Photographer captures stunning Olympic reflection photo

AP's John Locher frames skiers with Bormio's reflection in the finish area window.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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John Locher, an Associated Press staff photographer based in Las Vegas, captured a unique and striking photograph during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Bormio, Italy. Locher noticed an interesting window overlooking the finish area of the Stelvio Ski Center and returned to it later, framing skiers arriving at the finish with the reflection of the town of Bormio visible in the window.

Why it matters

Locher's photograph stands out from typical sports action shots, offering a more artistic and reflective perspective on the Olympic competition. The use of the window frame and the interplay between the skiers and the town's reflection create a visually compelling image that makes the viewer pause and appreciate the creativity and skill of the photographer.

The details

Locher had noticed the interesting window overlooking the finish area on a previous day, but was unable to photograph it then. When he had the chance on this day, he was able to capture several skiers arriving at the finish line while framing them with the reflection of Bormio visible in the window. Locher was looking to create a unique and memorable image that would make the viewer stop and take a closer look.

  • Locher noticed the interesting window overlooking the finish area on a previous competition day.
  • On this day, Locher was able to return to the window and capture several skiers arriving at the finish line.

The players

John Locher

An Associated Press staff photographer based in Las Vegas who covers a variety of sports as well as breaking news, features, and enterprise stories.

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What they’re saying

“I like to try and make pictures that make you pause for a moment when looking at them. I think this photo works because it's a bit unusual for a skiing sports photograph, and hopefully gets you to stop scrolling to take a look. And with the reflection, it can give you a sense of the area where the action is taking place.”

— John Locher (AP)

The takeaway

Locher's creative and artistic approach to capturing the Olympic competition showcases the power of photography to offer a unique perspective and make the viewer pause and appreciate the moment. His ability to identify an interesting framing opportunity and then execute it successfully resulted in a striking and memorable image that stands out from typical sports photography.