Ray Demski aimed to capture the speed and intensity of skiing in this photo shoot session with ski racer Emma Aicher on behalf of Red Bull. High-speed sync features were used to capture action-packed scenes at 1/4000 of a second, showcasing both her talent and the drama of alpine skiing.
Ray Demski: "When Red Bull tasked me with photographing alpine ski racer Emma Aicher, I knew I wanted to create something different from the typical race day shots. I wanted to capture the essence of speed and intensity.
On the day of the shoot, the weather was cloudy and overcast, providing the perfect backdrop for the dramatic shots I had in mind. With the natural light being flat, I decided to create my own dynamic lighting to enhance the mood of the photographs.
For the action shots, I set up a powerful key light using the Satos 3200 J pack powered by four batteries. With a Pulso L head through a Para 133 HR modifier at its softest setting, I was able to achieve a clean, punchy light that wasn't overly harsh. To add depth and separation, we positioned a backlight using a move 1200L power pack with a mobiLED head and P70 standard reflector. This provided a crisp rim light, beautifully illuminating Emma against the snowy backdrop and adding a subtle shine to her helmet.
Utilizing High-Speed Sync (HSS) on the Satos and High-Sync (HS) on the move, I was able to freeze the action with a shutter speed of 1/4000, slightly overpowering the ambient daylight to create a darker, more dramatic mood.
Despite the rapidly melting snow and limited time for shooting, we made every moment count, capturing the intensity and skill of Emma's skiing in each shot.
For the portraits, I continued to use the Satos 3200 J pack with four batteries and a Pulso L head, this time through a 150cm Octa softbox. This provided a beautifully soft light that was easy to maneuver for different angles and shots. By using HSS mode, I could seamlessly balance the ambient daylight with the flash, adjusting shutter speeds between 1/3200th and 1/5000th while maintaining a relatively open aperture for a shallow depth of field.
The quick recycle times and consistent power output of the Satos 3200 pack meant I never had to wait for the next shot, even while shooting outdoors and overpowering the spring sun.
In the end, we were able to capture stunning images that not only showcase Emma's incredible talent but also convey the speed, intensity, and drama of alpine skiing at its finest."
Credits:
Athlete: Emma Aicher
Client: Red Bull
Photographer: Ray Demski
Assistants: Jan Eric-Euler, Chris Schäfer
Hair & Makeup: Maria Mutz
