For Brage Æsøy Titlestad, the roar of the crowd and the high-energy moments of basketball are more than just a passion—they’re a canvas. At 30 years old, the Bergen native has become an integral part of the Fyllingen Lions team as a volunteer professional sports photographer. While his official job title is IT Support Specialist at Helse Vest IKT, his heart belongs courtside, capturing the game and the players who make it so memorable. Growing up in Bergen, Brage’s life has always revolved around sports. “I’ve always been into different sports,” he says. “I played table tennis, floorball, football—and even tried billiards!” Among his athletic achievements, table tennis stands out. As a member of the national para table tennis team, Brage competed internationally, developing a competitive edge and resilience that continues to drive him today. When the pandemic halted his sports career in 2020, Brage transitioned his energy into photography, a hobby he had loved since buying his first camera in 2013. Initially drawn to nature photography, he later expanded into sports, honing his craft through football matches and special courses.

A Gift To The Basketball Community

This season, Brage became a volunteer photographer for the Fyllingen Lions, a role that aligns with his passion for contributing meaningfully to his community. While Brage is devoted to his volunteer work with the Fyllingen Lions, his contributions extend far beyond any single team. Through the strong collaboration between Bergen’s basketball clubs, Brage navigates across them all, generously sharing his talents. From capturing the excitement on his own terms to photographing national basketball games at Nordstrand Arena, and documenting the Fyllingen Lions’ games at Haukelandshallen, his work is a gift to the entire local community.

Gratitude For Frøya

Brage’s photography sets the narrative for the players and the game of basketball within Bergen. "The ability to support multiple teams and projects is something I value deeply," he shares. His heart stands firm in the community, especially with Frøya, where he first started his basketball photography journey, and where the root of his gratitude began. His connection to Frøya exemplifies his commitment to uplifting every corner of the local basketball scene, and always remembering who gave him an opportunity to shine. Brage also credits Alexander Løseth, a key figure in Bergen’s basketball scene, for believing in his talent and encouraging him to pursue sports photography. “Without Alexander, I might not still be doing this. His knowledge of basketball combined with my photography skills has been a perfect match.”

Volunteering with the Fyllingen Lions is reflective of his shared goals and personal growth. He believes the Fyllingen Lions stand out for their professionalism and impact on wanting to support the people of Bergen.

Moments That Matter

As a sports photographer, Brage finds joy in capturing those “wow moments” during games—shots that capture emotion of the match. One of his favorite memories is photographing the BLNO playoff finals in 2023. “Seeing two Bergen teams battle for the championship in front of thousands of fans was electrifying,” he recalls.

Overcoming Obstacles

Brage’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Living with disabilities has required him to adapt and innovate, but his determination is unwavering. “I always find a way to conquer obstacles,” he says. “Everything is possible.” This mindset not only fuels his success but also inspires those around him. As he looks to the future, Brage dreams of turning his passion into a full-time career. “My ultimate goal is to photograph in the biggest arenas in sports,” he shares. Whether courtside at an international basketball tournament or capturing the thrill of a major football match, Brage is determined to make his mark one snapshot at a time.