Covering TransferRoom in Lisbon: Two Days, Two Events
Last week I had the opportunity once again to work with TransferRoom, this time covering two major events in Lisbon. This was my fourth event as a photographer for TransferRoom, and each time I’m reminded why I enjoy working with them so much — the professionalism, the pace, and the unique look behind football’s decision-making world make these assignments something special.
Day 1: The Finance Forum at Palácio Estoril Hotel
One of the panels at the Football Finance Forum
My week started on Monday at the elegant Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness, where TransferRoom hosted the Finance Forum. TransferRoom events are known for bringing together high-level figures from across global football, and this forum was no exception.
Hosted by Charlie Stebbings, the day featured multiple panels that dove into topics shaping the game’s future. On stage were respected voices including Kieran Maguire, Rasmus Ankersen, Cliff Crown, Sasha Ryazantsev, Oli Hunt, Christian Pohl, Ben Harburg, Jason Schretter, and Ryan Martin.
As a photographer, the Finance Forum requires a careful blend of speed, attention to detail, and anticipation. The conversations move quickly, panelists switch often, and the room is full of people whose photos matter. My role is to stay alert, capture moments of insight, and visually document the flow of the day — all while remaining discrete and professional.
Day 2: TransferRoom Live at Estoril Congress Center
Many meetings taking place during TransferRoom Live in Lisbon
On Tuesday, the pace shifted dramatically as we moved to the Estoril Congress Center for the TransferRoom Live event. This is the flagship gathering where more than 600 of football’s decision-makers — sporting directors, agents, club executives, and other professionals — meet to connect, discuss transfers, and share ideas.
The networking format means constant movement: handshakes, introductions, meetings, and presentations all happening simultaneously. From a photographer’s point of view, it’s a fast, dynamic environment where every second counts. There’s no “break” in the action — someone important is always speaking, greeting, or presenting, and you have to be there to capture it.
The Photographer’s Perspective: Staying Attentive and Staying Fast
These events are as much about documentation as they are about storytelling. During both days I focused on photographing:
all keynote speakers and panelists
branding and signage (crucial for event coverage)
the venue and setup
staff and production teams
authentic interactions and networking moments
the overall atmosphere of the space
In addition to the technical aspects — exposure, composition, timing — what really matters is awareness. There’s a rhythm to these events, and you learn to read when something is about to happen: when someone is about to take the stage, when two executives are about to introduce themselves, when a panel is wrapping and applause is coming.
Another essential element is the live gallery workflow. TransferRoom provides attendees with the ability to download their images during the event, which means I need to work fast and clean. I aim to get everything right in camera — color, exposure, sharpness — so editing is minimal. The process becomes:
Shoot → import → tag → upload.
Smooth, fast, and reliable. That’s key for keeping the gallery updated in real time.
Working With a Great Team
A huge thank you to the entire TransferRoom team for trusting me once again. One of the things I appreciate most is how prepared they are before every event. The content brief is always clear and specific, and the staff are always supportive, proactive, and ready with helpful input throughout the day.
I’ve genuinely come to love photographing these events. The combination of a high-level environment, a welcoming team, and the chance to document key moments in global football makes this kind of work incredibly rewarding.
I’m already looking forward to the next one.