Here, Laura tells us all about Courtship —her inspiration, the adventure of discovery, and the deep love for tennis that shaped the book.
BSF: What initially inspired you to create Courtship and how did you decide to blend photography, storytelling, and tennis culture into one book?
LB: Courtship was originally inspired by the chain of tennis messages from and on the road between myself and my friend (and some times doubles partner) Michael Lynton who co-produced the book with me. We’d share courts, contacts, views and scores and share a love for the travel quest and community of tennis as well as the game itself.
The book was also born of the sense of freedom and escape I’d experience when I’d get up early to play in Paris before a shoot or search out a local club whilst celebrating a friend’s birthday in Sicily. I also relished exploring the histories and style of diverse courts and clubs and locations. I always loved the idea of combining the evocative landscape photography of my friend and collaborator Mark Arrigo, with stories and quotes from international tennis lovers and began by asking my friends - Eddie Redmayne, Sam Taylor Johnson, David Beckham, Griffin Dunne and so many more - and gradually built up a wonderful portfolio of tennis dreams and memories. I balanced these with archive and iconic imagery - from Mick Jagger to Arthur Ashe to Billie Jean King (who also wrote for me). Tennis is rich in inspirational style and history and this process, working with art director Giulia Garbin was a joy. Tim Henman was heroic in his enthusiasm from day one and I am proud to support the inspirational work of the LTA Foundation at a grassroots level, opening up the sport to all.
BSF: Can you describe a particularly memorable or unexpected moment from your travels while photographing these tennis courts?
LB: So many memorable moments - especially a drive followed by a train followed by a cable car to a remote Swiss mountain village where we stayed at a somewhat haunted motel in a snowstorm… Highlights included a trip to Glasgow and Loch Lomond and the fantasy of a French Riviera tennis reverie!
BSF: The book captures both iconic showcourts and hidden gems — how did you go about discovering and selecting these diverse locations?
LB: Whilst I have been lucky to play on some of the most beautiful courts in the world , often the unexpected, hidden or remote brought unexpected beauty and inspiration. The detective work was part word of mouth, part student style road tripping, part luck and grit. Mark and I stole days here and there between other work and family life - often taking a chance, sometimes getting lost, but nearly always being saved by the kindness of strangers and the camaraderie of the game and the tennis community.
BSF: The essay reflects your personal journey with tennis — what has the sport meant to you personally, and how did that shape the narrative of the book?
LB: The narrative is shaped by my love of the sport and how it has in many ways changed or re framed my life. I was always an athlete - mostly a runner - but discovered tennis late and happily so. The sport has gifted me strength and zen, community and adventure. And taught me a work/ life balance I was pretending I had perfected, a place where relaxation and adrenaline intersect in harmony. I’ve been lucky to meet some of my sporting heroes as well as to pick up a new gang of international sports nuts…My tennis WhatsApps are VERY distracting. But my favourite game is still with my son, who’s the reason I picked up a racquet in the first place. And ok, I love the kit.
Black and white portrait: Cathy Kasterine / Harper’s Bazaar
April, 2025
