Trail Running Shoot with Tobias Charitakis at Gazon du Faing

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Tobias Charitakis for a unique photoshoot at the breathtaking Gazon du Faing in the Vosges mountains. Perched at over 1,000 meters above sea level, this iconic location provided the perfect backdrop for a project I’ve been eager to explore: combining the dynamic energy of trail running with the creative possibilities of both artificial and natural light.

The Athlete at the Heart of the Action

Working with Tobias was an absolute pleasure. His passion for trail running and natural ease in front of the camera elevated the entire experience. Whether powering up rocky ridges or taking a reflective pause amidst the scenery, Tobias truly embodied the spirit of trail running. His patience and adaptability were invaluable, especially when experimenting with technical setups and multiple takes.

Capturing the Energy of Movement with Flash

The main goal of this shoot was to work with artificial lighting, specifically flash, to create striking images while maintaining the authenticity of outdoor sports. Trail running is a raw, nature-centric activity often associated with natural light. Incorporating flash, however, allowed me to add a new dimension—one that highlights textures, freezes motion, and enhances details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

That said, I didn’t limit myself to artificial lighting. Several shots were captured using natural light to retain the organic feel of the environment. Balancing these two approaches added variety and depth to the final results.

Wild Nature and Ever-Changing Conditions

Gazon du Faing exudes a sense of freedom. Its ridges overlooking lush valleys and winding trails surrounded by moorland offered a setting that was both inspiring and demanding. Typical of the Vosges, the weather brought its own surprises: light fog rolled in at times, while rays of natural sunlight occasionally pierced through, creating an ever-shifting canvas.

Striking a Perfect Balance

Shooting with flash outdoors in such an expansive setting requires meticulous planning. I used an off-camera flash to control the lighting and create dramatic contrasts. The goal was to illuminate Tobias while preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings.

For some shots, I opted for hard light to accentuate shadows and give the images a dramatic edge. For others, a softer, more diffused light maintained the immersive feel of the landscape.

Balancing this with shots taken in natural light allowed me to capture both the raw, organic energy of trail running and the sculptural possibilities of artificial lighting. This approach presented several technical challenges: syncing the flash with fast-paced action, adjusting settings to changing natural light, and ultimately finding the perfect balance between artifice and authenticity.

A Blend of Power and Poetry

This shoot at Gazon du Faing is one I’ll always remember—not just for the images we created, but for the creative and human experience it represented. Each photo tells a story: that of an athlete in harmony with nature, elevated by the interplay of light.

This project marks the beginning of a series of experiments combining artificial light with outdoor sports. I hope it inspires you as much as this collaboration and location inspired me.