We sat down for a pint and a chat with Liam Hewitt, one of our favourite photographers and documenters of football culture.
Hi Liam. Before we get into photography, tell us about your relationship with football. How did you get into it and what are your earliest memories of it?
Football has been a big part of my life since I was very young. Both my mum and dad are huge football fans and I followed on. I think I was about five when I started going to watch my dad play every week for Beckenham Town. I loved it, going home and away with him every week and playing with the other boys and girls whose dads were in the team. Those are my first real football memories followed by the joy and celebrations in my house when Crystal Palace got promoted to the old First Division back in 1989. I started going to Crystal Palace games when I was 7. It was a brilliant time to be a Palace fan. Ian Wright and Mark Bright upfront. An FA Cup Final followed by a 3rd place finish in the league the next season and a trip to Wembley in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. I have been hooked on football ever since. There are a number of clubs in Scotland I like, but Palace is the only club I’ve truly cared about.
What does an ideal match-day look like for you if you're going to a game as a fan?
The ideal match-day for me is probably when I can meet up with family or friends before kick-off for a few drinks in a pub somewhere. It often can be the highlight of the day if the football doesn’t go your way.
What initially drew you to football photography and how did your journey begin in this field?
I’ve always enjoyed photography and through most of the 00’s would have a disposable camera with me at the annoyance of my mates. My football photography really kicked off when I stopped playing around 2013. At first, my photos were just a fun way to log the games I was attending. I’d stick them on my laptop and look back at them all at the end of the season.
Can you describe your approach to capturing football culture in your photographs?
I tend not to focus on the action on the pitch too much. It’s more about storytelling, the emotion and pre-match rituals of the fans. I’m a stadium geek as well so I’m always searching for grounds that have unique quirks and history. I like to capture pre-match; the backstreets, the walk to the ground, clubhouses, stadium gates. For me, that’s what it's all about.
How do you prepare for a shoot or is it largely spontaneous?
I’d say it’s mainly spontaneous, I like to see what’s going on when I get there. I will do a bit of homework if it’s a new ground in case there is a particular part of the ground to sit in or to avoid. Most of my favourite images that I’ve captured have not been pre-planned so I think I’m happiest working off the cuff.
Talk us through your incredibly well-received ’Goalposts of Scotland’ series. How did it start and why do you think it resonated with so many people?
It started a few years ago when I went back to visit Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, an old town I used to live in. I was amazed to see a set of goalposts still standing in a field with the original net still hanging on. I took some photos and moved to other locations that me and my friends played football on during the 90’s up to early 2002. I didn’t want to stop there so I’ve been travelling around Scotland as much as I can to find more lonely, weathered goalposts. It’s amazing some of the locations you find them in. I’ve really enjoyed reading people’s comments towards the project and I think it’s gone down well because people saw themselves in it. It’s tapped into their youth and memories of playing down the local park. Football that’s humble and honest. There’s still plenty more to come from this and possibly some exciting news on the project soon. Watch this space.
Scotland, especially the bigger cities, have changed quite a lot in recent years. How is what you’re seeing through your lens changing?
I’m mainly in Edinburgh so it’s difficult to answer that, though this city is constantly changing. In terms of football in Scotland, the rise of ultra groups has been growing over the last ten years or so. Even amateur clubs will have a group of young ultras with drums and pyro. It creates a proper atmosphere, though it does still get some pushback from older fans. All of that makes it feel like this is a golden era for documenting fan culture in Scotland.
How do you balance the artistic nature of photography with the dynamic nature of live football?
I guess the balance for me is knowing what to chase and what to wait for. I’m not trying to capture the whole 90 minutes. I’m usually always scanning to see what potentially would make a great picture and waiting for the right moments. It sounds odd but when the match begins I want to have my camera down as much as possible to enjoy what’s happening in front of me. I’ve got better over the years at picking my moments.
Can photography influence the perception of football culture?
Absolutely. From Sunday league to Champions League you can tell stories and show parts of football that will be rarely seen on TV or in the headlines. I think photography can help preserve the soul of the game.
Who are some photographers or artists that have inspired your work?
On Instagram I’ve always been a big fan of Joris van de Wier, his stuff is great. Danny Last is another of my favourites. Englandsno1 also takes wonderful photos.
Where do you want to shoot that you haven't been yet?
Naples is high on my list, it just looks incredible. Closer to home I’d like to complete the 42 [visiting each Scottish Football League ground] so trips to Inverness, Elgin and Montrose are all on the cards. Oh and wherever Palace end up on their European tour obviously.