Behind the scenes: Olympic medalist “kicks the sun” in these amazing photos

The Paris Olympic Games 2024 are behind us, leaving us with some iconic moments and, of course – some iconic photos. Photographer Dustin Snipes is the man behind a fantastic series showcasing Red Bull Athlete Trinity Rodman. In a series titled Kick the Sun, the young gold medalist uses the sun as a stand-in for a soccer ball, creating visually stunning and dynamic images. Other than images, Dustin shares the process behind the shoot, and we’re glad to bring them to you in this article.

The shooting process: a balancing act

The shoot was a complex undertaking, with several factors to consider. “The hardest part [is] finding a good location,” Dustin explains. “We need a clear sky or some sort of clear horizon, because basically, we have to overpower the sun.” They also had to take into account the sun’s position in the sky, ensuring it aligned perfectly with their desired shots. So everything – the timing, place, and weather had to be perfect.

Dustin used a combination of digital tools and real-world scouting to find the ideal location. Google Earth provided a 3D perspective, while apps like Sun Seeker helped determine the sun’s path. The Washington Monument, a prominent landmark in the area, was chosen as the backdrop, adding a symbolic element to the images.

Challenges and overcoming obstacles

But then came another set of challenges: shooting at a tourist attraction. “We’re having to deal with thousands of people throughout the day standing in the background of the shot.” Additionally, the lights set-up is so powerful that with each frame, a loud snapping noise is released, but the scale of the project now comes into play. To overcome these obstacles, Dustin and his team used different techniques. They used powerful lights to overpower the sun, making the people in the background appear as silhouettes. They also worked carefully to minimize the noise from the lighting gear.

The success of the project relied heavily on collaboration between Dustin and Trinity. “We have to work so closely together because everything is timed out from the moment the sun gets to the spot till sunset,” Dustin explains. Trinity’s athleticism and professionalism were essential in bringing the vision to life.

The final result

The resulting images are truly remarkable. The Red Bull Athlete is captured in dynamic poses, seemingly kicking or heading the sun. The juxtaposition of Trinity, the sun, and the Washington Monument creates a powerful and visually striking composition.

Enjoy more photos from this fantastic series below, and make sure to follow Dustin’s work on his website and Instagram.