Adrenaline, nerves, speed, control and loss of control, danger, madness, sweat, happiness, tension, smiles… Perhaps these are some of the words that can describe what lies behind an action or sports photo. If you have ever tried to photograph an extreme image (even with a mobile phone) you have surely felt this way.
My photographs attract attention (or so they say) due to their great contrasts, the use of flash and carefully studied compositions. These are key elements that I like to work with, and which in my opinion can make the difference and make viewers look at a photograph for a couple of seconds, or more than a minute.
I currently combine my career as a photographer with that of a filmmaker, as there are many projects that require stills and video. It is a field where I feel comfortable but which requires taking care of every detail even more so (Photoshop for video does not yet exist with which to manipulate images so much afterwards).
To get high-impact images, here are some tips:
- Know your photographic equipment well, how to use it and how to handle it. You must be confident that you will be able to solve any problem that may arise during the session.
- If you don't practice the sport you're going to photograph, do some research beforehand: watch videos on YouTube, or ask riders or models about the most important positions or moments of the action. It's essential that you understand the dynamics of each sport.
- Try to surround yourself with riders or models who have the discipline under control, don't take risks, it's very easy for everything to go well and for everything to go wrong.
- Visit the spots before taking the photos (whenever possible). It is interesting to plan the areas where you will be positioned, observe what the light will be like in the spot, etc.
- Pay attention to lighting conditions. Without light there is no photo.
ABOUT JAIME DE DIEGO
I am Jaime de Diego, a photographer with more than 17 years of experience in action, sports and motor photography. For much of my career I have worked for magazines and brands related to moving scenes, capturing the most intense moments of running, selecting the exact moment when the rider puts his knee on the asphalt of a circuit or photographing the key moment in the execution of a Wallride.
As a photographer I have been able to work with some of the most renowned athletes in the world, including Kilian Jornet, Marc Márquez, Carlos Sainz, Garbiñe Muguruza, Mario Mola, Daphne Schippers, Sergio Layos, etc., who have passed in front of my lens and with whom it has been a real privilege to work.
One of my maxims“You have to try to be in the right place at the right time. Getting a great photo can be due to luck or Karma, but it is usually more associated with hard work and a lot of effort.”
Instagram: @jaimedediego.photography
Facebook: jaimedediegophotographersports
web: www.jaimedediego.com
