions League game or documenting wildlife in my hometown, I feel privileged to do what I love.”
To check out more of Will’s photography, head to his website.
