I wanted to test out some more shots of more still landscapes including some of the sights of London. I also wanted to try achieve some good quality images with a person being the focus.
I like how the London Eye is the composition of the overall image with the London Eye being placed on the left-hand side rather than in the middle.
Using this technique, I feel, displays how huge the London Eye is in contrast to the other objects within the picture.
I chose to use the technique ‘Rule of Thirds’ by placing the boy in the middle of the photograph with the landmarks on either side behind him. Having him as the focal point demonstrates the symmetry of the picture and will more likely attract the attention of somebody who may be looking at this.
With this picture above, I wanted a closer angle than the previous two where, as you can observe, the boy’s face is much more clearer compared to the London Eye and Big Ben in the background. To achieve this, I adjusted the aperture setting as this is required when focusing on something more close-up image.
I thought this image below worked well as this would be a ‘candid’ like picture, where you can see the boy walking down towards the ‘underground’ station.
Ironically, the ‘underground’ sign is the highest point of the image which again, looks quite strong.
However, as I used the aperture setting rather than the shutter speed, the people who are walking in the image are slightly blurred (as they are moving) which is lowers the effectiveness of the overall picture.
As one of my initial project ideas was to get some photos at a market, I then wanted to practice these types of images by looking at what worked best.
Again, this was a busy setting, so was another challenging task which I wanted to explore.
I wanted to get a close up and focus on the food as this is centrepiece of the general subject.
So, this differs in comparison to my previous progress photographs as rather than using the ‘shutter speed’ setting, I was now focusing on the ‘aperture’ setting. This is because I wanted more emphasis on the market stalls as these are all still objects.
Although the exposure on the image below is quite low, I think this works quite well as the colours of each food within the image is heightened significantly, than if the exposure was on the opposite scale. The difference is shown below:
In addition to the images of food, I also captured some other examples which are similar to ‘Macro-photography’ where you can see every, small detail of an object. However, I would have needed an extra lens which would have to be much larger for these images to be completely ‘Macro’. Although my camera does not have the same capability to reach a high zoom level, I still think I achieved this quite well.
This picture below, demonstrates this very clearly as you can see some small hairs on the left-hand side of the ornament.
As there is only one object in focus with the background all blurred, I achieved this technique by lowering the aperture which alters the depth of field to a much smaller area of focus. I think this was achieved quite effectively as the clear to blur of the different lanterns ratio is palpable.
I wanted to attempt this technique as it differs from the other photographs I have taken previously, and allows a chance for an expansion of my ability within photography.
After being in contact with multiple charities through email and call, I have come to the decision to change my idea. Due to reasoning on my half and their, we couldn’t come to agreed times to meet or their walks/events were full.
Although it was a shame to have to change idea so soon, I already had a backup plan in place so I was fairly confident in my work.
I wanted to talk to cinema workers about what it was like working there before, during and after covid. I know some people at the cinema and I know how long some of them have worked there, so I knew they would have a good insight.
From the feedback I received near the beginning of this process, I decided I wanted to practice taking photographs of moving objects which were clear, rather than blurry. This due to some of my previous photos of multiple things moving, not showing clarity. Therefore, I knew had to focus on the ‘shutter speed’ setting when performing this technique.
However, as you can see from these images taken, they don’t demonstrate clearness and professionalism of capturing moving objects effectively at all. It is also noticeable that my pictures are very dull.
This, I was frustrated with as I could not understand why my pictures were appearing dark, and this was happening quite a lot.
So, after a lot of googling, I eventually discovered the root of this problem.
As I knew I had to have a faster shutter speed to capture moving people, unfortunately, this was a bit too fast and not allowing enough light into the picture, hence the darkness. I also learned that the ISO could have also had an impact on the overall effectiveness of the photograph.
Sometimes pictures can look effective if taken purposely, like so however, this wasn’t the theme I was intending to go for.
Once I found the problem, my pictures gradually became much better than the ones previous.
I also found this type of photography quite difficult in terms of, being able to capture each individual moving person within the image and for them to look clear.
These photos are taken of people who were participating in a protest: Extinction Rebellion. There was thousands marching along the road so I decided this would be a good opportunity to capture some evocative photography.
