The FA Cup isn’t just another football tournament – it’s a story filled with history, dreams, and unforgettable moments. As the oldest football cup in the world, it kicks off each August with non-league teams fighting for glory under the summer sun and wraps up with a grand final at Wembley in May. Last year, Manchester United lifted the iconic trophy, but the true magic of the FA Cup lies in the fact that every team, no matter how small, can dare to dream.
I’ve always been hooked on the FA Cup, eagerly following every round. Yet, I often missed those thrilling opening matches, which always felt like a lost chance. This year, I’m capturing the entire tournament—13 rounds—through film photography. In a digital-dominated world, I aim to bring the FA Cup’s magic to life in a more personal and meaningful way.
This project is my tribute to English football and the FA Cup’s timeless allure. I aim to capture not just the on-field action but also the passionate fans and the dedicated efforts behind the scenes. Film photography offers a unique perspective, adding a layer of emotion and texture often absent from digital images.
I started my project in Littlehampton, and my next stop was a thrilling preliminary round match between Baffins Milton Rovers and Shepton Mallet. The photos from this match, featured in this article, capture the intensity of a hard-fought game, culminating in a 2-1 victory for Baffins.
With a Nikon F80 loaded with Ilford HP5 and an Olympus OM-2N with Kodak Tri-X, I aimed to capture the raw, gritty atmosphere of the match. The FA Cup is where football’s passion is most intense – every kick, cheer, and goal is felt deeply. My choice of HP5 and Tri-X was deliberate, to emphasize the timeless, gritty feel of these games. Each shot is more than just action; it’s about capturing the game’s depth and emotion.
Are my photos perfect? No, but each game helps me learn and improve. Every match brings me closer to capturing that single, unique moment that stands the test of time. I’m not interested in snapping thousands of technically flawless but generic shots. Instead, I’m willing to make mistakes and use each roll of film to find that one perfect image that tells a compelling story.
More photos from the Game
If you’d like to follow along with this journey and see more moments from the FA Cup through my lens, join me on Instagram. Thanks for checking out my work and being part of this adventure.
Website: https://football35mm.com
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Jeffery Luhn on The FA Cup: Capturing the Magic Through Film
Comment posted: 06/10/2024
You've embarked on a noble and challenging project. There are a lot of advantages to recording matches outside of the big money games. If I may offer some suggestions, which I hope will be well received:
1- Please get some closeups. This may take a longer lens, or strong elbows to work your way closer to the action.
2- We can't see faces, sweat, expressions, or conflict. I was told something by a mentor that stuck with me: "If you aren't close enough to smell your subject, you're too far away."
3- Since these are smaller local matches, perhaps you can insert yourself onto the field before the start of the game to get players warming up.
4- Fan reactions are important parts of a sports narrative. Shots of flag-waving youngsters and screaming family members are essential. Look at what classic shots are appearing in magazines and posters.
5- Personal portrait shots are captivating. Just asking to take close-ups of post game players with mud streaked faces will yield big returns. All players, especially lower level ones, will welcome recognition.
6- You have the film technique, so push in and get those emotion stirring shots.
Sincerely, Jeffery
Comment posted: 06/10/2024