Photographer and lifelong Portsmouth fan Ollie Denny has been documenting life at Fratton Park through striking black-and-white imagery, capturing the raw passion of the Pompey faithful. From the club’s historic highs to its turbulent lows, Denny’s work reflects the unbreakable bond between the city, its team, and its people.
Portsmouth FC isn’t just a football club, it’s the heart of a city steeped in history. From its naval heritage to its gritty dockyard roots, Portsmouth has always been a place defined by resilience, pride, and an unshakable sense of identity. The same can be said for its football club. Pompey fans have long been known for their intensity, with a reputation that peaked during the notorious football casual era of the 1980s. But beyond the bravado, there’s a deep love for the club – one that has endured financial ruin, relegations, and the threat of extinction, only to rise again – mainly thanks to the dedication of its supporters.
For Southsea-based photographer Ollie Denny, this culture runs deep. A Pompey fan since the 1990s, his project is an intimate visual archive of Fratton Park and its people – a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the highs, the lows, and the unrelenting spirit of those who live and breathe Portsmouth FC. In this article, Denny talks about what drives his photography, the energy of matchdays, and why Fratton Park remains one of English football’s most special grounds.
“Fratton Park isn’t polished or shiny—it’s full of character, with history and stories in every corner. That authenticity gives the whole experience depth and meaning.”
Ollie Denny
LOWER BLOCK: We’ve been big fans of your work for a while now and It’s pretty clear that you know what you’re doing. Is photography your main job or just a passion..?
OLLIE DENNY: Ha, excellent! A self-proclaimed master of none. But if I had to choose, photography has been my longest-standing profession (and the one that’s actually paid me… sometimes, haha). That said, I also direct, creatively direct, and have a good eye for style and culture. I like to think I’ve got a knack for spotting what looks good and what works… maybe I’m chatting sh*t, who knows? But I feel like all of these things cross over naturally, and they definitely feed into each other.
LB: In a world where anyone can support anyone, and more and more often they do, why was it Pompey for you?
OD: I moved to Hampshire from Kent when I was two-years-old and have lived in Southsea since 2012. I’ve supported Portsmouth since 1997. I’m pretty sure it all started with a 3-1 loss to Port Vale in League Division 1 at home—not exactly a dream start, but once you’re in, you’re in!
I Idolised Nwankwo Kanu, and Linvoy Primus, who captained the team with so much heart. That moment at Wembley in 2008, winning the FA Cup, is a core memory that’s stuck with me ever since. The way Kanu played and the atmosphere that day, along with Linvoy’s leadership, it’s something I’ll never forget. Growing up I also idolised Alan Shearer during his Newcastle years in the ‘90s—such a legend.
LB: Can you remember what drew you towards football as a fan? Were there any experiences that yo felt connected you to football and its surrounding culture?
OD: I think experiences like watching a club like Pompey nearly not exist, seeing the fans step in to save it, getting relegated, and being exiled from Championship football for 12 years really connected me to the culture. Then there’s moments like Portsmouth playing Milan at Fratton Park, winning the FA Cup, traveling to Porto with my dad for a European game, and watching them get promoted last season (2023/24). Experiences like that are what make football more than just a game. It’s about the highs, the lows, and the people who stick with you through it all.
For me, football as a fan is 100% about the people—the unwavering love for it. It doesn’t matter who the f*ck you are, what race, class, or culture you come from. At the core, away from the rivalry, most fans just have heart and passion for the game. That sense of connection is what really drew me in. It brings people together, no matter the result—win, lose, or draw.
LB: Tell us a bit about this project…
OD: The project actually came about towards the end of last season. I had been shooting the last few games on a digital disposable camera (such a shitty camera, but it was light enough to carry in my pocket and I didn’t have to pay for 35mm to be developed). There was no screen—just something to have with me to shoot some of our crew who go to Fratton Park.
“For me, football as a fan is 100% about the people—the unwavering love for it. It doesn’t matter who the f*ck you are, what race, class, or culture you come from. At the core, away from the rivalry, most fans just have heart and passion for the game.”
A lot of the crew works in various creative industries and all share an insane love for the club, so I figured it would be nice to document a few cool shots. It was very off the cuff, with no real thought behind it other than personal enjoyment and not having to carry around pro camera bodies. Then, off the back of that, I approached the club and figured I could try and do it on a better level—still keep that candid feel but maybe produce something different on an archival level, with authenticity at the core. Honestly, I had no idea what I was shooting would be received so well.
LB: Do you have a favourite photo from the series?
OD: It’s so hard to choose, but I think it’s got to be the photo of John Mousinho during the Bristol City game. John was serving a one-game touchline ban and was watching the game from the new upper gantry at Fratton Park. I was the only photographer with access to the gantry that evening. I was caught off guard, as I had been shooting with a longer lens when the third goal went in, and I had to swap camera bodies really fast. I was so pissed off because the frames I fired off had so much movement in that moment. But looking back, the image feels way more immersive now—it really captured the emotion of the third goal going in. Happy accident
LB: What else inspired you to take photos at the football, and who has influenced your work creatively?
