I'm Axelle Courlander, a London-based director, photographer, and Director of Photography. I'm fortunate to carve my career path at the beautiful intersection of two great loves: football and creativity. This game, with its unscripted drama, fleeting moments of brilliance, and pulsating energy, has shaped me into the person I am today. It's a part of my identity that I carry into every frame and scene I create.
Raised in the film industry by my producer parents, I found a way to merge my inherent passion for storytelling with the exhilarating world of football. Now, I get to live my dream every day, capturing the spirit of the sport and its heroes, both on and off the pitch.
This blog is my way of inviting you into this journey. From high-profile shoots to the quiet moments of reflection and growth, I hope to share with you the intricacies, challenges, and joys of my profession.
A philosophy that guides my work and personal life is, "we can have anything we want, but we can't have everything." It's a principle that helps me focus on what truly matters, leading to mindful decisions and a balance between my personal and professional life.
During my time at Chelsea, Emma Hayes shared a piece of advice that I carry with me: "You have one job and don't fuck it up." It's a stark reminder of the responsibility I hold to never let people down and to always deliver. This tenacity and commitment are integral to my work.
Growing up, creative expression was encouraged, but so was the understanding that nothing worth having comes easy. These lessons from my parents form the backbone of my professional approach, fuelling my determination and resilience.
Off the field, I stand strongly for social equality, believing there's enough room at the table for everyone to have their fair share. In a world abundant in resources, it's a belief that I hope to see reflected more and more.
Beyond the realm of football and film, my passions also lie in the calming influence of nature. Fascinated by Orca whales, I could easily have imagined myself as a marine biologist!
Looking ahead, I aspire to broaden my horizons further by directing films. Every project I undertake now is a step towards that dream—my next mountain to climb.
So, what can you expect from this blog? You'll get a front-row seat into my world of football-centric creation, personal experiences, and, hopefully, a bit of the inspiration that drives me daily.
Welcome to my pitch, where every frame tells a story and every post shares a part of my journey.
Until the next post,
Axelle Courlander
