Gary Bradley: Morton photographer on life behind the lens

Gary Bradley, a life-long Morton fan and highly regarded amateur photographer, has captured special moments that will last a lifetime in a decade of photographing all four corners of the club.

Gary has snapped Morton games for the last ten years (Image: George Munro) After initially helping Greenock Wanderers women's section get some more exposure, he's been there to document all things Morton for the people of Inverclyde.

He's been on hand every step of the way as Morton have staved off relegation, navigated a global pandemic, pulled off cup shocks and embarked on a journey into fan ownership.

"My love of sports photography started, really, with Greenock Wanderers and the women's section," Gary told the Tele.

"Some members of our former club were out and about, and we stumbled across them playing rugby. We sat watched and took a few pictures which they loved. I've been back every weekend since that they've had a game.

"I was doing that whilst coming to Cappielow every other week and standing on the terraces as a fan. But because I'd become a carer for my partner, finances dictated that I couldn't go to every game. 

"I was contacted by Jonathan Mitchell [former Morton communications and media officer] who'd asked if I could come and photograph the development games and I've been here ever since.

"In the role, I've been able to cover the club I support in pretty much every stadium in the country, bar maybe one or two. It's a real honour."

Gary's been able to capture some huge moments over the years (Image: Gary Bradley) Gary still juggles his photography with caring full-time for his partner - but in his role he's been able to capture many sporting highlights that have meant a great deal, and have been hugely enjoyed, not just by Morton fans but by the wider Inverclyde community.

And he says that swapping the terraces of Cappielow to sitting pitchside more weeks than not has been a dream that he'd struggle to reverse and go back to being a paying punter.

"I was here at Cappielow when Morton won the league a decade ago," he added.

"When I was shooting the Wanderers, I'd take pictures of anything, whether that be nature, astrology or just anything that moved.

"I' used to stand up in the Cowshed and look at photographers and think 'I'd love to do that'.

"Now, it's the other way around - I'd be jealous of the photographers who are sitting braving the elements and right in the eye of the action."

Firstly, as a fan, Gary saviours the moments that he captures so dearly, before artistic opinion kicks in. And he's been able to capture some memorable times through the eye of his lens.

Bradley knows how to capture the correct moment (Image: Gary Bradley)

When asked to list some of his more savoured memories, "Falkirk away, April 2019" was his immediate reaction - a 2-0 win for the Ton against a Falkirk side managed by Ray McKinnon, who had famously left Greenock for the Bairns hot-seat at the start of that season, after just three months at Cappielow.

"We got revenge on 'he who shall not be named'," he said, "and it helped us stay up that year.

"The image that's on the wall beside the dressing rooms is a picture that I took of the fans at that Falkirk game. I've superimposed a picture that I'd taken of Douglas Rae on the front.

"That'll be there for years and it makes me really proud.

"I was there when the Wanderers won the National Bowl at Murrayfield in 2019 - that was a big day, as was documenting the Morton women's team winning a league and cup double in the same year.

Bradley has been on hand to catch those one off moments (Image: Gary Bradley)

"Getting a frame by frame shot of George Oakley's goal against Motherwell - that was really special.

"I'll always be grateful to Jonathan Mitchell for asking me to come on board. Because of him I went from taking pictures of matches in public parks to then shooting games involving the club I support at the national stadium . That was the pinnacle for me."

Perhaps one of the most interesting times to cover the club was during the Covid pandemic when fans were locked out of football grounds for over a year.

And Gary opened up on what was a surreal but rather amusing experience, adding: "The Covid season was an eye opener - you're used to fans shouting abuse and maybe even the players - but you don't expect the referee to be giving a bit back.

"It was really quite funny. Some of the shouts were quite bad, but one that I remember was a ref being questioned if he had a tenner on a draw - it made me laugh.

Bradley was lucky enough to experience some normality during lockdown (Image: Gary Bradley)

"During that period I was a fan still able to come into the stadium and follow my team. It was a real privilege."

Most importantly, Gary says he feels a part of the club that he's supported since he was a teenager.

And he insists that he's not finished supplying fans with memories that will last a lifetime.

He added: "You hear and see things. You feel part of the club. People know your face and look out for you every week.

But normal wasn't normal like when Ton travelled to Tynecastle (Image: Gary Bradley)

"It'll be the same people that shout to get their picture taken too.

"People might get in touch whose son has been the mascot, or even just in the crowd with Cappie the Cat.

"I'm able to capture moments that only happen once, just by chance,. Those are memories that last a lifetime, and I'm nowhere near done yet."