IMAGO/Bildbyran

Paris 2024: How Technology Enhanced Water Photography

The evolution of water sports photography through IMAGO photos: explore the journey from early hurdles to cutting-edge gear like waterproof cameras, advanced lenses, and dynamic drone shots.

Photography has seen many changes and advances since its invention, from early box and large format cameras through rangefinders and SLRs to today’s advanced DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with high-resolution sensors and modern connectivity features. In the past few decades, equipment has rapidly revolutionized, compelling photographers to continuously learn new skills, especially during the transition to the digital era. Social media and modern times have further amplified this evolution.

Although many photography genres have evolved, water sports photography has undergone one of the most significant transformations. From early struggles with basic equipment to modern high-tech gear, this evolution has turned the niche into a vibrant field. As we put the Paris 2024 Olympic Games behind us and approach the Paralympic Games, we will witness numerous stunning examples of water photography once again. This article reviews how this field has evolved, highlighting these changes through photos from the IMAGO archive, tracing the progression from the early Olympic and Paralympic Games to today.

Photo of Takayuki Suzuki of Japan winning gold at the Paris Paralympics.
IMAGO / Kyodo News | Paris Paralympics Swimming: Takayuki Suzuki of Japan swims in the Men’s 50-meter Breaststroke SB3 final, winning gold at the Paris Paralympics on August 29, 2024, at La Defense Arena in Nanterre, near Paris.
Lukas Märtens gold medal Olympics
IMAGO / Bildbyran / Joel Marklund | Lukas Märtens of Germany celebrates his victory while Guilherme Costa of Brazil reflects on the race after the men’s 400 meters freestyle final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 27, in Paris.
swimming Paris 2024 Olympic
IMAGO / Bildbyran / Joel Marklund | Daniel Wiffen of Ireland competes in men™s 800 meters freestyle swimming final, during day 4 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Wiffen won the gold medal. July 30, 2024 in Paris.
Paralympics Underwater photo
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / OIS / Joel Marklund | Underwater photo of Cristopher Tronco diving at the start of the 200m Freestyle S2 Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Paralympics underwater photography
IMAGO / Bildbyran / Joel Marklund | Oscar Salguero Galisteo Competes in Men’s 200m Individual Medley Final at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Early Challenges and Breakthroughs

Initially, water sports photographers faced numerous challenges such as using non-waterproof, bulky cameras and more. Capturing fast-moving subjects like surfers or swimmers was difficult with slow shutter speeds and limited lens capabilities, and often did resulted in blurred images.

However, the development of waterproof cameras was a game-changer. Brands like Nikon and Canon introduced underwater cameras with robust housings that protected delicate mechanisms from water damage. This allowed photographers to get closer to the action without worrying about damaging their equipment.

 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games
IMAGO / United Archives International | A Swedish diver at the 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games on August 24, 1920.
Water Photography
IMAGO / TopFoto | Women’s 400m relay heat at the 1948 London Olympics, Empire Pool, August 4. The versatile venue also hosted boxing events after transforming the pool into a stage.
water photography
IMAGO / Colorsport | Johnny Weissmüller swimming during Paris Olympic games 1924.
water photography
IMAGO / Agencia EFE / Fernando Bizerra | US diver Delaney Schnell in action during the women’s 10m platform diving qualifiers at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, captured in a striking multiple exposure image, August 4, 2021, at the Aquatic Center.

Advanced Lens Technology and High-Speed Cameras

Lens technology has also seen remarkable improvements. Telephoto lenses with faster apertures and advanced autofocus systems enable photographers to capture sharp, high-resolution images of athletes in motion. Image stabilization technology further reduces blur caused by camera shake, which is crucial in the unsteady environments typical of water sports. High-speed cameras have revolutionized the field by allowing photographers to capture rapid sequences of action and split-second moments with remarkable clarity and precision.

These cameras, capable of shooting at frame rates exceeding 250 frames per second, allow for the freezing of motion in high detail, which is crucial for capturing the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of water sports. This technology ensures that every splash, leap, and turn is documented in sharp focus, providing both athletes and audiences with breathtaking visuals that highlight the skill and excitement of the sport.

The advancements in sensor technology, particularly the development of CMOS sensors, have significantly enhanced the performance of high-speed cameras. These sensors offer faster processing times and lower power consumption, and made them ideal for capturing the fast-paced action typical in water sports.

Additionally, high-speed cameras equipped with advanced autofocus systems and high ISO capabilities perform exceptionally well in various lighting conditions and ensure that even the most rapid movements are captured clearly.

Drones and Aerial Photography

Drones have added a new dimension to water sports photography by providing aerial perspectives that were previously unattainable. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, drones capture the vastness of the ocean and the dynamics of waves from above, adding depth to photographic compositions.

Underwater drones, or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), have enabled photographers to capture underwater action in detail. These devices can dive to significant depths and are equipped with high-definition cameras and powerful lighting systems, providing stunning images of the underwater environment.

swimming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
IMAGO / Bildbyran / Joel Marklund | Competitors race in the 100-meter freestyle swimming semifinals on day 6 of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, July 29, 2021, in Tokyo.
Artistic Swimming china
IMAGO / Xinhua / Xia Yifang | Team China performs during the Team Free Routine of Artistic Swimming in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, on October 8, 2023.
 PARIS 2024 swimming
IMAGO / Xinhua / Xia Yifang | PARIS 2024: Qin Haiyang of China and Adam Peaty of Britain compete in the men’s 100m breaststroke final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 28, 2024.
Swimming team usa Torri Huske Gretchen Walsh olympics
IMAGO / USA TODAY Network / Grace Hollars | Jul 28, 2024; Nanterre, France, Team USA Swimming: Torri Huske (USA) and Gretchen Walsh (USA) in the women’s 100-meter butterfly final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Paris La DÃ fense Arena.
Artistic Swimming FINA
IMAGO / Insidefoto / Giorgio Scala | The Artistic Swimming Team Technical Final 18th FINA World Aquatics Championships.
Sarah Sjöström swimming
IMAGO / Bildbyran / Joel Marklund | Sarah Sjöström of Sweden clinches victory in the women’s 50-meter butterfly final at the World Aquatics Championships 2023, held on July 29 in Fukuoka. Water Photography.

Credit for the cover photo: IMAGO / Bildbyran / Joel Marklund | Olympics 2024 focus, water photography: Margaret Mac Neil in action at the women’s 100 meters butterfly semifinals, July 27th, Paris 2024.