Craig, who has been shooting pro since 2001, has developed a unique style of sports photography and perfected a super-fast workflow in keeping with the high-pressure rigours of shooting events and commercial projects for clients such as Red Bull, Oakley and Salomon. His work, however, is not only commercial and brand based. He has a long string of editorial clients, including Bicycling, Runner’s World, the Red Bulletin and Private Edition, all of which he regularly shoots covers for.
Orms sits down with Craig to unpack his journey as one of the country’s top sports photographers.
Tell us about yourself and how you got into sports photography.
I got into sports photography while still in high school. I grew up surfing and skateboarding and was heavily influenced by international surf and skate magazines – I just found it super interesting how those images were taken. I started with Kodak point-n-shoot film camera and slowly progressed to a friend’s SLR gear. Eventually, I started investing in my own gear. The first image I ever sold was to ZigZag surf mag. It was paid as a ‘cheque’ and was R32. Crazy!
Most photographers specifically sport photographers, try to specialize in one or two sports. Why do you choose to take on so much (Running, cycling, adventure, kiting etc.)?
Growing up shooting a niche sport – especially in SA – did not leave much room for growth, so shooting ‘just’ surfing was not viable and to make a proper living, I knew from early on I would have to diversify and be versatile. This expanded even further when I started shooting for Red Bull and found a few sports I really liked. I’ve kind of stuck to those and rotate them in a system of sorts as they are seasonal.
Tell us about your approach to different projects and creative processes.
I always start with research to ensure I go into a project comfortable with what is required. I still get nervous on shoots, but I think if you get too comfortable, you might lose that all-important edge. The bigger projects are usually with athletes with whom we have long-standing relationships, so there is a certain level of trust and understanding.
What advice do you have for aspiring adventure creatives?
I think the main thing is to be yourself and shoot what you enjoy. If you’re not enjoying it, then why are you doing it?
What are the absolute musts in your kit bag for every project?
I almost always have two Nikon bodies and three lenses: Nikon 70-200mm, Nikon 24-70mm, and Nikon 50mm. I can pretty much get away with this gear on most shoots. I also use three or four different Fstop camera bags for specific shoots. Hidden in these, I have a spare card and battery as backup. I love gadgets, so this list can be endless…
What are some of your favourite projects you’ve worked on, and why?
Recently we were in Lesotho shooting Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel circumnavigating the country. It was a proper expedition that required us to be self-sufficient the entire way for over two weeks. The weather was treacherous, and we faced many challenges, but it was super rewarding to be on the supporting (and documenting) side of that one. I’ll remember that forever. This also took two years of planning, so long-term commitment is very important to what we do.
Who’s the most exciting athlete you’ve worked with, and why?
Wow, this is a tough one. I have worked with so many unique, talented people. All of them are characters in their own right – it would be impossible to highlight one person. The one thing I have learned working with big-name athletes is that they are just like you and me and sometimes just want to be treated like normal people.
Look out for more of Craig’s work and his adventures via his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/craigkolesky/
