A New Perspective on Match Day
Yesterday evening I got to experience a football match from a completely different point of view — behind the camera. For the first time, I was on assignment as a photographer for the Real Madrid women’s first team, and let me tell you, it was a night full of learning (and shivering).
It was freezing… After 90 minutes my hands were numb, my lips were purple, and I had a whole new level of respect for the photographers who do this every week.
We were given a Canon EOS R6 Mark II from university, an absolutely beautiful camera, but also the first time I ever worked with one — especially with such a large lens. I had all my settings ready, following everything Paul Hanna taught us in his class… but it quickly became clear that there’s a lot more to it than theory.
My biggest struggle was keeping my photos in focus while the players moved so fast. It’s something I definitely want to improve, but at the same time, I need to remind myself that this was my first time ever doing this. And honestly, I did enjoy every second of it.
Real Madrid Femenino ended the night with a 5–0 win, which made the cold worth it.
Photo Gallery: My First Match Behind the Lens
Final Thoughts
This experience gave me a whole new appreciation for sports photographers — the timing, the patience, the instinct (that I have yet to master). It’s not just about catching the goal, but about freezing the emotion that comes right before or after it.
Can’t wait to be back on the sidelines again soon (preferably in warmer weather).
