Take a shot from the sidelines of sporting events in Tasmania

My photography experience is diverse but I had had limited experience with editorial photography and had never been employed by a media outlet.

Earlier this year, when I stumbled upon The Examiner photographer's position advertised on SEEK, I must admit, my heart skipped a beat. What an opportunity to spend your days photographing newsworthy stories, meeting people from all walks of life and having your work published every day.

Having only limited experience in editorial photography, I enthusiastically threw my hat into the ring. I was surprised that the job had been advertised at all, as many Australian media outlets have made the majority of their photography positions redundant as part of cost-saving strategies.

Most of today's editorial photographers are either casual or freelance photographers that have their photography jobs assigned by organisations such as Getty. Getty is a British-American visual media company that supplies stock images, editorial photography, video and music for businesses and consumers around the globe.

After a couple of interviews with the editor, deputy editor and photographers, I was lucky enough to snag the position and commenced work as a photographer at The Examiner on February 1.

One of my favourite jobs is photographing sporting events. We get to cover most sporting events here in Launceston including the all local matches, along with national codes when they are scheduled here.

Lance 'Buddy' Franklin in action during the elimination final at UTAS Stadium.

Western Bulldogs Ryan Gardner boots forward during AFL Elimination final at UTAS Stadium

Prior to working at The Examiner my sports photography experience was limited to photographing my children when they played in their local sporting teams or competed at school athletic events. I have been fortunate to work alongside two extremely experienced editorial photographers - Paul Scambler and Phillip Biggs - who have both guided me through my editorial photography learning process. I already knew my way around a camera, but having that depth of experience and the knowledge that Paul and Phil have in my corner has been priceless.

Some of the sports I regularly photograph include cricket, football, basketball, soccer, hockey, swimming, athletics, equestrian, table tennis, pickleball, cycling, rugby, netball, golf, cross country, BMX and lawn bowls.

Hawks thanking the local fans after a win earlier in the year.

Hobart Hurricanes' Mignon du Preez bashing another to the boundary.

Perth Wildcats' Bryce Cotton versus NZ's Levi Randolph.

When it was announced that Launceston would host two AFL finals matches this year I was very eager to be involved in this historical event. I was lucky enough to photograph both matches: Sydney Swans versus GWS (Greater Western Sydney) and Western Bulldogs versus Essendon. Despite the drenching rain on the Sunday for the Bulldogs v Essendon game, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Being a Melbourne lad and passionate about my football I have been to many AFL matches over the years. It's a totally different experience watching and photographing a sporting event at ground level and being only two metres from the boundary line. On numerous occasions during the recent AFL finals matches, I was almost taken out by players sliding across the boundary line. I learnt very quickly the fine art of getting out of the way of ballistic AFL players and avoiding an otherwise imminent collision.

Tassie Devils' Jemma Blair in action.

Men's Triple Jumper Joshua Hwaba from Sandy Bay Harriers Athletics Club in action at St Leonards Athletics Track

Tasmanian athletics championships. St Leonards Athletics Club. Mens Under 18 100 metre final.

I really enjoy photographing the local and state leagues in football and cricket - not only for the action on the ground, but to soak up the atmosphere of the passionate crowds that flood to these games. Some of their comments and shenanigans are hilarious, although sometimes a little X-rated and not so family friendly.

It's wonderful to see so many people, young and old, fit and no so fit, taking part in sporting events every weekend in Launceston with such gusto, enthusiasm and passion for their chosen sport come rain, hail or shine.

Cavaliers' Piper Sanders during Netball match between Cavaliers versus Hawks at Silverdome Stadium.

Launceston United's Jennifer Smith.

Northern Hawks players Jamie Symons, Lauren Spencer, Kellie Woolnough, Danni Pickett and Tessa Coote at Silverdome.

Georgia Elias and her horse Silverwoods Aussie Pride at Pony Club Tasmania State Trials.

Launceston coach Mitch Thope and captain Jake Hinds, North Launceston captain Jay Foon and coach Brad Cox-Goodger.

Former AFL player Jay Schulz at his first training session for the Old Launcestonians.

Riverside's Ramesh Sundra playing defensively.

I have learnt the secret to getting quality sports photos, thanks to the advice from Paul and Phil, but also from the plethora of YouTube videos available by renowned sports photographers. The most difficult sport to photograph for me is netball, mainly due to the fast-moving action and the lower lighting conditions of the indoor stadiums.

An essential skill in sports photography is to be able to understand and read the game, therefore having the ability to predict what may happen next in order to get that magic shot. It takes many hours, if not years, to perfect, and I am still learning with every sporting event that I photograph and loving every minute of it.