Tatlerscope
Photographer Annice Lyn skates through the challenge of capturing fine moments in the winter Olympics
Capturing raw precious moments, photographer Annice Lyn shares her experience documenting highlights from the past winter Olympics
Adrenaline coursing through their veins, freezing temperatures, and bodies pressed up against each other—this is often the setting at the compact area in which sports photographers have to deal with during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018. The first and only Malaysian woman to be among experienced photographers in that arena, Annice Lyn was not immune to the struggle of taking sporting images, especially in conditions like that. However, she did so amazingly, and beautifully captured the moments during the figure skating competition.
“I remember when I was on the bench and if the photographers were rushing, I would get knocked down. Someone even pulled on my bag because he wanted to take his shot, but I had to stand firm and tell him it’s not okay. You don’t have to fight back, just respond in a civilised manner,” Annice stated as she described the sidelines scene as “ruthless”.
With her portfolio ranging from behind the scenes to celebratory moments in sports, Annice had the upper hand since she was a former competitive ice skater herself before e retiring to delve into architecture and photography. “I never felt that my equipment limits me, until I stood next to other professional photographers. Hearing their camera shutters go intimidated me. But sometimes when tuning in to them taking the photos, I’ll know instinctively that they’ve missed a good shot.”
When it comes to the subject of her images, Annice tries to capture raw moments like coaches embracing their prodigies, a skater stretching in her finest costume and supporters tentatively watching on. “As much as the athletes are nervous, I get anxious as well. They are there to perform and do their best, and our job as a photographer is to capture their best. When they move, you move too.”