I am quite proud of this particular image above, as I feel it is very strong and dramatic with each person within the image is focused. The man at the front, displays this especially, holding the sign ‘I am here for my children’ along with him appearing extremely serious which is indicating the emotiveness of why so many of them are a part of this protest.
I really enjoyed taking these photos and learning techniques on how I can make them look more effective. There are definitely other improvements I could make to enhance these even more on a professional level.
On Sunday, April 3rd, the Manchester Therme Marathon commenced just after a short turnover of six months from their previous marathon in October.
By: Sloane Caetano
The pandemic altered many aspects of our lives, and in more ways than none, slowed everything down. However, for some, the opportunity to flourish their fitness capabilities meant that taking up running would kick off an adventure filled with little regret.
Runners shoes just moments after leaving the start line
Covid-19 limited our chance to continue with our regular leisure activities. Although after two long years, convincing evidence has emerged proving how much running has grown during these difficult times.
According to new findings from Neilson – the official research and intelligence supplier to World Athletics – more than a fifth of all runners from a survey reveal that they run more often than they did previously as a result of Covid-19.
Another poll led by athletic shoe review company RunRepeat conducted a survey of 3,961 runners which revealed that 28.76% of these participants began running within the first 14 months of Covid.
What these alarming statistics suggest is twofold: First, that physical activity perhaps wasn’t being taken as seriously as it should have been by many, and Two; that once the pandemic was nearing its end, events that celebrate these statistics – like marathons – would be blooming with new runners.
‘The fact that we had 38% of new runners shows how much lockdown has played a role’
Busy crowd of runners and supporters getting ready before starting
The Therme Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s leading running events, known for its rapid, smooth and peaceful route. The 26.2-mile challenge welcomes all runners from elite, record-breaking athletes, to those who never saw themselves participating in such an event.
Emma Sayers, Senior Marketing and Communication Executive helps with the PR side of the event. She says, “Our kind of main goal is to get everyone signed up; I was just really proud that we got to see 24,000 people register to run.”
It is this kind of event coming out of Covid that gives these running newcomers the opportunity to put their hard work into practice. It makes the experience that much sweeter, though, when event coordinators do their best to create a friendly, welcoming event.
“One thing we’re really proud of is being really friendly and welcoming everyone to come in,” Sayers says, “And in doing a deeper dive into the data, 38% of the people who ran on Sunday were actually doing their first marathon.”
Although many people looked at the Manchester Therme Marathon as their first running event, this kind of opportunity was not anything new to avid runner, Isobel Sayers.
Isobel smiling before heading into the Athletes Village
Isobel started her running adventure at the start of the pandemic after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy which followed with an unfortunate decline in her overall mental health.
She describes her experience as she says, “I was going through a horrific breakup at the time. Everything that could’ve gone bad went bad and I looked in the mirror one day and just asked myself ‘what are you doing?’ I just knew that something had to change”.
After turning her mindset into a good cause, Isobel decided to raise money for Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – a charity that significantly helped her – which led her to train for a half marathon.
“I ran my first ever 5k in 37 minutes, and now I can run them in 20,” she goes on and suggests, “I say this and I always will to anyone considering running: for mental health, do running, do some form of exercise, I’ve reaped the benefits myself and only wish for others to as well.”
In January of 2021 after substantially improving on her running, she decided to start a separate Instagram running account that – just over a year later – has a shocking 10,300 followers, highlighting the growing statistics and awareness of running post-Covid.
She says, “It’s really built over the past year, you don’t realize how many people actually enjoy running until you start a running Instagram account. The majority of my followers share the same story as me in the sense that they started running over lockdown and they’ve just not stopped.
“People like to engage more if they can see you, and sometimes I think ‘ugh I really can’t be bothered today’ but if it means I’m engaging an audience and helping others take up running, it’s a no brainer.”
Isobel reminisces one of the many lockdown running challenges, the globally known 5k run where through social media, everyone could take part in this run for £5, and then nominate five friends or family to do the same.
As positive as this initiative was to distract everyone from the difficult times that still stood ahead, it did pose a greater challenge for these runners – that is to stick with these practices and create a regular hobby out of this engagement.
