³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Raise Your Game: Your job?

Huw Evans: I used to take a lot of pictures, but now I run the photo agency. I am heavily involved on Saturdays on the sports side. My favourite part of the job still has to be taking pictures of rugby!

RYG: Why this job?

HE: I started at The Western Mail. The Picture Editor used to say 'this job beats working!' It's still a great job. When you stop feeling the buzz, it's time to hang up the cameras! I started filing negatives at The WM for 6 months, and then I spent 3 years working in the dark room, 2 of those years working nights. I was given a chance to work as a photographer and my first job was photographing stray dogs in Loudon Square. My first rugby match was a Ponty game at Sardis Road.

RYG: Highlights?

• You get to travel, often with the team. I've been to Argentina, Japan, Canada, South Africa with the team at all times. It's second to playing for Wales! You live their emotions and feel for them.
• I got a call to say Tom Jones was out jogging. We're both Ponty boys! He invited me to his mother's 80th birthday party - drinking champagne with Tom Jones and talking about Pontypridd. It was like being in a dream! He is a genuinely nice guy and a massive star.
• I got the picture of Princess Diana with Will Carling at the Arms Park. It has had a huge amount of publications worldwide.

RYG: Lowlights?

• Being there to record it every time Wales lose to England.
• It's not great working in the wet, but it's a leveller and it sorts the men from the boys.
• Seeing some sportspeople who forget their roots and fail to see the magic they could be giving.

RYG: Advice?

• This work is very competitive now because of the technology. You need to be committed. Don't bother if you can't commit because this job runs your life. I'd kill for a weekend off but it doesn't happen.
• With a camera around my neck, I'll talk to anyone. A camera gets you into places. I've photographed the Pope, the Royal Family, sportspeople and the variety of the job is wonderful... and hard work.
• This job makes you communicate. You have to convince people you are going to do the best for them. You have to know how to treat people. Never be arrogant with anyone.

RYG: What makes a good photographer?

• Passion for the job. Wanting to do the job in the best way you can.
• Be competitive - you have to be a winner.
• There is huge pressure to deliver the goods on time - or before time! You can't waste time.
• Organise your equipment! Double up on equipment. Give yourself options so you have a fail-safe back up. Think of contingency plans. You don't need the extra hassle of trying to buy stuff you've forgotten whilst you are doing the job.