Viva Lewes Issue #134 November 2017

ON THIS MONTH: FOOTBALL
James Boyes
Lewes FC photographer
Photo by James Boyes
I’m celebrating my tenth anniversary as official
Lewes FC photographer this year: my first
season was in 2007/08, when Steve King’s team
won promotion to the National Conference. I’ve
photographed almost all of the home and away
fixtures since, and more and more of the women’s
team fixtures, too.
Apart from an adult education Photography
A-Level at Sussex Downs I’m pretty much selftaught.
I’ve learnt on the job, basically. A lot of
trial and error.
I usually take about 700 pictures a match – approximately
one every eight seconds - and of these
about a third are worth keeping, which I post on
flickr afterwards. I have no idea if this is a normal
sort of ratio.
For the men’s home games I also write a short
match report for the Non-League Paper. I
watch the game, but unlike other fans I’m not
following the ball, I’m tracking players through
the lens. Sometimes I don’t know it’s a goal until I
hear the crowd’s reaction, then I’m busy capturing
the celebrations.
It’s the emotions that really make the picture,
which is why goal celebrations are so good. My
favourite ever shot was of Lewes’ David Wheeler
reeling away after scoring a late goal against Braintree
with an opposition player lying dejected on
the floor. Pictures with players celebrating with
the fans are usually pretty good, too. Big Deaksie
and Cynical Dave are always there or thereabouts
when the ball goes in the net.
My camera equipment has improved since I
started, but as this is a hobby I can’t afford the
sort of really long zoom lenses the pros use. This
means I can’t capture action on the other side of
the pitch.
This becomes worse for night matches, though
a bit of post-production always helps. The sharpening
tool is my best friend. Lewes’ floodlights
were bought with the proceeds of a Pink Floyd
concert in the Town Hall in the 60s, so while I’ve
seen worse – especially at the level we’re at now – I
can’t wait until they’re replaced, because it’s all
about the light.
I hardly ever watch a Lewes game without my
camera. I go to Brighton sometimes as a fan: I
always end up envying the guys taking the shots,
and wishing I was down pitch-side.
It can get very cold on the touchline, and very
wet. In winter I wear a waterproof jacket and leggings.
I look like the Michelin Man, but I’m not
moving very much - I usually choose a spot and
stay there for a while – so believe me it’s worth it.
Would I want to do the job professionally? I’m
not sure. At the moment there’s no pressure on
me. If I don’t get the money shot, nobody minds –
except me. As told to Alex Leith
For Lewes Men’s and Women’s home and away
fixtures, check out the club website. Look out for
‘Boyesie’ on the touchline – he’ll be there.
flickr.com/photos/jamesboyes
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