The Fascination of Actionsports Photography – Interview with Lorenz Holder

Photo: Lorenz Holder - BMX rider Senad Grosic stands in the Spanish apartment complex La Muralla Roja.

You've been working as a photographer for more than 15 years now. What matters to you most when it comes to action sports photography?

For me it is insanely important that I use my pictures to show where athletes do what they do, the beauty that this environment has to offer to a certain extent. I think it's always nice when you get a little extra kick from the athletes and when there is also something to discover in the pictures. That's why the athlete is often a bit smaller for me. For me, action sports and action sports photography in particular is an incredibly creative process where I can completely let loose. And for me, it's simply the arena that offers me the most room to play and where I can let off some steam. That's why action sports photography fascinates me so much.

How do you prepare yourself to create a symbiosis between the environment, architecture, and athletes in your images?

I would say that 90 percent of my photos are created in my head before I even pick up the camera. I then research where to find good angles, where there are some great interesting objects. Essentially, when I get to the location, for me it's mostly just putting the pieces together that have been prepared at home and through research.

What advice would you give someone who has also stumbled upon a great location and is thinking about capturing that special place with a camera?

So, a good tip for anyone who has somehow come across a great location is for them to really absorb it first, to let it sink in. I always say to breathe in the location. And this also lets you gain a very good sense of where the fascinating spots, the fascinating points are in this location. So a good tip is just to take your time, let it sink in, and only get out the camera after that.

Do you have a favorite lens you use in your shoots?

My favorite focal lengths are actually always relatively long. I like to work with 70 - 200 mm. This is my dream lens. In the La Muralla Roja apartment complex, where my current shoot is taking place, we are a little more limited because everything is a little tighter and more convoluted. We use a wide-angle lens here from time to time to see if we can get some nice perspectives.

You have been a WhiteWall customer for a long time. Why did you choose this photo lab?

The simple reason is because I was incredibly intrigued by the quality of the prints. I'm always a huge fan when I later see my pictures on the wall. When I ultimately stand in front of the finished product that I had envisioned in my head, it's just an unbelievably wonderful feeling.

Photos: Lorenz Holder - BMX rider attracts attention with tricks in apartment complex

Which products at WhiteWall have you chosen recently?

I really have two favorite products at WhiteWall. The first is the Original Photo Print Under Matte Acrylic Glass, the brilliance is just great and there isn't a lot of matte acrylic around. This is an incredibly wonderful medium. And my second favorite product is the Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl paper, which has such a velvety surface, a cool feel and it's just fun to look at the pictures on it.