In this episode, photographer Sofieke van Bilsen joins the podcast to talk about finding her way into sports photography, learning to trust her instincts, and documenting elite sport through emotion rather than spectacle.

Sofieke shares how growing up in multiple countries shaped the way she connects with people, why she’s more interested in what happens after the finish line than at it, and what it’s really like working inside massive events like the Olympics. From saying "yolo" and showing up to the European Championships without a press card, to photographing Team Germany, Breaking Four, and long-term running projects with Nike and Global Sports Communications.

We talk about care and responsibility in photographing women’s sport, navigating burnout and adrenaline highs, and why the journey matters more than the end result.

“For me, the story isn’t at the finish line — it’s the emotion that comes after.”“Sport is the holy grail for emotion.”“The journey is a lot more beautiful than the end result.”

Hope you all enoy this conversation!

Sofieke Van Bilsen

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