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.
Dean Treml

About the shot

Biography
I was fascinated by photography at an early age, which meant my mum had to pay good money to develop films of dubious worth! I bought my first new camera at 14 and in the years that followed I got a taste of working for a newspaper, studio, shooting weddings and portraits. As a result I knew I preferred the editorial, photojournalistic style of work.
I like carrying a small kit and not worrying about lots of gear slowing me down. When I’m working my mindset is to try and give an inside perspective of any sport or event I cover and tell a story, particularly the personal human element. I’m not a big fan of preconceived ideas. Rather I enjoy the challenge and buzz of just turning up to shoot a different sport or event, regardless of the location or conditions, and adapting.
I’ve been working as a photographer for nearly 30 years now and in that time I’ve been really fortunate that it’s introduced me to some amazing colleagues, taught me about journalistic integrity, shown me the world, from shooting Olympic Games to international rugby amidst a crowded stadium, to a lonely skateboarder trying to nail a kick-flip or kids playing football in a slum.
I’m thrilled to have been working for some fantastic clients, including international news agency AFP, Getty Images and Red Bull, and proud to have been recognised and awarded in such photo competitions as Picture of the Year International, Red Bull Illume and NZ Press Photographer of the Year.