Q & A with David
What cameras did you use?
Always Nikon, always.
Why Nikons?
In 1970 I was just starting out in the business and the first camera I bought was a Nikon F for £125 in a second hand dealer’s shop in Tooting. I've stuck with them ever since and never regretted it. and no I don't still have it, unfortunately.
What is your favourite sport to photograph & why?
Thats a tough one but I think I'd have to go with Cricket. You need a lot of patience to photograph cricket, it can be hours before the picture presents itself. When it does it can happen very fast and be quite spectacular.
Were there any photographers who inspired you when you started out ?
Although I admired many people In the industry I decided early on that I would go my own way photographically which is what I have always done. I think that is why I have my own recognisable style.
Always Nikon, always.
Why Nikons?
In 1970 I was just starting out in the business and the first camera I bought was a Nikon F for £125 in a second hand dealer’s shop in Tooting. I've stuck with them ever since and never regretted it. and no I don't still have it, unfortunately.
What is your favourite sport to photograph & why?
Thats a tough one but I think I'd have to go with Cricket. You need a lot of patience to photograph cricket, it can be hours before the picture presents itself. When it does it can happen very fast and be quite spectacular.
Were there any photographers who inspired you when you started out ?
Although I admired many people In the industry I decided early on that I would go my own way photographically which is what I have always done. I think that is why I have my own recognisable style.
David, you've covered 40 Wimbledon Tournaments in your long career, do you have a favourite picture
The one that gave me the most satisfaction was taken in 1993 on the Centre Court in the early evening. I was sitting watching Chris Baily the he made a cross court pass and was heading for the umpire's chair. I grabbed my Nikon F4 with a 300mm 2.8 lens. The lens was set at 2.8 and i used manual focus (no auto then). He missed the umpire but knocked the net cord judge over. I had never seen the happen before and it will never happen again as there are no longer net cord judges at Wimbledon. |
How do you decide which matches to cover during Wimbledon?
Seeded players and any potential British winners are the obvious choice and they are decided on that morning.
How does the weather affect photographing football & rugby matches?
If it is raining the problem is protecting the cameras and computers from getting wet. It makes life more difficult & I get wet !
What is your favourite photograph & why ?
Andrew Strauss (below) taken at 4th test match England v Australia at Trent Bridge 27.08 2005. This position is one not normally taken by photographers as it rarely produces a good picture . In this instance it did ! I think this is one of the most stunning catch pictures that I’ve ever seen even though it’s mine ! It was the pivotal moment of going on to win the third Test Match.
Seeded players and any potential British winners are the obvious choice and they are decided on that morning.
How does the weather affect photographing football & rugby matches?
If it is raining the problem is protecting the cameras and computers from getting wet. It makes life more difficult & I get wet !
What is your favourite photograph & why ?
Andrew Strauss (below) taken at 4th test match England v Australia at Trent Bridge 27.08 2005. This position is one not normally taken by photographers as it rarely produces a good picture . In this instance it did ! I think this is one of the most stunning catch pictures that I’ve ever seen even though it’s mine ! It was the pivotal moment of going on to win the third Test Match.
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