Off the Clock
"Because spreadsheets alone won't keep you sane."
Masters swimming competitor, sports photographer, and firm believer that the best ideas come after a 5AM training session.
05:30
05:30 · First Light06:15 · In the Water09:00 · Race Day14:00 · Behind the Lens19:00 · The Convergence
05:30
First Light
When the world is still asleep
The alarm sounds before sunrise. While most are dreaming, the water awaits. There's a certain clarity that comes with predawn training, the pool empty, the mind sharp, the day full of possibility.
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Masters Swimming
Active competitor in German Masters Swimming, because apparently negotiating term sheets wasn't enough adrenaline. There's something wonderfully clarifying about being underwater, no emails, no calls, just you and the black line.
15+
Competition years
5
Events per year
"The pool is where I do my best thinking. Something about oxygen deprivation really sharpens the mind."
Sports Photography
When I'm not in the water, I'm often on deck with a camera. Capturing the intensity, the focus, and occasionally the spectacular belly flops that we all pretend didn't happen.
Deutsche Meisterschaften
Berlin · 2023
Euro Meet
Luxembourg · 2024
DMS Finals
Munich · 2023
Die Finals
Berlin · 2022
"Swimming teaches you that improvement is measured in hundredths of seconds. Rather useful training for board meetings, as it happens."
On Patience
© Dirk Vandenhirtz Photography
Captured Moments
Behind the lens at DKM 2025, freezing raw emotion and athletic beauty
DKM 2025
Masters Championship
Photo Story
The Passion of Swimming
A visual journey through DMS 2025, Deutsche Masters Schwimm-Meisterschaften
DMS 2025 · 12 Photos View Full Album
Immersive Experience
Dive Into the Vortex
Scroll to fly through a 3D tunnel of championship moments. Move your mouse to look around.
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Where Swimming Meets Strategy
There's more overlap than you'd think. Training discipline, long-term commitment, learning from setbacks, and the occasional need to just put your head down and push through, whether it's a 1500m freestyle or a complex acquisition.
View Professional Track Record Speaking & Events
Book Me as Sports Photographer
Need professional sports photography for your swimming event, competition, or training camp? Let's capture those winning moments.
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Advisory Services Fundraising, due diligence & go-to-market strategy Track Record & Exits €120M+ raised, 60+ patents, 4 successful exits 60+ Patents & IP Portfolio AgTech, robotics & AI patents worldwide Dirk Vandenhirtz Personal Masters swimmer, photographer & European medallist AgTech News & Trends Daily precision agriculture intelligence