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Former weekly photographer receives top honour

A former weekly newspaper photographer has received the ultimate accolade from the industry he’s served with distinction for more than 30 years.

Marc Aspland, now chief sports photographer of The Times, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the Royal Photographic Society at its Carlton House Terrace headquarters in London.

The 50-year-old, , three times Sports Photographer of the Year and already a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, began his star-studded career on the 150-year-old Watford Observer.

Marc joined the weekly straight from a photo-journalism course and his early work included cheque presentations, golden weddings and his introduction to sport at Watford Football Club when they were in the old First Division – with the likes of Luther Blissett and John Barnes at Vicarage Road.

“The Royal Photographic Society, founded in 1853, is extremely pleased that a world-renowned editorial sports photographer, with such an international reputation, is being awarded an honorary fellowship,” said society president Derek Birch.

It’s been quite a year for Marc who has been recovering from a freak cycling ‘accident’ in April when he found unconscious by the side of a road near his home in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, after leaving a five-a-side football match. He has no recollection of the incident.

He suffered a brain haemorrhage, nerve damage and two broken collar bones – missing the summer’s major sporting events of the World Cup and Wimbledon.

So highly regarded in the industry, Marc – who has covered five Olympics – received ‘get well’ cards and messages from sports stars including Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Jessica Ennis-Hill and the entire England football team.

In addition to the award, Marc saw his new book The Art of Sports Photography published this week.

2 comments

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  • September 24, 2014 at 8:52 am
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    Great award for a great guy and it indicates the high standard of his work.Take a look at his new book “The Art of Sports Photography”fantastic images.I had the pleasure of working with mark on the nctj Press Photography in Sheffield prior to him joining Watford.

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  • September 24, 2014 at 10:41 am
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    Marc gave a talk at my school once about working as a sports photographer and person I’d ever met who had genuine for passion for something. He was a real inspiration. About time he got a fellowship- he really deserves it.

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