ickledot
ickledot takes photographs of people doin' stuff!
As you’ll have seen, ickledot’s photography is centred on rugby union, capturing the passion and athleticism that define this incredible sport. Whether played before thousands of cheering fans or witnessed by the proverbial “one man and his dog,” rugby remains a game of speed, strength, teamwork, and an extraordinary willingness to endure pain. ickledot has immense admiration for those who play the game, and he strives to reflect this respect in every image he takes.
Seen on the touchlines of numerous Yorkshire clubs, ickledot has also photographed the county’s representative sides at both senior and junior levels, for men and women. His work has taken him to Twickenham at least six times, nost recently in 2024 for the county championship finals. Since 2015, he has been a photographer for Doncaster Knights Rugby Union Club, which competes in the second tier of English rugby. In 2016, he documented their thrilling push for Premiership status, including a dramatic second-leg play-off victory at Bristol Rugby Club—an unforgettable game where promotion was narrowly missed.
In 2019, an ickledot image was highly commended in the Landscape category of the inaugural Rugby Journal Photographer of the Year Competition. This recognition continued in 2021 when three of his photographs were shortlisted in the rugby section of the World Sports Photography Awards, with two receiving high commendations.
ickledot’s portfolio also includes photography for England Women’s Rugby, beginning with a training session in 2017 and continuing with coverage of games and a 2021 Rugby Journal shoot featuring head coach Simon Middleton. His images have supported campaigns for Gilbert Rugby during the Women’s Rugby World Cup and have been featured in a film created for the RFU.
Over the years, ickledot has contributed photography for multiple articles in the Rugby Journal. In 2023 and 2024, he provided individual and team portraits for Doncaster Knights, as well as squad portraits for Leeds Beckett men’s and women’s rugby, their tennis team, and clubs such as West Park Leeds RUFC, Barnsley Ladies RUFC, Yarnbury RUFC, Sheffield Tigers Ladies RUFC, and Sheffield Colts.
Beyond rugby, ickledot supports the fundraising unit of Sue Ryder, a charity dedicated to providing care for people with serious illnesses. Through his work, ickledot seeks to highlight the passion, dedication, and humanity that make sport—and life—so inspiring.
Gear
OM SYSTEM EM1 and EM1 MkII cameras
m-zuiko ed 150-400mm f4-5 pro lens. Super sharp, it has range of 800mm full frame equivalent.
M.ZUIKO Digital ED 40–150mm F2.8 PRO lens - for the closer action.