TN Q&A: Photographer Matthew Calvis
By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, March 19, 2026
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Noted tennis enthusiast Shakespeare famously observed the eyes are the windows to the soul.
Photographer soul searcher Matthew Calvis has illuminated the humanity, humor and hurt of life on the pro circuit.
Matthew Calvis was roaming the grounds of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden capturing the players’, passion and pure beauty of Tennis Paradise this month.
We caught up with Matthew in the massive media tent built in the parking lot next to the practice courts. In this interview, Matthew Calvis shares life as a photographer on the pro circuit, favorite players to shoot and his main aim from behind the lens.
In addition to his photographer, Matthew Calvis has also launched a YouTube channel, Insiders Tennis, where he takes deep dives into players’ training sessions.
Tennis Now: Who are your favorite pro players to shoot and why?
Matthew Calvis: For me, it always starts with personality. That’s what really makes me gravitate toward a player. It’s always changing, but right now I’d say Alex Eala, Carlos Alcaraz, and Vicky Mboko.
They each bring a unique energy to the court, and that personality always translates into interesting moments to capture.
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Tennis Now: When you aim the lens what are you trying to capture in the shot? Is it powerful emotion? A facet of a player’s personality? The athleticism of world class players?
Matthew Calvis: When I’m shooting a tournament, surprisingly I’m often trying to capture everything other than the tennis itself. I love documenting the moments fans don’t see on TV – the quiet interactions, the routines, the atmosphere around the tour. Capturing that lifestyle and those behind-the-scenes moments is what really excites me.
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Tennis Now: What is your favorite tournament to shoot and what is the most challenging? What are the essentials for capturing a moment and do you know immediately if you got it?
Matthew Calvis: Indian Wells is really a magical event and probably my favorite tournament to photograph. Everywhere you look there’s something visually special happening.
As far as essentials go, lighting is everything for me. I tend to shoot the most during the last few hours of the day when the light gets softer and more cinematic.
Tennis Now: What makes Indian Wells such a majestic and special tournament to shoot?
Matthew Calvis: The backdrop of the mountains, the incredible views from the practice courts, and the California sun – it’s a pretty unbeatable combination.
Photo credits: Matthew Calvis
Tennis Now: What’s the best or most unique reaction you’ve gotten from any pro you’ve shot or video you’ve done?
Matthew Calvis: Nothing too specific jumps out, but anytime an athlete shares or uses my content, it’s always an amazing feeling. It’s rewarding to know the players themselves connect with the work.
Tennis Now: On your Insider’s Tennis Channel you’ve shot intimate training video with players like Tiafoe, Bouchard, Collins, and Spizzirri. How has video influenced your photography and vice versa? What have you learned about pro players?
Matthew Calvis: I actually spent about six years shooting still photography before I ever touched a video camera. My background was in fashion and editorial photography before I entered the tennis world, so a lot of my understanding of lighting really comes from those years in the photo industry.
Working closely with athletes, one thing you realize very quickly is how human they are. When we watch them on TV they can feel larger than life, but when you’re around them away from the noise of competition, they’re just people like the rest of us – and there’s something really beautiful about that.
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
Tennis Now: What do you like most about your job? What lessons have you learned about the sport and photography?
Matthew Calvis: 2026 actually marks 10 years of working in photography for me, and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else. Being able to work in photo and video, create art, and bring my ideas to life is incredibly rewarding.
Even when I’m shooting sports, I approach it the same way I would fashion or editorial work – by focusing on the human elements and the story behind the moment.
Tennis Now: Any particular projects you’re working on now you want Tennis Now readers to know about?
Matthew Calvis: I have some really fun projects coming out this year – some that I can’t talk about just yet. So you’ll have to follow @InsidersTennis to see what’s coming next.
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