A CHANCE scan of the Instagram feed of one of football's leading photographers has ended up as a new book providing a stunning 'access all areas' account of the historic 2016 AFL season.

'Up Close' is a compilation of the best photos taken by AFL Media staff photographer Michael Willson.

Willson's work has appeared regularly in the AFL Record and on AFL.com.au since 2005, but after looking through Willson's Instagram feed, longtime AFL writer, editor and publisher Geoff Slattery felt a more permanent record was needed. Hence the book.

"It celebrates the best parts of our game," Willson said.

"Readers will see the human element of the game that clubs don't publicise.

"There's action photos from the games but there are photos of the players with their families and with the fans. It's an alternative view of the game."

Willson said his favourite image from the book is one of the 22 Western Bulldogs players and coach Luke Beveridge taken just before the start of the Grand Final that captures a wide array of emotions with the biggest game of their life only moments away.

Up Close, a Slattery Media Publication, under licence from the AFL, is on sale at retail outlets around Australia. RRP of $34.95.