Recent BA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography graduate, Annabel Lee-Ellis is inspired by the unpredictability of sport and capturing moments from the athletes as well as the supporters. Watching the England Red Roses team in the Rugby World Cup led Annabel to joining a local team and documenting their training and matches. She shares more about her project that highlights sisterhood, resilience, joy and togetherness in women’s sport…
Our emerging photographer series aims to shed a light on up-and-coming talent. Photographers are offered a platform to share their work with a wider audience through the AP channels, with the scope of furthering their careers. We also get an insight into their inspirations, the camera gear used and future aspirations, as well as the journey taken into photography – which doesn’t have to be the most traditional route!
We’ll be sharing the work of photographers on our website and social media and even in the magazine. If you have recently started your photography journey or are a student / graduate, share your work with us at [email protected]
When and why did you start taking photographs?
I started taking photographs when I was around 15, my dad is a professional news and sport photographer, so seeing his work and hearing stories from his exciting assignments inspired me to follow in his footsteps.
Which genre do you tend to work mostly in?
I mostly work in sports photography.
What draws you towards your favoured genre?
I enjoy shooting sports because of the mixture of routine and unpredictability of it. You generally know what to expect from the content of the game / event, but not how it’s going to play out before you. I love capturing the moments that matter, and what these moments mean to both the athletes and the supporters.
Tell us a little bit more about your photographic training (if any)?
Last year I graduated from the University of Gloucestershire where I studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography. The course was diverse in its contents, with modules ranging from live events and documentary projects, to commercial and studio work. We were encouraged to pursue our individual interests as well as try new things and learn about how to operate as a professional. I chose this course as I felt it was the best in the country for photojournalism.
Tell us more about your recent work?
Moving back home after university I wanted to try something new, and so inspired by the success of the Red Roses in the summer, I joined my local rugby team a few weeks into the season. The girls welcomed me into training, and whilst I often had to work on a Sunday, on the occasion that I was free I came along to shoot the game. Soon the project was born. I quickly felt that I was part of the team, even though I wasn’t playing. It is nice to have an ongoing documentary style project that highlights a low level team, whilst pursuing a career photographing professional sport.
My project follows the Oldershaw Valkyries, a women’s rugby union team based on the Wirral, who play in the NC3 North (West) division. It focuses on the team’s sense of sisterhood amongst the traditional mud and muscle of grassroots rugby. The Valkyries are a diverse group of women who demonstrate resilience, joy and togetherness as they support each other both on and off the pitch through the season.
Who are your biggest influences?
In rugby, Adrian Dennis, David Davies, Dan Mullan and Michael Steele.
What equipment do you use?
I use a Canon EOS R3 and R5 with a 400mm, 70-200mm for in match action and a 35mm and 16-24mm for before and after the game.
What has been the highlight of your photography career so far?
I wouldn’t say my career so far has had a standalone highlight, rather I see it as a collection of memories that I’m building upon. From being inches away from top level athletes in the Japan National Stadium to cheekily grabbing a bowl of food meant for the players in the rugby clubhouses.
Do you have a dream assignment?
I’d love to shoot a major football or rugby tournament abroad. Going out to cover the next women’s rugby world cup in Australia would be a dream come true.
What piece of advice would you give to other aspiring photographers?
Have courage and be kind!
Instagram: @photos.by.bel
Success stories
At the 2026 AP Awards, Nick Teo was announced as our Emerging Talent winner for this documentary-fashion work. Previous emerging photographer award winners include Ethan Parker, Aliz Kovacs-Zoldi and Tariq Sadu. Si Jubb and Ethan Parker recently spoke at our Festival of Photography: Documentary event.
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