Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
A former Canon EOS-1D X Mark II user, Eddie now relies on the Mark III. Capture more with the EOS-1D X Mark III and tell your visual story to the world.
Profile
For over three decades, Canon Ambassador Eddie Keogh has been at the forefront of sports photojournalism in the UK, having shot thousands of images from a huge range of sporting disciplines for the world's daily papers.
Eddie is a contract photographer for Reuters and the official photographer for both England Rugby's main sponsor O2 and the England football team on behalf of the FA. "It's an honour to work with the England football team and such an interesting insight into what goes on behind the scenes," he says. "They have been really friendly, open to new ideas and very professional in their responsibility to their game. Both are played with passion and that endeavour comes through in the photographs. Whether that's a flying tackle in rugby or a diving header in football, there's always a chance of a great sports picture."
Location:
Oxford, UK
Specialist areas:
Sports
Favourite Kit:
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
London-born Eddie first picked up a camera when he became exasperated by his mother's hit-and-miss attempts to capture family photos. "I played and loved sport from an early age, so when my interest blossomed as a teenager it was a natural fit for me to combine my two loves: sport and photography." Eager to take his skill beyond that of a casual enthusiast, he transformed his bedroom into a darkroom and taught himself how to develop film and black-and-white printing, landing his first paid job in 1981 covering a match between Millwall and Reading.
Since then, the father-of-three's highlights have included travelling to many sporting events across the globe, his first being the Olympics in Los Angeles when he was just 21.
Eddie's skill behind the camera isn't just recognised by editors, he's scored highly with competition judges too. "I was very happy with a Highly Commended in the Specialist Portfolio of the Sports Journalists Awards in 2018," says Eddie, when asked which trophy meant the most. "Only because it was a set of black-and-white images I'd taken as a private project on Sunday morning football. But it was so nice that a set of pictures of amateur sport was able to compete at the highest level against so many portfolios of professional sports."
The Oxfordshire based shooter's other triumphs include: the Premier League Football Photographer of the Year Award 2006, the UK Picture Editors' Sports Photographer of the Year 2010, the Sports Journalists' Association (SJA)'s Sports News Picture of the Year in 2009 and 2010, SJA's Portfolio award 2012, and SJA's Away from the Action award in 2019 and 2020. "I think one of my strengths is that I can turn my hand to most styles depending on what the client requires, and I certainly enjoy a moment of humour that sometimes comes through in my pictures."
What do you do the night before an event?
"I charge the camera batteries, mobile phone, computer and Wi-Fi units. I do my homework on the event I'm attending so I know the backstory, and I double-check my bag."
Can you share a few of your shooting secrets?
"Look at backgrounds; they can make or break a picture. If backgrounds are bad, stay on a long lens – if you want more atmosphere of the event stay on shorter lenses."
What happens to your images after you fire the shutter?
"Working with Reuters, I send most of my pictures straight from the camera, and the editors will do the editing in the London office."
Do you ever retouch your images?
"If I send the images from my laptop first, I do very little retouching. Literally lighten or darken, colour correct if necessary and occasionally sharpen if it's a big pull. It's a sackable offence to add or take anything out of a picture so we are very, very careful."
What's the best way to break into the industry?
"There are so many photographers working for local clubs now and that's a great way to learn. If you get good at that – and you have to be good – there's always a chance of moving onwards and upwards."
Twitter: @eddie_keogh
Instagram: @eddiekeoghphotos
Website: www.eddiekeogh.com
"A fast shutter speed is a good start. Most sports are fast-moving, so it's essential to have sharp pictures. Try to get as low as you can; a low angle can add a touch more drama to your pictures especially if you can see that the athletes are off the ground. Other than that I recommend practise, practise and then go and practise some more. Get off the computer and get to any sporting events you can. And don't be particular about the weather – bad weather can produce great pictures."
The key kit that the pros use to take their photographs
A former Canon EOS-1D X Mark II user, Eddie now relies on the Mark III. Capture more with the EOS-1D X Mark III and tell your visual story to the world.
The world's lightest telephoto lens for ultra high-quality sport, wildlife and action images. "Pin-sharp, stunning quality, unbeatable focus – and now it's so light you can hold it with your little finger," says Eddie.
A favourite lens with professional photographers: fast, flexible and built for any assignment. "I use this every day that I'm working – it's my Number 1 lens," says Eddie.
This fast L-series telephoto with advanced optical engineering is perfect for creative portrait photography. "This lens is so good for portraits and in situations where you need to lose the background," says Eddie. "It's so sharp, the images jump off the screen."
The professional's standard zoom lens – sharp, quick and compact, it excels in low light. An extremely popular lens with pros. "Depending on the job, either this or the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens are always on my camera," says Eddie. "Brilliant image quality and very reliable."
Favoured by many, this new version of the classic wide zoom offers stunning sharpness throughout the zoom range.
A precision-designed, ultra wide-angle L-series lens with a rectilinear design to correct distortion. "Superb edge-to-edge when you need to go that little bit wider," says Eddie.
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