Matthias Hangst is an award-winning sports photographer based in Karlsruhe, Germany. At the age of 47, he has already attended 12 Olympic Games, covered multiple men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup Finals, and worked at most of the major international sporting events around the globe. After being an independent photographer for years, he became a staff photographer with Getty Images, managed a team as chief photographer and in 2022 he took on the role as Director of Photography. Since the beginning of 2024, he has been Director of Content, overseeing the photographer teams in EMEA and APAC – a new challenge that involves managing some of the most talented sport photographers in the business.
Working closely with a small core team, he helps coordinate, plan and deliver large-scale operations at major events such as the Olympic Games, international football tournaments, and World and European Championships. In this role, he also plays a key part in shaping and delivering creative visual concepts for clubs, federations, and sponsors, with a strong focus on visual storytelling and contemporary photographic language.
Having been a competitive athlete himself, Matthias brings a passion for sports and movement, and has an eye for that very special moment. His dynamic style and his ability to capture interesting moods and perspectives have brought him assignments for top sports associations. In addition to earning numerous international awards for his work, he has photographed successful advertising campaigns for notable brands, and works regularly on behalf of sponsors and organizations.
