Reflections on Portrait of Pride
Prior to the first COVID19 lockdown renowned photographer Andy Barnham made times to shoot members of the Leeds Hunters RUFC. We caught up with Andy a year on to talk about his reflection on shooting the Leeds Hunters RUFC for his Portraits of Pride Project.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN SPENDING TIME DURING LOCKDOWN?
Lockdown has been difficult as work has disappeared and I've never sent so many emails or newsletters without reply. Every time we look to come out of lockdown I've had people contact me in regards to commissioning work, only for communication to dry up as we've entered the next version of lockdown. Trying to stay positive has been tough; recently I've been working on my website and changing hosting service with the aim to improve my SEO. Hopefully this will help my online visibility moving forwards.
Where did Portraits of Pride originate?
I first came across gay and inclusive rugby when I photo'd the Manchester Village Spartans for their 20th birthday. Having played rugby myself for almost 20 years there were teams I loved playing for while there were some that I found less than positive. I believe gay and inclusive clubs represent the best of rugby’s sporting qualities. Social and supportive environments, they are bringing back players who felt uncomfortable at traditional clubs, as well as attracting new players to the sport. Portraits of Pride looks to support these clubs and players and by offering a voice hopefully attract people to the sport.
WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE BEHIND portraits of pride?
“The idea of a portrait project celebrating the passion and diversity of rugby players came about as a result of these initial portraits. Having served in the British Army I am aware of the benefits of team sport and being in a positive environment. They include the obvious benefits that physical exercise offers, but also enhanced communication, co- ordination, team work and camaraderie. Being part of a team widens your social circle and sport is known to improve one’s mental well being.”
IF YOU HAD TO PICK ONE OR TWO OF THE LEEDS HUNTERS’ PORTTRAITS WHICH ONES WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
For the look in their eyes, my two favourite portraits from the Hunters are Dean Bolton- Grant (shirt and tie portrait) and also Andrew Bailey and his 'I know something you don't know' feeling I get when I look at his portrait.
WHAT ARE YOUR Recollections of photo'ing the Hunters
My two main recollections are photo'ing Chris Woods and Chris Languedoc. I've photo'd Chris Woods twice now and I forgot his name when it came to his second session; all I could remember was his nickname, Ginger Fitness. And Chris L was memorable for the conversation we had where he mentioned he'd played other sports but it was only with the Hunters that he'd found a home.
FINALLY, What's next for PoP?
The evolution for PoP is a promo style video for IGR. Talking to players when taking portraits, some consistent themes and topics appeared such as (body) confidence and enjoying sport for the first time. The aim of the video is bring these topics together and show how rugby has helped people overcome these challenges.
