Getty photographer Jared C. Tilton employed an unconventional setup to capture unique images at the 2026 Winter Olympics: a Canon EOS R1 camera mounted on a robotic rig, controlled remotely using a PlayStation controller.
Tilton used this system to take high-angle shots from above the ice, bypassing the need for drones or elevated platforms. The camera feed went to his laptop, where specialized software allowed him to trigger shots and move the robotic arm for perfect composition.
This method enabled stunning bird's-eye views of iconic moments, such as athletes framed by the Olympic logo and a top-down perspective of Ilia Malinin's backflip. With a strict limit on press credentials, such innovative techniques were valuable for capturing distinctive imagery.
Getty's team shot over six million images during the Games. This story highlights the creative technological approaches modern sports photographers use to overcome limitations and achieve unique perspectives.