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