Unsung Heroes – Shirley Whitlow 

Shirley spends most of her matchday cheering on Lowestoft through a lens as the team’s photographer. The purpose of the series is to highlight the fantastic dedication that Shirley and other volunteers have for the club. 

Hi Shirley, can you explain a bit about your role at the club? 
“I am currently the official club photographer. Not only do I cover the 1st team, but I also cover the U19's Scholarship boys and the Veterans teams as well. The 1st team takes me home and away, where I try to tell the story of the match through my photos. Hopefully, this is the case as well as sending photos to the press at the end of the match and selecting photos for the match day programme. On top of this, team photos and player profile pictures of each team are needed for the website, player sponsor photos, Vice Presidents Draw and occasionally mascots, ball boys and Man of the Match photos will need to be taken.

There are also requests for promotional photos, presentation photos and favours from other clubs for their programmes and local press. Which I think is all good publicity for the club. I arrive at home matches at around 1.30 to 1.45 in plenty of time in case there are photos of players that need to be taken before they go out to warm up for the match. As well as the players during the course of the afternoon, I try to take photos of supporters as well to capture the community feel of the club. During the 2nd half Paul my husband helps me out by selecting photos for the press from the 1st half and e-mailing them to Archant so they have something to use as soon as possible.  I generally spend the rest of Saturday evening and Sunday morning editing the match photos for the website.” 

What inspired you to get involved with the club? 
“I was already involved with the club as a supporter, home and away, when Gary Keyzor approached me and asked if I would be up for the job. Initially, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to do it as my photography experience only covered wildlife and landscape at local nature reserves. However, after being talked into it by Gary and Paul I decided to give it a go and the rest is history.” 

What’s the biggest difference between wildlife photography and sports photography. Also, what’s the biggest challenge you face? 
“Wildlife and nature photography requires a lot of patience. For example, you can stand around for ages, waiting for a particular bird that you want to get a shot of. It is also about getting the right composition and having a bit of creativeness to get a different shot. The sports photography was a whole new ball game for me and I've had to learn from scratch. I've looked back at photos I took 3 years ago and cringed but that's how we learn. I have invested in a semi-professional camera which is more up for the job. I've also asked a lot of photographers for advice and have done a lot of research on sports photography settings, so hopefully, my photographs are a lot better now.

The most challenging aspect is shooting on night games under floodlights as the light is very patchy in areas. it is also nigh on impossible to get any good shots from the middle of the pitch backwards because of low light which causes noise (graininess on shots). I also find it difficult to get the goals as I only have a tiny viewfinder to look through and there are usually other players who run in front and focus is lost. However, saying that I think that my photography is improving all of the time with experience and hopefully bring others enjoyment from looking at them.” 

What’s it like as a volunteer and being able to juggle working life as well as volunteering at the club?  “Although I enjoy being part of the team on match days, it is very time-consuming, even more so on away matches. I have little time to talk to other supporters on away games, however, we do often stay in a cheap hotel which gives us a chance to explore the area and enjoy the trip. Some weeks there can be 3 or 4 matches with Saturday and Tuesday night first team games, Veterans and Academy matches. Away from football, I also have work and courses that I have to take for personal development for work, as well as trying to fit in time with my family.” 

What would you say is the best thing about volunteering for this club? 
“For me, it’s feeling that I am playing a part in promoting the club through my photography and hearing people’s reactions to my photographs. This has also given me confidence in my own achievements. Volunteering has given me opportunities to meet players, supporters and photographers from both Lowestoft and other clubs and to socialise and make new friends.” 

What was your favourite moment as a Lowestoft fan and as a volunteer? 
“Winning the playoff final on the 4th attempt, to achieve conference level status after beating Hornchurch was the best moment for me as a fan. Robert Eagles’ goal was a magical moment and the tension until the final whistle was unbearable. The celebrations afterwards summed up how much the club had dreamed of gaining promotion. Other really good moments as a supporter were the welcome that we were given at some of the Conference North clubs such as Telford, Chorley, Curzon Ashton, North Ferriby and Colwyn Bay. I have made new acquaintances/ friendships from these games, which still continue through social media. My best moment as a volunteer was being allowed to take photos at Portman Road for the Suffolk Premier Cup Final 2016 against Leiston which we won. Although I wasn’t allowed to step on the hallowed pitch it was still a great experience for me.” 

How could someone reading this piece get involved with volunteering for the club? 
“I initially got involved with the club by going to watch matches and getting to know fellow supporters and directors which led to where I am now. I would encourage anyone who is passionate about the club and has a little time on their hands to get involved and do their bit. There are always opportunities for volunteering, just talk to people. For me, volunteering has given me the best of both worlds as I get to do what I love and also see the match (through a lens). I feel that I am part of a community and part of the team.” 

“I'd like to thank Gary Keyzor for giving me the opportunity in the first place. Paul Whitlow for his continued support and help. Terry Lynes for adding me to the media list for away matches; it is much appreciated. I'd also like to thank Jamie, Andy and the players for putting up with me and all of the supporters for their wonderful comments. That means a lot.” 

On behalf of everyone at Lowestoft Town FC, we would like to thank Shirley he superb commitment to the club. If you have been inspired by Shirley’s story and too would like to volunteer in some capacity at the club, then please contact info@lowestofttownfc.co.uk

By Danny Cook