Photography News Issue 65

Photography News | Issue 65 | photographynews.co.uk

29 Interview

covered 19 matches in the process – you can only imagine the number of flights and lack of sleep as a result. I remember I used to land in the morning, head to the game, take pictures, and then head back to the airport, ready to fly to the next city and start the process all over again. The two questions I always asked myself during this time were when do I get to sleep and when can I eat? It was five demanding weeks, but it was a dream come true. I was at the heart of a sporting event the whole world was talking about. I was witnessing history unfold right in front of my eyes, capturing moments on my Nikon D5 that will last a lifetime. PN: Sports photography seems a very competitive field, so what is it you do that you feel is unique? LS: Every photographer’s objective is to take the picture no one else has. I love using prime lenses, because you are able to use wider apertures to get a different style in your pictures. Some argue that with fixed focal length lenses you lose an element of flexibility, but in my opinion, you actually acquire more creativity. PN: Have you had shoots where nothing has gone right? LS: Unfortunately, I missed Gareth Bale’s iconic bicycle kick during the Champions League Final in 2018. My finger was a frame too late, and that still haunts me! PN: What has been your most difficult assignment so far? LS: Every assignment is a new challenge, but the unprecedented amount of travelling for the FIFA World Cup in Russia made that trip a real test. PN: What is the most memorable sports picture you have taken? LS:Mymostmemorableimageisapicturefrom the FINA World Swimming Championships in Budapest, which I covered for Nikon. I managed to capture a swimmer travelling through the water. His movement somehow I love using prime lenses because you are able to use wider apertures to get a different style

This page, clockwise fromtop Veszprem vs Paris Saint-Germain, taken on a Nikon D5; high diving, shot on a Nikon 1 AW1; Schalke 04 vs SC Freiburg, photographed using a Nikon D5

created a splash that looked like a fish. (Image left). It was a truly unique moment, which I’m delighted won the 2018 Istanbul Photo Award in the single sports category. The D5 helped a lot to get this shot. The precision of the autofocus, the camera’s 12fps continuous shooting speed and a little bit of luck really worked together perfectly. PN: Why do you use Nikon equipment? LS: In my opinion, Nikon equipment is the most reliable, accurate and robust out there, especially when you pair it with the sharpness and quality of Nikkor lenses. I usually use the Nikon D5 with the AF-S 105mm lens and the AF-S 35mm f/1.4 G. The D5, while lightweight and compact, offers exceptionally wide coverage, which is imperative in my line of work. When used in conjunction with Nikkor lenses, it delivers accurate subject recognition at even

the highest of speeds – perfect for fast-paced sports photography. Since the launch of Nikon’s Z 6 last year, I have been using the mirrorless camera more frequently. It’s so light and portable, especially when used in combination with the AF-S 35mm f/1.4G lens. PN: What shooting advice do you have for our readers who attend events, but don’t have the accessibility that professionals like you have? LS: I would recommend heading down to your local sports venue and setting yourself the objective of taking an image you don’t think anyone else will be able to take. Try and look behind the scenes to find those unique moments and angles, and don’t be scared to challenge yourself and your equipment in the process. PN: Have you any advice for readers who want to do your job? LS: Practise hard and don’t follow the photography crowd. You need to trust yourself to get that special picture. Be proud to be different. PN: What is the sports picture you want to take but haven’t managed yet? LS: That’s a really good question. I’m most proud of the picture from the swimming competition in Budapest, as I know nobody else will be able to take something like it. But you never knowwhat will happen next, which is the most interesting thing about being a photographer – that life-changing image could be right around the corner. PN: What’s the next big event you are looking forward to? LS: I’m really looking forward to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. It can be quite difficult to get there, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

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Enjoymore of Lukas’s amazing action imagery on hiswebsite schulzelukas.com

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