World Photography Day is a celebration of the power of images to tell stories, preserve memories and capture moments that might otherwise be forgotten. For Premier Partnership’s Marketing Executive, Jon Knight, photography has been a lifelong passion spanning more than 30 years.

What started as a childhood curiosity developed into a semi-professional photography career that has provided opportunities to experience and document events that many people only see on television or read about in the press.

At just 12 years old, Jon wrote to the photographer at his local newspaper and asked if he could spend a day shadowing him to see how photography worked in the world of journalism.

“From that day, my enjoyment was ignited,” says Jon. “I was fascinated by the ability of photographs to tell stories and capture moments in time. Many years later, I became one of the main freelance photographers for that same publication.”

Over the years, Jon has worked for regional newspapers and national publications, photographing everything from village fêtes and community events to major sporting and entertainment occasions.

Among the highlights of his photography career was covering the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay as it passed through Lincoln, where he had the unique opportunity to ride on the back of the media van following the torchbearers through the city.

His passion for sports photography has also taken him to some of the UK’s most iconic sporting venues, including Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium, where he photographed football matches from pitchside positions. “Walking out at Wembley Stadium, albeit as a photographer was my proud moment – in my mind the equivalent of walking out for a cup final or England cap!” said Jon.

Music photography has provided equally memorable experiences. Working from photographers’ pits at major events, Jon has photographed a wide range of artists and bands including Status Quo, Pulp, Little Mix and Boyzone, capturing the energy and excitement of live performances from just feet away from the stage.

Despite these high-profile assignments, Jon remains just as passionate about local photography as he was when he first picked up a camera.

“As a hobby, it’s been a fantastic journey. I feel honoured to have been asked to cover so many events both locally and nationally and to have found myself in some incredibly privileged positions over the years.”

Today, Jon focuses much of his photography work on his local football club, Retford FC, where he serves as Vice President, Matchday Secretary, Programme Editor and Club Photographer.

“I enjoy the thrill of capturing that moment in time, whether it’s a winning goal, a celebration or a split-second piece of action. Seeing my photographs on the back page of the local paper each week is a bonus, but it’s knowing that those moments have been preserved that gives me the greatest satisfaction.”

As we mark World Photography Day, Jon encourages everyone to get involved.

“You don’t need expensive equipment to enjoy photography. Most people carry a camera in their pocket every day through their smartphone. I would encourage everyone to take a few photographs today. Capture your family, your community, a landscape or even everyday life around you. Photography is a wonderful way to document memories and tell stories that can be treasured for years to come.”

Whether documenting world-renowned events or local community moments, photography remains a powerful way to capture history, one frame at a time.

Happy World Photography Day from everyone at Premier Partnership. 📸