Voted by more than 3,000 fans, IMAGO and FanQ are pleased to unveil the winner of the “Sports Image of the Month January,” a celebration of unforgettable moments in sports and the photographers who capture them. The winning photo for January, taken by Marcel von Fehrn captures a pivotal 3:3 equalizer by Hamburger SV attacker Robert Glatzel from behind the goal, receiving an average rating of 3.54 out of five stars.
Marcel von Fehrn wins IMAGO Sports Image of the Month January
First and foremost, Congratulations. Could you briefly introduce yourself? Where are you from, and how did you get into photography?
I’m 29 years old and come from Ahrensburg in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. I got into photography during the COVID pandemic. At the time, I was working for a large aircraft manufacturer and wanted to make a change. COVID had given me the opportunity, as jobs were to be cut. I started with photography, which has always been my passion, and at some point, I slipped into sports photography.
How do you feel now that your photo has been voted 1st place by thousands of fans?
It’s an unbelievably great feeling. Thank you to everyone who voted. This picture really is one of the most beautiful of my career so far.
“It’s an unbelievably great feeling. Thank you to everyone who voted. This picture really is one of the most beautiful of my career so far.” – Marcel von Fehrn.
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 picture was taken at the 2. Bundesliga tie between Hamburger SV and Karlsruher SC with my remote camera behind the goal, a Sony a7RIII with an 18mm fixed focal length. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the decisive goal, but it’s still a picture that is aesthetically beautiful. After the game, I quickly looked through the pictures on the camera and this one caught my eye. For the viewer, it is perhaps so special because everything fits here. The light comes through the roof beautifully, Robert Glatzel (of HSV) can be seen scoring, the defender tries in vain to save the ball and in the end, the ball absolutely perfectly hits the net.
What defines sports photography for you?
For me, sports photography is characterized by frozen dynamics. It is a picture, and yet you can see the movement; every picture shows the action. You can show people the reality.
Is there anything else you would like to pass on to our readers?
Never consciously try to take the perfect pictures. The most beautiful ones are taken when you don’t expect them. Otherwise, just keep going, never give up, and, above all, never be satisfied. That’s why #huntingthemaximum is my personal motto.
