Media Day for York Knights
Welcoming in 2026 with a bang - I recently photographed the York Knights squad on their annual media day, capturing 45 players across an incredibly fast paced shoot for the club’s upcoming Super League season. Players were photographed in the new home and away kits, with some shots in two lighting setups to give the club flexibility across press, digital and social channels.
This was a high volume shoot with a clear creative direction, and exactly the kind of project where experience, efficiency and a strong visual identity matter.
The brief called for dramatic lighting, with imagery that felt bold and confident with an editorial edge, rather than flat or overly commercial. I used a single light setup with controlled shadow to create shape and contrast across each portrait. This approach allowed the players’ presence to lead the frame, while giving the imagery a strong, consistent look across the full squad.
Each player was photographed with consistency in mind, ensuring the final images work cohesively across multiple platforms while still allowing individual character to come through.
Alongside the stills, I also designed and set up the lighting for the club’s video content. This ensured a consistent look and feel across photography and video, giving York Knights a clear visual identity that carries through all content from the media day. This type of joined up approach is something I’m often brought in for, particularly where brands or teams want imagery that feels considered and distinctive rather than generic.
With a background in fashion photography and previous work within elite sport, including the Women’s England Rugby World Cup, this project sat naturally at the intersection of both. It was a strong example of how a fashion led approach can elevate sports imagery while still serving commercial and media requirements.
York Knights are entering a significant season, and it was a privilege to contribute imagery that reflects the confidence and ambition of the club at this stage. I’m so excited to welcome in the new season and watch how well they perform this year!
View a small selection of final images from the shoot below.
Commercial Photography
Hi, I’m Hannah. I’m a York based fashion and beauty photographer working with brands, teams and businesses to create purposeful, high quality imagery. My work blends a fashion led approach with commercial awareness, helping clients develop a visual identity that feels confident, authentic and recognisable. If you’re planning a campaign, launch or media shoot and want imagery that stands apart from standard commercial photography, get in touch.
