When a picture is worth a thousand words
Press photography holds significant value in today’s fast-paced and information-driven world. As the adage goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and this is particularly true for press photography. It serves as a powerful medium to document and convey news, stories, and emotions, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering empathy among people.
During my career, I’ve been exceptionally lucky to work for some great newspapers and media agencies, alongside some of the most talented photographers, reporters and production staff – bringing you news, sport, business and features – every day of the week. The largest part of my career was spent on The Yorkshire Post working with one of the finest editorial photography teams in the country – a team that never fails to deliver quality images from every assignment.
Photography journey
I’ve been interested in photography, particularly press photography, since the age of 15 when my first photographs were published in my local newspaper, The Whitchurch Herald. My late dad was one of the printers, and I have very fond recollections of him returning home on a Thursday evening with a copy of the Herald, fresh off the press and with the ink still wet. I loved visiting the printworks when the paper was printing; I’ll never forget the noise and vibration of the enormous press running at full speed, as well as the pungent scent of the ink – all to ensure that the newspaper was delivered to the newsagents the next morning. From that point, I knew this was an industry I wanted to be part of.
Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to cover major events in news and sport, this job has taken me across the globe, visiting wonderful countries and meeting great characters – but none as finer as those from Yorkshire!
Royal Photographic Society
Back in 2015, I was honoured to be named a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and awarded an Accredited Senior in Imaging in the Creative Industries. Founded in 1853, The Royal Photographic Society has played a pivotal role in promoting and advancing the art and science of photography for over a century and a half. With a rich history, a commitment to education and innovation, and a vibrant global community, the society continues to inspire and support photographers of all levels.
The RPS has enabled me to help promote press photography from talks to photographic societies, colleges and universities, through to several magazine articles. In 2017, the editor of the RPS Journal asked if I would be interested in writing this behind-the-scenes article about the work of a press photographer and what picture editors are looking for.
Following this article, the quarterly journal for the RPS Documentary Group – The Decisive Moment published an article in 2020 featuring the talented work of The Yorkshire Post photographers and the story behind the images. The cover of the magazine featured a great photograph by staff photographer Tony Johnson of Boris Johnson. Ultimately, the values of press photography lie in its ability to inform and inspire. By capturing fleeting moments of truth and emotion, press photographers play a crucial role in bringing you a picture which is worth a thousand words.
If you are interested in the work of The Yorkshire Post photographers,
please follow them on Twitter:
Marisa Cashill: @MarisaCashill
Jonathan Gawthorpe: @jgawthorpeYPN
James Hardisty: @snapperjim
Simon Hulme: @SimonHulmeYPN
Tony Johnson: @TonyJohnsonYPN
Bruce Rollinson: @brucerollinson
Yorkshire Post in Pictures: @YPinPictures
