The Beautiful Game: Notts County through the photographer’s lens

How did you first start out as a photographer? 

When I was twelve I saved up for a year to buy my first proper SLR film camera. It was a Minolta X300 and cost £120. It was a massive difference in quality and creative control in comparison to the point and shoot cameras I used before. However, when the actual day arrived to buy the camera I was too lovesick over a girl to actually enjoy getting it.

When did you start to take your photography more seriously?

In my late twenties I was living in New Zealand for a year working as a barista. I had a job that I hated waiting for me back in England, when I had this inspired thought out of the blue: I wanted to be a photographer. So when I came back to England I did the job, but signed up for night school and slowly but surely began building a photography business. There’s something about capturing life and human emotion that makes me feel alive.

What inspired your Notts County photography project?

I spent many years doing corporate photography and I wanted to pursue some more personal projects. I was inspired by a photographer who photographed Barcelona, but rather than just the action he caught the magic of what it means to be at the match. I’ve supported Notts County since I was seven and have now spent eight years on and off taking photos at Meadow Lane, mainly capturing the fans rather than the on-pitch action.

Are there any particular fun matchday stories you’d like to share?

It makes me laugh that I am a supporter but also there trying to do a job. I’m sat by the touchline looking for good images, concentrating and at the same time joining in with the songs from the Kop and cheering for goals. It’s interesting being in the tunnel and seeing the teams lining up, the banter between players who are psyching each other up. Also I like being behind the goal and seeing how the away-keepers handle the ‘conversation’ with some of the crowd.

Aside from these photos you’ve also photographed Queen Elizabeth, Nick Clegg and Jake Bugg. How did those shoots come about?

I was asked to document the Queen when she visited Sheffield Cathedral. I was buzzing at the thought of being able to get images of her informally, contemplative, away from the crowds and being able to capture a more unseen and personal version of her. In reality I had a royal escort telling me where I could and couldn’t go. It was a bit restrictive and not exactly what I’d anticipated, but still a brilliant experience and I got a few shots I was really pleased with.

The connection with Jake Bugg came through a shoot Notts County wanted to do in London, when he became a shirt sponsor. I was really impressed by him. There was no entourage, he’s a proper Notts County supporter and I love his singing and songwriting.

The photos with Nick Clegg were for a personal series I did on people who have followed their passions in life and do something they love. It always interests me meeting the real person and getting a sense of who they are from my own perspective.

What makes a really good photo?

Capturing a moment and human emotion, good light, composition and a bit of luck.

What other photographers do you particularly enjoy the work of and why?

The Observer photographer Jane Bown was an early inspiration. I liked how she tried to capture the essence of people in her portraits and the way she was humble and kept things simple, using natural light and just being herself.

My photography mentor is Stuart Freedman. A friend knew him, and knew I'd been looking for a mentor, so he introduced us. It was the days before covid so I travelled to meet him face to face just outside London and then during the pandemic we started online sessions instead. He is a real character - very straight talking, direct, experienced and ultimately encouraging. I love his work and I have big respect for what he has achieved and also the way he critiques my images so ruthlessly and pushes me to aim higher.

What is the role of the professional photographer in a world where everyone is on Instagram?

Hmmm, I guess a professional photographer offers something unique in terms of their experience and hopefully in their ability to create art. There is an overlap though as everyone has a camera now and can be in the right place at the right time, so everyone has the potential to create beautiful shots.

Who’s your favourite Notts County players past and present and why?

There are so many from the dream days of the Jimmy Sirrel era. I have memories of Tristan Benjamin going on mazy runs from defence, sometimes ending back where he started but having taken on about five players. All-time favourite though would be John Chiedozie; a proper fast and skilful winger. Of the current team it would be Jodi Jones. I love the attacking mentality and way that he can ghost past people leaving them standing.

We understand you have an exhibition coming up with the American Center for Photographers in North Carolina, USA in March?

Yes. It came about after I launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to create a photography book with some of the Notts images. I didn’t manage to raise the target money, but one of the backers, a guy called Jérôme de Perlinghi, is a photographer and the artistic director at the gallery. He liked the images and asked if I would be up for doing an exhibition. Once I realised it was for real, I was very happy to go ahead.

It’s a double-header with a baseball photographer called Scott Strazzante. I don’t know much about his work, but I like the idea of the exhibitions running together showing similarities and differences.

Anything else you want to say?

The staff at Notts have been amazing, giving me the access to take photographs in the stadium and being up for using slightly less conventional photographs. Also them letting my kids assist me has been magic.

John’s exhibition ‘Coming Home - The Beautiful Game’ at Meadow Lane is showing at the American Center for Photographers in North Carolina, USA from 5-30 March 2025.

johnandersonphoto.co.uk