HENNING VON JAGOW: CAPTURING THE MOMENT!
HENNING VON JAGOW: CAPTURING THE MOMENT!
HENNING VON JAGOW: CAPTURING THE MOMENT!
From the basketball courts of Munich to the windblown beaches of the UK, Henning von Jagow’s journey is anything but ordinary. A former athlete turned photographer, Henning has brought a fresh and artistic photographic perspective to the British windsurfing scene; combining an insider’s understanding of the sport with a trained eye for dramatic light, raw emotion and the perfect frame.
Now based in Guilford, the German-born shooter has carved out a niche not just in windsurfing photography, but across a wide spectrum of UK sports, from Premier League football to boxing and rugby. We caught up with Henning to talk about his passion, favourite UK spots, and why shooting windsurfing isn’t just about action; it’s about capturing a lifestyle, a moment, and a feeling!
Where are you from and how are you living in the UK?
HvJ: “I grew up in southern Germany, near Munich, and spent my early years chasing my dream of becoming a pro basketball player. I joined the Bayern Munich Basketball Academy and was part of the extended roster for the men’s team. But everything changed during a summer family holiday in France. On a stormy day, I watched as windsurfers arrived at the beach in big vans, pulling off loops in the rough conditions. I was instantly hooked.
So I wanted to be where the best windsurfers and conditions in Germany were: Kiel, the sailing and watersports capital. I moved there to study business. To be honest, it was more of a strategic move than a real passion, business had the least attendance requirements, and I wanted to spend as much time on the water as possible.
Later, my wife was selected by Peloton during a hiring process for their international production team based in London. This was pre-Brexit, and we thought—why not try something new? So we moved to London. I decided to study again, but this time with real passion: a degree in photography. We also started a small family, and while the ocean lifestyle isn’t right on our doorstep anymore, we found jobs we love; She became a fitness instructor, and I followed my passion as a sports photographer.”
How did you get into sports photography?
HvJ: “I’ve always loved sports magazines and posters as a kid. While studying business in Kiel and competing in German freestyle windsurfing events, I made friends with photographers. Seeing their shots shared in magazines, forums and later on Instagram sparked my interest.
Watersports, especially windsurfing, are full of motion, rich colour, and contrast, which really inspired me to take up the camera more seriously. I’ve always been familiar with many sports, and I’ve always enjoyed being around athletes. Sports fields and stadiums have always interested me too.
My younger brother, a filmmaker with experience filming the Red Bull Storm Chase, once lent me his old DSLR to try it out myself. At first, I was overwhelmed by the technical side, but I enjoyed the process of improving, just like in sports. What started as a hobby soon turned into a profession.”
Are you also a passionate windsurfer?
HvJ: “Yes, I’m a passionate windsurfer. My best result was placing 3rd in the German Freestyle Competition, competing against a strong fleet that included World Cup riders. I love being out on the water, but taking photos has now become just as important to me.
Growing up away from the sea, and comparing windsurfing to more mainstream sports, I know it’s not as accessible for everyone. That’s why I feel very honoured to be a windsurfer and part of this scene. I try to windsurf as often as possible. My goal is to keep performing current freestyle moves well into retirement; at least, that’s the plan!”
What other sports are you shooting and how do you compare shooting windsurfing with a sport like football?
HvJ: “In addition to Premier League Football, I photograph various UK sports events, such as boxing, darts, snooker, rugby, and cricket. I also maintain strong connections with the German watersports scene, regularly covering national championships in windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wingsurfing.
Photographing windsurfing differs significantly from football. Windsurfing thrives on storytelling. It requires an understanding of the location, chasing optimal wind and weather conditions, and strategic positioning for compelling shots. For instance, in windsurfing, positioning yourself at various angles and heights can significantly impact the quality of your shots, allowing for creative compositions that highlight the athlete’s movements against the backdrop of the sea and sky.
