James Crombie
Sports Photographer
James Crombie is a sports photographer working out of Dublin. In 2020 he won the Irish Press Photographer of the Year Award. During the Covid lockdown he is credited with taking sports photos that defined history, as well as the now famous photos of The Hurler and The Moon, and Murmuration of Starlings over Lough Ennell. James is a staff photographer with INPHO Photography.
Full Episode
In our conversation, James shares with us the story of how he got into sports photography and what a match day looks like for him. He tells us about what it felt like to win The Irish Press Photography of the Year Award, as well as the process and research involved in capturing Murmuration of Starlings over Lough Ennell. Finally, James tells us about the importance of communication in his work and gives some advice for those who wish to pursue a career in photography.
We hope you enjoy!
Some teacher reflection questions
Questions
Q. ‘The best camera is the one that’s in your hand’. Do you like taking photographs? Do you find taking photographs to be a creative outlet for you?
Q. James talks about the hours of preparation and research that go into his photographs. Did this come as a surprise to you? What sort of research do you undertake when you take photographs.
Q. James is passionate about the power of storytelling through photography. Can you think of particular photos that you have seen that are examples of the power of storytelling through still images? What is it about them that stands out?
Q. ‘Press photographers have to maintain integrity’ - Have you seen examples of the misuse of image manipulation?
Q. Patience and practice are two skills that James highlights as being essential to photographers. Are there any other skills you think might be important?
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