Back
9.02.2021Bayer 04

Bayer 04 club photographer takes Sports Photo of the Year 2020

In partnership with the Association of German Sports Journalists (VDS), the sports journal kicker has made the 51st award for the best images of the year – in the category ‘Sport in the times of coronavirus’ the 2020 award went to Bayer 04 club photographer Jörg Schüler. The winning photograph taken by Schüler was not of a Bayer 04 player but instead of the triathlete Lasse Lührs. In interview, Jörg reveals the background to the photo and the award...
crop_JoergSchueler_KAT05_01.jpg

Jörg, congratulations on the award. You’re normally on the road with the Werkself and on the look-out for the best Black and Red images – how did a triathlete end up in front your camera?
I’ve been working full-time at the club since August of last year and before that I worked as a freelance sports photographer, including for Bayer 04. Due to the absence of sporting events because of last year’s first lockdown, I went in search of special photo opportunities. I looked to make contact with athletes who were in the initial Olympic squad. And, as I’d already worked with the German Triathletes Union, contact was quickly made – also with Lasse Lührs.

Is it your first award? How does it feel?
Yes, it is the first time I’ve won a photo competition. I’m proud I’ve done it after eight years of being a sports photographer. It may be I did work towards winning a photo award at some point. Now I’ve done it, it’s really great recognition – especially when you see how stiff the competition is and the high level in sports photography.

How did you get nominated?
The Sports Photo of the Year is awarded by kicker and the Association of German Sports Journalists in November or December every year. When the coronavirus pandemic happened, I decided to contact as many athletes as possible and put together a portfolio on athletes training at home, which I would then enter. In the end, I submitted my work for the portfolio and individual photograph categories – and I was in first place in the latter.

How did this exceptional winning photo come about?
Luck actually played a part in me getting Lasse in front of the camera. He had been at a competition in Australia and wanted to stay there longer. He didn’t want to go back to Alicante, where he normally lived, because Spain was already in a severe lockdown so he stayed with his in-laws after he arrived in Germany. I was able to watch him training. I saw two beer crates and a bench on the terrace and I had to smile – but triathletes had to come with some ideas of how to simulate swimming training. Then we tried out different angles. The most exciting perspective was from the balcony because it gave the image an extra depth.

How long have you been doing sports photography?
I went freelance in 2011, originally with the idea of photographing wakeboarding. Via a contact, I was able to photograph the marathon in Koblenz and my first football match followed in August 2012 – Alemannia Aachen versus Hallesche FC. The internet connection didn’t work properly and I couldn’t send the photos ­– complete chaos and slightly excessive demand. But I gradually got into football. And I’ve been taking photographs for Bayer 04 for four years.

As a football photographer, would you have preferred to win with a football photo?
It’s difficult to say... It’s great to have won it at all. It’s the biggest award as a photographer. The first target was to get my photo on a front page and that happened relatively quickly. Then Lars Bender celebrating the goal to make it 4-3 against Dortmund last year was voted sports photo of the week in SportBild. But I was a sports photographer for different sports from the start. And it’s extremely difficult to take that ONE special photo in football. There are hundreds of photographers. I have to admit it’s possible to be more creative with other sports. But I would be happy if it happened with a Bayer 04 photo.

Related News

Bayer04_SC_Pisa_Hintergrund_2526.jpg
Bayer 04 - 08.07.2025

Tickets for season opener against Pisa SC

Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.

Show more
Dustin Buck
U19 - 07.07.2025

Bayer 04 sign Dustin Buck for U19 squad

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 06.07.2025

The new Bayer 04 Football Academy in Brazil Celebrates its Opening

Several Bayer 04 Legends, Bayer executives, club officials, current defender Arthur and, of course, dozens of enthusiastic children turned out on Saturday on the south side of Sao Paulo for the official opening of the Bayer 04 Football Academy, located at Club Bayer on the campus of Bayer Brazil.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser bei ihrem EM-Debüt
Women - 05.07.2025

Women's Euro: Dream start for Carlotta Wamser in opening win for Germany

A great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.

Show more