Eric Berger’s winning photo in Red Bull Illume’s New Creativity category is a reminder for any photographer who thinks they need complex lighting techniques or a 'big photo concept' to produce a truly creative photo. The photo combined all the classic elements of a ski shoot – a powder trail, a sense of acceleration, bluebird skies – with a really interesting twist. Eric literally got down 'in the hole' to shoot the action from below while capturing some beautiful ice formations.
As Eric also noted in his description of the photo, "it resembles a closing wave shot from within". The photo has depth, that says it all. It was also Eric’s 'lucky photo', winning him 'Photo of the Year' at Powder Magazine in 2010
With over twenty five years experience as a freelance photographer, including ten years at Transworld Snowboarding in the 1990s, Red Bull Illume caught up with Eric to find out more about his life as an action sports photographer and what advice he would give to photographers working their way up in action sports photography.
Q: What reception have you received since winning your category in Red Bull Illume?
I was surprised to see how many people were aware of the victory and I’ve had a great reaction from friends and peers.
Q: What difference has winning made to your photography career?
I wouldn't say it has made a difference in my career other than being further motivated to create exhilarating images and experiment with creative techniques.
Q: What’s inspiring you right now as a photographer?
I am getting much pleasure out of furthering my digital processing abilities and experimenting with creative manipulations.
Q: What must a photographer keep in mind while shooting an action scene?
When I get ready to shoot and action image, my first thought is composition. How can I best capture the moment and convey the excitement. I also think of exposure. Do I want to freeze the action or create the illusion of motion through a blur? What sort of depth of field will work best and so on.
Once I have established these points, I move towards communicating my expectations to the athlete so that we are on the same page as to what is going to happen and where. Planning and communication are everything in the type of photography I capture. I also think of safety and make sure that both the athlete and myself are out of harms way and if necessary, we have a safety plan in place.
Q: How important is location to you?
It depends on what you are trying to capture. Often in sports photography, the action is what you are after, regardless of the location. However, when shooting sports, I always try to capture the image in a setting that enhances the action. So for me, location is very important.
Q: In the field, what kind of challenges do you get and how do you overcome them?
I shoot ski and snowboard photography mainly so the obvious challenges are working in cold temperatures and being exposed to the elements. Other challenges include accessing the locations which in my case, are often in the backcountry. This brings other concerns such as avalanche hazards and exit strategies.
I overcome all these challenges through experience. First I choose to work with gear that is designed to withstand the elements. I dress accordingly and have years of experience working in the mountains. Sometimes I shoot in resorts, which is relatively safe and easy to get around. Other times we use helicopters, which requires patience around the machine and awareness of the surrounding dangers. I also occasionally use a snowmobile to access backcountry locations. This requires a whole different set of skills that can only be overcome through experience.
Q: How do you physically and mentally prepare for your shoots?
It really depends on the assignment. For basic, day to day shooting at the resort, I check the weather forecast, call up athletes and plan a meeting time. Once we are on the hill, I let my gut take over and look for inspiration around me as we move through the mountains. I don’t like to 'force' a shot if I don’t feel it creatively.
For more complicated shoots such as location travel, I inform myself of the details of the location and how best to prepare for it. For dangerous locations I draw upon my experience and try to use good judgment.
Q: What is the best equipment for practicing sports photography?
You need to adapt to whatever it is you are shooting. In my case, I work in mountainous winter conditions so I choose to work with the best gear available to me whether it be clothing, camera gear, skis, etc.
Regarding camera equipment specifically, I choose to work with a digital SLR body and fast lenses. My body is a Nikon D3s, which is incredibly rugged and versatile. I have a number of lenses ranging from a fisheye to 300mm f2.8. I prefer to work with zoom lenses for the most part to minimize the gear I have to carry.
Q: What interesting shoots or projects do you have coming up?
I’ve been working on putting together a vintage collection of images for a British Cycling magazine that is re-publishing a story I was involved with 13 years ago in Bike Magazine. Beyond that I am beginning to put together ideas for trips for this coming winter season. They include heli-skiing in British Columbia and hopefully a trip to Europe.
Q: What words of wisdom would you share to anyone wanting to become an action sports photographer?
1. Learn the fundamentals of photography and understand how your equipment works. Do not rely on automatic settings.
2. Understand the sports you are going to shoot so that you know what moments to capture and how best to create exciting images of them.
3. Prepare yourself so that you can overcome complications such as bad weather and logistics.
4. Learn to communicate with your athletes and gain their trust. Never force anyone to do something they are not comfortable with.
5. Have your act together and always be professional in your approach.
www.ericbergerphotography.com
Red Bull Illume winner interviews: Eric Berger
Red Bull Illume winner interviews: Eric Berger
