Winter Olympics: Photographer's View from Italy

A photographer detailed their inaugural experience at the Winter Olympics, held in northern Italy. The event offered a diverse array of sports, from the elegance of figure skating to the intensity of ice hockey and the precision of curling.

Venues presented a striking contrast, with Livigno embodying a modern snow sports hub and Cortina representing a traditional skiing establishment. Milan hosted events in modernist arenas accessible via public transport. However, travel between these locations, particularly during adverse weather like a blizzard, proved challenging and exhausting.

The fast pace of many winter sports, with speeds reaching up to 93mph for lugers, demanded split-second reactions. The photographer also navigated the unpredictability of athletic performance, witnessing favorites like Lindsey Vonn crash out while capturing moments of triumph, such as Matt Weston's skeleton gold medal win.

Artistic opportunities arose, including an experimental technique for ski jumping photos. By over-exposing athletes against the dark sky, the photographer aimed to create otherworldly silhouettes, a style that became a personal favorite from the Games.