Eddie Keogh

For over three decades, Canon Ambassador Eddie Keogh has been at the forefront of sports photojournalism in the UK, having shot thousands of images from a huge range of sporting disciplines for the world's daily papers.

Eddie is the official photographer via Getty Images for the England football team and also works for England Rugby's main sponsor, O2. "It's an honour to work with the England football team and such an interesting insight into what goes on behind the scenes," he says. "They have been really friendly, open to new ideas and very professional in their responsibility to their game. Both teams play with passion and that endeavour comes through in the photographs. Whether that's a flying tackle in rugby or a diving header in football, there's always a chance of a great sports picture."

Eddie's skill behind the camera isn't just recognised by editors, he's scored highly with competition judges too. "I was very happy with a Highly Commended in the Specialist Portfolio of the Sports Journalists Awards in 2018," says Eddie, when asked which trophy meant the most. "Only because it was a set of black-and-white images I'd taken as a private project on Sunday morning football. But it was so nice that a set of pictures of amateur sport was able to compete at the highest level against so many portfolios of professional sports."

The Oxfordshire based shooter's other triumphs include: the Premier League Football Photographer of the Year Award 2006, the UK Picture Editors' Sports Photographer of the Year 2010, the Sports Journalists' Association (SJA)'s Sports News Picture of the Year in 2009 and 2010, SJA's Portfolio award 2012, and SJA's Away from the Action award in 2019 and 2020. "I think one of my strengths is that I can turn my hand to most styles depending on what the client requires, and I certainly enjoy a moment of humour that sometimes comes through in my pictures."

What do you do the night before an event?

"I charge the camera batteries, mobile phone, computer and Wi-Fi units. I do my homework on the event I'm attending so I know the backstory, and I double-check my bag."


Can you share a few of your shooting secrets?

"Look at backgrounds; they can make or break a picture. If backgrounds are bad, stay on a long lens – if you want more atmosphere of the event stay on shorter lenses."


What happens to your images after you fire the shutter?

"I send most of my pictures straight from the camera to an FTP address, sometimes with a voice caption, and the editors can work on them from the office or home."


Do you ever retouch your images?

"If I send the images from my laptop first, I do very little retouching. Literally lighten or darken, colour correct if necessary and occasionally sharpen if it's a big pull. It's a sackable offence to add or take anything out of a picture so we are very, very careful."


What's the best way to break into the industry?

"There are so many photographers working for local clubs now and that's a great way to learn. If you get good at that – and you have to be good – there's always a chance of moving onwards and upwards."


What piece of Canon kit can you not live without, and why?

"The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM. Long lenses are a key part of a sports photographer's kit but the quality of this particular lens on the Canon EOS R1 is outstanding; it constantly gives razor-sharp images with a shallow depth of field that helps pictures really pop. Over the last three years, this combination has given me so many more options when it comes to choosing the best image to send back to Getty Images. I also always have the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM with me, especially if I'm working behind the scenes with the England team. It enables me to get up close and personal and produces some wonderful images, and it's especially helpful for clearing up messy backgrounds."

"A fast shutter speed is a good start. Most sports are fast-moving, so it's essential to have sharp pictures. Try to get as low as you can; a low angle can add a touch more drama to your pictures especially if you can see that the athletes are off the ground. Other than that I recommend practise, practise and then go and practise some more. Get off the computer and get to any sporting events you can. And don't be particular about the weather – bad weather can produce great pictures."

Instagram: @eddiekeoghphotos

Twitter: @eddie_keogh

Website: www.eddiekeogh.com