About Stuart Clarke Life, work & Aspirations
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a normal fan set about taking a camera into grounds?
Officially he or she can't.
Do I need permission/a photographers pass?
Yes. In fact you need 'a licence'.
How do you get the tickets for the big games?
I get a press 'photographers pass'.
Do you worry about taking candid photo's i.e. peoples reactions when they sometimes realise, especially if they have had one drink too many?
I believe I am taking the photos that simply HAVE to be taken. Strange philosophy I know, but one that has me sleep well at night. Drink is the curse of society and not just photographers.
Has this type of photography ever landed you in trouble?
Taking photographs with or without peoples 'permission' is either stealing, or giving, or a cross between the both.
Also where do you find is the best place to sit, in order to get the best photographs of the crowd?
Don't sit : squat. Keep on my toes, though appear relaxed. Keep my eyes peeled.
How do I take close-ups photos of individual fans?
Pretend you are looking at their mate.
What was your first camera?
A Polaroid 'instant' camera. Then a Zenith. Then I was getting 'professional'.
What camera do you use now?
A Bronica.
Best camera?
Something I've probably never seen nor heard of. I am happy with my 'wife' however, the 'Bronny'.
Digital or 35mm?
Neither : medium format film.
Film types?
Kodak EPP or Fuji Provia.
It looks as though you sometimes use wide angle lenses for the stadium shots?
No, I just stand at the back.
Shooting positions i.e. high or low and do you look around for a long time before the game to spot the best shooting locations?
High and low and in the middle. I get there early and visualise what it might be like.
Do you set out a specific shoot brief before you go or is it more instinctive?
It was instinctive and now my instinct is based on what I have learnt from 20 years 'reconnaissance'.
Filters?
No filters.
How do you get such clear prints ?
I use Cibachrome prints (by Ilford) or more often these days : Laserchrome photographic prints, digitally imaged on Durst Lambda to Fuji Crystal Archive paper.
Favourite picture by you? By others?
Favourite of mine is "Looking Up" at Sunderland (football) and "Cry For Home" at Greenock Morton. I like photographers Donald McCullin, August Sander, Gemma Parsons. With regards the latter I like her Camera Obscura giant pinhole picture which she is currently making with the Haltwhistle Photographic Project, enthusing children about the magic of photography.
How do you keep and store your images?
The film is kept in a fire-proof safe. I am busy scanning the most important ones (100,000 in all) and delivering them to External Hard Drives as Digital files.
Future plans for both the business and yourself personally?
Fulfill what I promised and be fulfilled by what was promised me. There's a feeling that 'this is still building'. I have concentrated solely on the football archive for 15 years but now feel confident enough to take on Music, The Nude, Environment and People Versus Place, worldwide but especially in Cumbria. In my personal life I expect to find happiness and a feeling of values shared / community ... so much of the photographer's life is wandering about on one's own and in my case idealising about what lives other people are having.
Best tip?
... take take take photos and give give give photos - as if your life depends on it.
