Photographing the Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International, Mancheste

I always look forward to photographing the Adidas Marketing conferences, and this year’s event at Factory International in Manchester was nothing short of spectacular. Working alongside Jules from TOL Events, who consistently delivers remarkable experiences, I was excited to capture every moment of this high-energy gathering.

A Unique Venue for an Immersive Experience

The venue, a giant warehouse transformed into a versatile event space, provided the perfect backdrop for a dynamic and immersive conference. The auditorium was buzzing with activity as presentations, fashion shows, interviews, and even a beatboxing performance unfolded, keeping attendees fully engaged throughout the day. Every corner of the space offered opportunities to capture both staged and candid moments that reflected the energy and creativity of the event.

Capturing the Finale: A Fun Fair Surprise

The finale was particularly memorable. As the curtain lifted, the audience was treated to a full-size fun fair inside the warehouse, complete with rides, attractions, and a surprise appearance by Juergen Klopp. Capturing the excitement, expressions, and unique atmosphere of this unexpected twist made this assignment especially rewarding. The combination of dramatic lighting, large-scale installations, and human interaction created compelling photographic moments that told the story of the event from start to finish.

The Importance of Professional Event Photography

Professional event photography plays a crucial role for brands like Adidas. High-quality images not only document the day but also communicate the brand’s energy, professionalism, and vision. The photographs from this conference can be used across marketing campaigns, social media, press releases, internal communications, and future event promotion. Capturing a multifaceted live event like this requires technical expertise, creative framing, and an instinct for storytelling. Every shot contributes to the overall narrative, highlighting both the audience experience and the brand identity.

Collaborating with TOL Events

Working with TOL Events ensured a seamless flow throughout the day. Jules’ ability to push creative boundaries and orchestrate an engaging experience made my work as a photographer both challenging and exciting. From structured presentations to spontaneous interactions around the venue, there was always something compelling to capture.

Conclusion: Capturing the Energy and Spirit of the Event

Photographing the Adidas Marketing conference at Factory International in Manchester was an exhilarating experience. From the energetic auditorium sessions to the whimsical fun fair finale, every moment offered a unique story. Event photography is not simply about taking pictures—it is about capturing the spirit of the occasion, the energy of the participants, and the essence of the brand.

Event Photography - Adidas and Versus at Manchester United

VERSUS is the platform championing the future of football and its rising influence on new music and culture. Adidas is well, Adidas. On commission for the wonderful TO Events, I photographed the launch of a collaboration between the two brands on the occasion of a games between Manchester United and Aston Villa’s women’s teams.

Bruce Grobbelaar for 11 Freunde

A recent commission to photograph Liverpool FC legend Bruce Grobbelaar for German football magazine 11 Freunde.

A total gent who even bought me a beer at the end of the shoot, I think that’s the first time that’s happened in 20 years!

Bruce is a Zimbabwean former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, most prominently for English team Liverpool between 1981 and 1994, and for the Zimbabwean national team. He is remembered for his gymnastic-like athletic ability, unflappable confidence and eccentric and flamboyant style of play. He was appointed as goalkeeper coach for Ottawa Fury FC of the North American Soccer League in 2014. In March 2018 he was announced as goalkeeper coach for the Matabeleland football team. Born in South Africa, Grobbelaar grew up in neighbouring Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe), and served in the Rhodesian Army before he joined the Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League in 1979. He gained Liverpool's attention during a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra during the 1979–80 season, and signed for the Merseyside club in 1981. Making 628 appearances for Liverpool over the next 13 years, including 440 in the League, he won the League championship with the club six times, as well as three FA Cups, three League Cups and the 1983–84 European Cup.

Nadia Nadim for Scandinavian Airlines

Nadia Nadim Photography for Scandinavian Airlines | Editorial Portraits

I recently photographed Nadia Nadim, the Danish international footballer and Manchester City midfielder, for a commission with Scandinavian Airlines. Nadim’s story is extraordinary: born in Afghanistan, she fled the country as a child after her father was executed, resettled in Denmark, and went on to become a professional footballer, a medical student training to be a surgeon, and a polyglot fluent in nine languages. Meeting and photographing her was genuinely inspiring.

This commission was a collaboration with sports journalist Claire Bloomfield and Swedish design agency Off The Wall. The photographs accompany a feature in Scandinavian Traveler magazine, capturing Nadim’s achievements, resilience, and extraordinary personal journey.

Capturing Nadia Nadim: Editorial and Portrait Photography

The photography focused on portraiture and environmental shots rather than on-pitch action. The aim was to convey Nadim’s character, determination, and life story, highlighting her journey from refugee to professional athlete, her academic pursuits in medicine, and her advocacy for social issues including refugee support and gender equality in sport. Professional editorial photography in this context brings her story to life, showing her as a role model, a global citizen, and an inspirational figure beyond football. The images were designed to engage audiences, complement the written profile, and be used across social media, print, and digital publications.

Nadia Nadim: An Inspirational Life Story

Nadim’s achievements extend far beyond football. She has represented Denmark in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups while balancing her studies in medicine, reflecting a remarkable dedication to both sport and education. Fluent in nine languages, she uses her platform to advocate for refugees, gender equality, and social responsibility. Her experiences as a refugee, professional athlete, student, and humanitarian make her an inspirational figure whose story resonates across sports, education, and social advocacy. Capturing her in portraits allowed the photography to reflect both her achievements and her personal strength, portraying the resilience and leadership that define her career.

Collaboration with Claire Bloomfield and Off The Wall

Working alongside Claire Bloomfield and Swedish design agency Off The Wall ensured that the images complemented the editorial narrative for Scandinavian Traveler magazine. The session was carefully directed to highlight Nadim’s personality, presence, and inspirational journey, creating photographs that communicate both her character and the story behind her achievements. In editorial projects like this, professional photography supports storytelling, engages audiences, and conveys the context, personality, and impact of the subject.

Conclusion

Photographing Nadia Nadim for Scandinavian Airlines and Scandinavian Traveler magazine was a unique opportunity to highlight her achievements, resilience, and global influence. By focusing on editorial portraiture, the photography captured her inspirational story and personality rather than football action, providing a lasting visual record of her remarkable journey.

Read the full feature in Scandinavian Traveler magazine here.