When I was invited to photograph the opening day of the Russian Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships, the task seemed simple: capture beautiful images for the official report. But the moment I looked through the viewfinder, I realized I wasn’t just witnessing a sporting event. I was entering a world of visual poetry, drama, movement, emotion, and raw energy.
This was my first time photographing acrobatic gymnastics, and it immediately captivated me. It’s like ballet — but in mid-air. It combines choreography, power, precision, and expressive storytelling all in one.Young athletes aged 13 to 19 took the stage with intensity and purpose. Some were nervous. Some were confident. But they all had one thing in common — absolute commitment. No one held back. Every routine was performed like it was their last.
The energy in the arena was electric. Everyone was supporting someone — coaches watching every move, families whispering encouragements, fellow athletes cheering each other on. It was a space filled with tension, emotion, and human connection. As a photographer, I could feel it in every corner.
The organizers gave me full freedom to photograph the day however I wanted. That kind of trust is priceless. It allowed me to shoot the way I love: intuitively, responsively, searching for meaning, not just motion.
What I really wanted to capture was emotion. In this sport, it’s all right there — in the athletes’ faces, their eyes, their clenched hands. I saw fear before a risky move. Frustration after a mistake. Joy after a clean finish. Despair, relief, and hope — often in the same moment.This is where photography becomes storytelling. I wanted each image to make the viewer feel something.
One shot stands out among the hundreds I took that day: a mixed pair routine. She is frozen in a full split, and he’s flipping above her. Perfect symmetry. Strength. Beauty. All in a single frame. That photo is my personal favorite.
This event opened a new chapter for me. I discovered a sport rich in visual and emotional power. I’d love to keep working in acrobatic gymnastics — to capture it, share it, and honor it through images. Because this is more than sport. It’s human expression in its purest form.
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