{
  "id": 11849710,
  "title": "The eyes have it: Getty photographer Alex Pantling on capturing the world’s greatest footballers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/the-eyes-have-it-getty-photographer-alex-pantling-on-capturing-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T05:14:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/04/the-eyes-have-it-getty-photographer-alex-pantling-on-capturing-the-worlds-greatest-footbal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Getty photographer Alex Pantling has spent over a decade capturing some of the most recognizable athletes in the world, including football legends Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane. At the 2026 World Cup, Pantling delivered some of his most striking football images yet. He shared his insights on the path that led him to sports photography and the challenges of working at the highest level of sport.\n\nPantling discovered photography as a career by accident. After initially pursuing architecture, he decided to give photography a chance. He later enrolled in a university course in Nottingham Trent, where he initially studied art photography but started to gravitate towards sports photography. This led him to an internship at Getty with renowned football photographer Michael Regan, eventually resulting in his current position.\n\nWhen it comes to planning versus reacting in the moment, Pantling believes that preparation is essential, but reacting is equally important. Football games are unpredictable, with numerous variables that can alter the course of a match. As a result, Pantling and his colleagues must be ready to adapt their plans when necessary.\n\nThe atmosphere at a World Cup game differs significantly from that of a regular Premier League match. While the Premier League is undoubtedly the best football league, the World Cup offers a unique experience. Pantling appreciated the passion of smaller countries, like Curaçao, and the emotional connection fans have with the sport. Despite the excitement, he still feels nervous before key moments, such as photographing Messi. However, he has become more comfortable with the pressure over time.",
  "summary": "Getty photographer Alex Pantling reported on the FIFA World Cup 2026 and shared with European Lens his reflection on the experience along with some of his favourite shots from the tournament.",
  "key_points": [
    "Alex Pantling is a Getty photographer with a decade of experience in sports photography.",
    "He discovered photography by accident after initially pursuing architecture."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Alex Pantling's journey to becoming a leading sports photographer shows that an accidental discovery can lead to a dream career capturing iconic moments in football with the world's top athletes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "The eyes have it: Getty photographer Alex Pantling on capturing the world’s greatest footballers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/the-eyes-have-it-getty-photographer-alex-pantling-on-capturing-the-11853155",
        "published": "2026-10-04T05:14:46.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Shooting and scoring: Iconic World Cup memories explained by Getty photographers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/shooting-and-scoring-iconic-world-cup-memories-explained-by-getty",
        "published": "2026-10-04T05:16:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}