Paris-based photographer and filmmaker Kevin Couliau carved a life path defined by his deep engagement with basketball culture and its social implications. His journey into the world of basketball photography is one that differentiates him from others in the field and is marked by a commitment to documenting the grassroots essence of the game rather than its most glamorous aspects. With an eye for urban design, a passion for basketball, and a profound understanding of the sport’s impact on communities, Kevin’s work goes beyond the court to capture the stories, struggles, and dreams of those who play.
The French photographer has become synonymous with the basketball world and is also constantly sought after by those on the art scene to portray its more urban, social facets. His journey into Africa, though, is where his story takes a significant turn. Kevin’s first encounter with a nonprofit using basketball as a tool for change was with the SEED Academy in Senegal. Here, he witnessed first-hand the philosophical connection between the sport and personal growth. “Senegal was an eye-opener,” he recalls. “The determination and resilience of the young athletes was awe-inspiring. It was here that I first saw how basketball could shape lives beyond the court.” This experience ignited a deeper passion in Kevin, leading him to collaborate with Giants of Africa, an organisation co-founded by Masai Ujiri, ViceChairman and President of the Toronto Raptors basketball team. Through his work with Giants of Africa, Kevin travelled across the continent, visiting countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania, documenting basketball camps that focused on youth empowerment and leadership. “Travelling with Giants of Africa was life-changing,” he reflects.
“The energy, the dreams, the raw emotion on the court – it was deeply moving to see how basketball could surpass the harsh realities many of these young people faced.” One of Kevin’s most memorable moments came in Mogadishu, Somalia, where amidst a city scarred by conflict, he found hope and joy in a small basketball clinic for women. “Witnessing their enthusiasm and love for the game despite the surrounding turmoil, was a highlight of my career,” he says. “It was a powerful reminder of basketball’s ability to bring light into even the darkest circumstances.” Kevin’s global travels have revealed different facets of basketball culture, each unique in its expression. In the Philippines, for instance, he documented the game as a way of life, played not for professional aspirations, but out of pure love for the sport. “In the Philippines, basketball is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Kids play on makeshift courts, driven by creativity, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the game.” Yet, it is Hong Kong that stands out as one of the most visually inspiring places for Kevin. “Hong Kong is my basketball oasis,” he explains. “The city’s 1 500 outdoor courts, perched on rooftops and nestled in unexpected corners, blend architecture, urban planning, and basketball in a way that I’ve been searching for over the past two decades.” Back in Paris, Kevin reflects on the contrast between the urban density of his home city and the vast landscapes of his travels.
“Living in a big city like Paris can sometimes feel suffocating,” he admits. “That’s why places like New Zealand, with its breathtaking landscapes and remote basketball courts, offer a refreshing change of pace.” Despite his global adventures, Kevin’s heart remains tied to the grassroots. His dedication to capturing the essence of basketball, from playgrounds to professional courts, is what sets him apart in his career. “I’ve chosen a path that isn’t easy,” he acknowledges. “Instead of focusing on the most visible and lucrative parts of basketball, like the NBA, I’ve sought to capture the essence of the game as it’s played by amateurs. There’s incredible beauty in these everyday moments. Sometimes, the most powerful images come from capturing the grace and determination of ordinary players in extraordinary situations.”
Kevin’s commitment to his craft is evident in his upcoming projects. He is working on two books that encapsulate his passion for basketball. The first is a life project, documenting 20 years of grassroots basketball across 60 countries. “This book is my contribution to the game,” he explains. “It captures the beauty of basketball as it is played around the world, accompanied by a documentary.” The second one focuses on Hong Kong, exploring its unique basketball courts and the urban policies promoting sports in residential estates. “This project combines architecture, photography, and basketball, highlighting the vast interplay of these elements in one of the world’s most lively cities,” Kevin enthuses. Through his lens, Kevin captures the soul of basketball and how it can heal, unite, and uplift communities across the globe. In every frame, Kevin tells a story that resonates with the human spirit, revealing the true essence of a game that is so much more than a sport.
