“When you see the perfect image, you should feel as if you were in the race yourself.”
Name: Jakob Edholm
Age: 35
Family: Anna & daughter Lovis
Years working as ÖTILLÖ official photographer: 8
Equipment: Nikon D810 & D5 with a bunch of lenses and AquaTech underwater housings. DJI Phantom 4 drone.
Camera used for this photo: Nikon D810 with Nikon 24-70mm lens. AquaTech underwater housing.
Website: www.jakobedholm.com
Instagram: @fotojakobedholm
Facebook: @fotojakobedholm
SLM: What is the ideal ÖTILLÖ image for you?
JE: For me ÖTILLÖ is all about the challenge, the action and nature. When you capture all of this, in a creative and appealing composition, you can achieve the perfect image. Ideally you catch the dedication in the subject’s eyes, the speed of the race and the greatness of the surrounding nature.
SLM: How do you approach the perfect ÖTILLÖ picture?
JE: I always strive to get close to the race – into the race and the racers. When you see the perfect image, you should feel as if you were in the race yourself. That is why I spend lot of time in the water, near the swimmers, or chasing the racers on the running sections.
SLM: How did you know the “Evolution Image” was the ultimate shot?
JE: This location, at the end of the second swim on the ÖTILLÖ course, has always been special to me. The morning light here is magic and the racers are focused on the huge challenge ahead of them. After finding the perfect camera view, and watching a numbers of racers struggling to get up on the slippery rocks, I finally came across some beautiful swimrun teamwork. I just knew this was a winning photo, and that this was the winning team …
SLM: How do you continue to capture such expressions when you have taken so many great images?
JE: You need to stay curious and challenge yourself. What if I fly over the racers? What if I swim under them? Can I get even closer? Can I run even further, to find a better spot? These challenges are what make this job so much fun.
Article first published in Swimrun Life Magazine Issue # 2 (Apr/May 2017)
