The idea for the image came about after I looked through the fisheye lens. i wanted a picture that covered all the angles to give a full picture of the event and the shape of the arena. I’d been shooting FMX in bull fighting rings for years, including the Plaza de Toros in Mexico where this picture was taken, but I had never quite shown this place in the right light. The arena is incredible, seating 45,000 spectators – but my pictures never quite conveyed my feelings for the location until this shot.
I set up radio-remote flashlights to freeze the action in the best way possible, taking pictures from every possible angle. The final image is a combination of raw files out of my full-frame digital camera. The image for me represents all the emotions I feel when I’m down in the ring at red Bull X-Fighters.
Flo Hagena

About the shot

Biography
I was dropped onto earth in 1973 in Munich. I grew up doing a lot of outdoor sports in the mountains and lakes, including snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing and skateboarding. These sports inspired me most, so I always wanted to shoot them as I had a feeling for them. I’ve always known what the adrenaline rush is like.
I got my first film camera when I was 14 and used my dad’s SLR until I could afford my own. I learned photography by just working in my photo lab, analyzing the good and bad results. Photography has always been my passion, but I studied medicine for three years. I got bored with that and wanted to do something creative instead. i then began shooting for advertising agencies and magazines, and decided to study Media Design and informatics so that I could get ready for digital life.
I like to work closely with athletes, and try to find out what they see – adding creativity and energy to my photos. I’m fascinated by being able to freeze a single moment in one image because it gives me my drive. I never like to miss a good shot. Whatever it takes, wherever I can find a better angle, I just go for it. if it’s worth it, I’ll risk it – no matter if I have to run, jump, climb or swim to get the picture. Photography is my love, a drug, my spirit.