In January this year, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside NEP, the broadcasting powerhouse behind Sky Sports and the English Football League (EFL) coverage. This project took me to the historic Racecourse Ground, home of Wrexham A.F.C., where I was given an access-all-areas pass to capture the action both on and off the pitch.
Behind the Scenes with NEP
NEP is a name synonymous with high-quality sports broadcasting. Their expertise ensures that millions of football fans around the world get a front-row seat to the action, no matter where they’re watching from. For this project, my role was to document the NEP team in action—from the moment they arrived at the stadium to the final whistle.
Throughout the day, I captured the crew setting up cameras, microphones, and the vast array of broadcasting equipment that brings matches like Wrexham vs. Birmingham City to life. From pitch side to the highest gantry overlooking the entire stadium, I had the chance to document the intricate work that goes into a major sports broadcast.
Pitchside Access and Matchday Moments
With my media pass granting me unrestricted access, I found myself positioned right behind the Birmingham City goal when Wrexham scored in the ninth minute—a moment that sent the stadium into an absolute frenzy. Being that close to the action gave me a rare perspective, allowing me to capture not only the goal but also the immediate reactions of players and fans alike.
During pre-match preparations, I was standing just metres away as Sky Sports conducted on-pitch interviews with Wrexham’s manager, Phil Parkinson. Watching the entire production unfold up close was a reminder of just how much effort goes into creating a seamless live broadcast.
Showcasing NEP’s Cutting-Edge Technology
One of the main focuses of this project was to highlight NEP’s latest broadcasting truck—an absolute beast of a vehicle, packed with state-of-the-art technology. Inside, a team of skilled professionals managed live feeds, graphics, replays, and commentary, ensuring everything ran smoothly for viewers at home.
Capturing this part of the production was just as important as the pitchside action. The truck serves as the nerve centre for the entire broadcast, and my goal was to showcase both the high-tech setup and the talented team making it all happen.
The Gear I Used for This Project
For a project like this, having the right equipment is crucial. Here’s what I used to document the day:
- Sony A7IV – My go-to mirrorless camera for both photo and video work.
- Sigma 56mm f1.4 – Perfect for portraits and tighter shots of the crew at work.
- Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art – Ideal for capturing the environment and interactions up close.
- Sigma 150-600mm DG DN Sports – A powerhouse for long-range shots, allowing me to capture detailed images from the gantry and across the pitch.
Each of these lenses played a key role in capturing different aspects of the event, from candid behind-the-scenes moments to dynamic action shots.
Final Thoughts
Working on this project was an unforgettable experience. Being embedded with the NEP team at such a high-profile match gave me a newfound appreciation for the scale and precision of sports broadcasting. From the technical setup to the raw energy of matchday, every moment was a visual story waiting to be told.
For any photographer or videographer looking to capture live sports or behind-the-scenes productions, my biggest takeaway from this experience is to stay adaptable. Sports events move fast, and the best shots often come from anticipating the moment before it happens.
If you enjoyed this breakdown of my time at Wrexham A.F.C., be sure to check out my other articles for more insights into my photography and videography projects.
