Birds of Prey World Cup Ski Racing – Beaver Creek, Colorado

I’m a bit behind in making this post–due to ringing in the New Year, but here we go anyway.

For the last three years, I have photographed the World Cup races in Beaver Creek as a newspaper photographer. The 2008 races are the first I shot as an independent photographer. One thing I never seem to get use to is all the speed and weight these guys put on two little edges. Heck, often it’s one edge. Unbelievable! Many of these images are not of the winners. I tend to like the guys who are not making a perfect run, just holding on by the skin of their teeth! The winners usually look way too clean.

I shot two races for myself, mostly to take advantage of the creative freedom. Also, I wanted to make sure if I did have a ski racing assignment for an agency, that I could confidently pick a good spot on the course and get a shot of every racer–without missing focus. That was my approach for the Men’s Downhill race, which was a success. However, it did lock me down to one gate for the whole race. But that’s how the downhill goes.

Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin of France, finished with a time of 1:45.48

Hans Olsson of Sweden, finished with a time of 1:46.69

Andreas Strodl of Germany looses his footing and finds himself sideways during the men’s downhill race. Strodl somehow recovered and finished with a time of 1:47.11. That’s 45 out of 59!

Andreas Strodl of Germany loses his footing and finds himself sideways during the men’s downhill race. Strodl somehow recovered and finished with a time of 1:47.11. That’s 45 out of 59!

If you are a photog and want a shot of Bode Miller, one of the most intense ski racers out there, you might want to get high on the course. Otherwise, chances are he will crash before he gets to you. However, if he doesn’t crash, he is sure to be in the top three. This guy is the most anticipated racer to watch, with his all or nothing all the time race style. I love it!!! Bode did not finish this one. Bummer.

For the Men’s Giant Slalom I wanted to try and take the more creative approach to ski racing. Just to see what would happen. I attempted to get something a little bit different and still make a clear point. This can be hard to do at such an event.