Not a Lasses' Game? - Through The Lens (#4)

Johnston recently kick-started his own professional career by securing a full-time job with Creo Comms, a self-described ‘creative marketing agency’ based in Sunderland.

But he insists he couldn’t have done it without taking that daunting first step.

“Initially at the very beginning, I was running a local Italian car club here in the North East,” Johnston reflected. 

“Purchasing a camera was really to improve our social outlook at future events. It was right round the time of the pandemic which pretty much cancelled all of our shows. 

“With nothing to photograph, I had to make use of my resources around me. It was at that time falling down the YouTube rabbit hole and other means of education to learn the craft of photography. 

“Flash forward nearly four years later, I didn’t think for one second it would have enabled me to make a change in career to do it full time.”

His work has helped Mel Reay's Sunderland side off the field in a campaign where it looked like, for much of the season, the team could get promoted.

"Mel and the Lasses have had an unbelievable season," he shared.

“To be able to document part of the season when I’ve been able to get along to the games has given me the opportunity to expand at the other teams behind Sunderland. 

“There have been some brilliant moments along the way and the celebrations over a large number of games will always be great to look back on."

But his biggest piece of advice to those wanting to forge a career like him?

“Don’t wait for tomorrow as that day may never come. Find a subject you want to master at and most importantly, have fun with it!

“It can be life changing. It’ll give you a new outlook on life. It’ll open doors you never thought could open."

The grassroots game has its fair share of professionals and amateurs wanting to develop their skills.

Long-serving photographer Craig McNair has backed South Shields Women, as well as Durham Women and their academy, for the past decade, and he continues to shoot matches to this day. 

He said: “I have been covering football, in particular Durham Women FC, for 10 years now after being contacted by a good friend, George [Ledger] (@GLsportsphoto). 

“It was from George that I really learned the trade – where to sit, the limitations of my gear and importantly not beating myself up when I miss focus or someone runs in front of the player you are trying to shoot.

“Every photographer starting out has ‘gear envy’ when they see the professionals with their big lenses, and I was no different. 

“Cameras and lenses have improved vastly in the past 10 years, but capturing the split-second shot/save is still really tricky and luck plays its part.”

The past 10 years have seen Durham consolidate themselves as a Championship outfit, and South Shields climb up the divisions, from the Durham FA leagues into the NERWFL Premier Division where they play today.

“It’s a great feeling seeing your photos in the match day programme and I have seen first-hand the remarkable rise of women’s football over the past 10 years,” he continued. 

“I am now involved in photographing South Shields’ younger girls’ teams as well and know it won’t be long before some of these players make the breakthrough into the senior women’s team.

“As a kid I would have loved to have someone photograph my games, playing against the Celtic and Rangers youth teams and having that keepsake (and to see if I came up against anyone famous!)”

And while some take photos hoping to launch a sporting career, others have different ambitions in mind.

That’s exactly what Northumbria Uni student Katie Pierce said, when she suggested what might come next, after working with Wallsend Boys Club.

“I did a placement with them coaching last year. I already had contacts there, so I just asked if I could take photos for them this year,” she said. 

“I just like doing it because I know the players love it! I started out because I couldn’t play over the summer, so it was something to do.

“I want to try and work in photography but expand my portfolio so that I could do weddings [or] brand photoshoots.” 

No matter where you look, women’s football will continue to be backed by a healthy number of keen photographers aiming to capture every goal, every celebration and every big decision.