The latest winner of the Hockey Writers’ Club image of the month is Alison Gladwin, with this image of the umpire (Nick Bennett) in an ideal position to see the attacker score at University of Birmingham during the National League Div 1 North Men’s game against Cardiff Met.
It was taken by Alison Gladwin, who told The Hockey Paper about how she took the winning entry.
Congratulations Alison, firstly what equipment did you use?
Canon EOS 7D Mark II with 100-400mm lens, F5.0, ISO 500, 135mm, 1/1000
Are you happy with the image?
I just wish the image was sharper! I hated seeing the ball going into the net (not a neutral photographer). It just happened so quickly. It was just a lucky shot! I try to follow the game through the lens and grab some images along the way.
When did you first start hockey photography?
I started as a distraction for a nervous mother watching her two son’s (Kyle and Duncan) journeys from state school hockey through club, county, School Games, Futures and U16/18/21/23 Scottish Internationals.
Initially just focusing on them, but when they played together, one as a striker and one as a defender the whole team soon became involved.
I am always learning, although I use a camera at work, sport photography is very different. I still feel like a beginner. I mainly only photograph teams that the boys are playing in or have connections with.
University of Birmingham Hockey Club, (where Duncan has played for the last four years) is active on social media and do an online match report for the whole club.
I am happy to supply them with up-to-date photos to help them promote the club. I am aware of a number of parents and friends who cannot come to many matches who enjoy looking at my images to get a feel for the game.
Great shot.