Every inch counts for a gymnast. One miscalculation on the uneven bars or landing a few inches to the right or left on the balance beam could mean not only major point deductions in competition, but serious, life-threatening injury. Although the stakes typically aren’t that high for a photographer – just take another picture – Thomas Prior demonstrated discipline and precision to create a tack-sharp photograph of U.S. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles for the cover of TIME magazine’s Olympics issue.
Thomas Prior for TIME
“I thought I could do it in five minutes but it became apparent the trampoline is very hard to focus,” Prior tells TIME, instead taking a full hour granted by Biles. “She drifts about a foot back and forward between poses.”
Inside Biles’ family gym in Houston, Texas, Prior tested his lights with a body double so they would freeze the three-time world all-around champion perfectly in midair, sculpting her idealized figure against his matte black backdrop. The final image chosen for the cover balances her elegant pose without looking strained. A glowing golden light accentuates her powerful muscles while preserving her grace.
Gold Medal favorite Simone Biles practices gymnastics at her family’s World Champions Centre in Spring, TX on Thurs July 14, 2016. Biles competes in the Women’s team final on August 9, and the Women’s all-around individual final on August 11.Thomas Prior for TIMEGold Medal favorite Simone Biles practices gymnastics at her family’s World Champions Centre in Spring, TX on Thurs July 14, 2016. Biles competes in the Women’s team final on August 9, and the Women’s all-around individual final on August 11.Thomas Prior for TIMEGold Medal favorite Simone Biles stretches at her family’s World Champions Centre in Spring, TX on Thurs July 14, 2016. Biles competes in the Women’s team final on August 9, and the Women’s all-around individual final on August 11.Thomas Prior for TIMEGold Medal favorite Simone Biles poses for a portrait at her family’s World Champions Centre in Spring, TX on Thurs July 14, 2016. Biles competes in the Women’s team final on August 9, and the Women’s all-around individual final on August 11.Thomas Prior for TIMEGold Medalist sprinter Justin Gatlin poses for a portrait at Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL on Friday, July 22, 2016. Gatlin races Usain Bolt in the 100 meter on August 14.Thomas Prior for TIMEGold Medalist sprinter Justin Gatlin practices at Montverde Academy in Montverde, FL on Friday, July 22, 2016. Gatlin races Usain Bolt in the 100 meter on August 14.Thomas Prior for TIMEUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas PriorUntitledThomas Prior
