Bram Berkien - Photographing the Human Side of the Tour de France

Bram Berkien (@bramberkien) is a Dutch photographer celebrated for his ability to capture the human side of elite sports. As the official photographer for Visma-Lease a Bike (formerly Jumbo-Visma), Bram has spent the last seven years documenting the world’s top cyclists, including their highs, lows, and everything in between at the Tour de France.

In this episode, Bram shares what it’s like to work behind the scenes with some of the most dedicated athletes on the planet. From the trust it takes to photograph intimate moments on the team bus to the creative challenges of balancing action shots, sponsor content, and personal storytelling, Bram reveals the art of capturing authenticity in high-pressure environments. We also explore his journey from stacking suitcases at an airport to photographing cycling’s biggest stage, the lessons he’s learned from elite athletes, and why the human side of sport is where the real magic happens.

Expect to Learn:

• How to build trust with high-profile subjects
• How to anticipate key moments at events
• How to balance multiple roles as a photographer
• Lessons from elite athletes on sacrifice and perseverance 
• Why behind-the-scenes moments can create more compelling stories than traditional action photography

Bram's Website: https://bramberkien.com/

Sponsors:

Thanks to Tamron for sponsoring this episode! Check out their brand-new 25-200mm F/2.8 all-in-one zoom lens for Sony E-mount, perfect for travel and everyday shooting. Learn more at www.tamron-americas.com

Thanks to the National Park Foundation for sponsoring today’s episode. Enter the Share the Experience photo contest for a chance to win $10,000 and prizes from Celestron, Historic Hotels of America, and YETI. The grand prize winner’s photo could be featured on the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass.

Submit your best shots now at sharetheexperience.org/tpm

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Thanks for listening!
Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.

@sethmacey
@mantis_photography
@thephotographermindset