In contrast, football photography often involves limited, predefined positions with quick turnaround times and intense competition among photographers for the best angles and anticipating plays. Both sports demand careful attention to backgrounds to avoid distractions and a focus on capturing peak action moments.”
What camera equipment do you use?
HvJ: “I primarily use Canon equipment, including R3 and R5 cameras. For windsurfing, my most versatile lens and preferred travel choice are the 100-400mm, 24-70mm and 16mm. For water-based photography, I rely on the AquaTech EDGE water housing and Xcel wetsuits. Additionally, I am a licensed drone pilot.
Modern cameras are quite similar in capabilities. I prefer Canon and AquaTech because they offer a wide range of rental options and interchangeable parts, which is beneficial when equipment needs change.”
What do you love about shooting windsurfing?
HvJ: “Becoming a windsurfer, I immersed myself in windsurfing magazines and covered my walls with JC‘s posters. I was captivated by the images; whether it was JC‘s shots in Maui or epic World Cup conditions in Denmark. Windsurfing uniquely blends athletic skill with the raw power of wind and water, offering a storytelling depth that’s hard to match. Unlike football, where the pitch stays the same, windsurfing is shaped by ever-changing conditions, which keeps each shot fresh and exciting. There’s also something peaceful about being at the beach, especially on stormy days when the crowds stay away.”
What are the challenges in shooting windsurfing?
“Windsurfers generally seek out the most extreme weather conditions to perform their sport. That creates opportunities for truly unique images and checks all the boxes for complete visual storytelling; but it comes with plenty of challenges too.
Windsurfing has the advantage of offering a full narrative arc: from protagonists (the athletes), to goals (pushing limits), overcoming obstacles (chasing wind), and ultimately the why (expression and adventure). But this also means being flexible, often changing plans last minute, and needing to shoot across a wide range of photographic styles. From action and lifestyle to environmental portraits and landscapes, many genres come together to tell the full story.
The gear can be equally demanding. Camera equipment is at risk from flying sand, rain, or saltwater splashes; especially when shooting from a moving boat. On land, you often need long, heavy zoom lenses that are tough to carry and manage. On top of that, good light is essential to highlight the colours, textures, and atmosphere that make windsurfing photography stand out.
It’s also crucial to anticipate what the windsurfer will do next. For example, if they’re about to jump, you want to get low so they appear above the horizon line. For wave riding, it’s the opposite; I try to find an elevated position, like a rock or step, so I can see the bottom of the wave. This makes the wave appear bigger and more powerful in the shot.
When shooting in the water, I always wear a bright-coloured helmet so riders can easily spot me between the waves; especially when they’re preparing for a jump.”
What do you prefer…shooting in the water or on the land?
HvJ: “It mostly depends on the spot and the conditions. If I feel comfortable swimming out and the spot has a clear area where the action happens, I really enjoy the water angle. But if the spot is more spread out or has an interesting background, it can be better to shoot from land. On land, it’s easier to frame the shot and make sure you don’t miss the action.”
Which windsurfers / riders do you like to shoot the best?
HvJ: “There are a lot of big names on the south coast that I grew up watching in windsurfing brand movies when I first got into the sport. With Timo Mullen, you’ve got to be ready from the get-go; he doesn’t waste any time warming up before sending it in some of the gnarliest conditions across the UK and Ireland.
If you’re shooting Bubble, bring a massive memory card; he lands incredible tricks non-stop, regardless of the conditions or discipline. Wittering local Chris Audsley has a gift for making even average onshore wave days look like something special. James Cox, Ian Whittaker and Max Metcalfe are always out there pushing hard all day long, staying motivated, and often keeping me updated on the conditions before I’ve even left the house.
And of course, if Nik Baker, Lucas Meldrum or Andy King show up, you better be ready to test your camera’s buffer.
I haven’t had the chance to photograph Scottie Stallman from Weymouth in racing yet—such a great spot for it, or freestyler Jamie Howard from Eastbourne, whose style I really admire. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to catch them both in action soon.”
