Best of 2012: City in pictures
- Thu 03 Jan 2013, 12:18PM
- Posted by Sharon Latham
When I look back on 2012 professionally for me it was probably one of the best years of my life.
I've produced my first exhibition which raised tens of thousands of pounds for our charities, I've had my first book published and this is now selling worldwide.
All of these things would not have been possible if it were not for the support and effort of everyone at Manchester City FC.
I thought winning the FA Cup was a highlight in my career but winning the Premier League and being able to document the year so closely with the players has most definitely been my career highlight.
I try at all times to think what the fans would like to see when taking my pictures and hopefully this has been the case in 2012 and something you will see for yourself when viewing this gallery.
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Aleks could have a career on the catwalk if the whole football thing doesn't work out
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I raced across the tarmac to snap the guys as they landed on their way back to their cars after the vital win at St James' Park in May.
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Everyone thinks that Mario is the only trickster on the training ground but Yaya gives him a run for his money
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Just before the last game of the season Joe was given the award for most Premier League clean sheets
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I stopped photographing the football after Edin scored and kept my camera on Mancini and this was my reward: pure relief and emotion on his face
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Having access to all areas enabled me to get this shot which proves that photography is about more than pin sharp or technically well lit shots - it's all about the moment and this one says it all
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Keeping distance but keeping an eye on what's going on produces intimate shots like this one out of the madness and excitement of the dressing room after a game
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I had to include a cup lift - I stepped out of the way of the world's press to allow the some early shots but I managed to get this from a side view of that wonderful moment
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After the trophy lift the boys celebrated in the dressing room - I love this shot of Mario as he is so genuinely happy and has such a great smile
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Pablo asked me to take this shot of the boys posing as models on the back of the bus and I love the result - the sun came out just as I snapped this one.
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I was so honoured to be allowed to share this day with the team on the bus, I also loved how the backroom staff were following us around the streets of Manchester on their bus - look out for Lombardo enjoying the sun
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There is nothing as impressive as a stadium full of City fans but this pictures shows how impressive it can look for other events, such as the Coldplay concerts last summer
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The boys are shown here training at the base of the Alps on the pre-season tour of Austria with the ski jumps as an incredible backdrop
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Sergio called to mind a small boy with a new Christmas present the way he was so excited by his bike which he used to get from the hotel to training everyday in Austria
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One of the most memorable aspects of the trip was how hard Carlos worked - he was last to leave everyday and here he is on a massage bed after a hard training session
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Mayhem and hysteria followed the team's every move in the Far East - here is Vincent Kompany with the Premier League trophy
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Carlos visited local soccer schools and was brilliant at interacting with the children, as you can see here
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I live in Manchester but I've never seen rain like at the Bird's Next Stadium in Beijing - here, Mancini returns from thanking the fans at the other end of the stadium
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Finally, this shot was taken on the very last day of 2012 - Happy New Year, Roberto!
When asked to produce my favourite pictures of 2012 I knew it would be a formidable task.
I've taken more than 30,000 photographs at various games, events and training sessions during 2012 and I have traveled across the world, covering everything from football to fashion and so much more for the club.
I couldn’t begin to choose a favourite from so many memories but I've put together this small selection.
Taking photographs allows you to capture a moment in time some of the moments I've captured in 2012 are moments that hundreds of thousands of fans across the world have taken pleasure in sharing and this is a wonderful and special thing, and a great honour to be part of.
Working so closely with the first team allows the players to feel comfortable with me around them 24/7, so some of the shots I obtain are totally natural and show the players for who they are rather than posed and staged giving the City fans an insight they wouldn't normally be able to gain.
I do hope you like the images I've chosen and I look forward to sharing more pictures with you in 2013.
Sharon Latham
