CREATIVE PADEL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - with CANON, Calumet & Boho Padel Club Düsseldorf
- Kira Brüssau
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
August 1, 2026 - my first event & workshop organized in collaboration with amazing partners and sponsors such as the Boho Padel Club, Calumet and Canon - still overhelmed!
On Saturday, August 1st, 2026, our very first joint event finally came to life - the Creative Padel Photography Workshop at TG Nord e.V. in Düsseldorf!
Four hours packed with creativity, sports, photography, pure fun, and meaningful networking, all centered around a visual storytelling approach rooted in the Female Gaze.
Did men participate as well? Absolutely! Shifting perspectives is essential for all of us. The dynamic energy of padel - the world’s fastest-growing racket sport - shouldn't be restricted by rigid traditional sports photography rules or endless spec battles over gear. Instead, it deserves to be creatively documented with empathetic, emotion-driven storytelling.
"The core focus is to stop objectifying athletes in front of the lens. Instead, we sought to tell their true stories, play with raw emotions, work empathetically, and achieve authentic, powerful results."
CREATIVE STATIONS & CANON GEAR TESTING
Together with our participants, we navigated through interactive creative stations split into two rotating groups. To elevate the experience, participants had the opportunity to put Canon’s top-tier cameras and flagship lenses through their paces!
Station 1: Action & Motion at the Court Edge
Gear: Telephoto Zooms & Wide-Angle Lenses
Positioned right along the court boundary, photographers captured high-speed play - exploring both sharp freeze-frame shots and intentional motion blur to convey match dynamics.
We also experimented with diverse perspectives: tight close-ups detailing racquet grips, ball contact, footwork, and sweat on the brow, alongside expansive wide shots capturing the surrounding atmosphere. True sports storytelling thrives on visual contrast.
Station 2: Expressive Sport Portraits
Gear: Fast Primes & Zooms (85mm f/1.2, 50mm f/1.4, 28-70mm f/2.0)
Here, emotion took center stage. Photographers were challenged to document the rich spectrum of feelings encountered before, during and after a match - in both single portraits and group compositions. We captured fine details as well as full and half-body frames: players resting on the bench, lying exhausted on the turf, beaming with victory, or spent after a grueling point.
VOTING, COMMUNITY & GOOD VIBES
After two hours of intense play and photography, participants submitted their personal favorite shot of the day.
A joint vote held by both photographers and padel players determined the "Best Photo of the Day."
The winner took home a generous gift voucher from Calumet alongside exclusive Boho Padel Club merch. Additionally, every attendee went home with a curated Goodie Bag loaded with partner vouchers and snacks!
The entire day was soundtracked by an incredible DJ set, accompanied by delicious snacks and ice-cold drinks. It was an afternoon filled with inspiration, skill-building, and pure good vibes.
REFLECTIONS & WHAT'S NEXT
It was a true win-win for everyone involved: while photographers expanded their portfolios, sharpened their technical storytelling, and tested industry-leading equipment, the padel players walked away with high-quality, authentic visuals ready to elevate their social media presence.
I couldn't be happier with how this inspiring, sustainable event turned out. And who knows... maybe another creative sports photography event is already on the horizon?
Over to you: Which sport would you love to see captures next through a creative lens?
Partners: Boho Padel Club, Calumet, Cano
BTS: Kawing Calvin (exkl. Postproduction)
Shoots & Postproduction: Kira Brüssau
Comments