The first couple events I shot came with a steep learning curve.
So, heres the article I wish Id had nine years ago when I was just getting started.
But, in a comp setting, everyone has a plan.
The organizers have a plan for when and where skiers will be riding.
The skiers have a plan for what tricks they want to do where.
So, if you show up without a plan, youre going to have a hard time.
It’s sorta impossible to plan for a surprise BN run, but sometimes you get lucky!
That plan can be flexible, it can change and evolve.
Learn the Rules
Every venue and competition will have different rules.
Theyll have zones you are and arent allowed to shoot from.
If youre not sure where youre allowed to shoot from, ask someone official looking.
Nothing hurts your chances of doing good work like getting banned for poaching an off-limits area.
Learn the rules, build your plan around them.
This is the bare minimum that it would take to create the content Im planning on publishing.
Ill back those images up to the cloud from my phone, as soon as Ive shot them.
And, while thats admirable, it usually doesnt really fit your end goals.
Instead, work to get a variety of shots, with different perspectives.
Shoot both landscape and portrait.
Usually at a comp there will be one or two shots that make a ton of sense.
These are the photos everyone will be lined up to get.
But dont just shoot every spin up the same way.
Switch up focal lengths and vantage points.
Vary the amount of space the skier is taking up in your frame.
Grab some reaction shots of the crowd.
Create visual interest through variety.
Change things up, keep it fresh.
check that your batteries are charged.
ensure you have extra cards.
check that you never formatt a card that hasnt been backed up.
Bring a power bank and cables so you’re able to charge on the fly.
Having your shit together makes it a lot easier to do your job.
And if its your first big break, your first major comp, be over-prepared.
Borrow an extra body just in case.
Triple check your gear.
Batteries die in the cold.
SD cards get corrupted.
Tell a Story
This applies anytime youre shooting, but good photography usually comes with an element of storytelling.
But for there to be a story there needs to be context.
Thats why guy-in-the-sky photos suck.
No context = no story.
Rules are made to be broken.
Sometimes the guy is really high in the sky, and the sky is really cool.
This ties into the get multiple angles point.
Shooting a variety of angles and features adds to the storyline and drama.
Vary what you shoot.
Get shots of the judges or course marshals.
Get shots of park crew if they touch up a feature.
Same jump, same trick, different angle, different skier, different addition to the story.
Be Versatile
No matter what you think of social media, its the way of the world these days.
Its not hard to shoot a run with your phone in one hand and your camera in the other.
Mr. Bishop getting the shot for Snapchat, back before Instagram stories were a thing.
That can mean editing on an ipad or laptop in the lodge, as the event winds down.
Regardless, do your job quickly and well.
Get it done before you party.
Then you’re able to go out on the town with a clean conscience.
Editing photos is easiest right after you shoot them.
Submit them, then go party, or hit the spa, or ski for yourself or whatever.
Its always better and easier to do your job, and then relax.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, the hardest one for last.
Take care of yourself.
Your work will only be as good as the state of mind youre in while shooting.
So ensure youre in a good place mentally and physically.
Bring more insulating layers than you think you need.
Bring sunscreen and lip balm (and use them before you need them.)
Drink lots of water, even if you dont want to.
Bring electrolyte tablets to add to your water.
confirm your boots are comfy.
Bring lots of snacks.
Bring a leatherman or equivalent multitool.
Bring extra contacts or glasses.
I almost got frostbite this day.
I did not get good shots.
Shooting skiing involves a lot of sitting and standing around in the snow.
Dont count on the media tent, or its equivalent, to be a perfect oasis in the storm.
But often theres not much in the way of amenities for the media.
So be prepared to be self-sufficient.
Create a space that enables you to do your job well.
Conclusion
Shooting ski competitions is awesome!
But there can be a steep learning curve.
Make a plan, be prepared, and most of all, make the most of it.
Any opportunity worth pursuing is worth savoring.
