A YOUNG Forest photographer has made it to the Premier League – literally – with his first job after university.

Nizaam Jones, from Coalway, near Coleford, was offered his "dream sports job" photographing Premiership football games just six weeks after graduating with a photography degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The 22-year-old, former Lakers School pupil, said: "I can't quite believe it – I have to keep pinching myself. I was doing an internet search for jobs and came across the Mercury Press and I thought I might as well email my portfolio of photographs to them. Within 20 minutes of applying I received a phone call saying that they really liked my pictures and wanted to offer me a job, without an interview.

"I called my mum straight away, who was at work, and she couldn't believe it. I have had experience taking pictures across the Forest and getting them published, and taken pictures of the Swansea City against Queens Park Rangers match while I was university, but nothing compares to this.

"I had my first photo job at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Saturday (September 14) taking pictures of the Everton against Chelsea match. The atmosphere was sensational. I couldn't believe that I was among celebrity players such as, Ashley Cole, Kevin Mirallas, Romelu Lukaku and Peter Cech. I love the adrenaline rush of the job and when the crowds go wild when their team scores. At half time my pictures were being circulated across the national media.

"I received a text message asking if I could cover the Liverpool against Swansea City match at the Liberty Stadium on Monday. I am a huge Liverpool fan so as you can imagine I jumped at the chance."

Nizaam got a prime spot in the tunnel at Swansea allowing him to come within feet of his heroes.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers joked that photographers were getting younger while Reds' skipper Steven Gerrard also had a few words with him.

"I like to get creative shots and am a strong believer that as photographer you make your own luck when it comes to getting the perfect shot. I've invested £16,000 buying the right camera, lenses and equipment for the job.

"I have always wanted to photograph Premier League games ever since I used to go with my gramp on a Saturday to watch my uncle play village football around the Forest.

"I feel so privileged to have this job as this sort of thing doesn't happen to many people – especially in the Forest. It's pretty exciting and I hope to eventually cover Formula One. For now I'm looking forward to photographing many more Premier League games."