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Stephen shows off his soccer shots

A collection of football photographs taken by the Liverpool Echo’s Stephen Shakeshaft are to go on display later this month.

Stephen, the Echo’s picture editor, will be exhibiting photographs of Liverpool and Everton at the Museum of Liverpool Life, from November 23 until February 17.

The exhibition, Soccer Shots: Stephen Shakeshaft’s Football Photos, chronicles the highs and lows of both clubs, with more than 100 photographs spanning four decades of club life from the boot room and the training ground to the European glory trail.

The collection also includes Steve’s unique personal take on football in his home city.

Together with pictures from some of the top games are pictures conveying the more unsung side of football: players in a tender moment with their children, a lonely manager pacing the turf in an empty stadium and the raw collective grief of the Kop in defeat.

Stephen said: “The key to taking good football pictures lies in remaining neutral. At a derby game for instance, the photographer will be the least animated person in the whole stadium.

“We don’t read situations as a fan would – and a goal being scored doesn’t always make the best picture. Photographing football involves far more than getting the goals and if you get caught up in the emotion, you lose sight of what is happening around you.

“However, just because the football photographer has a deadpan expression doesn’t mean he isn’t enjoying the game. I have had some of my most memorable experiences following Liverpool and Everton.”

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