Some photoshoots stand out more than others, and this nighttime session with David, from the Instagram account @freeridevosges, was definitely one of them. Picture a freezing night in the Vosges mountains, fixed lights illuminating snowy ridges, a flash mounted on a drone, and a Leica M10 capturing it all. A technical and artistic challenge, but above all, an unforgettable experience.

The Idea: Elevating Freeride Skiing at Night

For some time, I’ve wanted to step away from daytime sports photography to explore the unique atmosphere of nighttime shoots. Freeride skiing was the perfect subject, especially when combined with fixed and dynamic lighting. With David, who perfectly embodies the passion and adrenaline of freeride skiing in the Vosges, the goal was to capture the connection between man, mountain, and light in a truly unique setting.

The Challenge: A Leica M10 for Sports Photography

For those familiar with the Leica M10, it’s a legendary camera for photography—but not exactly for sports. As a rangefinder, it has no autofocus or electronic viewfinder, requiring precision, manual focus, and patience—qualities not usually associated with fast-paced sports like freeride skiing. That’s precisely what made this shoot so appealing: finding the balance between technical constraints and creativity while telling an authentic story.

The Technical Setup: Fixed Lights and a Drone-Mounted Flash

For this shoot in the Vosges, I worked with two types of lighting. First, fixed lights were used to illuminate specific terrain features, adding depth and contrast to the environment. These lights created long shadows and dramatic textures on the snow, enhancing the overall visual impact.

Second, I mounted a flash on my drone to follow David during his descents. This setup added a spectacular effect: a mobile light source that moved with him, creating an almost surreal ambiance. Synchronizing the flash with the rapid movements of freeride skiing was a challenge in itself, but the results were well worth it.

The Perfect Partner: David and the Spirit of Freeride

David isn’t just a skilled skier; he’s also a passionate freerider who truly understands the soul of the mountains. His dedication and expertise made him the ideal subject for this project. Despite harsh conditions—biting cold, technical terrain, and the need for multiple takes to adjust the lighting—David remained motivated and full of energy. His smooth skiing style and ability to repeat sequences allowed me to capture truly magical moments.

The Result: Light Dancing on Snow

The final images tell a story: that of a solitary skier in the vastness of a Vosges night, where every beam of light highlights the powdery snow, rugged terrain, and the intensity of the movement. I experimented with both black-and-white and color processing for the images, and I loved the contrast and timeless quality of the black-and-white edits.

For the color shots, I applied one of my custom presets that brings out cool, bluish tones to emphasize the extreme and raw atmosphere of the session. This color grading worked beautifully to accentuate the cold, dramatic vibe of the Vosges at night, making the images feel even more intense and immersive.

Despite its technical limitations, the Leica M10 delivered a unique image quality. The color rendering and snow textures were exceptional, and the subtle grain added a timeless feel to the photos.

An Extraordinary Experience

This nighttime shoot in the Vosges pushed me to my limits, both technically and creatively. Combining fixed lights, a drone-mounted flash, and a camera as demanding as the Leica M10 in the context of extreme sports was an adventure in itself. But it’s precisely in these challenges that the most memorable images are born.