We’ve all been glued to the Paris 2024 Olympic coverage and we love every bit of it—the slow-mo drama, the tear-filled close-ups, and the victory laps that make you want to leap off the couch. But have you ever stopped to think about who’s behind those shots that give you chills? Well, get ready because we’re about to dive into the creative minds who’ve turned this year’s Olympic coverage into pure art.
I've spent years in this industry, and let me tell you, these creative people aren't just good – they're changing the game. They're the ones making you feel like you're right there in the stadium, seeing up close and personal the athletes’ sweat and tension. So let's cut the fluff and get right to it. Here are the top videographers and photographers who absolutely crushed it in Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic coverage.
1. Jeff Cable
Credit: Instagram @jeffcablephotography
Jeff Cable isn't just covering the Olympics; he's rewriting the visual language of sports photography. His shots have this uncanny ability to make you feel the athlete's heartbeat. I've seen a lot of sports photography, but Jeff's work? It's on another level. He doesn't just capture moments; he bottles lightning. His behind-the-scenes shots are particularly killer – they humanize these larger-than-life athletes in a way that's both raw and respectful. As LA prepares for the 2028 Olympics, I can’t wait to see Jeff capture the raw energy and emotion of the games in his signature style.
2. Elsa Garrison
Credit: Instagram @elsagarrison
I’m gonna say this straight up — Elsa Garrison is among the few reasons Getty Images dominates sports photography. Her Olympic shots aren't just photos; they're stories compressed into single frames. What sets Elsa apart is her mastery of motion tracking. In a world where most shooters pray for one sharp shot out of a hundred, Elsa delivers consistently. She doesn't chase the action – she anticipates it, resulting in images that are crisp, dynamic, and packed with energy.
3. Matthias Hangst
Credit: Instagram @matthias.hangst
Matthias Hangst is a master of sports photography. While others capture what happened, Matthias shows you how it felt. His use of motion blur is his most unique selling point. In Matthias's hands, a blurred image conveys more motion and emotion than most tack-sharp photos ever could. I'm particularly excited to see how he'll capture the fluidity of movement against the architectural grandeur of Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics!
4. Donald Miralle
Credit: Instagram @donaldmiralle
Donald Miralle is what you'd get if you could somehow merge a war between a photographer's instincts and an artist's eye. His versatility is unmatched – whether he's shooting a 100-meter dash or a portrait of an athlete at rest, Donald's images pulse with life. What sets him apart is his timing. In a field where a millisecond can mean the difference between a good shot and a great one, Donald seems to have a sixth sense for the decisive moment. His focus is laser-sharp, but his ability to predict and capture the peak of action makes his work unforgettable.
5. Alex Slitz
Credit: Instagram @alexslitzphoto
Alex Slitz is the unsung hero of Paralympic photography, telling powerful stories through his lens that'll stick with you long after the closing ceremony. His dedication to capturing these incredible athletes in action is inspiring. Alex is a true master of angles, always finding that perfect position - whether on the sidelines or up in the nosebleeds - to get the shot that'll have everyone talking.
6. Al Bello
Credit: Instagram @albello55
Al Bello is what you'd get if you mixed a fish, a ninja, and a really, really good photographer. This guy's underwater shots are so good that they make you feel like you’re part of the scene. And don't even get me started on his action shots – they're pure movie magic. Al's always one step ahead like he's got the cheat codes for photography or something. Seriously, keep an eye on this guy's feed if you want visuals that are worth your time!
7. Kohjiro Kinno
Credit: Instagram @kohjiro_kinno
Kohjiro Kinno is a creative photographer through and through. His Olympic and Paralympic shots are so unique they make you do a double-take. He’s not afraid to go out of the ordinary, shooting through crowds or from wild low angles—every shot feels like its own adventure. You can bet whatever he shoots next will have that same mind-blowing, can’t-look-away vibe!
8. Robert Hanashiro
Credit: Instagram @kahunabert
Robert Hanashiro is a veteran who has seen it all, and somehow, he still manages to capture each game like it's his first rodeo. What sets him apart is his instinct for emotional moments. Sure, he can nail those action shots, but his real magic comes out in the quieter beats - the pre-game jitters, the post-win tears, the heartbreak of a near miss, you name it! I mean, just take a look at the photo above—it’s some next-level collegiate single photo that tells an impactful story of two.
Wait ‘til you see his Paris Olympic photos online! 👀
