Discover the story behind the lens with Nico Herbertz, whose celebrated shot of Toni Kroos in EURO 2024 earned the 'IMAGO Shots of the EURO 2024' with FanQ by fan vote. In this interview, Nico shares his experiences and the unique moments of his photographic journey during the tournament.
An Interview with Nico Herbertz: Winner of IMAGO Shots of the EURO 2024
As the summer of football comes to an end, IMAGO is honoring the “Shot of the EURO 2024” together with the FanQ voting platform and the photographer who captured it. Over 2,500 fans voted Nico Herbertz’s image as the winning shot, with an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars.
The Shot of the EURO 2024 captured Toni Kroos’ celebration after Jamal Musiala’s decisive goal in the Round of 16 fixture against Denmark.
In this interview, Nico explains the behind the lens of the winning shot and more on his journey during EURO 2024.
“They [photo contests like IMAGO’s Shot of the EURO 2024] are a cool support to make our pictures even better known and to present and publish them. In addition, it is a great appreciation for the work you do and an award for the quality of the picture.” – Nico Herbertz.
First and foremost, Congratulations. Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how did you get into photography?
I’m Nico, 24 years old, from Duisburg. I’m also the club and team photographer at MSV Duisburg, where I started out in photography and went from being a fan and season ticket holder to working on the sidelines as a photographer. Back then, I started with a small camera. I developed further and further in exchange with my colleagues, picking up tips, always sticking with it, finding the fun in photography and then making it my profession.
How did you experience EURO 2024? What memories do you have, and what challenges did you face?
EURO 2024 was the first really big tournament and sporting event for me, so when I received the confirmation of accreditation for the games in May, I was really looking forward to it: the first European Championship and then in my own country, you only get to experience something like that once.
In June, it finally started. I was already familiar with international matches and Champions League games, but the procedures at a European Championship are a little different. There are even more photographers present, shoulder to shoulder behind the touchline ads. Usually, there’s also a lens from my colleagues in the picture, but that’s the way it is – you develop your processes after the first few games and then get them mastered.
What defines sports photography for you?
For me, sports photography is about the fact that every game is different, and you can capture new motifs every time. Every game offers something new, and the course of the game is decisive. So, there are games and events that can make pictures special and tell stories.
“If you take photos yourself, keep at it, and never lose sight of your goal, that’s how you can achieve a lot.” – Nico Herbertz.
Tell us more about the winning photo. What is the story behind it? And why do you think it’s so special for the fans?
The photo was taken at the round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark in Dortmund. After Jamal Musiala scored the 2-0 goal in the second half, Toni Kroos made his way back to his own half of the pitch, where the German fans were sitting. He celebrated the goal one more time, cheering in the direction of the fans. As we all know, the European Championship was Toni’s last tournament, so he was one of the fan favorites, which already makes a big difference to the fans.
What opportunities arise from photo competitions such as IMAGO’s Shots of the EURO 2024 competition? How do they help photographers?
They are a cool support to make our pictures even better known and to present and publish them. In addition, it is a great appreciation for the work you do and an award for the quality of the picture.
“Every game offers something new, and the course of the game is decisive. So, there are games and events that can make pictures special and tell stories.” – Nico Herbertz.
Is there anything else you would like to pass on to our readers?
If you take photos yourself, keep at it, and never lose sight of your goal, that’s how you can achieve a lot.
Thank you also for voting for the winning photo! And congratulations to the other photographers whose photos were in the selection as well!
