A Picture Paints A Thousand Words: Dave Vokes

They say a picture paints a thousand words. In this new photographic series, we’ll be finding out the stories that were perfectly captured in one frame, by talking to the people who had their finger on the shutter.

First up is ECB accredited and Hampshire CCC photographer, Dave Vokes, who captured a dismissal which we can all relate to. Here’s his story behind the photograph…

Can you set the scene, where was the game being played and which clubs were playing?

It was Saturday 14th of July 2018 the match was being played on small but idyllic ground set in the heart of the attractive village of Hartley Wintney in North Hampshire. It was a Hampshire Cricket league Div 3 North 45 over match between Hartley Wintney and Hungerford. It was a warm day without a cloud in the sky. Perfect conditions.

Do you remember how the game played out up to the moment of the picture?

Hartley had lost the toss and were put into bat. After losing the early wicket of the opener, a partnership started to flourish between the #2 and #3, before the #3 was dismissed for 64. Rex (#2) continued batting with confidence, I can’t remember any close calls and he looked totally in control. A couple batsmen came and went until it was Rex and a middle order batsman at the crease.

As the match entered the 41st over I was aware that Rex was on 99 and there was a good chance that he would bring up his century.

Before that picture, did you sense there would be a wicket?

Being aware that Rex was closing in on his century I knew that I did not have enough time to get back to the pavilion to get the standard bat and helmet raising photo, but I was sat in a position where I knew I could get the photo of Rex in front of the Scoreboard with the 100 as it came up, and the photo would be just as good. The photo was set up to capture the bowler bowling in case there was an appeal and then the celebration of Rex.

Do you remember the dismissal that led to the picture?

At 243/4 I wasn’t expecting a wicket at all and was all set up for Rex (on strike) and the celebration, so when I heard the sound of the ball on pad, followed by an appeal from the bowler Kevin and the rest of Hungerford….I thought oh no! But then I see the stand-in umpire (who was Rex’s opening partner earlier), raise his right arm and the finger goes up…Rex is out. A small groan of disappointment came from the pavilion, and the batsman at the non-strikers end, as you can see. Heartbreak.

 What do you like about this picture so much?

For me it has everything. The celebration of the bowler, the disappointment of the batsman knowing his partner at the other end has just been dismissed on 99, and then the full story behind the reactions with the scoreboard in the background.

Did you notice you captured the perfect picture straight away? Or did you only realise later when looking back through your shots?

I had a pretty good idea I knew I had a decent shot straight away, it was only after I reviewed it I realised that it had captured the batting partner’s expression.

When you snap a shot like this, how do you feel?

For me, a decent shot is one I can’t wait to show off, I think I can count on one hand how many times that has happened. It still gives me a buzz when I know I have caught something special, it is worth the wait, you have to be switched on because in an afternoon of 100 overs of cricket, the action could happen at any time, and I never want to miss that shot and end up thinking “if only”.

How long have you been shooting cricket and where does this snap rate among your best?

I have photographed cricket for the past 12 years. I started one Sunday in 2008 when I discovered Hartley Wintney CC had a slightly shorter than usual boundary. I soon became a member and was welcomed with open arms, unbeknown to me at that stage Hartley Wintney played a Hampshire XI every summer as part of a player’s beneficiary year or charity match. This is where my connections with Hampshire started thanks to Jonty Rowe and Darren McBride who introduced me to Hampshire players Nic Pothas and Dimi Mascarenhas, and in 2009 I started photographing at the Ageas bowl and have been every season since.

Among my thousands of images this is flagged in the top 20, along with some images from T20 finals Days, International Cricket and even some grassroots cricket. 

What are the differences when shooting grassroots cricket compared to professional games?

I treat grassroots as an event such as a party or presentation event, this may sound strange however I look at all 22 players as potential customers so I try to get a good selection of individual shots of players in both innings, even if it is a shot of them fielding in the slips or on the boundary, the action shots are the key, a good technical batting shot or a good celebration are ones that players want.

Professional is different as there is a bit more pressure to get the shot and then wire it across to the agency as quickly as possible, I have to edit, type up the description, and watch the next ball in case another wicket falls or a milestone is reached. This is in addition to making sure I get what the club want for their articles and social media.

Finally, do you prefer shooting grassroots or professional level? Why?

This is quite tough as I like photographing any cricket, I enjoy the professional game as I still get a buzz seeing photos in the media and the atmosphere of the day at the big matches and plus I get to sit next to some great photographers who have inspired me over the years. Phillip Brown, whose work I have and still admire looking at images which I remember watching live, and Alex Davidson who is such a phenomenal talent and will win all sort awards with his images and given me some great tips and advice. I look at the images these guys produce and think wow!

With grassroots, it’s more relaxing, less pressure, and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon at some of the glorious grounds in and around Hampshire. I like the sense of achievement when you show off the photos at the end of the match or online and receive nice messages from players.

And the match? Hartley Wintney lost by 6 wickets with 3.5 overs left.