Category Finalist 2010: Close Up

Dean Treml

This shot shows the Australian diver Steve Black performing a back three and a half twist from the 26-meter (85-feet) platform on the Rickmer Rickmers tall ship during the sixth round of the Red Bull Cliff Diving series in Hamburg, Germany in August, 2009.

It was around midday and the sun was directly overhead. I had previously noticed that Steve had a backward dive, which kept his body open as he twisted after take-off from the platform – unlike many others who would tuck or somersault, obscuring their faces.

Storm clouds had rolled through in the west providing a dark background and with the sun overhead it allowed for some cool contrast if it was shot right. I ran east around to the opposite side, as I knew Steve was due to dive soon but had no idea if this dive would be the one I was hoping for. As he was being announced by the commentator, I was jostling through the crowd trying to get a good angle and as soon as I was fairly happy I turned and took a quick spot reading, set my exposure and four seconds later this shot was the result. By the time the next diver was on the platform less than three minutes later, those special light conditions were gone.

PHOTO INFO

Photographer: Dean Treml
Athletes: Steve Black
Location: Hamburg, Germany

TECHNICAL INFO

Camera: Canon 50D
Lens: 120-300 mm
ISO: 400
F-Stop: f4.0
Shutter speed: 1/8000