One of the many waves heading off just as the starting countdown concluded
Elite runners like Isobel who prepares for a marathon in an intense training system fell within a tough, competitive bracket. The elite field was the strongest to date, as the Therme Manchester Marathon played host to the Commonwealth Games qualifiers, European Athletics Championship trials and the European 50K Championship qualifiers.
The competition was tight for the position of the first finisher with Jonny Mellor taking first place with a time of 2:10:46. Still, it is crucial to understand the experience of someone who took up running recently and never saw themselves completing a marathon, like Steven Bunch.
Glasgow born and bred, Bunch looked at training for the Therme Marathon as an opportunity to get active for the new year. He says, “Dedicated training started a little bit in December for me, two or three days mostly during the week. Kids would go to sleep and I’d go out and run, four or five miles but raise it to half a marathon on the weekends.”
Although this new challenge brought lots of excitement, Bunch understood the great challenge and knew many nerves would have to be navigated throughout his journey.
He describes his setbacks as he says, “I felt a bit nervous a week before the race. I started to panic thinking ‘what if I forget something?’ ‘what if I’ve not done enough training?’”
Pushing past these concerns Bunch made sure to remind himself of the greater positive impact this marathon would have. “I feel like all my nerves started to vanish when I thought about my kids – I’m in my 40s and want to get healthy for them, it means a lot to me.”
One runner showing their support for Ukraine with the exclusive race bib
Not only do the event coordinators from the Manchester Therme Marathon put such efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere for running newbies like Bunch, but they decided to use their platform empathetically in response to the Ukrainian crisis.
There was an opportunity for runners to donate important funds to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. For a donation of £10 or more, runners were able to purchase a unique edition, additional race bib to be worn on their backs, showing the flag of Ukraine. Over 2,500 runners purchased the bib with £31,000 raised in donations.
Raising awareness to this cause is just one positive initiative that the Manchester Therme Marathon used its platform for and reflects the overall friendly, supportive nature of the city.
Sayers puts great emphasis on this proud feeling as she says, “We had just over 1000 volunteers this year which is amazing because we wouldn’t be able to do running events without them. We also had about 100,000 people lining the streets – some of which were family and friends – but we had a lot of people just from Manchester out and about wanting to cheer people on and show their support.
“Everyone’s seeing the value that being physically active has, not only just on mental and physical health but it brings forth a greater ‘cheer’ to the entire city.”
Families and friends showing their support to runners on the finish line at the Leeds Half Marathon – Sunday May 8th, 2022
‘Running is everything to me’
Local to Leeds and keen to participate in any marathon he can get his hands on, Andy Warrender took part in his 23rd run in Manchester. Finishing his race with a time of 3:39 meant breaking his Boston marathon record of 3:43.
Andy’s finishing face after the Leeds Half Marathon – on Sunday May 8th, 2022
Warrender’s training preparation process for this marathon began back in January when he would dedicate only two days to rest, and the others as intense running and walking days to recover from his previous injury.
Getting closer to the race, he says, “The only thing you can do in the last two weeks is harm yourself. You need to be on that start line fresh, you get to a point where you realise ‘I’m not going to improve any more than I have for this race.’”
Warrender acknowledges his connection with running, and like many, fears what his life would look like without the routine of it in his life.
He stresses, “It’s everything, it’s part of me now. It really helps me personally in terms of fitness, it drives me, and I do acknowledge how easy it is to get a bit carried away with it, but the rewards always outweigh this.”
Although Covid shed some light on the dark times for many people taking up running, being personally affected by Covid meant that Warrender’s regular routine took a turn for the worse.
He explains, “I did get Covid last September and I had to stay in for 10 days. It was just awful not being able to do anything, I couldn’t go out and run like I normally do and it did remind me how important running is to me.”
A close up of Andy’s bib with his rewarding medal hanging over
Luckily for Warrender, he could participate in parkrun, a national inclusive event that occurs every Saturday morning and welcomes all runners to join in a park setting near to them.
He says, “I definitely see how much Covid has contributed to people taking up running and it shows at these events. I speak to so many people at parkrun who tell me that the pandemic changed their fitness strengths, and more importantly elevated their mental health because they started running.”
With an unfortunate delay because of Covid, it was not until October 2021 that saw cities like Preston parkun welcome back runners, in a Covid-friendly manner.
