A YOUNG sports-loving photographer from Stanford-le-Hope who first turned his lens on the action at East Thurrock United's ground has secured a sponsorship deal with Canon and is also working as a stringer for Getty Images, one of the most recognised visual media companies around the world.

Eighteen-year-old, Jacques Feeney, who studies at South Essex College's Southend campus, has already seen some of his work published in a number of UK national publications and also some abroad, including the Washington Post in the USA.

Jacques began his journey in photography at school at GCSE before progressing onto the Level 3 programme at the college.

He started photographing news events such as anti-Brexit marches, but always knew he wanted to get into football photography. He upgraded his equipment as soon as he could and got permission to photograph non-league football at East Thurrock United's Rookery Hill ground.

This initial success led to Jacques joining a number of agencies and he started to photograph some high profile matches including Premiere League and FA Cup games involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton.

Things came to a halt on the sporting front when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but now restrictions are being lifted, Jacques is back pitch side. His talents have since caught the attention of Canon who offered him a one year loan of some high quality equipment and he is now also working for Getty Images.

Jacques said it has been an 'incredible journey', adding: "It's all been super exciting for me. Working for Getty at a young age and being given a pathway into doing this for a full time job is incredible.

"The course at the college has really helped me get to where I am today. The equipment at the college is top class and has helped me understand more than just what I have in my own camera bag. The support and encouragement we get from tutors is fantastic.

"The other things like working to deadlines and being encouraged to try and experiment more within my work has helped a lot and will continue to help in the years to come."

Jacques now has his sights set firmly on the future where he aspires to become one of the best and most well-known sports photographers in the UK. He also wants to branch out and photograph a variety of sports as well as trying some news photography with the hope of covering events such as the world cup and Olympics.

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