Interview with UK-based Photographer (Sports and Live Music) - Michael Jolley

Building a Sports Photography Career in the UK: Michael Jolley’s Story

This interview features a conversation with UK-based sports photographer Michael Jolley, exploring his journey into photography and his growing experience within the British sports photography scene. Beginning at a local race track in 2024 and later moving into football coverage with Welwyn Garden City FC, Michael discusses his passion for fast-paced sports imagery, the realities of building a career in photography, and how the industry is adapting to the rise of reels and short-form video content. The interview also covers practical advice for aspiring photographers aiming to break into professional sports coverage.

About Michael

Michael is a UK-based sports photographer specializing in motorsport, football and live music photography. Since beginning his photography journey in 2024, he has steadily developed his portfolio through grassroots sports coverage and consistent networking within the UK sports ecosystem. Michael emphasizes persistence, relationship-building, and continuous shooting as key drivers of growth in the industry. He also draws inspiration from creators like JLF Visuals and advocates for smart financial decisions such as purchasing used camera gear while building a sustainable photography career

Q1 Where did you start your journey in photography? Which Company which genre (Sports/wedding/lifestyle/product)?

Started in May of 2024 when I decided to take my camera to my local race track, from there I kept on shooting and eventually branched out into football with Welwyn Garden City FC and have kept going from there.

Q2 What Do you like most about Sports Photography? Which Other Genre Do you like the Most

I love to capture action and the fast pace nature of sports photography especially Motorsport always allows for action. 

Q3 Any mistakes which you had learned the most from? Can be technical as well as Practical mistakes related to photography?

Biggest mistake I've ever made was not ensuring I had enough storage. I once turned up to a shoot with only 1 SD card which was not enough

Q4 Any Tips for Sports Photographers Starting their Journey?

Just get out there and shoot, keep knocking on doors and putting yourself in places and you'll get the opportunities.

Q5 Any youtube / Instagram Channels or Photographers You follow the Most?

I'm a big fan of @jlf_visuals on Instagram, his work is incredible and his work ethic is non stop

Q6 Any Financial Advice on photographers Struggling to Stay Afloat?

Buy used gear it's always cheaper plus if you need to get a 9-5 whilst you're working on making Photography your 9-5.

Q7 Any Tips on How to reach the Big Leagues In Sports Photography? LIke IPL/ISL/Pro Kabbadi League/Indian Polo Season?

It's all about talking to people and knocking on doors, if you impress the right people you'll get given opportunities to work with publications which will eventually lead to getting bigger opportunities.

Q8 Everyone Want reels these days? Do you Think Photography is no longer in Demand?

Everyone wants reels due to how the algorithm works, yet Photography is still very much needed, can't put videos in the paper.

Final Thoughts

A major takeaway from the interview is Michael’s belief that success in sports photography comes from consistency, networking, and simply “getting out there and shooting.” He stresses that many opportunities arise through relationships and by impressing the right people within the industry. Michael also shares practical lessons, such as always carrying sufficient storage equipment after experiencing issues during a shoot. Despite the rise of video-first content and reels, he firmly believes photography remains highly relevant and irreplaceable across media, publications, and professional sports coverage.