Lorenz Holder on Winter Sports Photography

Interview with Lorenz Holder

Lorenz, your dynamic winter sports shots in spectacular landscapes are simply breathtaking. What fascinates you about the combination of action and nature in winter sports? I just really love being in nature, and of course, this influences my photography. I enjoy being exposed to the elements and find it amazing when, for example, an icy snowstorm passes through. That’s exactly the moment when you get the most atmospheric pictures. I want the viewer of my photos to feel as if they are in the scene, even while sitting comfortably at home by a warm fireplace. It's also important to me to show the bigger picture, the stunning environment where action sports take place.

You’ve experienced many extreme conditions during your shoots. Can you tell us about a particularly challenging experience and how you overcame it? I think the most extreme conditions I’ve ever faced were in northern Finland in December. The sun only shines for 2–3 hours and barely rises above the horizon, and the temperatures are around -20 degrees Celsius. When you add wind to the mix, it can get really uncomfortable. But if you prepare properly and wear thick clothing, it’s perfectly manageable. Hand warmers in gloves are also a must for me. With the right equipment, these moments—photographing in freezing cold with the soft remaining light of the winter sun—are both beautiful and enjoyable.

How important is preparation for you before heading out into the snow? How do you plan your shots, and how crucial is it to know the athletes well? In winter, preparation mainly focuses on choosing the right location. You have to scout the area and keep your eyes open for striking and great spots. If I find a location for a snowboarding trick, for example, it’s crucial to know the athlete well and understand what they excel at. Together as a team, we figure out how to get the best results.

Your photos often look highly artistic. How do you manage to combine the dynamics of sports with an aesthetic composition? I’m actually a big fan of landscape and architectural photography. A strong composition with clear lines and structures is very important to me. In my sports photography, I often try to incorporate elements of these genres into my work. This often results in the aesthetic compositions where the athlete is sometimes smaller in the frame to highlight the bigger picture.

Which WhiteWall products do you think best highlight the atmosphere of your winter sports photos? I clearly have two favorites: Firstly, I love classic photo prints under acrylic glass because they make the colors pop so beautifully. Secondly, I find the Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl print mounted on Alu-Dibond incredible because it really brings out the paper’s texture. With a shadow gap frame, it becomes a true highlight in any home.