Written By: Jason Belsky
Looking back at 2016, it was an incredible year filled with innovation and excitement—especially for me, as I got to dive into new gear that redefined my shoots. This first photo captures a memorable day working on a campaign for Polar Sport watches. And let me tell you, keeping pace with Olympic runner Kate Grace at Icahn Stadium was no small feat!
Kate wasn’t just any runner—she had made waves earlier that year by representing Team USA at the Rio Olympics in the 800m event, where she showcased her grit and talent by finishing an impressive 8th in the final. She also claimed gold in the same event at the U.S. Olympic Trials, cementing her status as one of the top middle-distance runners in the world. Watching her glide effortlessly around the track at Icon Stadium was nothing short of inspiring.
For this shoot, I brought along my latest tech toys. It was the first time I used my Onewheel on a production set. My thought process? If I was going to keep up with Kate sprinting around the picturesque track, I’d need some extra help. And while there was no chance for me to keep up, the Onewheel proved to be a game-changer for pacing and mobility.
Another piece of gear that took things to the next level was the DJI Osmo Pro. This stabilizer, equipped with the Micro Four Thirds X5 camera head (borrowed from Inspire drones of that era), allowed me to capture incredibly smooth, cinematic footage. The Osmo Pro was revolutionary at the time, giving creators like me the ability to film steady, high-quality motion shots without lugging around a bulky setup.
The day wasn’t just about the tech, though—it was about building connections, collaborating with amazing talent, and pushing boundaries. There’s something exhilarating about stepping into a shoot with fresh tools and figuring out how to make them work seamlessly in real-time. That day at Icon Stadium, surrounded by Kate’s effortless power and the buzz of new technology, reminded me why I love what I do.
2016 truly was a landmark year for technology, and this shoot was one of the highlights. Here’s to the gear that inspires us and the moments that make it all worthwhile!
Gear Used
Camera: Osmo Pro
Drone: Inspire 1 Pro / X5
Motion: Onewheel
Footwear: Nike Dunk SB “Trickstars”
Links for all of Jay’s commonly used photo gear!