Nick Didlick
Sports | Last Updated: May 20, 2022
As I prepare to fly to my 15th Olympic Games 2022 Winter in Beijing, I have had time to reflect on the changes from my first games in Sarajevo (then Yugoslavia) 1984 to now. Over those 38 years and 15 Olympic Games, so much has changed, including the transition to all digital beginning with the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
Early in 2017, I made a second big jump in technology in my career (the first was switching to all digital photography) and switched to Sony mirrorless a9 cameras. Sony has been relentless in developing its cameras and lenses in the past five years, making smaller, lighter, and faster professional cameras.
Today my Sony cameras can shoot 50-megapixel digital images at thirty frames per second, all while autofocus tracking a subject’s eye. I jokingly tell people the Sony mirrorless cameras have extended my professional career. I can let Sony look after the complex technical tasks of photography, leaving me to concentrate on the creative aspects.
But covering an Olympics has always been a blend of travel, technology, and logistic hurdles to be overcome.
Beyond the cameras and lenses, I will carry to these games, one of the significant changes we deal with is Covid-19 and the complexities it brings – including storytelling and visual complexities.
The Beijing Olympics will be held without fans, as was the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The silent stadiums make it difficult for the athletes to compete without the cheers of fans; it’s also tricky for photographers who search for exciting backgrounds in empty stadiums.
Here is my gear list for covering the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. This includes a collection of bodies and fast lenses of varying focal lengths for both handheld and remote cameras.
Cameras:
5 x Sony Alpha 1 camera bodies (two used as remote cameras))
2 x Sony a9ii camera bodies (used as remote cameras)
Lenses:
1 x Sony 12-24mm f/2.8
1 x Sony 14mm f/1.8
1 x Sony 24mm f/1.4
1 x Sony 35mm f/1.4
2 x Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 (one used on remote cameras)
1 x Sony 50mm f/1.2
2 x Sony 135mm f/1.8 (one used on remote cameras)
2 x Sony 70-200 f/2.8 MKII (one used on remote cameras)
2 x Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (one used on remote cameras)
1 x Sony 400mm f/2.8
1 x Sony 600mm f/4
1 x 50mm Tilt-Shift Lens
2 x Sony 14TC
2 x Sony 20TC
nickdidlick.com | @nickdidlick
2018
Nick Didlick
I love photography. With each assignment, from my first paid photo assignment forty-two years ago to my latest photo shoot last week, I have to pinch myself as I realize I have the same passion for my chosen career today as I did on my first day. In fact, I think the camera picked me for this career, and I went just went along for the ride.
While photography has seen many changes in technology and business practices, I still get that little warm and fuzzy feeling looking through my viewfinder and capturing images.
I have been very fortunate to have covered many Editorial, Sports and Commercial assignments over the years. I’ve seen many of the world’s events unfold as they happen before me, through my viewfinder.
Today, from my base in Vancouver, Canada, I shoot Editorial, Commercial and Video assignments and look forward to every challenge, whether it’s across the street or on the other side of the world.
I love technology and always look for new ways to employ the latest in visual capture devices to create engaging imagery. I switched to all-digital photography in August of 1994 while working in newspapers, and loved every challenge of being an early adopter. I started shooting video for clients in 2004 and switched to shooting video with a DSLR in 2008. I enjoyed the freedom of using the same camera to do two jobs.
Early in 2017, I made a second big jump in technology to all mirrorless cameras for still and video assignments. After forty-one years of shooting a top-name brand SLR/DSLR camera, I completely retooled and switched to Sony a9
The Sony a9
[See Shotkit’s Sony a9 review and Sony a7R III review]
Gear Bag
When I start to look at my gear closet for this article – it’s more than just a bag or multiple bags of equipment – I feel like I have GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)! But the gear I use varies widely from a simple a9
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II
4x Sony A9
Sony A7R III
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
2x Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM
Sony FE 28mm f/2
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA
Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
2x Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Sony Fisheye Converter
2x Sony Tele Converter 1.4x
Sony Tele Converter 2x
2x Sony F60M External Flash for Multi-Interface Shoe
2x Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver
Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander
Sigma Mount Converter MC-11 (Canon)
Rylo 360 Camera
Theta 360 Camera
Plus, mounts, grips and much more.
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Hi Nick!
I don’t expect you’ll remember me but my name is Al Langdon. I first met you in the late 70’s in Maple Ridge while I was a member of the RCMP there. I think we had numerous mutual acquaintances while there. I could probably name a few but that wait for another day.
I’m sort of taking a “long shot in the dark on this”, but I’m going to give it an attempt.
While in Haney, a fellow with very close ties to the Hell’s Angels passed away, I think he lived in Whonnok or Ruskin. His name was Ted (Teddy) Anderson.
They (H.A.’s, etc) had his funeral in Vancouver or something and then about 200 of them escorted the hearse (sans helmets)!to somewhere east of Haney for burial, party, etc. (whatever they do! Lol!)
I was a young policeman at the time and if I recall correctly about the same age as you.
To make a long story short, sometime in the very late 70’s, I was tasked with the job of shutting down the traffic lights at 224th & Lougheed Hwy bringing all traffic to a halt while I stood in the middle of the intersection and waived the bikers funeral procession through without any of them having to stop, for obvious reasons.
I recall you were there taking shots of myself, in the middle of the intersection,) waiving them through (as I said approximately 200 +, of them). Seems to me it took about 15 minutes to get them all through the lights and then I opened up the intersection for all traffic again.
I recall having a conversation with you at & making arrangements for you to save a copy the pictures for me, just for my own personal album. We were in total agreement but I’m quite confident I didn’t receive any. (no worries, like I said “this is a real “shot in the dark!)
I also recall one or more of these photos you took made the “whole front page” of the local newspaper.
I’m wondering if you can recall that incident and if so, did you retain any of those photos?
I’m desperately searching for one of those pictures to proudly show my children and grandchildren. I’ve told them the story but I highly suspect they think I’m “full of beans! Lol! In the unlikely event you “did” retain some of the photos, I’d be very happy to negotiate with you to get copies of whatever you may have!
That was a long time ago Nick and I’m not expecting any miracles but just thought I’d give this a try. Failing that, I’m also wondering if you can maybe point me in another direction of where/if I can try. I can’t recall the name of the newspaper at that time and am also wondering if they would have a copy in their archives or something. Any lead you can give, if any, would be very much appreciated!
In addition to my inquiry above, I would also like to mention that I’ve briefly looked over your bio and it appears as though you’ve done extremely well for yourself, which comes as no surprise to me! Good on you Nick!! You were always a hawk & “Johnny on the Spot” (you sort of had a knack of showing up unexpectedly! Lol!) and I say that with utmost admiration!
Always enjoyed your photos Nick and I kind of concluded way back then, you were going to do very well for yourself!! Very talented to say the least! Well Done Sir!
I apologize for the book I’ve written here but just thought something I’ve said might trigger a memory for you!(?)
In any event Nick,” a shot in the dark”to be sure but nothing ventured – nothing gained. I will most appreciative if you can maybe:
1) search your memory for that event & let me know if you recall that
2) advise me whether or not you retained any photos or copies of said photos
3) if you don’t have any luck with #2, do you have any other suggestions of where I might be able to make further inquiries.
Thank you so very much for your time Nick! If you can possibly get back to me with whatever answer you have, even if you don’t recall any of this, I’ll be Extremely Thankful!!
Thanks Nick and “well done” for the outstanding career you appear to have had!! I knew you would do very well for yourself!!
Cheers
Al Langdon, Inspector RCMP (retired)