Every skier knows about "face shots." They are what happens when you ski fast in deep powder that billows up into your face (as opposed to what happens if your tips sink too far into deep powder at high speed).

These face shots are different. They are a form of ski racing portrait and are intended to depict something of the racers' personalities and less of the racers' technique.  And because things happen fast on the race hill and spectators have to stand back, the intensity, concentration, and focus aren't always obvious. Until you see the photos. Alpine racing is a very difficult sport, with many hard-to-master variables.  Physical conditioning and technical skill don't guarantee success.  Indeed, success is hard to define.  And apart from tactics (the line a racer tries to take) and technique (the racer's technical skills), there is also the important mental side.  These photos seek insight into that element.

Here is the link to all of the U19 face shot photos (plus some non-face shots):  http://www.zenfolio.com/bobeastaughimagery/p1060018502