The Unexpected Side of Sport: Photographing Olympic Winter Athletes in a Milan 5 Star Hotel
High-Fashion Meets High-Performance
Merging the world of Olympic sports with the luxury of a 1920s Italian hotel creates a fascinating visual contrast. The juxtaposition of technical gear—skis, helmets, and aerodynamic suits—against marble floors and crystal chandeliers demands a meticulous approach to composition and lighting.
In this setting, the camera becomes a tool for storytelling, capturing the "authenticity" and character of champions like Carolina Kostner in a space where they are least expected.
Action photography inside a hotel presents unique obstacles, primarily the lack of space for natural athletic movement. To overcome this, the use of wide-angle lenses is essential. A wide focal length allows the photographer to stay close to the athlete while still capturing the grandeur of the architecture.
Mastering Movement in Confined Spaces
Action photography inside a hotel presents unique obstacles, primarily the lack of space for natural athletic movement. To overcome this, the use of wide-angle lenses is essential. A wide focal length allows the photographer to stay close to the athlete while still capturing the grandeur of the architecture.
To inject energy into static poses, creating transitions through movement—such as having a snowboarder perform a 360-degree spin into a pool—simulates the dynamism of their sport within a controlled environment.
Lighting a 5-star hotel requires a delicate balance between existing ambient light and artificial strobes. The goal is often to highlight the athlete's form while preserving the warm, golden glow of the venue.
The Play of Light and Bokeh
Lighting a 5-star hotel requires a delicate balance between existing ambient light and artificial strobes. The goal is often to highlight the athlete's form while preserving the warm, golden glow of the venue.
By focusing on distant light sources in the background, one can produce beautiful bokeh balls, adding a layer of texture and "magic" to the shot. This technique is particularly effective in dimly lit areas like the Principe Bar, where the reflections on glassware and polished wood provide the perfect canvas for out-of-focus highlights.
• Leverage Wide Angles: In tight hotel suites, a 16mm or 24mm lens helps capture the environment without losing the subject.
• Focus on Eyes: Even when athletes are in full gear or helmets, ensure the focus is sharp on the eyes to maintain a human connection.
• Embrace Contrast: Look for "out of place" elements—like skis in a bedroom—and use them to create a narrative-driven composition.
Video via Mathieu Forget | Prints available on his website www.forgetmatlab.com | Philipe Wojcik: behind the scenes and the edit of this amazing video
Expert Tips for Indoor Action Portraits:
• Control Your Depth: Use a wide aperture to separate your subject from complex backgrounds, ensuring the athlete remains the focal point.• Leverage Wide Angles: In tight hotel suites, a 16mm or 24mm lens helps capture the environment without losing the subject.
• Focus on Eyes: Even when athletes are in full gear or helmets, ensure the focus is sharp on the eyes to maintain a human connection.
• Embrace Contrast: Look for "out of place" elements—like skis in a bedroom—and use them to create a narrative-driven composition.
Project Resume
The Mission
Photographing Winter Olympic athletes inside a historic Milanese luxury hotel.
Key Athletes
Feat. Dorothea Wierer, Robert Mircea, Patrick Baumgartner, Marta Bassino, Leo Framarin, Carolina Kostner & Valentina Marageglio
Techniques
Wide apertures for depth of field, wide-angle transitions, and environmental storytelling.
Location
Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan (founded 1927).
Video via Mathieu Forget | Prints available on his website www.forgetmatlab.com | Philipe Wojcik: behind the scenes and the edit of this amazing video
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