A journey into the world of sports photography: A Spotlight on Katie Richardson

Celebrating grassroots boxing in Liverpool

Our recent Unsung Heroes project celebrated grassroots boxing communities across the Liverpool City region through collaborating with 19 boxing clubs and their communities, documenting the spirit, reliance and impact of grassroots boxing in Liverpool through photography, interviews and a short documentary film. 

The project was shared with over 50,000 people across Liverpool and beyond, featuring a month-long exhibition at the historic St George’s Hall, screenings at the M&S Bank Arena during the World Boxing Championships and a city-wide digital tour, sharing works on digital bus stop boards. 

The project brought together three practitioners: Katie Richardson, Emma Case and Susannah Fletcher. Here we take a closer look at the process of creating this multi-layered, socially engaged project with one of the lead photographers, Katie Richardson, who shares her own inspiring journey into the world of photography.

Passion for photography

Katie Richardson first felt the pull of storytelling many years ago, as a child with a camera documenting family trips, waiting with anticipation to see what pictures she’d made. “I loved to see later what photos I got”, she says, and this passion for photography continued into her early years.

Katie first came into contact with Open Eye Gallery as a project participant during the COVID-19 era, and at a time when everything seemed paused, Katie found unexpected momentum.

Stemming from a partnership programme with Community Integrated Care, a charity that works with thousands of people with support needs to develop new skills, and Open Eye Gallery, Katie joined a photography club led by Emma Case. Emma challenged Katie to see differently, to try new angles, literally and metaphorically. Exercises. Prompts. Projects. Emma’s guidance became a steady anchor.

Sport, story and connection

Katie has long been immersed in sport, playing, supporting and watching, and, for her, capturing the energy of her beloved sports began to develop into something that felt more tangible.

Katie spoke about her love of capturing the energy, action, atmosphere and key moments. 

“Photography helps me be involved and part of special moments. I enjoy being part of the event, getting to know the individuals (players, staff, coaches, media, etc), and love the excitement building to big events such as Magic Weekend, Grand Final etc. There’s a real sense of community in these clubs and amongst the other photographers. I feel part of something special.”

Overcoming challenges 

As an artist with disabilities, Katie also speaks candidly about some of the challenges around the social aspect of this work, particularly in fast-paced sporting environments, and offers advice to others perhaps also struggling in this area.

“The social element is tricky. But to be a sports photographer, it’s important to overcome this. I’ve worked hard on that and had some great support from clubs, other photographers and organisations like RFL and England Boxing. 

 

“Working with artists like Emma and Susannah and the Open Eye Gallery team was really special. They are all so talented and a dream to work alongside.

 

“Having this network of people is essential and it’s always growing, so I work hard to improve every day with these essential communication skills. It will always be a challenge, but I’ll keep improving one step at a time.”

For the Open Eye Gallery team, this project, with its footing in celebrating good and proper grassroots community achievements, to show exemplary photography work to new audiences in unexpected places and to support photographers as they develop in socially engaged art is the backbone of what we do.

Weaving stories, connecting with our communities and, perhaps equally as vital, supporting the growth of this area of arts practice and diversifying talent across the field or, in this case, ring. 

Moments that resonate

Reflecting on the experience of working with a number of grassroots clubs, Katie notes: 

“To be involved in something that brings the community together and to see how this helps people is amazing. It gave them a platform and a voice, and that was amazing to see. To be a part of the project is a real privilege.” 

Katie also spoke about a number of funny moments in the project such as Emma Case jumping into the ring for an impromptu coaching session, which, sadly, was not captured on camera.

“The chance to share this work on such a scale, on city bus stops, inside the stunning St George’s Hall, and as part of a global sporting event in Liverpool, demonstrates the power of socially engaged arts practice. It reminds us that stories from our communities are not only worth telling but deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered”, says Sophie Mahon, Open Eye Gallery’s Head of social practice.

The project provided a multi-layer of rich partnerships, connecting culture, sport and community. 

From this project, we also created a new collaborative group through working with Emma and Susannah, with the artists visiting as a trio to document and capture stories. A bond that each of the artists reflected positively on. Of this collaboration, Katie noted the importance of positive working environments and relationship building.

Sophie Mahon reflects: 

“This project exemplifies the power of social arts practice. A way to carve new creative connections, to support the work in our communities and to provide vital pathways for inclusivity and progression across the sector. And the opportunity to share this work on major platforms, on bus stops people will stumble upon, at the stunning venue at St George’s Hall and as part of a massive worldwide event showcased here in Liverpool is very exciting.”

Katie’s advice 

As our conversation draws to a close, we ask Katie what advice she might have for other aspiring socially engaged photographers.

“Have a camera with you every day. Take photos wherever you are going. Practice and enjoy it. Take photos of things you love. It’s ok to be nervous and maybe a little worried but remember that’s normal. Everyone feels like that sometimes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. You can. Get the right support, prepare as best you can, and have confidence in yourself, you will be able to achieve great things.”

 

Text: Sophie Mahon

Images: Katie Richardson

Unsung Heroes project was produced by Open Eye Gallery in partnership with Culture Liverpool and Boxing England.