FREDERIKKE JENSEN CAPTURES THE BEAUTY OF FOOTBALL AT EURO 2024

Culture & Lifestyle, Feature, Sport
C.S

July 13, 2024

“I just remember walking out onto the pitch thinking there is absolutely no way this is for real.”

IN COPENHAGEN THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE

Just over a year ago photographer Frederikke Jensen was shooting third-division football. This summer though, she has found herself on the adventure of a lifetime, travelling through Germany and capturing the very heart of Euro 2024.

Originally from a small village 3 hours from Copenhagen, Frederikke acquired her first camera at the age of 18, when she was looking for a new hobby to pass the time.

“It was never the plan to become a professional photographer when I got the camera but I very quickly fell in love with photography and thought if I could make money from this, working might not be so bad haha.”

Currently working as a Nikon Creator at Nikon Europe, Frederikke moved to the Danish Capital last year for school. “When you’ve grown up and spent the majority of your life in a place where everyone knows you and your parents then Copenhagen is very different, but in a good way,” she explains.

It is a move which has opened up a world of opportunities as well, “In Copenhagen, there is room for everyone and plenty of opportunities to do what you want or dream of doing and to be creative. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t moved to Copenhagen.”

I LOVE IT

Whilst photography came to Frederikke later in life, her love of football has always been there, tracing it back to days spent growing up and sitting watching games on TV at her grandparents’ house.

It’s a passion which remains to this day and over the last month night she has focused her lens on the likes of Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Ronaldo, and witnessed France and Italy fall, and the Dutch go delirious as they triumphed over Turkey.

It has been an unforgettable journey which has taken her through Germany’s most iconic cities and stadiums, and in amongst that all, she has seen the faces of the fans that have helped to bring Euro 2024 to life.

Capturing moments and memories of ecstasy that will live long after the final whistle blows in Berlin bringing an end to the tournament. “It’s been so much fun seeing how passionate and silly people are when it comes to supporting their team. I love it.”

As Spain and England prepare to battle in Berlin, we sat down with Frederikke as she shared with us her favourite images of Euro 2024 and gave us insight into her life as a photographer.

I’M AT EURO 2024 WHICH IS JUST MADNESS

A year ago I was shooting the third-best division in Denmark for the local paper and since moving to Copenhagen I’ve shot; the Champions League, Conference League, EURO 2024 qualifiers, and international friendlies.

I’ve done work for The European Club Association, shot for two different clubs in the best Danish league, done 3 shoots with PUMA and now I’m at the Euros which is just madness.

I’M SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL

All the people working for Nikon are some of the kindest I’ve ever met. They all go above and beyond to make sure we all have what we need to succeed.

It has been pretty crazy and I still can’t believe it even though it has been more than three years since I signed my contract.

It’s honestly unbelievable and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of Nikon. Which I’m so incredibly grateful for.

One of my career highlights has definitely been signing with Nikon, my first Champions League game was also a really proud moment and of course now, the Euros.

I THINK THAT’S HOW IT STARTED

I think my love of football mainly comes from my grandfather.

Growing up my mom always worked nightshifts. 98% of the time my dad didn’t feel like cooking haha, so we would eat at my grandparents’ house and as far as I remember there was always a game of football on TV.

I think that’s how it started, my brother has definitely also had an impact – especially on my choice of team in the Premier League.

EURO 2024 HAS BEEN AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

Capturing the Euros and just being there has been insane and quite unbelievable if I’m being honest.

My first game was at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and I just remember walking out onto the pitch thinking “There is absolutely no way this is for real” but somehow it was and I’ve enjoyed every second of it.

It has been really amazing to experience the atmosphere and to see how passionate people are about their national team.

Being able to photograph some of my favourite players of all time has definitely also been a highlight of my time in Germany.