Capturing the Energy: Behind the Lens at Edinburgh Rugby’s Challenge Cup Semi Final
As a freelance sports camera operator and filmmaker, few things match the buzz of filming a high stakes rugby match, especially when you’re embedded with the content team of one of Scotland’s professional clubs. A week last Sunday, I had the privilege of filming Edinburgh Rugby’s Challenge Cup semi final clash with Bath Rugby at Hive Stadium, contributing to the club’s digital and social media coverage of this major European fixture.
Filming Atmosphere at the Fan Village
Before the match kicked off, my day began with capturing the vibrant atmosphere around the fan village. These pre game activations are a crucial part of storytelling in modern sports media bringing fans closer to the matchday experience and building a sense of community around the club. My approach focused on dynamic crowd shots, families enjoying the build-up and no shortage of crazy wigs.
Long Lens Match Coverage: 200-600mm in Action
During the match itself, I was positioned for long lens coverage, using a 200-600mm setup to capture the pace, intensity and emotion of the on-field action. This focal range is ideal for isolating players, tracking fast movement and getting tight shots that heighten drama for post-match edits and real-time social clips. Despite Edinburgh’s eventual loss, there were standout moments worth capturing particularly in defence, at the opposite end of the pitch, where the squad showed real grit and tactical discipline.
Post-Match: Fans and Players Connecting
After the final whistle, I shifted focus to what makes rugby special: the connection between players and supporters. I filmed post-match interactions as Edinburgh players took time to thank their fans; signing autographs, posing for selfies and engaging with the crowd. These moments, often overlooked, are gold for any sports filmmaker aiming to create emotional resonance and long-term fan engagement content.
Reflecting on the Game
Bath may have been the dominant side on the day, showing their strength across the pitch, but Edinburgh’s defensive display stood out. It was a performance that underscored the positive impact of Michael Todd’s recent appointment to the coaching team. Capturing these narratives, both in action and in atmosphere, is what I strive for in every project.
Finn Russell (of Bath & Scotland) applauds the Edinburgh players after the match.
Why It Matters for Sports Filmmaking
Being part of a content team at an elite rugby semi final isn’t just about filming the action—it’s about understanding the rhythm of a matchday, anticipating where the story lies, and translating raw energy into visual content that fans will connect with long after the final whistle. Whether I’m filming rugby, CrossFit, golf or grassroots sport, I bring the same passion, attention to detail and ability to adapt to fast-paced environments.
If you're looking for a sports camera operator with proven experience across elite events, both in the UK and abroad, I’d love to chat.
