Sian Owen has perfected the art of capturing human relationships on camera, but even she was amazed by the carnival atmosphere at Cardiff Arms Park during the TikTok Women’s Six Nations.
Despite having more experience at weddings than rugby grounds, the 38-year-old photographer from Barry had the time of her life as England beat Wales 59-3 in Cardiff.
Owen has 22 years of experience snapping weddings, corporate events, family portraits and producing branding for businesses.
And she was amazed by the comradery on display between Fans of the Red Roses and Wales.
“What surprised me was seeing people together that were supporting different sides in the same image,” said Owen.
“There are a few images I captured that really stand out because they show the comradery between everyone.
“I have been doing this for 22 years now and I love new opportunities when they come up, I love photographing people and I love being in the middle of an event.
“Being invited to capture the TikTok Women’s Six Nations has been a whole new experience.
“It is an area that I hadn’t really been part of until the last 12 months and I thrive off the energy that is there.
“It means I can produce a set of images that people can relate to.”
Owen also captured amazing imagery during the Autumn Nations Series clash between Wales and New Zealand last November.
Nonetheless, Owen was worried she may stand out among her colleagues due to her different use of equipment.
She said: “Skill-wise it is very similar but in terms of equipment, sports photographers tend to have huge lenses.
“They literally need an extra stand just for the lens.
“I am a turning-up as a documentary photographer.
“You are quite close to people when you are documenting, and you need to be quite intimate.
“That is why I am a part of this, to use a different set of skills to sports photographers to capture different elements of the games.”
More than 8,000 tickets were sold for the Round 3 match, breaking Wales Women’s previous record home attendance of 4,962
Owen was delighted to see people having fun and supporting their teams on such a historic day.
She added: “It was amazing vibes and atmosphere in Cardiff, all around the stadium.
“There was so much personality and character and everyone was really there for a good time and to support their teams.
“That was really coming through, I could feel the energy.”
