Capturing Ice Hockey Like Never Before: The Tech Behind the Shots

Joel Marklund, a renowned sports photographer, has spent two decades capturing action from various sports. His journey began not with photography but with writing about video games and entertainment. His shift to photography happened during an internship at a local newspaper, where he discovered his knack for sports photography. This led him to work at Bildbyrån, a leading sports photography agency in Scandinavia, where he has been focused on sports coverage since 2007. Marklund's competitive spirit, honed during his days as an athlete, drives him to capture the best shots in sports photography. His recent work at the IIHF World Championship in Sweden showcased his creativity and technical prowess. The challenge was to capture unique angles in a newly renovated arena with limited planning time. Despite initial setbacks, Marklund and his team managed to set up robotic cameras in innovative positions, including below the Jumbotron, using a PlayStation 5 controller for precise movements. The robotic cameras, made by Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) and acquired by Nikon, provided unprecedented control and flexibility. Marklund used multiple Nikon Z9 cameras with 24-120mm f/4 lenses, choosing this setup for its versatility and the excellent lighting in the arena. The robotic setup allowed for angles never seen before in ice hockey photography, making it a potential blueprint for future events like the 2026 Winter Olympics. Marklund emphasizes the importance of teamwork and planning in sports photography. While he enjoys capturing the best shots himself, he values the success of his team members equally. The evolution of technology has significantly impacted sports photography, with faster cameras, better lenses, and improved wireless networking enhancing the quality and speed of image capture. Despite the advancements, Marklund believes that creativity and smart thinking are crucial, especially for a mid-sized agency like Bildbyrån. The robotic camera setup at the IIHF World Championships is a testament to Bildbyrån's innovative approach. Marklund's portfolio showcases his unique angles and compositions, reflecting his artistic vision and technical skills. He finds the most excitement in creative shoots, even if they are not always the most published. His work at the Paris Olympics last year is a prime example of his creative prowess, and he looks forward to bringing this spirit to the Milano Cortina Winter Games next year.