In this series of Beyond 90 articles, a standard set of questions is posed to women who have different roles both in and around the 2019-2020 edition of the W-League.
The fourth instalment focuses on the role of Photographer, with Kellie Lemon, photographer for Western Sydney Wanderers and the woman behind KLZ Photography, in the spotlight.
1. Who or what got you into the game of football?
As a spectator of the game, it was my kids, both having picked up the sport at a young age. I love to watch them play, and subsequently I developed a real love for the game of which I had known very little prior to the kids playing. Football very quickly became a real passion for my daughter Abbey and so we both became very invested, not only in her games, but in the W-League, A-League & the Australian national teams.
As a photographer of the game, it was one of my daughter’s former coaches, Pete Nowakowski. I had started taking photos of Abbey & her team mates on game days from the stands, having recently discovered a new passion for photography, especially football photography, while on a futsal tour in the UK. Pete encouraged me to seek Football NSW Photographer Accreditation to allow me to shoot all the games pitch side for the club (NWS Koalas), the players and parents. This was where KLZ photography began – Abbey now plays for Blacktown Spartans and I shoot all of their games.
2. What is your favourite memory of a football game?
As a mum, every game day is a fave. I just love to watch my girl play.
As a photographer of the game, it would hands down have to be my debut shooting the Matildas last year versus Chile. Our Tillies really are something special, and to have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to capture the team pitch side (as nervous as I was!) at these sold out events, was an experience like no other, which I will always cherish and be grateful for.
3. What was your first W-League game?
A Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar game at Marconi Stadium, 25th October 2015. It was a first for both myself & my daughter. Having only previously attended A-League games, when we finally discovered there was also a women’s league, the W-League, we were there quick smart and we loved it! We had brought along to the game a couple of my daughter’s team mates at the time. The girls were fortunate enough to meet and have a photo with former Matilda and absolute game changer Moya Dodd – a great memory and keepsake for our first W-League game.
4. Who is your favourite player in the world?
With so many talents, each bringing something unique to the game, I don’t have a favourite player. I would say however, that I am a real fan of Sam Kerr’s ongoing humility as she continues to excel. She is an extra-ordinary talent but also such a wonderful role model. I am also a fan of Elise Kellond-Knight (KK) – unassuming, meticulous & a total work horse!
5. What is your game day routine?
My game day routine is pretty simple. Make sure all camera batteries are charged, and SD cards formatted before leaving home! Also ensuring I leave ample time to pick up a coffee pre-game!
6. What is one thing that will always make you think of football?
My daughter.
