Rugby Journal 30: Rugby, Representation & Real Stories

As a rugby photographer, what drew me to the Haringey Rhinos wasn’t just the action, it was the energy. It’s the way they show up for each other that stuck with me. These aren’t just pictures of a rugby team; they’re portraits of identity, diversity and community pride. The brief from Rugby Journal was simple: capture the club, its spirit, and its people. But from the moment I stepped onto that pitch next to White Hart Lane, it was clear that this was more than a sports assignment, it was a celebration of diversity, inclusion and cultural portrait of the Haringey community.

Behind the Lens with Haringey Rhinos

Rhinos are unusual because they reflect a version of rugby that most of the country never gets to see. The team is built on heritage, laughter, and solidarity. Players from Nigeria, Jamaica, Tajikistan, China, and Wales, all running together, celebrating together, supporting the next generation of local kids who play completely free thanks to community sponsorship. That sort of story demands more than a sports photo, it demands empathy, understanding, and authenticity. That’s what I bring to every assignment. From powerful pre-match portraits in the changing room, where flags from every player's heritage decorate the ceiling, to full-contact action shots taken low and close to the turf, the aim was to capture both the grit and the heart. Whether it was the pre-game nods of encouragement or the sharp choreography of a converted try, I leaned into visual storytelling that celebrates the culture, not just the competition.

Editorial Sports Photographer London

Shooting rugby is not about always freezing the perfect try, it’s about feeling the pressure, the build-up, the release. It’s about timing, trust and intuition. These are things I’ve developed shooting pro-level athletes, grassroots teams and editorial commissions alike. Working as a female rugby photographer gives me a different lens, literally and figuratively. I’m drawn to detail. To story. To the unnoticed moments: a taped wrist, a half-laced boot, an offhand joke that breaks the nerves. These are the things that bring a team’s culture to life. The Rhinos reminded me why I photograph sport at all. It's not the scoreboard, it's the soul. It’s the strength of a coach raising a diverse community to a sea of unity. It's the young player called up to captain for the first time. It's the elder players returning, pint in hand, remembering European tours from decades past. These photos aren’t just proof of a match played, they’re evidence of a mission. A community not just surviving, but thriving. For brands, teams or editors looking to connect with real people, real passion and rugby with edge, this story is a blueprint. If you’re looking for action that speaks louder than words and portraits that get under the skin of your story, I’d love to work with you. My approach is collaborative, fast-moving and rooted in getting the best out of people, whether on the pitch or behind the scenes. The Haringey Rhinos project is a celebration of representation in rugby. It's also a call for more storytelling like this. If that’s what you're looking for, I’m ready to get on board.

View fullsize