US Presswire Photographer Jerry Lai is one of many Olympic photographers finding ways to make otherwise mundane photos interesting. Photo by Jerry Lai/US Presswire.

Michael Phelps won his eight gold medals, gymnastics has wrapped up, and it doesn’t appear as if the I.O.C. will investigate the ages of the Chinese gymnasts. Despite the fact that there are five days left of the 2008 Olympics, the Games are pretty much over, right? Maybe for many viewers, but not for the photographers who are still working overseas.

Although Alicia Sacramone’s Olympics are over, you can still enjoy the rest of the Olympics through viewing blogs of photographers that are still in China making great photos. For these men and women, they are no longer shooting images with news value, instead, they are over there making the best of the opportunity and looking for creative photographic opportunities to exploit during the remainder of the Games. Vincent Laforet who’s personal blog we linked to last week ), Donald Miralle, Mike Powell, Mark J. Rebilas and Jerry Lai are five photographers who are still taking stunning images in Beijing.

Vincent Laforet, Donald Miralle, and Mike Powell are shooting for Newsweek and blogging about their experiences online on Newsweek’s Web site. They offer insight into every aspect of the Games, from the technical side to social and emotional sides of being in Beijing as well. They talk about getting access despite unprecedented restrictions, setting up remote cameras around a venue, how to travel with tons of photo gear, and what it’s like to be there as Michael Phelps kisses his mom after winning his eighth gold medal. Check it out, it’s an absolutely fantastic photo blog; watered down enough so that everyone can understand but no one will find under- or overwhelming.

Mike Powell (”M”), Donald Miralle (”D”), and Vincent Laforet (”V”) shoot from different locations during the 100 meter dash to make sure that every angle is covered. Photo by Vincent Laforet for Newsweek.

Mark J. Rebilas and Jerry Lai are two photographers working for the US Presswire, a national sports wire service. Despite the fact that wire service photogs typically shoot to just get the photo, not to get too incredibly creative if it will hamper their ability to get an image that will sell, these two photographers are shooting great images and writing about them online on their blogs. Definitely check these out as well.

And if you’re looking for a great place for some of the best images from the games, visit Sports Illustrated’s photo galleries from the Games. Their photos are incredible. They sent more than nine staffers to the games, and since SI photogs typically get great access, you’ll see many photos shot by SI photographers that no one else has.

So, check these images out if you feel like the Olympics are pretty much over, because for many of the photographers that still have five days left to shoot, the games are far from over.

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