A number of changes had to be made to remain compliant with the parkrun HQ COVID framework, some of which included: a shorter run briefing, no musical instruments at the musical tree, and no birthday or club milestone bibs. Nonetheless, bringing back this initiative as soon as Covid permitted proves the rise in running statistics.
Runner quickly checking his time on his watch
Isobel shares her gratitude for parkrun as she says, “Quite a few times when I’ve had to get up early to train, I’ve questioned myself thinking ‘Am I enjoying this, or am I doing it because I have to get up and I have to run?’
“I think it’s really important to mix your training block with a bit of fun, and I did that by doing the parkrun on a Saturday which puts that bit of fun to the end of a heavy training week.”
Isobel suffered from a cartilage injury from the October Manchester Marathon after not preparing by properly training. She says, “I had to basically learn to run again altogether because of how serious this injury was I could barely walk.
Runner showing his distress after injuring ankle during the Leeds Half Marathon – On Sunday May 8th, 2022
“Leading up to my last marathon, I had what they call maranoia – extreme nerves and stress, but as I got closer to Sunday, I only felt excitement because I reminded myself, ‘what worse could happen that hasn’t already?’”
Those finishing steps play a vital reminder for runners to remember why they sign up and create such hopeful goals.
‘I just want to get back out there’
Runner stretching leg muscles after Leeds Half Marathon – on Sunday May 8th, 2022
Isobel addresses how her optimism going into this marathon led her to feel completely proud of herself. She says, “Honestly, I felt like I flew around the course. I met a half-marathon personal best as well, my expectations were definitely exceeded.
“Since Sunday I’ve been so restless, I can’t have a week off. I’m such a competitive person, and now that I’ve qualified for London and Boston, I just want to get back out there.”
For first-time marathoner Bunch, speaking about his experience after the Therme Marathon is filled with little regret. He chuckles as he says, “It was brilliant, it was so much better when it was done. I was using this marathon as a way to keep fit, and not put too much pressure on myself on finishing time.
“I’m looking at signing up for the London Marathon with my pals if I can get a charity spot. I used to doubt all my friends when they would try and get me out for a run, but now that I’ve done the whole thing, I can easily say that my running journey isn’t ending here.”
Although these runners all have different reasons as to why they got into running, a unanimous feeling is definitely shared in that their running journey is only beginning.
Couple smiling taking a photo after completing the Leeds Half Marathon together – on Sunday May 8th, 2022
I haven’t heard anything back from charities so I began to call them and email some more but it was proven unsuccessful when they said all the night time walks were full up and there were no events happening until after the deadline. I’m not too worried at the minuet because there are plenty of other charities around Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Emmie Penkett follows Bradford City Women’s Under 23’s squad in their last few matches of the season and discovers if the sport helps or hinders their mental health.
Emmie Penkett
The beautiful game -or o jogo bonito– was a phrase popularised by the famous Brazilian footballer Pele. There is no other passion quite like the passion a footballer has for their sport. Players dedicate days of their lives perfecting their craft.
However, there is a dark side rarely talked about in the sport: mental health.
Physical health is the main part of the sport. You need to have the stamina to play up to 90 minutes, the strength to fend off other players, and you need to have a balanced diet to fuel yourself.
You also need to be strong mentally.
It’s not uncommon in the sport for players to give up on their dreams and quit. In some unfortunate cases, players have even taken their lives.
Bradford City Women’s U23’s squad observing a minutes silence for anniversary of the Valley Parade fire
Last March, a young American goalkeeper, Katie Meyer committed suicide. The reason why she did is unknown. The Stanford women’s soccer player was described by teammates and coaches as passionate and larger-than-life.
England forward Fran Kirby dropped out of football at age 14 after her mother died from a brain haemorrhage. Last April, she left the sport again and her club Chelsea. Her manager Emma Heyes told the press she was suffering from fatigue.
During mental health awareness week, I wanted to uncover how these players deal with the pressure of the sport. I had the opportunity to follow Bradford City Women’s Under 23’s squad in their remaining games of the season in the Reserve Northern Division. I spoke with two players who have either overcome mental health issues, or are currently battling them.