OD: It’s the connection and the raw energy that surrounds it. It’s not about perfect shots or fancy gear—though, if Leica decides to send me a Q3, I’m not going to say no!! Haha… It’s about capturing moments that truly reflect the passion, the emotions, and, most importantly, the people. Football is more than just 90 minutes; it’s about the people, the culture, and the memories that come with it.
My mate Rob said to me earlier this season, “Takes vision to spot the opportunity!” That really stuck with me. It means that recognising a valuable moment or potential in something requires insight, perspective, and awareness. It’s not just about capturing any shot, but seeing beyond the surface—understanding what moments will resonate and knowing when the right opportunity presents itself. In the context of my photography, it’s about spotting those raw emotions and connections that tell a deeper story.
Creatively, I definitely have photographic and artistic influences. Photographers like Tom Stoddart and Tim Hetherington have had a huge impact on me. Hetherington, in particular, was someone I really admired. Tragically, he passed away on April 20, 2011, in Libya from shrapnel from a mortar blast while covering the conflict in Misrata. Their work has shaped how I see photography—not just as a way to take a picture, but as a way to tell a story, capture emotion, and show the raw truth of a moment. The way they document real-life moments, no matter how tough, really resonates with me.
“It’s not about perfect shots or fancy gear… it’s about capturing moments that truly reflect the passion, the emotions, and, most importantly, the people.”
Shooting football isn’t the same as being in a conflict zone; it’s so far from it, of course. I’m very aware of how lucky I am in that regard. But what I take from their work is the idea that every moment—whether it’s a goal at Fratton Park or something much more serious—has its own emotion, energy, and meaning. Football culture, with its highs and lows, is full of raw passion, and I try to capture that connection between the fans, the players, and the game itself. It’s not about danger or hardship, but about documenting the real human experience—the joy, the pain, the unity. That’s what keeps me going.
Also, a shout-out to Susana RF (@susana_rf), who does incredible work covering Arsenal. The way the atmosphere, the fans, and the energy around the club are captured is remarkable. The work brings a raw authenticity to the photos—there’s something about it that really resonates in terms of capturing the essence of football culture.
And George Dixon (@floodlightson) also deserves a mention. A killer book was made last year filled with 35mm images that captured the return to European football in 2023. The way those moments were documented—raw and unpolished—speaks to the heart of the craft. It’s that sort of work that captures the emotion of football in a way that feels real and honest.
LB: What do you think makes photographing football lifestyle and the culture so fascinating?
OD: For me, photographing football lifestyle and culture is all about capturing the real, raw moments that make the game so unique. It’s not just about the action on the pitch—I hardly focus on that at all. What really interests me is everything around it—the passion, the energy, and the way it connects people. Football has this incredible ability to bring people together, no matter the highs, the lows, the celebrations, or the frustrations. It’s all tied to something bigger than just the game itself.
“Football is more than just 90 minutes; it’s about the people, the culture, and the memories that come with it.”
The old architecture and the grittiness of Fratton Park add so much to the experience, too. There’s a certain rawness to the place that embodies the soul of Portsmouth. It’s not polished or shiny—it’s full of character, with history and stories in every corner. That authenticity gives the whole experience depth and meaning. It’s about more than just the game—it’s about a place, a community, and a culture that’s been built over time. What makes it so fascinating is that it’s not about getting the perfect shot, but about telling the story of the people who live it, feel it, and experience it. The emotions, the culture, the energy of the fans—it all comes together. Being able to capture those moments and stay true to the authenticity of it all is what makes it so meaningful and rewarding.
LB: What’s next for you mate?
OD: I’m working on a book called FORTRESS. The plan is to have it published by June 2025, after the Championship season wraps up—fingers crossed we stay up! The book is all about capturing the spirit of Portsmouth FC’s season. The concept centres around Fratton Park as this unbreakable stronghold, with the fans at its heart. It’s about representing strength, passion, and resilience, much like the club itself.
I’ve never made a book before, but I wanted to create something tangible that fans can hold in their hands. Something authentic that goes beyond just posting photos on Instagram. It’s about making something with real substance, something that feels more lasting. This isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about capturing the soul of the club and its community in a way that feels true to what Portsmouth is all about. Hopefully, it won’t be a massive flop like Southampton’s season!
Honestly, with the future, I just want to keep making work I like, and work with people who actually care about what they’re doing. It’s taken a while to really get the love and fire to shoot again, but I’m feeling inspired now. Hopefully, I can keep running hot and keep producing stuff that feels true to me and the culture I’m part of.
Don’t miss out on Lower Block’s latest news, features and products. Subscribe for free below and give us a follow on Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
You may also enjoy…