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Welcome to the Rene Leon Photography blog.
I consider this both a professional space to showcase my photography work and client photos as well as a personal place to share with you interesting photos, videos, articles, and artistic items I find along my way.
So please browse around. Add your comments. And, most of all, enjoy the view.
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Tag Archives: 2012 Olympics
Portraits of Olympic Proportions | El Paso Photographer
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about some of the amazing photographic moments captured by professional photographers covering the the 2012 Summer Olympics. The images published by the New York Times and other outlets were simply awesome examples of how all the action and energy of the Olympics can be conveyed in one frozen moment of time.
But there’s also a personal side to the Olympic athletes that should be expressed to their fans and followers, a side that may not be displayed in the heat of their athletic competitions. For that job, publications and agencies often hire portrait photographers to bring out the unique character traits and personalities of the Olympians.
And photographer Kevin Jairaj was the man lucky enough to snag this assignment from sports photo service US Presswire.
Gabby Douglas | © Kevin Jairaj/US Presswire
Professional Photographer Magazine recently published an article on Jairaj’s work during a media summit in Dallas for the Olympic athletes of Team USA.
The concepts he created, the sets he put up, and process through which he worked are all incredibly detail-oriented and visually arresting. There’s a behind-the-scenes photo in the article of his temporary studio in the ballroom of the summit’s host hotel that captures his efficient workflow, which he designed knowing that he will only have a very short amount of time with athletes who by then will have run the media gauntlet.
Set-up and Final Shot of McKayla Maroney | © Kevin Jairaj/US Presswire
One thing that really interested me was his comment on how he made the athletes feel like they were part of the process by explaining his concepts, set-ups and methods to them.
“Being a wedding photographer, I’m a people person. I’m comfortable being around all kinds of people, and that helps my subjects relax,” he told PPM writer Jeff Kent.
Alex Morgan | ©Kevin Jairaj/US Presswire
I think his background as a wedding photographer and his skills as a portraitist are in fine display in these photos. The athletes appear relaxed and comfortable with the camera, which is the result of them being relaxed and comfortable with the person behind the camera. And that’s a talent that’s built upon experience.
Be sure to click the links to read Jeff Kent’s article from Profesional Photographer Magazine and the view more of Kevin Jairaj’s photos and read his own words on this golden assignment.
Phil “The Thin Beast” Dalhauser | ©Kevin Jairaj/US Presswire
Posted in El Paso Photographer
Also tagged Alex Morgan, Athlete Portraits, Dramatic Lighting, El Paso Photographer, Gabby Douglas, Kevin Jairaj, McKayla Maroney, Olympic Athletes, Phil Dalhauser, Portrait Photography, Professional Photographer Magazine, Rene Leon Photography, Sports Photography, US Presswire
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Olympic Photo Gold | El Paso Photographer
Like a lot of people across the globe, this week I have been enthralled by the 2012 Olympics in London. It simply amazes me how these athletes build, train and push their bodies to achieve incredible goals.
After spending weeks watching the Tour de France last month, I’ve been happy to follow the Olympic cycling road races and time trials. And it’s been exciting to see so many of the other sports that really don’t get much coverage outside of Olympic years. Sports like swimming, diving, gymnastics, and beach volleyball are just of the few of the many events that have occupied my screen since Saturday.
Just as amazing as watching the events as they’re broadcast on television is flipping through the mind-blowing photographs captured by the professional press togs covering the games. With so many of the events moving at lightning-pace, being able to freeze the action in an instant is a skillful feat. So much determination, focus, and emotion is found just in browsing through the online galleries posted by some of the world’s top news organizations.
From the New York Times: “Peter Waterfield, left, and Tom Daley of Great Britain during the synchronized 10-meter platform dive. The pair placed fourth.” Photography by Adam Pretty of Getty Images.
I strongly encourage you to browse through the New York Times photo slideshows to see some truly amazing images. The faces of these athletes are exemplary of emotion and spirit of the Olympic games.
The photos also capture the regal nature of having these games in London, where many of the venues are located adjacent to and sometimes within actual royal palaces. One of the most majestic examples of this blend of sport and royalty was seen in the cycling time trials, starting and ending in front of Hampton Court, once the royal residence of Henry the VII. Adding to the noble splendor, the top three cyclists were seated upon gold and purple thrones in front of the palace, as seen in this great shot by photographer Paul Hanna featured by the New York Times.
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