How to photograph skiers: tips for creating dynamic sports shots

27.04.2021

How to photograph skiers: tips for creating dynamic sports shots

Photographing skiers on the slopes is not only exciting, but also a technically challenging task that requires careful preparation. Sports shots should convey the energy of movement, the clarity of silhouettes and the beauty of snowy landscapes. To succeed, a photographer needs to consider several key points: how to protect equipment from cold, how to focus on an object in motion, and how to set up the camera to create high-quality shots. In this article, we’ll reveal the secrets of shooting skiers that will help you create dynamic and professional photos.

How to handle equipment in winter conditions

Shooting in the cold creates additional challenges for the photographer, as low temperatures affect the operation of the equipment. The first problem is that the batteries drain quickly. In cold weather, batteries lose their charge much faster, so always keep spare batteries warm, for example, in an inside jacket pocket. The second problem is that the camera shutter may slow down, which can affect the clarity of your photos. To avoid these problems, keep the camera warm, for example, under a jacket, and only take it out just before shooting.

If you’re using a large professional camera or medium format equipment, finding a warm place for it may be more difficult. In this case, consider a special case or bag with insulation. For non-professional family photography on a ski slope, you don’t need to take an expensive DSLR camera – a compact camera or even a modern smartphone will often be enough to create good pictures. However, if your goal is professional photography, it is better to use high-quality equipment with appropriate settings and lenses that are suitable for fast movement and difficult conditions.

Another tip is to protect your camera from snow and moisture. The weather can be unpredictable on the slopes, so use protective covers or special lens films. If snow gets on the lens, gently clean it with a soft cloth to avoid scratches.

Focus and composition rules

To take a good picture of a skier, you need to determine the location in advance. Choose a point from which it will be convenient for you to capture the athlete’s movement. For example, position yourself so that you can see the skier against the backdrop of a slope or a picturesque landscape. It’s important to establish clear communication with the subject: agree on a signal that will indicate the start of the movement. It can be a hand gesture, such as a raised hand, that is easy to recognize. This coordination is necessary because you need time to get to the location, set up the camera, and get ready to shoot. Don’t forget to take off your gloves when working with the equipment – it will make it easier to set up and make the process more comfortable.

Focusing is one of the most important aspects of sports photography. There are two main approaches. The first is to focus in advance on a certain section of the track where the skier will appear and take a picture when he or she enters the frame. The second is to track the skier’s movement through the viewfinder or screen of a modern digital camera, taking a picture at the right moment. In the second case, it is important to know the reaction speed of your camera, because even a minimal shutter delay can lead to the fact that instead of a clear silhouette of a skier, you will only get a snowy background. To avoid such mistakes, test your equipment in advance and make sure it responds quickly.

The exposure should be adjusted for the subject, not for a bright background, because the snow and sky may be too light, which will darken the skier. It’s best to measure the exposure in advance, focusing on the skier in a static position. For example, ask him to stop on the piste at full height to set up the camera. If you’re shooting a close-up or the skier is moving perpendicular to you, make sure you capture the dynamics of the movement. There are two ways to do this: the first is to highlight the skier’s clear silhouette by blurring the background with a fast shutter speed (for example, 1/1000th of a second). This will create the effect of seeing the scene through the eyes of the athlete. The second is to freeze the entire frame with a clear background and skier, using an even shorter shutter speed (1/2000 s or less). In this case, the movement is transmitted to through the skier’s pose, for example, when he is in a jump or turn, which is subconsciously perceived as dynamics.

Photographing skiers is a combination of technical training, quick reaction, and creative vision. To get high-quality shots, take care to protect your equipment from the cold, set the focus and exposure correctly, and experiment with composition. For example, try shooting from a low angle to emphasize the height of the jump, or use natural elements of the landscape, such as trees or rocks, to create interesting shots. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches – over time, you’ll learn how to capture the perfect moment for the shot. Such photos not only convey the energy of the sport, but also become vivid memories of winter adventures!