What is your favourite UK location to shoot?
HvJ: “My favourite UK location to shoot is the Wittering area because it offers a great variety of waves and flat water. It’s perfect for strong wind conditions, from SE to WNW. I especially love shooting there in January and February, when the light is amazing and the swell is pumping. It’s one of my favourite places in the UK, not just for windsurfing and photography, but also to spend the day with my family.”
Where else do you shoot?
HvJ: “I mostly shoot at the usual spots in Germany and along the south coast of the UK. Germany has a really talented scene, with amazing flatwater spots up north for speed and freestyle, and beautiful lakes near the Alps in the south. When warm downslope wind hits in spring, the strong winds there can be wild; and the mountain backdrop makes it pretty unique. I have to admit, I miss those days a bit.
That said, the wave spots around the UK south coast offer better conditions for wave sailing. The brown water of the South Coast usually isn’t the most photogenic. Still, I really love the rough, cold days we get in late winter, especially when the low winter sun casts those dramatic contrasts.”
Any major disasters while shooting windsurfing?
HvJ: “Yeah, I’ve had a few disasters while shooting windsurfing. Last year, my water housing flooded; I either didn’t attach the port properly or a screw came loose in the water. Unfortunately, I noticed too late, and by the time I got back to shore, the camera was already done. Total write-off.
I also remember one season where I had to jump off a media boat and swim in with all my gear; I just wrapped in a plastic bag, after a contest. It had started off calm with a gentle breeze, but as the day went on, the wind and swell picked up big time. It got rough fast, and there was no other way to get ashore without getting washed. Since then, I always bring a waterproof case or bag and a couple of plastic bags and a towel when shooting from a boat. Learned my lesson the hard way.
You’d think windsurfing poses the biggest risk to gear; and it often does, especially in rough conditions, but a real hidden threat to camera gear, especially remote cameras in football, are the pitch sprinklers! Just before kick-off or at halftime, they can suddenly fire up without warning. Even on a bright, sunny summer day, your setup can get a full-on soaking.
Despite a few disasters, I’ve had some real luck too. The other day I went to shoot, and when I opened my camera bag on the ground, I found a little toy pig from my one-year-old daughter tucked inside one of the compartments. Life with kids, right? These days I always try to double-check the inside of my bags before I leave the house, just in case I find a surprise from home tagging along.”
What is your favourite photo if you have one?
HvJ: “My favourite shot from this season is from an early morning session down at the Witterings this winter. The waves were decent, but the light was amazing, it turned the usually brown South Coast water into a rare shade of blue. I caught Mark Perry jumping above me in mid-air floaty jump on his first run.”
Any advice for a novice photographer who would like to get into shooting windsurfing?
HvJ: “I’d say just get out there as much as you can. The more time you spend around the sport, the more you understand it; the wind, the timing, the tricks.
Pay attention to light and backgrounds whenever possible. Even an average move can look incredible in the right light; backlight or sidelight can really make the spray pop. Early mornings or late afternoons usually offer the best conditions. A polarizing filter can also help reduce distracting reflections on the water and make the colours look richer.
Use high shutter speeds when shooting in strong winds or from a boat to avoid unwanted motion blur. I tend to shoot at 1/2000 or higher. When shooting from land, look for interesting foregrounds and backgrounds to create depth.
And if possible, talk to the riders! It helps to know what moves they’re trying and where they’ll be on the water. Plus, it’s useful for them to know what distance works best for your shots, especially when shooting from the water…whether you’re using a wide-angle or a telephoto lens.
Lastly, study other photographers in the genre for inspiration. I like to create moodboards to help prepare and plan for my next shoot; it really helps with visualizing the kind of images I’m aiming to capture, and reflecting afterward helps with learning and improving over time.”
henningvonjagow@gmail.com
+44 7548 363156
If you would like to discuss a potential project or have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email Henning!
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