Motherwell FC's photography team is welcoming a new apprentice as Edinburgh College student Chantelle Cook learns the ropes from club photographer Raymond Davies. The mentorship aims to develop high-quality image capture for the Scottish Premiership side, which currently sits ninth in the table with eight points from seven games, having scored 9 goals and conceded 11. The team's next fixture is a significant test at home against league leaders Celtic on 11 October.

Cook, who first picked up a digital camera in 2023, is studying photography with a focus on commercial fashion and portraiture. She is now drawn to the unpredictable excitement of sports photography. "I'm hoping to figure out how to approach different styles of shots," Cook said. "In particular, I'm keen to learn how to capture dramatic images of football."

Learning the craft

Under Davies's guidance, Cook is mastering the technical demands of football photography. This includes selecting precise shutter speeds and configuring advanced autofocus systems. Modern cameras offer numerous subject-detection modes, with settings for people or athletes being key for match action. The pair use Continuous AF mode to track players and adjust sensitivity to ignore objects passing between the lens and the subject. Cook is also learning to use AF Stop buttons to pause focus during specific moments in play.

Davies, who has been the club's photographer for over a decade, explained the core challenge.

Camera equipment

Both photographers use Canon equipment, though at different levels. Davies operates with the professional-grade EOS R5 Mark II. Cook is working with the entry-level EOS R50, a 24.2-megapixel APS-C mirrorless camera. This setup allows her to practice professional techniques on accessible gear. The club's investment in training aligns with its focus on presenting the team visually as they handle a challenging period.

Cook will soon have a chance to put her new skills into practice. She is slated to cover a local clash with Falkirk, providing real-match experience. This comes as Motherwell prepare for their next Premiership match against Celtic. The team's recent form shows one win, one draw, and three losses from its last five outings. Fans can track the upcoming schedule, including the Celtic match, on our fixtures list. The photography project continues as the club looks to build momentum both on and off the pitch.

More detail at tech.yahoo.com