HB Polo – Capturing the True Spirit of Polo

When it comes to capturing the speed, elegance, and emotion of polo, few do it with as much consistency and artistry as Ali Hashim Baloch, known on Instagram as @hb_polo. With a camera in hand and an instinct for timing, Ali transforms fast-paced action into striking visual narratives. His work goes beyond the sport itself – it reflects a deep connection to horses, riders, and the culture surrounding polo. From the tension before the throw-in to the glory of the final chukka, his images are filled with energy, precision, and story. Whether shooting from the sidelines of local tournaments or international events, Ali brings viewers into the heart of the game – raw, real, and beautifully composed.

We spoke to Ali about his path into polo photography, the stories behind his favorite shots, and what inspires him every time he picks up the camera. Here's what he had to say.

ENPOLO: How did your journey into photography begin - and what led you into the world of polo?
Ali: My photography journey started in 2010 when I began taking riding and Polo lessons at Lahore Polo Club. One of the world's oldest and most prestigious polo venues. As a film and TV student, I naturally brought my camera to document the thrilling tournaments happening around me, and quickly became captivated by the sport's energy.
Polo wasn't completely new to me - I'd grown up with it in my blood. My uncle and cousins were players, though living in another city limited how much I could learn from them. The real magic happened when I joined Lahore Polo Club myself. There, my two passions collided beautifully: my lifelong wish to be around horses, merged with my creative eye behind the lens.

ENPOLO: Was there a specific moment or match that made you realise polo photography would become your passion?
Ali: It wasn’t just one match—it was an entire season that hooked me. I spent six weeks immersed in our country’s highest-level 14-goal tournaments, watching these incredible Argentine players and others compete at this amazing pace. The intensity was next-level, but what really got me was the irony: here was this breathtaking sport, full of action and drama, yet so few truly understood or knew about it.
That season, everyone kept debating polo’s future—would it fade away from lack of sponsors, or would it finally break through? That’s when it clicked for me. I wanted to throw my other passion into the mix and see if I could actually help push the sport forward. Turns out, a camera can be just as important as a mallet for keeping this sport alive ;)

ENPOLO: Your content feels dynamic and cinematic - what inspires your creative direction when filming polo?
Ali: Three straight years filming Pakistan's high-goal polo with Pololine really shaped my approach - their professionalism and dedication to covering the sport set a standard for me. My cinematic inspiration comes straight from the legends at Running Iron Creative (the original minds behind The Polo Channel). Their work showed me how to transform raw polo action into visual poetry.

ENPOLO: What equipment or techniques do you rely on most to capture such fast-paced action?
Ali: The technical side could fill a book—framing, anticipation, camera movement, composition, color grading, slow motion... the list never ends. But what really drives my approach is breaking polo's conventional filming rules. I chase cinematic storytelling that does two jobs at once: it speaks to the polo community's expertise while seducing outsiders into our world.
Because let's be honest—if we want to grow this sport, we can't just make content for people who already understand it. Every frame needs to work as both an insider's delight and a newcomer's invitation. That's how you turn heads, win sponsors, and make people fall in love with Polo.

ENPOLO: Do you have a favourite shot or video moment that still gives you chills?
Ali: I may be relatively new to filming polo, but already there are moments that still give me goosebumps when I watch them back: Capturing HN Polo's historic win at the 96th Punjab Cup (a tournament dating back to 1886!). Their incredible field goals and that thrilling victory. The team films I created for BN and HN during Pakistan's high-goal season, where every match felt like its own dramatic story. And those unforgettable plays and goal sequences from last year's Islamabad season - plays and filming so perfect they looked choreographed.

ENPOLO: How has being part of the polo world influenced your personal life or creative path?
Ali: Well, for starters, my schedule is completely flipped—I’m working on weekends (when everyone else is free) and off on weekdays (when everyone else is busy). Half-joking… but not really. On a more serious note, it’s been incredible for my creativity. I thrive when I can work without distractions, and luckily, horses and the sport don’t need direction on how to pose or smile!

ENPOLO: You've travelled a lot - which polo destinations have left the biggest impression on you?
Ali: I haven’t traveled much for polo yet, but this year, my goal is to explore exciting polo events and destinations worldwide—and, of course, capture them along the way. Ask me again in two years, and I’ll have a much better answer for you! ;)

ENPOLO: What was the experience like last year in the mountains with Black Forest Polo, when the tournament was canceled due to the attack?
Ali: It was my first time collaborating with Black Forest Polo, and despite the unexpected cancellation, Jan handled the situation flawlessly—keeping everyone aligned and positive. While it could have been an incredible project, we all adapted gracefully. Knut and Anna seem lovely and a visionary couple, who love Polo as well. Can’t wait to work with them in future, and bring life to some amazing ideas.

ENPOLO: In moments like those, how do you stay grounded or find purpose through your lens?
Ali: We have to create meaning from what the moment offers. Yes, it was disappointing - but we found each other in that disruption. The connections we made became the real win, and now? This year's plans will be even brighter.

ENPOLO: What's your take on the phrase: 'Polo is a passport to the world' - has that been true for you?
Ali: I love that idea, and I'm determined to make it my reality. This year marks the beginning of that journey for me – ask me again in two years, and I'll show you the stamps in my passport ;)

ENPOLO: What role do you think media and visual storytelling play in shaping the future of polo?
Ali: A massive role. Interesting question. All sports need strong marketing and visual storytelling to drive engagement - and polo is no exception. In fact, it might need it more than most. This is a sport of thunderous hooves, flying divots, and incredible athleticism, yet so much of its beauty remains hidden behind gates and exclusivity.
Powerful imagery and narrative can change that - they can transport viewers right to the sidelines, make them feel the adrenaline, understand the strategy, and fall in love with the culture. That's how you grow audiences, attract sponsors, and secure polo's future. The raw material is all there; our job is to capture it in ways that make people lean forward and say 'I need to see this live’.

ENPOLO: You connect deeply with horses - how do you capture their energy in still frames?
Ali: It’s always the same, but it’s never the same. So many variables at play—the light, the tension in the reins, the way a player’s weight shifts milliseconds before the horse responds.
Polo isn’t just about the horse; it’s that invisible current between human and animal, where anticipation becomes action. I look for those unspoken moments. You don’t just photograph motion—you photograph trust in motion.

ENPOLO: What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting out in polo photography or content creation?
Ali: Stay authentic and patient—this world rewards time, not shortcuts. The polo community is tight-knit and they all share a common love, which is horses; you can’t fake your way in.
But most importantly? Learn the sport inside out. Your anticipation should mirror the best player on the field—because just like them, you’re part of it.
If the adrenaline of polo doesn't thrill you or horses don't captivate your heart, this sport might seem boring. But if you feel that rush—the thunder of hooves, the precision of play—there's no greater spectacle on earth.

ENPOLO: And finally - what does polo mean to you in one word?
Ali: Adrenaline.

Thank you Ali alias HB Polo for this amazing interview!

You can visit Ali´s YouTube here!