Bradford City’s Under 23’s squad supports the first team. They are the players who are not quite ready for first team football but have the opportunity to develop their skills. Whilst the first team play in North Division One -the fourth division of professional football-, the U23’s play in the Reserve Northern Division.
The team was recently created this season and comprises of new players, young players who have worked their way through Bradfords junior set up, and a couple of returning faces.
Valeria Martin -also known as Val- is one of those returning players. She started at Bradford City in the Under 15’s and progressed through the ranks to the Under 23’s. “I remember winning top goal scorer one season. I think I scored about 38 goals, that’s more than one goal a game.” She reminisced.
Val observing the game during the Bradford vs Leeds match
Val was at the top of her career when she was 18, her coaches used to say she would go far and were planning to give her game time with the first team. Her whole world came crashing down in summer 2019. She realised a member of her family had been emotionally manipulating her since she was a child. She snapped one day whilst visiting family in Spain and suddenly started developing symptoms of anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
She was unable to leave the house due to her anxiety and she could barely eat, making her extremely weak. “When it hit me, my mind and my body just shut down. I stopped doing the things I loved. I stopped seeing friends and I stopped playing football.” She told me, her voice stuttering slightly as she spoke.
Val and her coach Stephen talking during a break in the game
It took her a year to recover and feel ready mentally and physically to get back into the sport. She started with light exercise at home during the second lockdown. “It was hard, every time I exercised I thought I was going to die because that’s what my anxiety was telling me.”
When the league resumed after Covid, Val decided to re-trial at her former club. Despite not being fully ready, she was selected for the U23’s squad and started training regularly for the team. “I realised how much I had missed playing football. I had to push myself so hard, but it was a lot easier as I have a lot of friends at Bradford who encouraged me to get back into it.
“Sometimes I would go to training and see how much better other people were physically and think I couldn’t do it. Once I got past that doubt, I got the adrenalin and the momentum back and I just flew.”
Val smashing the ball past the goalkeeper
Despite starting as a substitute at the start of the season, she quickly became a vital piece of the system. Whilst both the teams captains -Vicky and Katie- were away due to illness and injury, she took the captains armband and lead her team to victory on multiple occasions, including a cup battle that went to penalties.
Knowing the mental obstacles Val had overcome, it was a pleasure watching her in action in a league derby against Leeds United Reserves. Bradford and Leeds are known rivals and both teams are always desperate to one-up the other. The last time they faced each other, Bradford lost 5-2.
The Bantams were one nil down in the first half when they received a vital free kick. The ball was bounced into the air by her teammate Shareen for Val to volley past the Whites keeper and into the net. There was a loud cheer from the home fans as Val was embraced by Shareen and her friend Hannah. The goal helped secure the team a 2-2 draw, and the match became Val’s highlight of the season.
Val celebrating her goal with her teammates Shareen (left) and Hannah (right)
However, football isn’t always highlights. In the team’s final game of the season they faced the notorious Huddersfield Reserves. The Terriers had already won the league the weekend before by a landslide. The Bantams were unfortunately beat 7-1, with many players on team left mentally and physically drained.
Football is a team sport, and Val told me how much her team and the coaching staff support her. “We all want to work for each other, and succeed. When they tell you you’re doing good and you played great, you reciprocate that positivity, it makes you feel special.” Val explained with a smile.
You can tell the team were close knit, even in some of their toughest moments they supported each other.
Ashleigh Storey – also known as Ash- joined Bradford City this season. She started playing football at school and with her friends on her road as child, but herself and her family preferred rugby. “We watch and support the Leeds Rhinos, but I’m too pretty to play rugby; I’d ruin my good looks!” Ash said with a laugh. Ash started playing football at around 14 years of age, when she joined Guiseley girls before they dissolved. She then moved to Leeds United girls and started playing with them for 5 years. She moved to Bradford this season with her best friend and current skipper Katie.
Ash joking around on the pitch
Ash is a self confessed class clown. When morale was low in the team, you could always count on her to crack a laugh from the team. She has an infectious personality and character, but she is also battling her own head and ADHD.
Ash was diagnosed around the time she started playing football. She was always known as cheeky, naughty kid at school who couldn’t pay attention. In high school she realised her behaviour wasn’t normal and at sixth form she began to struggle.
