“OK, I need that jacked dude over there next, the one with the 8 pack abs”
The year was 2016 and like my bald spot, my photo career was just getting started. It was my third year photographing the PSAC Swimming Championships. If I recall it was the year the “Harlem Shake“ was all the rave, which upset me because we all know this is the real “Harlem Shake”. But I digress. (also, it was actually popular in 2013)
Now, as creatives, athletes, writers, etc that have an annual gig, we have two options. First, we can either check the box, get it done and move on or second, we push the envelope we try something new or different and see what it leads to. It’s easy to sometimes dismiss an annual event and simple doing what is asked and completing the assignment. But what happens as we grow, we change and our point of view shifts.
I remember wanting to start pivoting away from events and race photography to proving to myself (and future clients) that I have a particular set of skills that might be worth paying attention to.
What opportunities exist or can be explored by just asking? What recurring gig or event do you have that might be worth trying something new at?
After seeing there was a 3 hours break in between swim sessions, I immediately decided that 1) I must get Chipotle 2) This would be great opportunity to create swim portraits
One of the best things a photographer can do to improve their images is having great models. Being at a Championship event surrounded by athletes in their peak form set the project up for success. I prepared to hopefully do this by bringing the gear, taking a course on retouching and having made connections. Laying the groundwork for yourself makes it easier to say yes and take a chance when these moments come up. I could argue its borderline speaking it into existence. Making purchases and taking courses requires a tremendous amount of faith and courage. We’re betting our ourselves and our future. So instead of shouting “I want to take new and awesome portraits” and crossing our fingers, we have to instead precede that statement with action.
First comes the faith, second you take action, then comes the opportunity.
What is really wild to think is this was in February of 2016. Without me doing this project, it 100% wouldn’t have led to the idea of capturing the 2016 Olympic Trials Portraits. This project gave me the confidence to put the idea out there and for Tracksmith to be the one company that ran with it.
I have a saying that everything leads to something. I still standby that one.
I connected with the staff to share the idea and they loved it and were willing to help me wrangle the athletes that I thought we should capture. This is huge in any project. The fact that it wasn’t some random photographer but someone who’s face they’ve seen before and trust I think really lent itself to the athletes having a lower barrier of saying “yes”.
All the ingredient for success were in place : One gray background (held up with tape), three lights and less than a minute with each athlete.
The athletes were great to work with. Some of them were giggly so I just captured that. Others could get their game face one rather quickly so we rolled with that. I scoped out swimmers who looked interesting to me. The goal was to capture them in these ‘in between’ moments of what is just so routine to them. I watched for a while as they prepared to practice their starts and enter the water. Putting their goggles on, securing their swim caps. I also realized they didn’t towel off. They would kinda just drip dry. I knew that was something to capture.
To think that a few years later I’m still photographing athletes on only a few minutes is something that’s interesting. Yes I’ve done shoots with models and athletes where we spend an hour together. But theres still something about restricting myself to one minute. I tend not to overthink it. I act more on instinct and have less fear since I have to get what I need. Otherwise the opportunity will be over and I’ll be left with regret.
I think thats what a lot of us fear. An opportunity coming by, not having the faith in ourselves to prep or say yes and it’s over. Regret.
I know I’ve been there before. It only took once for me to learn my lesson. Life it too short. But if you’ve missed that chance, don’t get too down on yourself. It’s not a productive mindset. Another chance will come along when you least expect it.
Until them, keep Harlem Shakin’.
Peep the full set of swim portraits.
Quick links:
Overpriced stand up desks are 10% off
Person I plan on reaching out to hopefully they like my style
That Linq touchless contact transfer card I keep talking about
Crazy cool job - Social Media Coordinator for Marvel
Laying the Foundation for Success
This inspires me to step outside that comfort zone and bridge that gap between concept and action. Enjoying this behind the scenes look, keep it coming!