I photograph sports, a lot. Ok, a lot a lot.
I have helped cover 8x Olympic Games, 9 if you include this:
Yeah, that happened 😉 .
When photographing sports my primary job is as a TV reporter/host. However, I’ve always been a photographer and a multi-platform storyteller, even before IG and YouTube made everyone a version of this.
Although I’m not competing for a medal in Paris, I still strive to be Faster, Higher, and Stronger.
(Catch that? It’s the Olympic motto – Citius, Altius, Fortius.)
Anyhow, you get it. I strive for excellence on ALL metrics and thanks to SONY, I can do that.
That’s why the best camera setup for the Paris Games will be in my bag:
This will be my camera & lens set up at the Paris Olympic Games.
In the past, when faces and eyes were obscured by glasses/goggles/cages, facial recognition struggled. Now, with SONY’s Alpha 9 III Real-Time Recognition, eyes remain in focus even when equipment gets in the way.
For anyone who’s photographed hockey, you’ll understand what a HUGE improvement this is.
Nothing is worse than capturing an important moment, only to end with a blurry image. Now, with the world’s first-ever Global Shutter, you capture clear images even at Olympic-level speeds. This camera can produce shutter speeds of up to 1/80,000 of a second.
Yes, you read that correctly and yes that’s fast, crazy fast.
The 5-axis Image Stabilization is my saviour when I’m in the field juggling TV and photography (or as a Mom on the sidelines). I travel as lightly as possible, so tripods are never in my kit – I only shoot handheld.
Another bonus to this feature is that I can shoot more video on the fly than ever before.
Sony’s new FE 2.8/300 GM OSS lens is the mac-daddy for sport. The glass is world-class, but another strong reason why it’s in my bag is because it weighs a mere 1.47 lbs. Yes, I am an Olympian (present tense) but I retired a long time ago, so the fitness is (sadly) past tense.
Compared to other glass from this class of lens, I consider it feather-light.
And, if I can carry less weight, I WILL!
I affectionately call the Custom Key button on my lens my Creative Button (CB for short). I set that up to quickly and easily add creativity to images whenever possible. When I’m reporting on an event, telling the story with clarity is my top priority. However, the artist in me LOVES switching things up.
I set my CB for a slow shutter speed, typically 1/20 to 1/60 of a second. That enables fast access to some creative magic.
So yes, I may be unconventional, but I remain world class thanks to this setup; SONY Alpha 9 III & FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
Plus, this setup will undoubtedly make you a popular parent as everyone will want YOUR images.
I hope you have a great summer and feel free to follow my Olympic journey @KellyVSki & @CBCOlympics.
Photographer & SONY Industry Advisor / Broadcaster / Olympian
Since then, my passion for this craft has only grown.
I have photographed Prince Harry & Prince William, countless families, infants, and couples so deeply in love I feel inspired to honour those connections. Winner of a Rise International Photography Award, finalist and award winner in the Documentary Family Awards, Epson Award, highlighted in PhotoNews magazine, and working in the industry across multiple platforms ensures I am constantly evolving.
I am also an Olympian and World Cup medallist as a downhill ski racer. This has grown into my ‘other’ career as a broadcaster, sports photographer & speaker.
I look forward to meeting and capturing your precious beginnings.
Image Credits: Kelly VanderBeek
Kelly VanderBeek Portrait: Alexis McKeown