“I was struggling to sleep, I found easy things difficult and I was getting in trouble at school. My drama teacher helped me so much with my behaviour and helped with the diagnosis process. At sixth form during my exams I was given a separate room in case I got distracted.
“But, anyway, up the ADHD!”
This season has been extremely disrupted for Ash. She suffered some bad injuries in her last couple of matches including a sprained and a rolled ankle. A typical pre match ritual for her was to go see one of the club physios to get strapped up with tape, pester the physio for sweets, and then have her shoe laces tied by one of her other teammates before the warmup.
Apart from the injuries, Ash’s season has been a challenge mentally. Not only has she had to cope with her ADHD, but also with the pressures of bonding and fitting in with a new team, and a new club. “We started of the season in a bad way, struggling to get results, but everyone dug in and stuck with it and it started to show in our performances.
“Eventually we got our first win on the road against Liverpool Feds. We worked so hard and to share that with my new teammates and the coaching staff was amazing.”
Ash being treated by physio Amy before the match against Leeds
Like Val, another fond memory for Ash was the Leeds United game. For Ash, it was a challenge playing against her former teammates and coaches, but she rose to the occasion after being subbed on in the second half.
She took dangerous 1-on-1 challenges head on without backing down, and worked hard in defence to keep Leeds at bay. Like with all football players, she did make a couple mistakes.
Ash admits that having ADHD and playing football has it upsides and downsides. One of the many traits of ADHD is poor concentration. Sometimes she struggles to concentrate during training sessions and pre-game tactics. On the pitch, she finds her ADHD makes her frustrated easily.
“If I do something wrong it’ll frustrate me and I’ll wind myself up about it and doubt myself,” Ash explained. “It can also mean I have short fuse so I can be wound up easier than other players.”
Ash made a mistake during the Leeds game which lead to her taking her frustrations out on another player. She gave the player a tug on the shoulders leading to a chorus of “Ash, leave it” from her coaches and teammates.
“During games I have to really focus, otherwise I’ll let myself and my team down.”
Ash’s frustration sometimes spill out onto the pitch . . .
However, there are upsides to her ADHD. Impulsiveness and a lack of fear is another common trait to ADHD; this allows her to be dominant during games. “I don’t really care, like I will slide tackle someone and risk being hurt but it won’t faze me. It excites me; if I get hurt, I get hurt, so be it.”
Ash finds football is a great distraction from normal life and her job. “Having ADHD, football helps me massively because my mind is always working overtime. If I’m having a bad ADHD day -yes they’re a thing- going to play and train helps calm me down. I love being distracted so going and distracting myself with football with my friends is amazing.”
Ash signalling to her team to turn it around
Val agrees with Ash and also believes the sport is good for mental health. “You get so many ups and downs during football, but it helps (your mental health) massively, even if you lose games, you enjoy yourself so much.”
Bradford finished their season in 9th position on the table with a total of 14 points. It may not look much, but for a new team who have only been together for a year, it’s impressive.
You could tell the team all wanted to see each other succeed and thrive in the sport. On and off the pitch, they cared for each other, and the coaches cared as well.
However, I can see why some players may become overwhelmed. The pressure to perform is often immense. Bradford City have an amazing support group of coaches and staff to aid the players in their queries and problems.
Val and Ash both show that no matter what you’re going through, and how tough life gets, there will always be better times ahead.
As the journalism project deadline is tomorrow, I haven’t really been up to much since as my sole focus has been filming and editing my project.
I did have a meeting with Karl around the 7th April where we conducted a google doc and listed around 8 homeless charities in West Yorkshire which I could get in contact with.
I haven’t really done much recently as I’ve been working, but in my free time I have been looking at YouTube videos of people taking picture with their iPhone vs a camera.
This was just to see what people recommended and to see if my iPhone was good enough to use when it came to the project.
As my phone is an iPhone 12 and I have the portrait feature I knew I would be okay. I began to look more into the portrait mode as well as test out the different lighting shots
Down below both the picture are taken with portrait mode. The image on the left, the lighting is natural light, whereas the imagine on the right, the lighting has been selected to studio light.
You can definitely notice a different and I think the studio light makes the drink look brighter
Photographic Journalism 
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