UAL Extended Diploma in Photography student Ben Heard is working with local wrestling company EPW as their official photographer. The opportunity takes him a step closer to his ambition of becoming a wrestling photographer for the WWE, whilst developing his skills and gaining his diploma.

Ben, age 17 from Middlesbrough has alway’s had a love for wrestling; “after studying my ambition is to be a professional full time wrestler photographer for any company, if possible, the WWE. I hope that this current opportunity will help me achieve my goal. Since joining EPW I have had the opportunity to capture images of th wrestling company, capture there events and the reactions of the audiences.

After visiting some of the EPW shows he took the initiative to contact the organisers to pitch the idea of getting involved and photographing their shows, he said “I sent over some of my work and they loved them so they use them on their website page and now I also have the opportunity to do a full tour of the 2025 events! I had been looking for a place to train in wrestling for years, this opportunity has also allowed me to do that, I have also been able to learn refereeing skills.

Speaking of working with them and the skills he has developed Ben commented, “during my experience so far, I have learnt things like the type of equipment I would need for fast past sport photography, as well as learning about the industry and personalities of the wrestlers.”

Photography Lecturer Richard Allaway commented; “Ben began his photography studies with a clear goal: to work within the world of wrestling. Through commitment to his Level 3 Photography course, he has developed the skills and expertise needed to turn his ambition into reality.

Now, as the official photographer for wrestling company EPW, Ben is embarking on an exciting journey, touring with the company to capture the energy and drama of their live events. Myself, and the rest of the photography team are immensely proud of Ben’s achievement and we wish him the best of luck.”

Ben will join the EPW on their tour around the North East which started on Sunday 26th January 26th 2025 and ends on till Thursday 6th March taking place every Saturday and Sunday from 4pm.

Stay up to date with Ben’s work by following his Instagram: @photography-work-ben. You can check out Ben’s portfolio here.