Sale Sharks Kit Shoot at Lark Hill | Sports Photographer Manchester & North West
Sale Sharks Kit Shoot at Lark Hill: Heritage Meets Rugby Performance
As a leading sports photographer in Manchester and the North West, I recently had the opportunity to capture the new Sale Sharks rugby kit shoot, featuring first team men’s and women’s players. The shoot took place at the iconic Lark Hill Place in Salford Museum & Art Gallery — an atmospheric re-creation of a northern street.
The location conveyed a rich historical backdrop which gave the campaign a unique look, blending rugby performance with northern heritage.
On Location Sports Photography: Manchester Meets History
At Lark Hill Place, cobbled pavements, period shopfronts, and authentic northern detail created an evocative setting. To showcase both the rugby players and the new kit design, we used a cinematic lighting setup:
Aputure 600 Pro continuous lights — one with a dome for the background, one with an octa grid to highlight the players.
A light tube for subtle fill, ensuring every detail in the Sharks kit was sharp and true to colour.
This setup allowed me to produce images that combined the editorial style of sports photography with the grit and atmosphere of the North West.
Studio Rugby Kit Photography
Alongside location work, we produced a series of studio portraits designed for press and commercial campaigns. Using Profoto D2 1000 lights, an 88” Broncolor Para and a 3ft Profoto Octa (gridded) against a textured backdrop, the studio setup delivered dramatic yet professional images.
This studio sports photography approach gave Sale Sharks versatile visuals for media coverage, merchandise, and promotional content — an essential element of any rugby kit launch shoot.
AI Heritage Composite: Past Meets Present
To further enhance the project, we created a composite featuring three first team players against an AI-generated 1861 Sale background. This blend of heritage and innovation added depth to the campaign, connecting the pride of North West rugby with the industrial roots of the region.
Why Work With a Professional Sports Photographer in Manchester, Liverpool & Leeds?
This shoot highlights the importance of specialist sports photography for rugby kit launches, team campaigns, and brand storytelling. Whether on location in Manchester, Liverpool, or Leeds, or in a controlled studio setting, I create images that:
Showcase kit design and detail with precision.
Capture the energy and personality of professional athletes.
Deliver high-quality visuals for press, marketing, and sponsorship campaigns.
As a North West sports photographer, I specialise in rugby photography, editorial portraits, and commercial sports branding. My work covers rugby kit shoots, football team campaigns, and sporting brand content across Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The Sale Sharks kit shoot was about more than sport — it was about identity, heritage, and performance. Combining location photography in Salford, studio portraits in Manchester, and AI-enhanced composites, we created a campaign that celebrates both the Sharks’ ambition and the North West’s spirit.
If your club, brand, or organisation is looking for professional sports photography in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, or across the North West, let’s talk. From rugby kit launches to editorial team portraits, I’ll help bring your campaign to life with dynamic, powerful imagery.
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