Interview for One Shot by James Rush
Instagram
One Shot Interview
8th March, 2025
Mirella is a Polish creative who has some of the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen related to tennis! We are very lucky to have her in the community, take a moment to go through her photographs as it will give you a different perspective on shooting sports.
What do you do for a living?
I am a visual artist, photographer and diorama designer. My work often incorporates elements of scenography and sculpture. In my digital photomontages, I experiment with vintage, archival materials to create imaginary landscapes and transmutations of human faces.
Which camera do you shoot with?
My long time friend is Canon EOS 5D Mark II, paired with Canon 50 mm/f2.5 macro and Canon 70-200 mm/f4 zoom lenses. Sometimes I use my vintage Helios 44M-4 58mm/f2 lens because of its specific bokeh.
How did you build an interest for photographing tennis?
Photography, like tennis, is an art of the moment. These seemingly distant fields paradoxically have much in common. Both require precision and intuition, but most of all, the ability to make split-second decisions and sensitivity to what is fleeting. Being a visual artist, I am naturally drawn to the aesthetic side of tennis. The unique connection of geometry and color electrifies my clay-dusted-heart. I try to capture something that is difficult to express with words — a particular magic, suspended somewhere between silence and sound, light and shadow.
What excites you about shooting tennis courts?
Walking around with a camera in hand, I watch how the light dances on the surface of the court, how it changes with each passing hour, creating its own subtle spectacle. It is different in the morning when the mist curtain rises, and different at noon when the sun, like liquid gold, floods the entire court. Shadows shrink and disappear, colors become deep and saturated, and the white lines create a magnificent contrast with the dark blue of the sky. Although I am always hungry for sporting thrills, I do not shy away from forgotten tennis sanctuaries shrouded in the mists of time. I find a special poetry in them, tinged with nostalgia. In sunshine or rain, I visit courts large and small to document their unique beauty in my own way. These visits encourage reflection, open space for contemplation, and allow me to organize my thoughts. Each court has its own unique personality.
How do you want people to feel when viewing your photos?
I want my photos to evoke a sense of tranquility with a hint of nostalgia. My hope is that viewers slow down, as if the rush of the world has momentarily faded away. Every court, whether a grand stadium or a local spot, tells its own story, and I try to capture that unique energy. The play of light and shadow, the subtle color palette, and the graceful lines of the courts all come together to stir a feeling of longing—like something that is both fleeting and timeless. My goal is to invite people to appreciate the stillness that exists in critical moments of the game, right before the shot, the intense quietness between the bursts of action, the magic of suspended time.
Favourite shot from your portfolio and why?
I’m drawn to places that aren’t obvious. Generally, I look for tennis courts that might appear forgotten or overlooked—the opposite of picture-perfect spots. While elite tennis clubs, with their picturesque locations, blue skies, and evergreen trees, are immediately tempting, at second glance, they often feel too polished, too Instagram-ready. I am keen on a certain rawness. I enjoy heading out with my camera, seeking beauty in places that are intriguingly peculiar. It is all about the joy of finding the unexpected, the hidden, scratched gems. I love to listen to their whispers.
If I had to choose a favorite shot, it would be one from a session I did at a local court near my home. I captured it at the cusp of summer’s end—air domes were already up, and the weakening sun was still shining bright. The whole session had an almost otherworldly vibe. Walking there, I felt as though I had been teleported to a Space Age dreamscape—it was almost like visiting a moonbase. I believe the pictures I took there retain some of this surreal atmosphere.
I also have a special fondness for the photos I’ve taken on Philippe Chatrier Court. There’s something special about the color of the clay there—its rich, earthy tone contrasting with the bright stadium filled with public. The spectators, as a whole, form a collective mass, but when you zoom in, you can see each individual lost in their own enjoyment of the game.
What advice do you have for creatives facing imposter syndrome?
One of the most powerful lessons I have learned from sports is to never be afraid to dream big and to pursue goals with full dedication. I remember my first time at Roland Garros, seeing the inscription on one of the stands on Philippe Chatrier Court: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious”. These words resonate deeply with me. Success doesn’t come overnight; it requires consistency, perseverance, and the willingness to push beyond limits. You fail, you get up, and you fight until the very last point. If you never experience loss, you can’t truly appreciate victory.
When facing impostor syndrome, remind yourself why you started—you are on this path for a reason. If doubt creeps in, reconnect with your passion. What drew you to photography? What emotions did you want to capture? What message did you want to convey? Return to those roots whenever you feel lost.
Photographers often fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others. Embrace what makes your work uniquely yours. If you are constantly seeking external validation—likes, followers, comments—impostor syndrome is more likely to take its toll. It is important to create for yourself first—because you love it, because it fulfills you. When you focus on the joy of creation, external validation becomes secondary.
As the saying goes “Where attention goes, energy flows” — set clear goals and work towards them. Focus on what you can control—your effort, mindset, and willingness to grow. Confidence comes with practice. The more you create, the better you become, and the more comfortable you feel navigating challenges. Every step forward—no matter how small—brings you closer to your goals. Define them for yourself. Moreover, don’t be afraid to voice your dreams. Speak openly about them. You never know who you might meet—someone who resonates with your passion, believes in your potential, and could offer you a chance to grow. Opportunities arise when you put yourself out there.
My life motto is to turn weaknesses into strengths. The journey may be tough, but obstacles can shape you and ultimately make you stand out. With the tools you have—whether skills, knowledge, or experience—strive to do your best in every situation. Remember, your eye counts much more than a quality of camera you hold.
Goals for the next 12 months?
When spring arrives, I plan to hit the road and travel across Poland to discover more courts. I want to capture their vibe and essence and expand my archive with these lesser-known spots. Mind that in Poland, we don’t take the sun for granted so you have to seize the moment—it won’t last long. Additionally, I aim to expand my collection by shooting in different countries. I hope to visit France and Germany this spring.
I would like to focus also on athletes more. While photographing places and objects has always been natural for me, I’m curious to see if I can confront myself with my heroes in action and truly capture their essence in movement. I’m not sure if it will work out for me, but I am willing to give it a try.
Another goal is to obtain all-access pass for Roland Garros this year. This could open up more opportunities for me. I have already experienced the French Open twice and I am familiar with the venue, but this time, I would love to dive deeper into the Grand Slam experience—going behind closed doors to discover what is on the other side. Ultimately, I hope to turn my dreams into reality one day. Wish me luck!
