Freelance Sports Photographer
Locations: London, Kent, Sussex & Essex
Job Type: Freelance
Schedule: Predominantly weekends
LW Photography is seeking experienced and enthusiastic sports photographers to join our expanding freelance team across London and the South East.
We cover a wide range of sporting events across the country, capturing dynamic, high-quality images that celebrate the participants, atmosphere and excitement of each event.
Our work includes running events, football, rugby, dance, netball, cycling and other sporting events, from smaller local competitions through to large-scale events with thousands of participants.
For this recruitment drive, we're particularly interested in photographers with previous experience covering running events and mass-participation races.
What We're Looking For
- Confident photographers with proven experience in sports and event photography
- Previous running event photography experience is highly desirable
- Experience across sports including, but not limited to, running, football, rugby, dance, netball and cycling
- Ability to consistently capture sharp, correctly exposed images of fast-moving subjects
- An eye for detail with the ability to maintain consistent framing and image quality across a large number of photographs
- Confidence working independently and following a specific event photography brief
- A strong portfolio demonstrating previous sports photography work
- Professional and reliable when representing LW Photography at events
Equipment Requirements
Photographers must own professional camera equipment suitable for sports photography, including:
- Professional DSLR or mirrorless camera body
- 70–200mm f/2.8 lens or equivalent as a minimum
- Sufficient batteries and memory cards to cover full event days
Additional professional camera bodies and lenses are advantageous.
Responsibilities
- Capture high-quality images that effectively document events and highlight participants and key moments
- Photograph a high volume of participants while maintaining consistent image quality
- Adapt your positioning and shooting location in accordance with event briefs to achieve the best possible coverage
- Upload photographs promptly following events and within agreed deadlines
- Work collaboratively with other photographers to ensure comprehensive event coverage
- Communicate professionally and confidently with event organisers, participants and other members of the team
- Represent LW Photography in a friendly and professional manner at all times
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 1 year of sports photography experience
- Strong understanding of photographing moving subjects in changing conditions
- Previous running/race photography experience is particularly desirable
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Reliable access to transport
- Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check where required
- Weekend availability is essential
Freelance Work
This is a freelance position, with assignments offered based on event requirements, photographer location, experience and availability.
There is no guaranteed volume of work; however, LW Photography aims to provide regular assignments where possible, and we're looking to build long-term relationships with reliable photographers who can become a regular part of our event team.
Successful applicants will initially be invited to an online interview, followed by a comprehensive in-person onboarding and induction process before covering events independently.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive freelance rates
- Regular opportunities throughout the sporting calendar
- Loyalty and performance-based bonuses
- Free or subsidised travel where applicable
- Referral programme
- Opportunities to cover a variety of sporting events
- Opportunity to become a regular member of our growing freelance photography team
How to Apply
Please apply with:
- Your current location
- Details of your sports photography experience
- A portfolio or examples of previous sports photography – running event examples are particularly encouraged
- Details of the camera bodies and lenses you currently use
- Your typical weekend availability
Experience: Photography – minimum 1 year required
Work Location: On the road – primarily London, Kent, Sussex & Essex
Pay: £150.00-£200.00 per day
Work Location: On the road
