A Creative Partnership

 

Coast guard ATHLETICS

SWIMMING
Swimmer gliding underwater in blue pool creating dynamic splash trail.
Competitive swimmer posing against illuminated backdrop in professional swimwear.
A swimmer in a blue cap performs the butterfly stroke during a competitive race in a pool with red lane markers.
Underwater shot of swimmer gliding through pool with perfect form.

Swimming is my favorite sport to photograph because every time I step onto the pool deck, I know there's an image waiting to be discovered. The sport exists in two worlds. Above the water, it's explosive and intense. Below the surface, it's quiet, graceful, and almost surreal.


I'm also drawn to the technical challenges of photographing swimming. From balancing the ever-changing light above and below the surface to anticipating the perfect moment, every frame demands precision. I combine those elements with my signature lighting, using light, timing, and perspective to create images that celebrate the beauty of movement and transform competitive swimming into fine art.

Football player in navy blue jersey and helmet standing on field with crossed arms.
Shirtless athlete adjusting blue swimming cap against dark background in dramatic lighting.
A baseball pitcher demonstrates throwing stance against dramatic backlit sky.
Soccer player in blue striped jersey poses with official match ball.
Dramatic silhouettes of performers in red stage lighting create artistic scene.
Athletic person in red shirt sitting against dark wall with large white collegiate letters.
Volleyball player leaps high to spike ball over net during indoor game.
Basketball players in blue uniforms pose for dynamic team photo with one player dunking.
Wrestler in white singlet and orange shorts holding training equipment in dramatic red lighting.
College basketball team members in Coast Guard uniforms pose together with basketballs.
A Coast Guard volleyball player in blue jersey number 4 holds a Molten volleyball next to team banner.

 

This website is not an official U.S. Coast Guard site. All images were photographed by David Lau under an agreement with Coast Guard Academy Athletics. References to the U.S. Coast Guard, “USCG,” and related symbols are used for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or approval by the U.S. Coast Guard or any government agency. All images are presented solely for personal use, inclusion in a professional portfolio, and general viewing enjoyment.


For the official U.S. Coast Guard website, please visit www.uscg.mil.